Discover Cat Ba National Park, Vietnam’s biodiversity gem. Explore 2025 prices, hiking trails, caves, and conservation efforts for the Cat Ba Langur in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Photograph the cultural allure of Cat Ba Island’s heritage
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Cat Ba Travel adventures (Source: Source: Internet)Cat Ba National Park, established in 1986, spans 17,362.96 hectares, including 10,912.51 hectares of terrestrial ecosystems and 6,450.45 hectares of marine areas. Located on Cat Ba Island and nearby islets in Hai Phong City, it’s a global biodiversity hotspot, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004 and part of the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site since 2023. The park features tropical rainforests, limestone karsts, mangroves, coral reefs, caves, and secluded beaches, making it a magnet for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Home to the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, the park is a focal point for conservation efforts, balancing ecotourism with environmental protection.
Capture the unique biodiversity of Cat Ba’s conservation gem (Source: Source: Internet)Cat Ba National Park, 15 km northwest of Cat Ba Town, is accessible by motorbike, taxi, or bus. Its diverse ecosystems include:
Tropical Evergreen Forests: Covering 570 hectares of primary forest, hosting rare orchids and medicinal plants.
Mangroves and Wetlands: Supporting coastal biodiversity and marine life.
Coral Reefs: Home to 177 coral species and 900 fish species.
Caves and Grottos: Including Trung Trang and Hospital Cave, with unique geological formations.
Marine Ecosystems: Encompassing seagrass beds and 658 benthic species.
The park attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually, drawn by its hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and ecotourism initiatives. Its conservation efforts, led by the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBLCP), focus on protecting endemic species and educating local communities.
Dive into the wild charm of Cat Ba Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Cat Ba National Park boasts over 4,000 species of flora and fauna, with 1,588 vascular plant species across 842 genera and 186 families, including 160 with medicinal properties. The park’s ecosystems support:
Flora: 1,500+ plant species, including 70 endangered species and rare orchids.
Fauna: 338 terrestrial vertebrates, including:
Mammals: 53 species, such as the Cat Ba Langur (~80 individuals, critically endangered), civet cats, and black squirrels.
Birds: 205 species, including white-collared crows and hornbills.
Reptiles and Amphibians: 80 species, like Cat Ba geckos and varans.
Marine Life: 1,313 species, including 900 fish, 500 mollusks, and 400 crustaceans.
Endemic Species: 60 species listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book, with the Cat Ba Langur being a global conservation priority.
Recent surveys highlight ongoing threats from tourism development, overfishing, and pollution, but projects like the CBLCP and IUCN’s biodiversity monitoring programs are enhancing protection.
Photograph the stunning allure of Cat Ba’s landscapes (Source: Source: Internet)Reforestation and Relocation: The park has relocated illegal fish cages from protected marine areas and dismantled unauthorized tourism projects to preserve ecosystems.
Biodiversity Monitoring: IUCN’s 2018–2025 initiatives, including the Ha Long-Cat Ba Alliance, use tools like BRAHMS to track species, focusing on limestone forests, wetlands, and caves.
Sustainable Tourism: New ecotourism routes emphasize low-impact activities, with operators like Blue Swimmers promoting responsible cruises.
Experience Cat Ba Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Source: Internet)Located in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, the park is 30 km east of Hai Phong and 25 km southeast of Ha Long City. The main entrance is 15 km northwest of Cat Ba Town, reachable via a well-paved road. The park’s core area, free from human activity except research, spans 98 km² of land and 54 km² of inshore waters, with buffer zones supporting sustainable community activities.
Start your Cat Ba Travel with serene natural beauty (Source: Source: Internet)The dry season (October–April) is ideal, with temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F) and clear skies perfect for hiking and sightseeing. March–April and October–November are less crowded. The wet season (May–September) brings lush greenery but higher humidity and rain, which may affect trails. Avoid Lunar New Year (early February) due to closures and crowds.
Learn Cat Ba’s eco-heritage with expert insights (Source: Source: Internet)Explore trails like:
Ngu Lam Peak: A 1.8-km, 90-minute moderate hike with panoramic views. Cost: Included in park entry (~80,000 VND/$3.20 USD).
Viet Hai Village Trek: A 9-km challenging trail through forests and caves, best with a guide (~500,000–700,000 VND/$20–$28 USD for a full-day tour).
Kim Giao Forest Trail: A 2-hour easy walk to spot rare plants and birds.
Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Early morning hikes avoid heat and crowds.
Trung Trang Cave: A 300m limestone cave with stalactites, 500m from the park entrance. Entry: Included in park ticket.
Hospital Cave: A 2,000m² historical site used as a Vietnam War hospital. Entry: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD).
Hoa Cuong and Thien Long Caves: Known for untouched formations, accessible via guided tours (~300,000 VND/$12 USD).
Note: Follow guides to protect delicate cave ecosystems.
Cycle to Viet Hai Village or along park roads (bike rentals ~100,000 VND/$4 USD per day). Enjoy fish foot massages or local cuisine in the village (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per meal).
Spot Cat Ba Langurs, hornbills, or black squirrels with guided tours (~600,000 VND/$24 USD). For guaranteed langur sightings, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park (~200,000 VND/$8 USD entry).
Kayaking: Explore marine areas via Lan Ha Bay cruises (~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD, including kayaking).
Birdwatching: Spot 205 bird species with guides (~400,000 VND/$16 USD for half-day).
Night Squid Fishing: A cultural experience (~600,000–1,000,000 VND/$24–$40 USD).
Sustainability Tip: Choose operators like Genesis Regal Cruise for eco-friendly tours.
Sample forest honey (~150,000 VND/$6 USD per 500ml) or rose tea (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per pack) from park vendors.
From Hai Phong: Speedboats to Cat Ba (45 minutes, 220,000 VND/~$9 USD), followed by a 15-km ride.
From Ha Long Bay: Ferries from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan Harbour (1 hour, 220,000 VND/~$9 USD), then a 10-km taxi (~150,000 VND/$6 USD) to the park.
Travel Tip: Rent a motorbike for flexibility and scenic stops. Use Maps.Me for offline navigation.
Tel: (+84) 0225 3688981
Email: vuonqgcatba@haiphong.gov.vn
Website: catbanationalpark.vn
Note: Email responses may be slow; visit the park office for immediate assistance.
What to Bring: Cash (VND), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Littering is strictly prohibited.
Guides: Recommended for longer treks or wildlife tours (book via Vietnamtour.in or park office).
Conservation: Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Support local restaurants like Phuong Nhung (~100,000 VND/$4 USD per meal) over foreign chains.
Accommodation: Budget hostels (~150,000 VND/$6 USD), mid-range hotels (~750,000 VND/$30 USD), or homestays like Ho Hoi Farmstay (~500,000 VND/$20 USD).
Weather: Check forecasts, as rain can make trails slippery.
Cat Ba National Park offers a rare chance to explore Vietnam’s richest ecosystems while supporting conservation efforts for species like the Cat Ba Langur. Its trails, caves, and marine adventures provide endless exploration, all within a UNESCO-protected paradise. Despite challenges like littering and tourism pressure, the park’s staff and NGOs work tirelessly to preserve its beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this ecological gem, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with immersive adventures and conservation-focused exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Plan Your Adventure: Book early for peak season (October–April) and share your Cat Ba National Park plans with Legend Travel Group to embark on an unforgettable sustainable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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