Cat Ba National Park is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Cat Ba Island. Spanning over 17,000 hectares of land and inshore water, this UNESCO-recognized world biosphere reserve is a treasure trove of lush tropical forests, mangrove forests, limestone forests, wetlands, and coral reef systems. The park boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem, housing over 2,300 species of fauna and flora, including 65 golden-headed langurs and other endangered species.
Overview
Cat Ba National Park offers travelers not only stunning natural landscapes but also a wealth of attractions to discover. Viet Hai Fishing Village, Ao Ech area, and Kim Giao Forest are just a few of the captivating spots scattered throughout the park.
The entrance ticket is priced at 80,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.
When to Visit
With mild temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C, Cat Ba National Park is a year-round destination. However, the peak season for tourism is between June and July, which allows visitors to avoid the scorching heat of summer.
How to Get to Cat Ba Island
From Hanoi (124 km)
There are several options for traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. Buses such as Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Express, Orient Travel, Hoang Long Bus, and Daiichi Travel depart from Hanoi Old Quarter and take approximately 3.5 hours on average. Ticket prices range from 250,000 to 300,000 VND.
Good Morning Cat Ba: +84 091 460 7571, email: info@goodmorningcatba.com
Cat Ba Express: +84 848 244 999 or 024 38 734 999, email: info@catbaexpress.com
From Hai Phong City (33 km)
If you find yourself in Hai Phong City, multiple transportation options can take you to Cat Ba Island. Start by taking a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ben Binh Harbor, then hop on a speedboat or hydrofoil to reach Cat Ba Island. Recommended high-speed ship companies include Mekong Hoang Yen and HADECO, with a price of 240,000 VND.
From Halong Bay (23 km)
Tuan Chau Ferry provides an easy and short journey from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride usually costs 80,000 VND per person or 100,000 VND with a motorbike.
Getting to Cat Ba National Park
From the center of Cat Ba Town, you can take a taxi or public bus that follows the middle Cat Ba Road to reach Cat Ba National Park. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a private car from one of the many rental centers in town for a day of self-exploration.
What to See and Do
Cat Ba National Park offers an abundance of natural wonders to explore. With its rich biodiversity and captivating seascapes and landscapes, visitors will find no shortage of activities to engage in.
Trekking
No visit to Cat Ba National Park is complete without embarking on a trekking adventure to discover the wildlife. Popular hiking trails include National Park HQ – Ao Ech – Viet Hai – Lan Ha Bay, Trung Trang – Uy Ban Grottos, and Kim Giao – Ngu Lam Peak.
National Park HQ – Ao Ech – Viet Hai (14 km): This challenging trail takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete and includes a boat trip and kayak experience in Lan Ha Bay.
Trung Trang – Uy Ban Grottos (1.2 km): This easy round trip takes only 1 hour and allows you to marvel at impressive stalactites inside Trung Trang Cave and observe various species of bats.
Kim Giao – Ngu Lam Peak (1.5 km): Within a 30-minute hike, you will encounter points of interest such as a butterfly garden, botanical gardens, a zoo, Kim Giao Forest, and Ngu Lam Peak. Conquering Ngu Lam Peak rewards you with expansive views of the majestic Cat Ba Island.
Sea Tourism
Cat Ba National Park offers a plethora of water-based activities. Kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat to visit Van Boi, Van Ta, and Tra Bau areas is highly recommended. Those seeking more adventurous challenges can try rock climbing, diving to observe coral reefs, fishing, and participating in various underwater sports.
Caving
Cat Ba National Park boasts numerous spectacular caves and caverns, including Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave, and Thien Long Cave. These captivating underground wonders are waiting to be explored.
Voluntary Works
Voluntary tourism in Cat Ba National Park attracts thousands of visitors who want to contribute to nature conservation. Engage in activities such as cleaning the surroundings, gathering litter, and joining conservation centers to make a positive impact.
Experience the enchantment of Cat Ba National Park and immerse yourself in its natural wonders. Start planning your trip with Travel Guide and embark on a memorable journey. Travel Guide
