Cat Ba

Cat Ba island, on Lan Ha Bay next to Ha Long Bay, has limestone cliffs that rise straight out of the sea. Climb Go Where lists one guide service here: Cat Ba Climbing, based in Cat Ba town, which runs deep water solo trips as well as sport and multi-pitch climbing.

A half-day deep water solo trip costs 1,150,000 VND. Deep water soloing means climbing above the sea without ropes and dropping into the water, so you need to be a confident swimmer. Guided top rope and lead climbing are also offered, and gear can be hired.

The most comfortable months for climbing are usually autumn and late spring, when it is drier and not too hot. Summer is hot with storms, and winter can be cool and damp. Cat Ba is reached by boat and road from Hai Phong or by boat from Ha Long.