Tung Thu Beach
A tranquil, secluded beach on Cat Ba Island with calm, clear waters, perfect for a peaceful escape and relaxing swims.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and clean
Tung Thu Beach
Best Time
Peaceful and clean
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, secluded beach on Cat Ba Island with calm, clear waters, perfect for a peaceful escape and relaxing swims.
"Almost like a swimming pool, very calm and no waves."
Bring your own shade
Limited natural shade available. Renting chairs is an option, but consider bringing your own umbrella for comfort. :umbrella:
Pack snacks and drinks
Cafes have limited service. Bringing your own refreshments ensures you stay fueled for a full beach day. :apple: :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calm, Pool-like Waters
The main swimming area
Experience incredibly calm, clear waters, almost like a natural swimming pool, perfect for a relaxing dip.
Secluded Sandy Shores
The entire beach stretch
Enjoy soft, clean sands in a relatively untouched setting, ideal for quiet sunbathing and unwinding.
Sunset Views
Western-facing part of the beach
Catch the last rays of the sun painting the sky with vibrant colors over the tranquil sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seclusion
Beach Chair Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own shade
Limited natural shade available. Renting chairs is an option, but consider bringing your own umbrella for comfort. :umbrella:
Pack snacks and drinks
Cafes have limited service. Bringing your own refreshments ensures you stay fueled for a full beach day. :apple: :water_wave:
Low season is serene
Visit during the low season for a near-empty beach experience and pristine conditions. :star:
Water sports available
Engage in various water activities for a more active beach experience. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own shade
Limited natural shade available. Renting chairs is an option, but consider bringing your own umbrella for comfort. :umbrella:
Pack snacks and drinks
Cafes have limited service. Bringing your own refreshments ensures you stay fueled for a full beach day. :apple: :water_wave:
Low season is serene
Visit during the low season for a near-empty beach experience and pristine conditions. :star:
Water sports available
Engage in various water activities for a more active beach experience. :kayak:
Cleanliness is key
The beach is generally well-maintained, so help keep it that way by disposing of trash properly. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tung Thu Beach is praised for its serene, secluded atmosphere and incredibly calm, pool-like waters, making it ideal for relaxation and swimming. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness and peacefulness, especially during the low season. However, some find the limited facilities, particularly the scarcity of shade and changing areas, and the chair rental system to be drawbacks.
"Best beach we could find to catch the last of the suns rays. Has been monopolised by the two businesses there offering their chairs for dong—an expense on top of any items bought from them. They could be more proactive with removing glass and rubbish from the beach."
R Duke
"A relative new beach. Very little facilities. Good if you like seclusion. However no good options to have lunch. There are two cafes but the employees just sit there staring at their phones. You can rent some chairs and an umbrella. Apart from that there is no shade to be found. Also no shower or place to change your clothing. We had a much better at cat ba beach 1 and 2."
Ruud Knoop
"Visited many times (in low season, June-July 2024) and during the day it was pretty much empty all the time. Super clean as well. You can also get drinks that are very affordable. There’s not much shadow, only a few spots under a tree. Loungers obviously cost money (unfortunately)."
Elio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tung Thu Beach is located on Cat Ba Island. You can reach it by taxi or motorbike from Cat Ba town. The journey offers scenic views of the island's landscape.
Public transport options directly to Tung Thu Beach are limited. Renting a motorbike or hiring a taxi are the most convenient ways to get there.
The travel time from the ferry terminal in Cat Ba town to Tung Thu Beach can vary, typically taking around 15-20 minutes by motorbike or taxi, depending on traffic.
Yes, there are usually parking areas available for motorbikes and cars near the entrance of Tung Thu Beach.
Depending on your starting point, walking to Tung Thu Beach from Cat Ba Beach 1 or 2 might be possible, but it can be a considerable distance. It's more practical to use a motorbike or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no direct entrance fee to Tung Thu Beach itself. However, you will likely need to pay for beach chair and umbrella rentals if you wish to use them.
Tung Thu Beach is typically accessible throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict official opening or closing hours posted.
Advance booking for beach chairs is usually not necessary. You can rent them directly from the vendors on the beach upon arrival.
Discounts for chair rentals are not commonly advertised. Prices are generally fixed, and some visitors note they are tied to purchasing items from the associated cafes.
Bringing your own umbrella is generally permitted, offering a way to avoid rental fees if you prefer your own setup.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Facilities are basic. You can rent chairs and umbrellas. There are cafes, but some visitors report limited service. Showers and changing rooms are scarce.
Yes, Tung Thu Beach is excellent for swimming due to its calm, clear, and shallow waters, often described as pool-like.
Water sports are accessible at Tung Thu Beach, offering opportunities for more active enjoyment of the sea.
Tung Thu Beach features soft, pleasant sand, making it comfortable for sunbathing and walking along the shore.
Tung Thu Beach is generally less crowded than other popular beaches on Cat Ba Island, especially during the low season, offering a more peaceful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly at Tung Thu Beach are limited to a couple of cafes with basic service. For more variety, consider heading back to Cat Ba town.
The cafes typically offer drinks and some light snacks. Don't expect extensive menus; it's more for refreshments while enjoying the beach.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed and recommended, especially if you plan to spend a full day and want more substantial options.
While there might not be dedicated seafood restaurants right on Tung Thu Beach, you can find excellent seafood options in Cat Ba town.
Prices at the beach cafes are generally considered affordable, especially for drinks, though some visitors note that chair rentals can be an added expense.
📸 📸 Photography
The calm waters, soft sand, and the gentle curve of the bay offer beautiful backdrops. Look for shots capturing the serene atmosphere and sunset.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during sunset, provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a golden glow.
The secluded nature of the beach itself is a unique photo opportunity, contrasting with busier tourist spots. Capture the tranquility.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the beach and a polarizing filter for water shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children enjoy water sports, there are options available to keep them entertained. However, be mindful of the limited changing facilities and plan accordingly for post-swim needs. For families seeking a more structured experience with more amenities, Cat Ba Beach 1 and 2 might be alternatives, but Tung Thu offers a unique charm for those who value peace and gentle waters.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Come prepared with your own provisions, as dining options are minimal. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the serenity. The beach's less developed character means you can truly disconnect and recharge.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Tung Thu Beach's Charm
However, this tranquility comes with a trade-off in terms of facilities. While you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the two dominant businesses on the beach, these often come with the expectation of purchasing items from their cafes. Beyond these rentals, shade is scarce, and amenities like public showers or changing rooms are minimal. This means visitors should come prepared with their own essentials if they plan to spend an extended period. The calm waters, however, are a significant draw, making it feel almost like a natural swimming pool, perfect for a relaxing dip without the worry of strong waves.
Despite the limited amenities, Tung Thu Beach's charm lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. It's a place to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the sea. For those who prioritize peace and quiet over bustling beach clubs and extensive facilities, Tung Thu Beach offers a delightful escape.
Navigating Amenities and Services
Beyond these rental services, shade is a significant consideration. Natural shade is minimal, primarily limited to a few spots under trees. This means if you're sensitive to the sun or plan to stay for a long duration, bringing your own umbrella or seeking shade under a rented one is essential. Furthermore, basic facilities like public showers and changing rooms are scarce. Visitors should be prepared to manage without these conveniences or plan their post-beach activities accordingly. Many opt to change back at their accommodation or use facilities elsewhere.
For food and drinks, the on-site cafes offer refreshments, but their service can be inconsistent, with some visitors noting staff being disengaged. Therefore, it's highly recommended to pack your own snacks, water, and any other essentials you might need for a comfortable and enjoyable day at Tung Thu Beach. This proactive approach ensures you can fully relax and make the most of this serene coastal spot.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit