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Cat Ba Souvenirs: Unique Things To Bring Home After Your Cat Ba Trip

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Entertainment and shopping Noah

What to buy after your trip to Cat Ba?

Wondering what to take back home after visiting Cat Ba? Besides diving into the turquoise waters of this stunning island, many visitors are curious about the shopping in Cat Ba. You can bring home typical souvenirs, and local specialties for your family and friends, or simply keep an item as a memory of your time on the island. Check out our selection below and choose a meaningful Cat Ba souvenir during your Vietnam trip!

I. Cat Ba Island specialty foods
- 1. Cat Ba Honey from national park
- 2. Coconut cookies
II. Cat Ba seafood products
III. Cat Ba typical souvenirs

I. Cat Ba Island specialty foods

1. Cat Ba Honey from national park

Cat Ba Honey (Vietnamese name: Mật ong hoa rừng Cát Bà) is one of Cat Ba Island's most famous things to bring home. This honey is entirely pure, unpasteurized, and derived from the pollen of various flowers in the national park, gathered by the bees themselves. In addition to hiking and exploring the Cat Ba National Park, you can also observe the wild honey collection process and buy some as a Cat Ba souvenir.

It’s available for less than 200,000 VND per liter (about 7 USD). The Cat Ba Honey, with its golden hue and smooth texture, has numerous benefits for beauty and health, making it a great Cat Ba souvenir to take back home.

Cat Ba Honey from National Park

2. Coconut cookies

One of the must-buy Cat Ba souvenirs is the coconut cookie (bánh chả dừa in Vietnamese). Similar to the coconut cookies of Ben Tre or Chau Doc in southern Vietnam, the coconut cookies from Cat Ba are locally made from fresh coconuts sourced from the island.

These biscuits are baked and packaged, making them easy to pack and take home as a souvenir after your Cat Ba trip. With their distinctive coconut aroma, these biscuits are both sweet and slightly creamy. Biting into one, you'll enjoy its crunchy texture, perfect to pair with a cup of green tea.

This Cat Ba specialty is also very affordable. A packet of coconut biscuits costs between 20,000 and 25,000 VND (around 1 USD). It’s an ideal gift to savor the delightful coconut flavor unique to Cat Ba.

Cat Ba coconut cookies

II. Cat Ba seafood products

1. Dried squid

When shopping in Cat Ba, seafood products are a must, especially dried squid (known as mực khô in Vietnamese). Cat Ba's dried squid is renowned for its freshness and safe preparation, making it an increasingly popular specialty among travelers who want to take it home after their stay.

The process of making dried squid starts with squid fishing at night on Cat Ba Island. Early the next morning, fishermen lay them out to dry in the sun to preserve their freshness. No preservatives are used, ensuring strict food safety standards.

Visitors who buy dried squid can enjoy it by grilling it, and then tearing it into small pieces to dip in chili sauce. This snack is also popular with wine or beer in Vietnam, thanks to the chewy, sweet texture of the squid, which pairs well with beer.

Dried squid from Cat Ba is sold by weight, with prices ranging between 500,000 and 700,000 VND per kilogram (around 28 USD).

Tip for buying dried squid in Cat Ba: choose those with a pinkish powdery layer on their surface and a firm, elastic texture, as these are likely the best-quality squid to buy after your trip to Cat Ba.

What to bring home after a Cat Ba trip? Dried squid

2. Cat Ba dried mackerel

Similar to dried squid, dried mackerel (called cá thu một nắng in Vietnamese) is one of the must-buy products in Cat Ba. Once fished from the sea around Cat Ba, the mackerel is skillfully processed by fishermen into a highly regarded local specialty.

The finest mackerels, fresh and flavorful, are carefully selected, rinsed in saltwater, and sun-dried for a day to eliminate strong odors. However, unlike other dried fish, they don’t become tough. No extra seasonings are added, preserving its natural taste for visitors to fully enjoy.

Moreover, dried mackerel is rich in nutrients and protein, boosting the immune system and health, making it a meaningful Cat Ba gift. However, since it contains no preservatives, it’s important to store it in the refrigerator after your trip, then cook it by frying or preparing a mackerel-tomato dish.

Process of making dried mackerel in Cat Ba Island

3. Cat Hai and Van Van fish sauce

If mackerel and squid aren’t ideal for a long-haul flight, you might consider bringing back Cat Hai or Hai Van fish sauce (Cát Hải or Hải Vân in Vietnamese) after your trip to Cat Ba. This brand, with over 100 years of history, is very popular among locals. The fish sauce is made through a meticulous process—from ingredient selection and preparation to fermentation, distillation, and packaging—to ensure a clean, pure, non-toxic product.

However, fish sauce from coastal regions and islands like Cat Ba is saltier and has a stronger aroma than regular fish sauce, so it’s recommended to dilute it more to suit your taste. Cat Ba fish sauce sells for around 200,000 VND per liter (approximately 7 USD).

Shopping after a trip to Cat Ba? Don’t miss Cat Hai fish sauce!

III. Cat Ba typical souvenirs

1. Shell wind chimes

If you’re looking for Cat Ba souvenirs, shell wind chimes are a popular and fitting choice. What makes these chimes unique is their harmonious decoration with shells collected from Cat Ba Island, allowing you to feel the sea breeze of this beautiful island.

You can find these wind chimes in various shapes and colors of shells at souvenir shops on Cat Ba Island. Prices vary depending on the craftsmanship of the chimes but remain very affordable.

Shell wind chimes – A popular Cat Ba souvenir

2. Bracelets, keychains, t-shirts

In addition to wind chimes, shells can also be transformed into charming souvenirs such as bracelets, necklaces, and keychains on Cat Ba Island. There are many souvenirs in Cat Ba to choose from, based on your preferences and budget.

T-shirts printed with photos or phrases about Cat Ba Island are also an ideal option for you or the person receiving this gift, helping to showcase the beauty of the island.

Souvenir shop in Cat Ba

3. Decorative items

While shopping on Cat Ba Island, you will be impressed by items made from shells and mother-of-pearl, creating beautiful decorative pieces such as model sailboats, lamps, and other typical representations of Cat Ba. These are also meaningful Cat Ba souvenirs to consider.

Shopping in Cat Ba: Decorative boat models

We hope this article has answered your questions about Cat Ba souvenirs. From local treats and typical seafood products to souvenirs that capture the charm of Cat Ba Island, there are plenty of options to consider. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam travel company!

You can refer to:

> Things to visit Cat Ba

> Cat Ba travel guide

> Sena Boat Cruise In Lan Ha Bay

> Lan Ha Bay Cruises

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Rozalia

5.0 Excellent

Are there any other interesting activities in Cat Ba National Park?

Cat Ba National Park offers exciting activities beyond hiking and shopping for local products.

You can explore diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Cat Ba langur, or go birdwatching to spot vibrant tropical birds.
Kayaking through hidden lagoons and mangrove forests offers a unique view of the park’s landscape.
Caving is also popular, with caves like Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave providing historical insights.
Cycling routes are available for a scenic adventure through lush trails, making the park a great spot for eco-tourism activities.

Keith

5.0 Excellent

What is Cat Ba Island unique for?

Cat Ba Island is unique for its local specialties and handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the island's charm.

For souvenirs to bring back home, visitors can find beautiful shell wind chimes, jewelry, and decorative items crafted from mother-of-pearl and seashells collected on the island.

Local markets and shops offer eco-friendly and budget-friendly items like keychains, bracelets, and printed t-shirts from Cat Ba Island. These unique, artisan-made souvenirs capture the essence of Cat Ba Island, making them memorable gifts and keepsakes to buy.

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