Before we climbed to the top of Cannon Fort, someone warned us: “It’s technically closed.” We went anyway. A guard at the checkpoint looked at us, nodded, and waved us through for a small informal fee. At 177 metres above Cat Ba Island, with Lan Ha Bay stretching out below and not another tourist in sight, it felt like the best-kept secret on the island.
Cannon Fort (Pháo Đài Thần Công, or Base 177) is a preserved WWII-era military fortification perched at High Point 177 on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam. It played an active role in three wars — WWII under Japanese occupation, the French Indochina War, and the American War — and much of its original infrastructure remains: cannons, tunnels, trenches, underground shelters, and a small military museum. It’s also one of the best sunset viewpoints on the island.
Here’s everything you need to know — including the current access situation, entrance fees, and what you’ll actually see inside.
- Cannon Fort has been officially closed to casual visitors since 2019, but access via the guard station remains possible (informal arrangement, small fee)
- When open, entrance was 40,000 VND per adult / 20,000 VND per child (~$1.60/$0.80)
- Address: 239 Cai Beo, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong — a short walk from Cat Ba town centre
- Best visited at sunset for panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay and Monkey Island
- Original French cannons from 1910 — electric-powered, 40km range — are still in place
Is Cannon Fort on Cat Ba Currently Open?
This is the first thing to address honestly. Cannon Fort was officially opened as a tourist site in June 2010, but it has been closed to general visitors since 2019. When we visited, the gate was locked, but a guard post at the entrance had staff who would allow entry in exchange for an informal fee (the arrangement varies — some visitors report a small cash payment, others say a friendly conversation is enough).
As of 2026, most visitor reports suggest the same applies: the fort is accessible, just not via the normal ticketed entrance. Check current conditions with your guesthouse in Cat Ba town before heading up — the situation can change. The standard entrance fee when it was officially open was 40,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children.
A Brief History of Cannon Fort, Cat Ba Island
The fort’s history layers three distinct military eras on top of each other, all visible in a single visit.
World War II: Japanese Occupation (1940s)
Japanese forces occupied Cat Ba Island during WWII and recognised its strategic value immediately. Sitting at 177 metres above sea level, the hill gave commanding views over the port of Hai Phong and the approach routes into Ha Long Bay. The Japanese constructed the underground tunnel network — the U-shaped bomb shelter tunnel and the system of connecting trenches that still exists today.
French Indochina War (1945–1954)
The French had already installed two cannons at the site in 1910, manufactured in France, electric-powered, and capable of hitting targets at a range of 40 kilometres. During the French War, these cannons were used to defend Cat Ba’s coastline from French warship incursions. On 18 November 1954 — a date marked inside the fort — Vietnamese forces shot down a French enemy aircraft from this position, contributing to the liberation of Cat Ba Island.
After the French withdrew, the Vietnamese military kept control of the cannons and turned them against the former colonial power’s weapons.
The American War (1965–1975)
Cat Ba’s position made it strategically important again during the American War. Cannon No.1 had direct control over the shipping approaches to Hai Phong port — North Vietnam’s main logistics hub. From this single lookout point, Vietnamese forces shot down six American aircraft using 12.7mm anti-aircraft cannons. Cannon No.2 originally had three barrels pointing in different directions; two have since been destroyed, but one remains.
The underground U-shaped tunnel was expanded during this period to function as a self-contained military base capable of sheltering up to 500 people. It had a kitchen, medical room, meeting and dining rooms, and was designed with an emergency exit route toward the airport area.
What to See Inside Cannon Fort
The site is compact but layered. Allow 45–90 minutes to walk it properly.
Cannon No.1 and Cannon No.2
The most photographed feature. Cannon No.1 remains largely intact — imposing, rusted, pointed towards the sea. These were manufactured in France in 1910, powered by an internal electrical mechanism (unusual for their era), and had an effective range of 40 kilometres. Cannon No.2 is partially damaged, with two of its three original barrels destroyed, but remains in place.
The Astronomical Observatory (Viewpoint)
Standing at the observation deck at 177 metres, the views across Cat Ba Island and out towards Lan Ha Bay are extraordinary — on a clear day you can see Monkey Island, Ha Long Bay in the far distance, and the two beaches below (Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2). This is the best free viewpoint on Cat Ba, and easily rivals the payable viewpoints elsewhere on the island. If you visit at sunset, the sky over the limestone karsts turns deep orange. There is reportedly a large telescope available for visitors at the Cannon Fort café area nearby.
If you want to extend your time on the water below, a full-day boat tour to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba (from £24.60) gets you into the karsts you’re looking at from above.
The U-Shaped Bomb Shelter Tunnel
The most striking structural feature. The U-shaped tunnel runs through the interior of the hill, with reinforced concrete walls and connecting chambers. At its peak it could shelter 500 soldiers and support daily life with dedicated kitchen, medical, dining, and meeting rooms. It was designed with a secondary exit toward the airport area for emergency evacuation. Walking through it today — lit by sparse overhead lighting — gives a vivid sense of what an operational wartime base looked like underground.
The Love Room (Memorial Room)
About halfway through the site, there’s a chamber known as the Love Room — the nickname soldiers gave to the meeting room where relatives were permitted to visit during wartime. It now functions as a small museum housing weapons, personal effects, and devices left behind by soldiers. The contrast between the name and the objects inside is quietly affecting.
The Traditional Room (Shelter)
Adjacent to the Love Room is the shelter-turned-display space where military weapons, models, and historical artefacts from the French and American wars are preserved. Guns, ammunition, cannon models, and photographs from the conflict periods are arranged throughout. It’s low-tech by museum standards, but the context inside the actual military structure makes it feel more immediate than a formal exhibition would.
Practical Visitor Information
How to Get to Cannon Fort from Cat Ba Town
Cannon Fort is walkable from Cat Ba town centre. From the main road, head along 1/4 Road (Mot Thang Tu Street), turn onto Nui Ngoc Street, and continue uphill for 5–7 minutes until you reach the signposted entrance at 239 Cai Beo. The climb is steep in places but manageable — wear decent shoes.
You can also rent a motorbike or take a xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Cat Ba town if you’d rather avoid the uphill walk. Parking is available near the gate.
Entrance Fee
The official entrance fee (when ticketed entry was operating) was 40,000 VND per adult and 20,000 VND per child. Given the current closure status, carry small bills (50,000 VND notes) for any informal arrangement at the gate. Many visitors report getting in for nothing if they time it right.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon is the best time to visit, arriving around 4:30–5pm to catch the sunset from the observation deck. The colours over Lan Ha Bay at dusk are hard to beat. Avoid midday in the summer months (May–September) when the heat and humidity at this elevation are unpleasant.
For the best Cat Ba weather overall, the optimal months are October–November and March–April, when temperatures are 20–28°C and rainfall is low. If you’re planning a longer stay on the island, check our guide to the best things to do in Cat Ba.
What to Wear
Wear trainers or walking shoes — sandals are not ideal on the uneven tunnel floors. The tunnels are naturally cooler than the outdoor temperature, so a light layer is useful. Bring sun protection for the observation deck.
Combining Cannon Fort with the Rest of Cat Ba
Cannon Fort takes 1–2 hours. Most visitors build it into a half-day, starting with the fort and then heading to the beaches or water. Cat Ba sits at the southern tip of Ha Long Bay and is the departure point for Captain Jack’s day cruises to Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, which cover kayaking, caves, Monkey Island, and snorkelling in a single day.
The island also has some of Vietnam’s best rock climbing — the limestone sea stacks around Cat Ba are world-class. See our guide to rock climbing in Vietnam for locations and operators.
If you’d rather stay on the water, snorkelling in Lan Ha Bay is excellent, and the bay is directly below Cannon Fort’s viewpoint. For something more active around the island, cycling in Vietnam covers the Cat Ba routes as part of a broader guide.
For a premium Lan Ha Bay experience, the Serenity Premium Day Cruise from Cat Ba (from $30, 100% recommended by 106 travellers) combines kayaking, swimming, and a seafood lunch in a smaller group setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cannon Fort Cat Ba currently open?
Cannon Fort was officially closed to regular visitors in 2019. However, travellers continue to report being able to access the site by speaking with the guard at the entrance checkpoint, sometimes with a small informal fee. Check with your accommodation in Cat Ba town for the current situation before visiting.
How much is the entrance fee for Cannon Fort Cat Ba?
The official entrance fee, when ticketed entry was operating, was 40,000 VND (approximately $1.60 USD) per adult and 20,000 VND per child. In the current informal access arrangement, costs vary — some visitors pay nothing, others a similar amount at the gate.
How do I get to Cannon Fort from Cat Ba town?
Cannon Fort is at 239 Cai Beo, Cat Ba town. From the town centre, walk along 1/4 Road, turn onto Nui Ngoc Street, and follow the hill upward for 5–7 minutes. Look for signposts marked “Cannon Fort” or “Pháo Đài 177.”
What is the history of Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba Island — the name means “Women’s Island” in Vietnamese — was occupied by Japanese forces during WWII for its strategic position overlooking Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay. It was then fought over during the French Indochina War and the American War. Cat Ba National Park (established 1986) covers more than half the island, and Ha Long Bay — which includes Cat Ba’s Lan Ha Bay — has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
What is the best month to visit Cat Ba Island?
The best months are October–November and March–April. During these periods, temperatures are 20–28°C with low rainfall and moderate crowds. The summer months (May–September) are hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Winter (December–February) can be misty and surprisingly cold.
Cannon Fort is a 30-minute climb from Cat Ba’s main street, but the history inside — layered across three separate wars — and the views at the top make it one of the most rewarding stops on the island. If you’re on Cat Ba and it’s accessible, go.
