Cat Ba – Vietnam’s Next International Hotspot?

Cát Bà is about to have its moment in the spotlight, as its selection as the backdrop for Riot Games’ upcoming TV series, set to debut in late 2025, presents a golden opportunity for the island to showcase itself to the world. This is not just a cinematic milestone but also a significant boost for Cát Bà’s tourism industry, similar to how movies have transformed destinations worldwide.

The history of world tourism has proven the power of cinema in putting a location on the global map. New Zealand, once a haven for adventure seekers, saw a massive influx of tourists eager to explore “Middle-earth” after the release of “The Lord of the Rings.” This led to a near doubling of international visitors over a decade, prompting the New Zealand government to develop a Middle-earth tourism strategy, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most attractive cinematic destinations.

Bali’s tourism boom after the movie “Eat, Pray, Love.” Photo: Adobe Stock

In Southeast Asia, Bali experienced a tourism explosion thanks to the movie “Eat, Pray, Love,” turning the island into a Western tourist hotspot. According to The New York Times, American tourist arrivals in Bali increased by 30% post-release, and the Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing found that 20% of surveyed tourists cited the movie as their reason for visiting. Ubud, the film’s primary location, transformed from a small town into a global center for yoga, meditation, and relaxation.

Cinema is not just an art of storytelling but also a powerful tourism promotion strategy. With Cát Bà chosen as the setting for Riot Games’ film, the island now has a chance to replicate the success of New Zealand and Bali, claiming its spot on the world tourism map.

Cát Bà’s Golden Opportunity to Soar

Riot Games’ selection of Cát Bà as its backdrop is not just a cinematic honor but also a turning point in placing the island on the international tourism radar. In recent years, Cát Bà has consistently garnered attention in global media. In late 2024, CNN aired a 30-second TV commercial promoting the archipelago, showcasing its breathtaking natural scenery to millions of international viewers. According to Agoda, Cát Bà has emerged as one of the most searched destinations in Vietnam in early 2025, reflecting its growing appeal to foreign tourists.

Foreign tourists enjoying Cát Bà’s natural beauty. Photo: Hoàng Anh

Cát Bà’s allure for international visitors stems largely from its unique and unparalleled natural landscape. The Cát Bà Archipelago comprises nearly 400 large and small islands rising from the sea, forming a picturesque landscape of lush mountains and tranquil waters. Lan Ha Bay, in particular, boasts a dreamy aesthetic with hundreds of limestone karsts hugging white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, earning praise from Thrillist, a US-based travel site, as Vietnam’s most beautiful destination.

Beyond its natural beauty, Cát Bà also holds significant conservation titles. In 2023, UNESCO officially recognized Ha Long Bay and the Cát Bà Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage Site, elevating the area to a global ecological icon. This trans-provincial heritage site in Vietnam not only celebrates the archipelago’s stunning scenery but also its diverse ecosystem, home to the rare Cat Ba langur, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining worldwide. For foreign tourists, these pristine yet untouched surroundings hold a special allure.

The cable car is an eco-friendly mode of transport, making Cát Bà more accessible. Photo: Huy Tuấn

Significant investments have been made in tourism infrastructure, making Cát Bà increasingly accessible. The three-rope cable car system over the sea reduces travel time from the mainland to just 15 minutes, while eco-friendly means of transport like electric buses and buggies facilitate intra-island mobility.

The Jetski fireworks show, “Symphony of the Green Island,” will debut in Cát Bà in May. Photo: Kim Liên

Cát Bà is also evolving into an international tourism and entertainment hub with the development of the Island Central Green City by Sun Group. A host of new experiences are set to launch, headlined by the world’s largest Jetski fireworks show, “Symphony of the Green Island,” a nearly VND 200 billion investment featuring top extreme sports athletes.

Cát Bà has successfully enhanced its natural beauty, upgraded its tourism experiences, and is now poised to welcome a wave of international and domestic tourists, establishing itself as one of Vietnam’s most eagerly awaited destinations in the coming years.