Tag: Langkawi travel guide

Cat Ba Island – Vietnam

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Located in Northern Vietnam in Southeast Asia, Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 365 islands spanning 100 square miles that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago. The island has a surface area of 110 square miles and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay.

Cat Ba Island means “Women’s Island”. According to the legend many centuries ago, three women of the Tran Dynasty got killed and their bodies floated to Cat Ba Island. Each body washed up on a different beach where the locals built a temple for each woman, and the island soon became known as Cat Ba.

Cat Ba Island has experienced a tourism surge in recent years. Along with its lovely bay, the central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its beaches, but the rest of the island is largely untouched. This is one of the reasons why the island is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Are you ready for the next island adventure in Vietnam? Here is the Cat Ba Island Travel Guide to help you plan.

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island

The hot summer season on the island is from June to August when you can enjoy most water sports. The milder weather starts from October until March. Cat Ba Island has four seasons, the rainy season is from May to September and the dry season is from November to March. Most travelers from different parts of the world suggest that the very best months to visit the island are March, April, September, and October.

Cat Ba Island Map

How to get to Cat Ba Island

From Hanoi

Take a bus from Hanoi highways going to Cat Ba Island (3-5 hours)

Common Bus Operators

  • Good Morning Cat Ba
  • Orient Travel
  • Daiichi Travel
  • Cát Bà Express

From Halong Bay

From Halong Bay, the best way to get to the island is to take a ferry going to the northern side of the island (an hour)
Take a taxi to Cat Ba town
From there you can take a speedboat or ferry going to the island

Things you don’t wanna miss

  • Enjoy native dishes
  • Going on a cruise
  • Visit some caves
  • Visit Monkey Island
  • Enjoy the sunset in Cannon Fort
  • Visit Viet Hai village
  • Enjoy the beach

Where to Eat

Seafood is very popular on Cat Ba Island. Some recommended restaurants offer great food that will bring the flavor of delicious meals from native to international cuisines including vegetarian dishes. Here are the top restaurants to enjoy the food in Cat Ba Island.

Where to stay

Cat Ba Island offers plenty of hotels and hostels to make your stay more comfortable. Most of them are located on the waterfront even though some hotels have recently opened a bit more inland. There are a lot of hotels that offer a luxurious experience on the island. Here are some of the best on the island.

  • Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa
  • Hotel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba
  • Nam Cat Island Resort
  • Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel
  • Cat Ba Violet Hotel
  • Cat Ba Thailand Hotel
  • Monkey Island Resort

Where to eat?

  • Nhà Hàng VQG Cát Bà
  • Quang Anh Restaurant
  • Catba Green
  • Cat Ba Sweet Potato Homestay & Restaurant
  • Yummy 2 Restaurant
  • Quan Cat Ba
  • Phoung Nhung Restaurant

10 of the Most Beautiful Islands in Asia

Asia is a continent that is home to beautiful natural landscapes, unique cultures, ancient architecture, and food. If you are looking for an island getaway, Asia is the perfect choice for you. Here is our list of the Top 10 Beautiful Islands in Asia.

  • Sipadan Island
  • Siargao Island
  • Jeju Island
  • Cat Ba Island
  • Similan Islands
  • Bangka Belitung Island
  • Orchid Island
  • Ubin Island
  • Koh Rong Island
  • Macleod Island

7 Most Scenic Cafes in Langkawi

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Langkawi is one of the top tourist spots in Malaysia. Langkawi is well-known for beach destinations, natural scenery, historical attractions, diving, snorkeling, exciting nightlife, shopping at duty free stores, and cafes-hopping.

Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark is located at Langkawi. Since the number of tourists visiting Langkawi, cafes in Langkawi started growing and offering from Western food to the best coffee.

Therefore, cafe-hopping has become one of the plans that you should not skip in your travel itinerary. So, in today’s post, we will guide you through Best Instagrammable Cafes in Langkawi, so get ready for your Insta-worth outfits and poses.

 

7 Best Cafes in Langkawi

 

 

1.Hidden Langkawi

 

Hidden Langkawi is the most popular cafe spot among travelers and locals who wish to enjoy the breathtaking sunset view while enjoying refreshing cocktails or beers. The cafe is filled with tiffany-blue and white-themed furniture and decorations that are worth taking photos of, so get your poses and camera ready. This would be a great place to hang out with friends, you can make reservations for any private event in the cafe.

Address: 2461, Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operating Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM daily

 

 

2. Yellow Beach Cafe

 

Yellow Beach Cafe is located next to Langkapuri Inn in Cenang Beach. The uniqueness of the Yellow Beach Cafe after sunset the cafe turns into a beachfront cozy bar. The cafe is divided into three sections called Steak House, an indoor restaurant, the Cocktail Bar offers comfortable sofas meanwhile the Beachfront Lounge section which has a number of triangle Thai pillows, plush beanbags, and hammocks which you can relax and enjoy a glass of cocktail while enjoying the sunset view at the beachfront. The cafe offers affordable price local and western menus such as sandwiches, fried chicken wings, satay, pasta, and pizza.

Location: Pantai Cenang, PO Box 121, 07000 Langkawi
Opening Hours: 5PM- 12PM (Daily)

 

 

3. Arts Cafe

 

This is one of the top cafes in Langkawi that offer a variety of affordable local and western food, vegetarian and vegan too. You will find the cafe full of colorful paintings and motifs which give the cafe its name. The Arts Cafe is very particular with the ingredients used. You should try their signature pasta and meat menu. If you love painting and good food, you’ll fall in love with Arts Cafe.

Location: 54, Jalan Pandak Mayah 5, Taman Bendang Baru, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM daily

 

 

4. fatCUPID

 

fatCUPID might be not the most Instragrammable cafe in Langkawi but this hotel cafe we think you won’t want to miss. So what’s special about fatCUPID? It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinners from Australian, Nyonya, and Malay cuisine. You can go for some of their signature Nyonya and Malay dishes for lunch or dinner. They also serve cocktails and desserts.

Address: Lot 2273 Kampung Tasek Anak, Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operating Hours: 10 AM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 10 PM (closed on Tuesdays)

 

 

Suggested Article:
Malaysia Backpacking Guide 2022

Backpacking Malaysia

 

 

5. Smiling Buffalo

This hidden gem cafe is located at Panji Panji Boutique Hotel. Smiling Buffalo serves from the western and local fusion menu and it is a favorite for coffee lovers. The well-decorated interior might take you more time feeding your camera than yourself. Their handmade pasta is a must-try when you visit the cafe. The cafe hosts daytime live band performances on weekends this would be the best place for a brunch gathering spot with your friends.

Address: 965 Kuala Chenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operating Hours: 8AM to 5PM

 

 

6. Straits & Co @ The Danna Hotel

This beautiful and cozy Straits-inspired cafe is a highly Instragrammable cafe that you should not miss. The Straits & Co is located at The Danna Langkawi hotel. The cafe is brightly painted, rattan furniture, colorful flooring with a colonial-inspired setting. It serves traditional snacks, desserts, pastries, a variety of local Malaysian delights, and more. The cafe is located on the ground floor overlooking the infinity pool. You can either enjoy your afternoon tea indoor or you can dine outdoors while enjoying the soothing sea breeze.

Location: Telaga Harbour Park, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (Daily)

 

 

7.The Loaf Bakery & Bistro

The Loaf Bakery & Bistro is a franchise bakery that produces freshly handmade bakery products such as pastries, bread, jams, cakes, and cookies. They are very particular in the ingredients as they are using high-quality ingredients. This cafe also serves Malay and western fusion food. The environment of the cafe is quite comfortable and relaxing where you can get your sweet tooth fixed.

Address: Cenang Mall, Langkawi, Kedah
Operating Hours: 10AM to 10PM

 

Restaurants that are worth trying in Langkawi:

  1. Maya Seafood Restaurant
  2. Restoran Haji Ali Nasi Kandar Asli
  3. Langkawi Fish Farm Restaurant
  4. Kapal Layar Restaurant
  5. Orkid Ria Restaurant
  6. Shin Mi Seafood Village
  7. Happy-Happy Cenang Seafood Restaurant

 

 

Frequently Asked Question

1. How can I get to Langkawi?

You can get to Langkawi by air or by sea. You can a flight into Langkawi International Airport and hop in on a rented car or private transfer to the hotel. You can also drive up to Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, or Penang and head over by boarding a ferry. The ferry service between Penang and Langkawi departs from Swettenham Pier Penang and has a sailing duration of approximately 2.5 hours.

2. How to get around Langkawi?

There are limited public transportation and taxis in Langkawi. The best way to get around is to rent your own car.

3. Where to stay in Langkawi?

There are tons of accommodation options from the range budget homestay or hostel to luxury hotels with a private beach or pool villa are available in Langkawi. Kuah city is the is most strategic and accessible location, or you can choose to stay hotels around Pantai Cenang, the busiest beach town in Langkawi.

4. What should I take note of before shopping at duty-free stores?

Foreign nationals visiting Malaysia for 48 hours or less receive a duty exemption for the purchase of souvenirs, gifts, and items intended for personal use up to a limit of RM500. There is a duty-free limit for certain types of items: alcohol (up to one liter) and cigarette (up to 225g, or 200 cigarettes)

 

Conclusion

There are a lot of Insta-worthy cafes in Langkawi where you can choose either beachfront cafes or indoor cafes. Nothing can be more perfect than enjoying your trip and having good food and cocktails. Langkawi should be one of your destinations when you think of traveling in Southeast Asia.