Cat Ba National Park, located on Cat Ba Island, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in nature. This UNESCO-recognized world biosphere reserve covers over 17,000 hectares of stunning landscapes, including lush tropical forests, mangrove forests, limestone forests, wetlands, and coral reef systems. With its incredible biodiversity, the park is home to more than 2,300 species of fauna and flora, including the endangered golden-headed langurs.
An Overview of Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park offers a plethora of natural wonders for visitors to explore. The park is adorned with attractions such as the charming Viet Hai Fishing Village, the picturesque Ao Ech area, and the enchanting Kim Giao Forest, all scattered throughout its vast expanse. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this national treasure and discover the diverse ecosystems that thrive within its borders.
Entrance Fee: The entrance ticket to Cat Ba National Park is priced at 80,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.
When to Visit Cat Ba National Park
With its mild temperatures ranging between 25°C and 28°C, Cat Ba National Park is a year-round destination. However, the peak tourism season is between June and July when the weather is more pleasant and avoids the intense summer heat.
How to Get to Cat Ba Island
From Hanoi (124 km)
Several buses depart from Hanoi Old Quarter, offering convenient transportation to Cat Ba Island. Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Express, Orient Travel, Hoang Long Bus, and Daiichi Travel are just a few of the reliable bus companies available. The average travel time is around 3.5 hours, and ticket prices range from 250,000 to 300,000 VND.
Contact Information:
- 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, you have multiple options to reach Cat Ba Island. Catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ben Binh Harbor and then hop on a speedboat or a hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island. Mekong Hoang Yen and HADECO are recommended high-speed ship companies, with ticket prices of 240,000 VND.
From Halong Bay (23 km)
For those visiting Halong Bay, getting to Cat Ba Island is a breeze. Take the Tuan Chau Ferry, which typically costs 80,000 VND per person or 100,000 VND if you have a motorbike.
Getting to Cat Ba National Park
From the center of Cat Ba Town, you can easily reach Cat Ba National Park by taking a taxi or public bus that follows the middle Cat Ba Road. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a private car from one of the rental centers in town and explore the park at your own pace.
What to See and Do in Cat Ba National Park
With its rich biodiversity, captivating seascapes, and rare wildlife, Cat Ba National Park offers a multitude of attractions and activities for nature lovers.
Trekking
Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure to discover the park’s incredible 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 – Lan Ha Bay (14 km): This challenging trail takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete and allows you to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the park.
- Trung Trang – Uy Ban Grottos (1.2 km): A quick one-hour round trip that leads you through impressive stalactites inside Trung Trang Cave and offers sightings of various species of bats.
- Kim Giao – Ngu Lam Peak (1.5 km): Within a 30-minute hike, you’ll encounter interesting points such as a butterfly garden, botanical gardens, a zoo, Kim Giao Forest, and Ngu Lam Peak. Conquering Ngu Lam Peak rewards you with breathtaking views of the majestic Cat Ba Island.
Sea Tourism
Thrilling water-based activities await visitors to Cat Ba National Park. Kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat to explore the Van Boi, Van Ta, and Tra Bau areas is highly recommended. For those seeking more adventurous challenges, try rock climbing, coral reef diving, fishing, or engaging in undersea sports.
Caving
Cat Ba National Park boasts dozens of spectacular caves and caverns, including Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave, and Thien Long Cave. Explore these subterranean wonders and be amazed by their beauty.
Voluntary Works
For those who want to contribute to nature, voluntary tourism in Cat Ba National Park offers an opportunity to make a difference. Engage in activities such as gathering litter, cleaning the surroundings, and assisting conservation centers in their important work.
Plan your trip to Cat Ba National Park and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this natural wonder. Discover the hidden gems of Vietnam and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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