Northern island Cat Ba welcomes tourists again after typhoon Yagi

The center of the island has been cleared of debris brought about by the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in three decades.

Cat Ba, off Vietnam's largest port city Hai Phong, suffered nearly VND700 billion (US$28 million) in damage, or over 100 times the town's revenue in the first six months.

On the two sides of a key road that links major areas on the island, most trees have fallen down due to strong winds, and they have now been cleared.

Over 4,700 buildings on the island were damaged by the typhoon. Local authorities have called on residents to help recover it quickly. Utilities and internet services have been resumed.

Foreigners have been seen again on the island. Since Sept. 10, it welcomed nearly 36,000 tourists, more than 80% were foreigners.

Around 80% of restaurants and hotels have resumed services and by Oct. 15 the ratio might jump to 100%, according to Nguyen Quang Vinh, deputy chairman of Cat Hai District People’s Committee.

Some foreign tourists stay at resorts with a private beach.

Cat Ba is preferred by tourists in the fall-winter season because of its calmness and reasonable prices.

Some local tourists have also been traveling to Cat Ba in off-season in recent years to avoid big crowds.

The provincial authorities often host sports events where competitors can bring their families with them, a move seeking to boost the island’s tourism recovery.

At LePont Cat Ba Bungalow on Cat Co 3 Road, which suffered a VND10 billion damage, reparation is underway.

However, the lack of materials and funding is slowing down the recovery process.

A restaurant near the market has not been able to undergo repairs due to severe damage and a shortage of workers. However, many nearby accommodations and restaurants are ready to welcome guests.