Unveiling Cat Ba National Park: Your Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Biodiversity Haven

Cat Ba National Park, located on Cat Ba Island within the Cat Ba Archipelago, is a jewel of Vietnam’s natural heritage. Spanning 17,362.96 hectares, including 10,912.51 hectares of terrestrial ecosystems and 6,450.45 hectares of marine ecosystems, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for biodiversity, featuring tropical rainforests, limestone karsts, mangroves, and coral reefs. Home to the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, one of the world’s rarest primates, the park offers a unique blend of adventure and conservation. Just 45 km east of Hai Phong City and 150 km southeast of Hanoi, it’s an accessible escape into Vietnam’s wild heart. Legend Travel Group, a trusted local tour operator, invites you to explore this pristine destination through our sustainable tours, designed to showcase its beauty and support its preservation.

Contact Information:

• Address: Cat Ba National Park, Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam

• Tel: (+84) 225 368 8981

• Email: vuonqgcatba@haiphong.gov.vn

• Website: catbanationalpark.vn

Cat Ba National Park is situated on Cat Ba Island, the largest of the 367 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, located in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. Positioned 15 km northwest of Cat Ba Town, the park is approximately 30 km east of Hai Phong City and 25 km southeast of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring Northern Vietnam. The park’s diverse landscapes, including rugged limestone hills reaching up to 331 meters and serene coastal waters, create a stunning backdrop for eco-adventures. Accessible by ferry, speedboat, or cable car from Hai Phong or Hanoi, Cat Ba National Park is a gateway to Vietnam’s natural splendor.

Cat Ba National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 1,500 plant species, including 160 with medicinal properties, such as the rare Kim Giao tree. Its fauna includes 32 mammal species, 78 bird species, and 20 amphibian and reptile species, with the Cat Ba Langur (fewer than 80 individuals) as its flagship species. The park’s ecosystems range from tropical evergreen forests and mangrove swamps to coral reefs and seagrass beds, creating a rich tapestry of habitats. Caves like Trung Trang and Hoa Cuong, with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, add geological intrigue. This diversity makes the park a prime destination for nature lovers and researchers alike.

Established in 1986, Cat Ba National Park is dedicated to:

• Preserving Ecosystems: Protecting intact tropical forests, mangroves, and marine habitats.

• Conserving Rare Species: Safeguarding endemic species like the Cat Ba Langur, Kim Giao tree, and Cao Catbird.

• Restoring Habitats: Rehabilitating degraded forest areas and reintroducing native species.

• Promoting Ecotourism: Offering sustainable tourism experiences that educate visitors and fund conservation.

• Community Collaboration: Working with local communities to manage buffer zones and promote sustainable livelihoods.
  By booking with Legend Travel Group, you contribute to these efforts through our partnerships with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.

Cat Ba National Park offers a range of activities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts:

• Hiking: Trek the Ngu Lam Peak Trail (1.5 km, 90 minutes) for panoramic views of limestone cliffs and Lan Ha Bay, or explore the Kim Giao Forest Trail for a leisurely walk among ancient trees.

• Caving: Visit Trung Trang Cave, a 300-meter limestone cavern with striking formations, or Hospital Cave, a historical site from the Vietnam War. Entrance fees: $3.40 (Trung Trang), $1.70 (Hospital Cave).

• Kayaking and Boating: Explore Lan Ha Bay’s hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages.

• Cycling: Rent bicycles ($5-$10/day) to traverse the park’s well-maintained roads.

• Wildlife Spotting: Though elusive, the Cat Ba Langur can occasionally be spotted with a guide. For a guaranteed encounter, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park (2.5-hour drive from Hanoi).

Experience Cat Ba National Park with our expertly crafted tours, designed to immerse you in its beauty while supporting conservation. All prices are in USD, including transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and eco-friendly activities.

• 2-Day Cat Ba National Park Eco-Adventure Tour
  Price: $149 per person (group of 4+); $199 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Trek the Ngu Lam Peak Trail, explore Trung Trang Cave, and cruise Lan Ha Bay to view langur habitats. Includes a homestay in Viet Hai Village and a donation to the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Ferry to Cat Ba, trek to Ngu Lam Peak, cave exploration. Day 2 - Boat tour, Viet Hai village visit.

• 3-Day Wildlife and Culture Discovery Tour
  Price: $249 per person (group of 4+); $299 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Extended trekking, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, and a guided visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong. Enjoy local seafood and conservation talks.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival, park trekking. Day 2 - Kayaking, langur habitat exploration. Day 3 - Transfer to Cuc Phuong for EPRC visit.

• 1-Day Rock Climbing and Wildlife Tour
  Price: $69 per person (half-day); $99 per person (full-day)
  Highlights: Rock climbing in Butterfly Valley with professional guides, plus a wildlife talk about the Cat Ba Langur. Perfect for adventure seekers.
  Itinerary: Morning climb at Moody Beach, afternoon wildlife talk and short trek.

Booking Information: Secure your tour with a $99 deposit via our website. Flexible cancellations up to 7 days before departure. Contact us for custom itineraries or group discounts.

Cat Ba National Park is easily accessible:

• From Hai Phong (45 km): Take a ferry ($10-$15, 45 minutes) or speedboat from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba Island. The Cat Ba Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long offers a scenic 4km ride ($6.50-$10).

• From Hanoi (150 km): Book a tourist bus to Hai Phong (2 hours, $10-$15), followed by a ferry. Total travel time: 3-4 hours. Legend Travel Group includes round-trip transfers in all tour packages.

• Within Cat Ba: From Cat Ba Town, the park’s headquarters is 14 km north, reachable by motorbike ($5-$10/day), taxi, or public bus.

Visit from December to May for mild weather (20°C-30°C) and clear skies, ideal for hiking and kayaking. May offers a vibrant butterfly bloom in the park. Avoid June-September due to monsoon rains and high tides, which may restrict swimming after 6 p.m.

• Book Early: Reserve accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season (December-May).

• Entrance Fee: The park entrance fee is $3.50/adult, $1.75/child.

• Eco-Friendly Travel: Avoid littering and follow guide instructions to protect the park’s ecosystems.

• Crowd Avoidance: Travel midweek to avoid congestion on the Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Bridge or opt for speedboats from Hai Phong.

• Safety: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Avoid swimming alone and heed beach warning signs.

Legend Travel Group, a local tour operator committed to sustainable tourism, partners with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project to protect this endangered species. Our Cat Ba Tours blend adventure, culture, and conservation, offering personalized itineraries, expert guides, and seamless logistics. With over a decade of experience, we ensure your Cat Ba Travel to Cat Ba National Park is unforgettable and impactful. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours at www.legend.travel and book your eco-journey today!
Book Now: Dive into the wild beauty of Cat Ba National Park with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Visit www.legend.travel to reserve your adventure and support Vietnam’s biodiversity!

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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group