Cannon Fort is closed to visitors in 2026: the hilltop above Cat Ba town is a military area, travel guides report it has been shut since late 2023, and no reopening date has been announced — but you can get the same kind of view over the bay from Navy Peak, from the national park or from the water. We are the Lan family in Viet Hai, a village inside the Cat Ba archipelago, and guests still ask us every month how to get to Cannon Fort. Older blog posts and some booking sites still list opening hours and a ticket price. This page explains what we know, what we do not know, and where we send guests instead.
| Status | Closed to visitors; no official ticket on sale |
| Since | Reported closed since late 2023 |
| Why | The hill is a military area |
| Reopening | No date announced |
| Where it is | Point 177, about 177 m high, roughly 2 km from the centre of Cat Ba town |
| Best alternative | Navy Peak near Viet Hai, 259 m, about 3 hours there and back |
| Lan Ha Bay ticket (for boat views) | 120,000 VND adult / 60,000 VND child |
In this guide: Is it open? · What Cannon Fort is · Where to get the view instead · What not to do · FAQ
Is Cannon Fort open in 2026?
No. Travel guides that checked in person, including one updated in November 2025 and our partner Beka Travel’s 2026 guide, report that Cannon Fort closed to visitors towards the end of 2023 and has not reopened. The café that used to sit near the top is also closed. The site sits on military land, and no reopening date has been announced by the city or by the site’s managers.
We are careful here, because “closed” is a word that changes. If we hear from guests or from people in Cat Ba town that the fort has reopened, we will update this page. Until then, please do not build a day around it. If your plan for Cat Ba was a view over the bay, the sections below give you better options.
Some guides report that people walking up the road are sometimes asked for money at the gate even though no official ticket exists. We do not recommend going: there is no official entry, and the area is restricted.
What Cannon Fort is, and why people wanted to go
Cannon Fort stands on Point 177, a hill about 177 m high directly behind Cat Ba town. During the wars of the twentieth century it was a gun position covering the approaches to the island, and for years the old gun emplacements and tunnels were one of the most popular short trips from town. The reason most visitors went was simpler: from the top you could see Cat Ba town, Cat Co beaches and the islands of Lan Ha Bay in one sweep, especially at sunset.
That view is what you are really looking for, and the island still has several places to find it.
Where to get the same view instead
| Viewpoint | What you see | Effort | Open in 2026? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Peak, near Viet Hai | Lan Ha Bay and the national park together, towards Ha Long Bay on a clear day | 259 m, about 3 hours there and back on a steep path | Yes; national park ticket 80,000 VND |
| Ngu Lam Peak, Cat Ba National Park | The forested hills of the national park | Short, steep climb from the park headquarters | Yes, with a national park ticket |
| Lan Ha Bay by boat or kayak | The islands from water level, lagoons and beaches | Easy; a day on the water | Yes; Lan Ha Bay ticket 120,000 VND |
| Cannon Fort | Cat Ba town, Cat Co beaches and the bay | Short road walk from town | No — closed, military area |
Navy Peak is the one we recommend. It is 259 m high, above our village, and the path takes about three hours there and back, with a steep last section. From the top you see Lan Ha Bay on one side and the forest of the national park on the other. It is a proper hike rather than a stroll, so start early, take water and wear shoes with grip. Our Navy Peak hike guide describes the route; we give guests a map and directions, and you can walk it on your own.
Ngu Lam Peak in Cat Ba National Park is a short, steep climb to a lookout over forested hills. It is a good morning if you are staying in town and want forest as well as a view. The park’s trails and tickets are explained in our national park fees and trails guide.
From the water is how most people see Lan Ha Bay best. A full-day Lan Ha Bay tour takes you between the islands, into lagoons by kayak and onto quiet beaches. If you want the evening light that drew people to Cannon Fort, our sunset and night kayaking trip is the closest thing to it.
What not to do
- Do not go past barriers or signs. The hill is a military area; walking into restricted ground can get you into real trouble.
- Do not pay an unofficial fee. There is no official ticket while the fort is closed.
- Do not rely on old opening hours. Many websites still copy hours and prices from before 2023. Check the date of anything you read, including this page.
If you are planning a few days on the island, our things to do on Cat Ba Island list and our 2, 3 or 5-day itinerary are both up to date for 2026. The last stretch to Viet Hai is by speedboat from Ben Beo pier: about 15 minutes on the water, then about 10 minutes by electric cart.
Tell us how many days you have and how fit you feel. We will suggest the viewpoint that suits you, give you the map for Navy Peak, or put you on the bay on a day with good weather. Our tours are on the tours page and getting here is on the transport page; rates move with the season and the size of the group, so message us.
Frequently asked questions
Answered by the Lan family in Viet Hai — the people who walk Navy Peak, run the boats and pick you up at the pier.
Is Cannon Fort open in 2026?
No. Cannon Fort is closed to visitors; travel guides report it has been closed since late 2023 because the hill is a military area, and no reopening date has been announced.
How much is the Cannon Fort ticket?
There is no official ticket while the fort is closed. Prices you see online date from before the closure. If someone asks you for an entry fee, there is no official entry to pay for.
Where else can I see the view over Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay?
Navy Peak near Viet Hai is the best alternative: 259 m high, about three hours there and back, with Lan Ha Bay and the national park in one view. A day on Lan Ha Bay by boat and kayak shows the islands from the water.
Is it worth walking up to Cannon Fort anyway?
We do not recommend it. The area is restricted, the café at the top is closed, and you cannot reach the viewpoint officially. Use the time for Navy Peak or the bay instead.
Heard that Cannon Fort has reopened? Tell us and we will check and update this page. WhatsApp +84 363 934 325 or message us here.
Read next
- Navy Peak hike from Viet Hai
- Cat Ba National Park fees and trails
- Things to do on Cat Ba Island
- Cat Ba National Park hiking guide
