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Radio Tower Viewpoint

The Radio Tower viewpoint on Cat Ba Island is the best accessible sunset spot since Cannon Fort closed in late 2025 - a Viettel telecom tower near the summit of Nui Ngoc offering panoramic views over Lan Hạ Bay, Ben Beo harbour, and Cat Ba town from nearly 100 metres above sea level.

🌅 Sunset Viewpoint📡 Radio Tower🏝️ Lan Hạ Bay Views🔭 Panoramic
🧭 Get Directions

Overview

Best Time to Visit
📅 Afternoon to sunset (check local sunset time before going - allow 30-60 minutes for the climb)
Entry Fee
🎟️ Free
Opening Hours
🕐 Daylight hours - best visited 2-3 hours before sunset
Address
📌 Núi Ngọc, Cát Bà, Hải Phòng

Things to Know

👥Crowds
Very quiet - still a word-of-mouth spot with minimal signage. Weekday afternoons are practically deserted.
🥾Difficulty
Easy to moderate - the gravel road and stone stairs are straightforward but the final rock scramble to the viewpoint requires proper footwear. Not suitable for sandals or flip flops.
⚠️Safety
The ridge path runs close to the cliff edge in places - take care in wet conditions and after dark. The bunker structures along the path are unstable; do not climb on them.
🚶Accessibility
Not accessible by wheelchair or for visitors with limited mobility - the gravel road and rocky summit path require steady footing.
🌤️Seasonal
Accessible year-round but the gravel road becomes more difficult in heavy rain. Dry season (Oct-Apr) gives clearer views over the bay.
ABOUT THIS PLACE

What Makes Radio Tower Viewpoint Special

The Radio Tower viewpoint on Cat Ba Island has quietly become the island's best accessible sunset spot following the long-term closure of Cannon Fort in late 2025. The site centres on a Viettel telecom transmission tower near the summit of Núi Ngọc, sitting at close to 100 metres above sea level, with unobstructed panoramic views in two directions: southwest over Cat Ba town and its surrounding hills, and east toward Lan Hạ Bay and the Ben Beo harbour area. The path to the summit passes several abandoned stone bunkers and military outpost structures from an earlier era, adding an atmosphere that most viewpoints on the island lack. One honest note on arrival: the parking area at the base has a litter problem that makes a poor first impression. It doesn't affect the experience at the top, but it's worth knowing so it doesn't catch you off guard.

How to Get There

🚗 Getting There

From Cat Ba town, take the road heading up toward Cannon Fort (Pháo Đài Thần Công) on Núi Ngọc. Follow the road until you reach the barrier blocking access to the fort - the fort itself is closed long-term. At the barrier, look left: you will see two options. The stone staircase on the left leads directly up to the radio tower - it's the clearest route but overgrown from disuse. The gravel road in the centre also leads to the tower and can be ridden by motorbike with a steady hand, though walking is recommended given the loose surface, steep sections, and potholes from rain runoff. The total walking time from the barrier to the summit viewpoint is roughly 20-30 minutes.

What to Expect

👀 On the Ground

The climb passes through scrub vegetation with occasional views opening up as you gain height. Along the path, several abandoned stone bunkers and what appears to be an old watchtower or military outpost are visible - the structures are in varying states of decay and add a layer of history to the walk. At the summit, the radio tower itself is fenced and operational. From here, two paths branch: straight ahead wraps around behind the tower with views over Cat Ba town; turning right leads along a ridge path toward the sea, with open views over Lan Hạ Bay, the karst islands, and Ben Beo harbour below. The final section to the viewpoint involves scrambling over rocks - wear shoes with grip. The ridge path runs close to the cliff edge in sections. The summit area has no facilities and is quiet on most days.

Travel Tips

🧳 Tips

The Radio Tower viewpoint is the practical replacement for Cannon Fort as Cat Ba's primary sunset location - the views are comparable and in some directions superior, and the absence of infrastructure means the experience is more atmospheric. Time your visit to arrive at the summit 30-45 minutes before sunset to choose your position and let the light develop. The path back down in the dark is manageable with a phone torch but arriving before dusk is strongly recommended. Bring water and a hat - there's nothing for sale up top and the ridge is exposed. Combine the visit with an afternoon at Lan Hạ Bay or a late lunch in Cat Ba town before heading up the hill.

Insider Tips

Based on real traveler experiences and commonly mentioned advice from multiple visitors.

Check sunset time before leaving Cat Ba town - Google 'sunset time Cat Ba' for the current day. Aim to be at the summit 30-45 minutes before.
Bring water and a hat - no facilities or shade at the top. The parking area at the entrance has a litter problem but the viewpoint itself is clean.
Take the path to the right of the tower toward the sea for the better view - the Lan Hạ Bay panorama is the reason to come.
The parking area at the entrance has a litter problem - don't let it put you off. It's an unfortunate first impression but the viewpoint itself is clean and worth the climb.
Bring water and a hat - there's nothing for sale at the top and no shade on the ridge section. The climb is short but the sun exposure adds up.
Wear proper shoes. The final stretch to the viewpoint involves scrambling over rocks - sandals or flip flops will make it awkward and slippery.
Follow the road up toward the old Cannon Fort until you hit the barrier blocking the entrance - from there, look left and you'll see the paths leading up to the radio tower.
There are two routes up from the barrier: a stone staircase (overgrown but walkable) and a gravel road in the middle (passable by motorbike for confident riders, but walking is recommended).
At the top, two paths branch off: straight ahead leads behind the tower with views over Cat Ba town; right leads toward the sea with panoramic views of Lan Hạ Bay and Ben Beo harbour - go right for the better sunset view.
Along the path you'll pass several abandoned stone bunkers - remnants of an old military outpost on the hillside.
The ridge path runs close to the cliff edge in places - take care, particularly in wet conditions.
Allow 30-60 minutes total from the barrier to the viewpoint and back. Check sunset time before you leave so you arrive with enough light to pick your spot.
This spot has only become widely known since late 2025 after Cannon Fort closed - it remains quiet and uncrowded compared to most Cat Ba viewpoints.

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

Is this the same as Cannon Fort?›
No - Cannon Fort (Pháo Đài Thần Công) is a separate site that has been closed to visitors long-term since late 2025. The Radio Tower viewpoint is located nearby on the same hill and is currently the best alternative for panoramic views and sunset on Cat Ba Island.
Can I ride a motorbike all the way to the top?›
The gravel road can be ridden by confident riders but has steep sections, loose gravel, and rain potholes. Most visitors park at or near the barrier and walk the rest of the way. Walking is recommended for most people.
Is there a fee or ticket?›
No. The site is free with no ticket booth or formal entrance. It is an operational telecom tower on a public hillside path.

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