National Park Cat Ba: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Wildlife Lovers

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Cat Ba is a well-known tourist site that draws a large number of people looking to unwind and relax, particularly during the summer. Cat Ba trip includes a notable biosphere reserve, Cat Ba National Park, as well as lovely beaches and appealing sceneries. If you're searching for ticket costs, remember the pleasure of visiting National Park Cat Ba, and let us answer your questions about this place.

Where is Cat Ba National Park?

The national park's address is Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai Island District, Hai Phong City. The garden is located around 30 nautical miles from the mainland and spans multiple communes covering an area of up to 17,362 hectares.

Cat Ba National Park is in Tran Chau town, Cat Hai district, about 40 kilometers south of Hai Phong city center. Cat Ba Garden spans up to 17,360 hectares of natural land, comprising 11,000 hectares of woodland and 6,500 hectares of sea surface. National Park Cat Ba is available to tourists from 08:00 - 18:00 every day, with events scheduled to welcome visitors on all days.

National Park Cat Ba

Overview of Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba Island is the largest island on the west coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, managed by Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city, composed mainly of Carboniferous - Permian limestone with attractive landscapes. This is the selected area for tourism development as a spearhead industry of the mining land.

Geomorphology Value

Cat Ba National Park is one of Vietnam's most extensive special-use forests, possessing a diverse ecosystem of marine, mangrove, terrestrial and rare species of flora and fauna. In addition, National Park Cat Ba has many rare and precious archaeological relics of high historical value. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, protecting 741 species of animals and 282 species of plants.

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Cultural and Historical Value

Cat Ba National Park is one of Vietnam's most spectacular tourist destinations. In 2004, UNESCO designated this area as a global biosphere reserve due to its unspoiled natural beauty. Every year, a large number of people visit National Park Cat Ba, which is renowned for its environmental preservation. It has earned the reputation of being a "green" paradise, attracting tourists worldwide.

Cultural and Historical Value of Cat Ba National Park

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Ecosystems

Cat Ba National Park is an exceedingly rare national park in Vietnam's national park system, being the country's first national park to be formed with both forest and marine habitats. Cat Ba National Park, as the focal point of the Cat Ba Islands World Biosphere Reserve and a National Special Scenic Landscape Relic, is a typical example of tropical and subtropical marine-island ecosystems. In addition, the park is the only protected area in Vietnam and the globe where tiny numbers of Cat Ba langur may be found.

Generally, the fauna in the Park and on Cat Ba Island has a distinct character of coastal rocky mountainous ecology and traits typical of the island fauna, demonstrating the diversity of the flora and fauna. Son Duong, Golden Monkey, Hedgehog, Soc, and other creatures suited to limestone mountain settings. The Cat Ba langur, in particular, is a rare and endemic species of Vietnam, found only in the Cat Ba archipelago with a current population of around 70 individuals.

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Ecosystems of National Park Cat Ba

Fauna and Flora

According to statistics, National Park Cat Ba is home to over 4,000 species of animals and plants, including many rare and endemic species such as the white-headed Cat Ba langur, black squirrel, chamois, golden monkey, gecko Cat Ba... as well as historical values that have been preserved to this day. There are 362 species of forest animals, including 63 species of mammals, 209 species of birds, 58 species of reptiles, and 32 species of amphibians, with 58 species recognized in the Red Book of Vietnam and the World. This is the only protected area in Vietnam and the globe with tiny populations of Cat Ba langur, which has already expanded to 75-78 individuals.

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Cat Ba National Park offers vibrant flora and animal resources due to the variety of ecosystems and habitats. According to data, the park has registered 1595 species of higher vascular plants belonging to 850 genera, 187 families in 5 distinct botanical branches, with the book including 70 species of endangered and uncommon plants. Aside from the essential qualities of biodiversity, conservation, and scientific worth, the Cat Ba National Park flora is also exceptionally rich in terms of use value, with 1,026 species and groupings of medicinal plants. Timber trees provide 432 species, decorative and shade trees provide 253 species, and food trees provide 253 species.

Fauna and flora in National Park Cat Ba

Marine Creature

With about 6,450 hectares of sea, marine life in National Park Cat Ba is the richest and most diversified among Vietnam's northern island areas; it is not only a site to store and disseminate enormous genetic resources from the Gulf of Tonkin but also many rare species. According to the Institute of Marine Resources and Environment's survey results on fisheries, there are currently 196 species of marine fish, 658 benthic animals, 400 species of phytoplankton, 131 zooplankton species, 177 coral species, 23 mangrove tree species, 102 seaweed species, 3 dolphin species, and so on in the Cat Ba island area. 

Because it is home to benthic animals and fishes, the coral reef ecosystem functions similarly to a tropical rainforest on the seafloor. These coral reefs, like tropical rainforests, are separated into various strata and coverage levels. 

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Marine Creature of National Park Cat Ba

How to get to Cat Ba Island

National Park Cat Ba is known as a famous tourist destination, attracting tourists from all over the country. Therefore, the ways to get here are also being invested and developed rapidly. With a great location, National Park Cat Ba is about 60 km from Hai Phong city center and only 15 km from Cat Ba town center. The trip to Cat Ba National Park is also very different; depending on your starting point and what you want to see.

National Park  Cat Ba is one of Vietnam's most spectacular tourist destinations

When to visit

Every year, from April to November, is considered the best time to visit Cat Ba Garden. The weather is exceedingly cold and sunny this time of year, making it ideal for touring and sightseeing. From April to November, the weather is a bit sunny but not significant; the cool climate is very suitable for exploring Cat Ba.

The best time to visit National Park Cat Ba

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Getting to Cat Ba National Park

You may also use one of the following modes of transportation to travel to Cat Ba National Park:

• Bicycle: This transportation is quite handy since you may decide the route and the routes you wish to go on. Visitors can easily navigate rugged and difficult roads thanks to the simplicity and compactness of bicycles. Bicycle rentals start at 150,000 VND per day. To be able to go by this sort of vehicle, you must be persistent and in excellent health.
• Renting a motorcycle, like renting a bicycle, enables you to go about freely. Compared to a bicycle, the price is not too exorbitant, and you may even hire a motorcycle for the whole day. However, before hiring a motorcycle, remember that you must be familiar with the routes to prevent getting lost!

Explore National Park Cat Ba by bike

What to do in Cat Ba National Park?

The Garden has built numerous routes, points, and appealing forms of tourism to suit the demands of domestic and international visitors who want to come, explore nature, or have fun, entertain, and rest.

Trekking through lush forests and scenic trails

With its diversified and distinctive ecology, National Park Cat Ba has long been a popular tourist attraction, particularly for trekking (walking through the jungle). It takes tourists roughly 6-8 hours to complete the 10km trip. The scenery constantly shifts from flat, gently sloping roads to rugged cat ears granite mountains that will entice people to climb the summit. After around 7 kilometers of woodland road, at about midday, guests halt for lunch at Ao Ech, a carefully protected central forest core region. 

Visitors must cross via the summits of May Bau and Ang Phay, which are 140 - 170 meters above sea level. Visitors will sense the clean and fresh forest aroma and instantly gather energy to continue conquering the long road by stepping beneath the lonely forest canopy, listening to the birds singing, and expanding their chest to take a big breath.

Trekking through lush forests and scenic trails

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Exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the park

Of course, the richness of the wildlife environment in National Park Cat Ba overwhelms every visitor. Thousands of diverse creatures call this region home. There are 55 reptile species, 58 mammal species, and 274 insect species. Up to 205 bird species are descended from numerous distinct cousins. Coming here allows you to see all of the animals' live actions directly without relying on books, television, or other media. Everything will be a fantastic experience for you.

Some of the uncommon and valuable creatures protected here include the following: black squirrel, golden monkey, chamois, white-headed squirrel, etc. It is well-known for being the home of many rare and valuable creatures and having a diversified natural scenery. Cat Ba National Park is currently designated as a "world biosphere reserve" by UNESCO. As a result, this location is gradually drawing a huge number of visitors.

Exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the park

Enjoying panoramic views from the mountain summits

After you've finished exploring Kim Giao Forest, take another 500m route to the peak of Ngu Lam National Park Cat Ba. Standing at an elevation of 225 meters above sea level, tourists may take in the panoramic view of Cat Ba's central region, which stretches from Trung Trang Valley to magnificent beaches and hundreds of thousands of mountains. This will undoubtedly be a beautiful sensation that not everyone can experience.

Birdwatching to spot rare and endemic bird species

Cat Ba National Park, being one of the world's biggest biological zones, is home to numerous unique bird species. Waterfowl species include the white-bellied stork, diving bird, teal, golden geese, mallard, waterfowl, common worm, drama, white-breasted hoe, water pheasant, and others. Or fish-catching species such as kingfisher, lemongrass, lemongrass brown head, lemongrass neck cavity... You will see usual birds such as babblers, starlings, and flycatchers while exploring the woodland on the limestone mountain. 

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You may also encounter birds if you proceed deep into the ancient woods on limestone mountains with numerous old trees. Rare and valuable species included in Vietnam's Red Book, such as the hornbill and the white-bellied white-bellied bird - birds with huge size (meter length), and fancy colors, are regarded as "beautiful as in legend.” Every year, migrating birds flock to Cat Ba in September, although most arrive near the end of the year, from October to December. Numerous animals come here to survive the brutal cold winters of the North. If you're fortunate, you could see large flocks of Japanese ringed birds, Chinese starlings, and other species flying back. Gray herons, white storks, storks, tiled cuckoos, white-bellied swallows, and hawks are also present. 

Birdwatching to spot rare and endemic bird species in National Park Cat Ba

Kayaking or boating in the park's pristine waters

Kayaking was introduced to Cat Ba mainly by international travel agencies with headquarters on the island. However, in the summer of 2020, rowing sup in Cat Ba, particularly Lan Ha Bay, has grown significantly, becoming a new fad among young people. Sup rowing in Cat Ba is relatively straightforward, and you have numerous possibilities for a sup rowing program, such as making a reservation for an overnight cruise (with SUP). There are several excellent sites to paddle sup in Lan Ha Bay, including. Heritage fishing community, Van Boi island, Tu Do island, Hoang Tu beach, Castaways beach...

Enjoy the wonderful nature at National Park Cat Ba

Visiting the beautiful and secluded beaches within the park

Cat Ba is not only a national reserve garden. Nature has benefited Cat Ba National Park by providing it with a good location. In addition to being submerged in the vibrant and diversified marine ecology, visitors to this national park are also engulfed in its "green" hue.

Cat Ba National Park's maritime habitat has up to 1500 types of fish, coral, and numerous other marine species, resulting in an incredibly rich and intriguing marine ecosystem. The most notable feature is that the marine ecology is centered mostly on the banks and bays, making it ideal for tourism and exploration.

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Visiting the beautiful and secluded beaches within the national park Cat Ba

Camping in designated areas for a unique outdoor experience

Cat Ba is the center of experiential tourism because of the confluence of features such as woods, mountains, and sea with gorgeous beaches along the coast. Cat Ba has both paid and free camping areas. It costs money since owners govern certain islands; if you want to visit here, you must travel by canoe, eat, and care for the environment.

Beautiful camping areas outside of Lan Ha Bay should be emphasized. Examples include Robinson Island, Kong Skull Island, Castaway Island, Freedom Island, and Prince Beach. Cat Ba Camping aficionados, be ready to welcome a new site that no one has yet discovered. This beach, located in the heart of Cat Ba town, is stunning. The coastal road connects Xuan Dam with Tung Thu Beach. Several little beaches are still natural, untouched, and underutilized. Specifically, Xuan Dam beach, the Bayview hanging project wasteland, the yard in front of Woodstock, and the Cat Ba Amatina Resort project wasteland...

Camping in National Park Cat Ba

Discovering hidden caves and grottoes in the park's limestone karsts

Cat Ba Garden has several fascinating caverns, the most renowned being Trung Trang Cave. This is the biggest and oldest cave in the cave system, stretching more than 300 meters into the rock bed and filled with exquisite limestone stalactites. Visitors may explore other areas than Trung Trang Cave, such as Da Hoa Cave and Quan Y Cave…

Discovering hidden caves and grottoes in the park's limestone karsts

Take a guided tour to learn about the park's conservation efforts

Because the area of Cat Ba National Park is vast and the opportunities to explore are many, you need to hire a guide to experience this unique habitat properly. than. The guides will assist you in recognizing the names of creatures such as birds, fauna, and plants. Furthermore, having a guide can assist you to avoid traveling the wrong way or having unanticipated mishaps, allowing you to enjoy the trip more completely.

Enjoying a picnic amidst the natural beauty of the park.

Cat Ba Garden is home to several mystery caverns, the most notable of which is Trung Trang Cave. This is the biggest and oldest cave, stretching more than 300 meters into the mountain bed and adorned with exquisite limestone stalactites. Visitors may explore other areas than Trung Trang Cave, such as Da Hoa Cave and Quan Y Cave.

Enjoying a picnic amidst the natural beauty of the National Park Cat Ba

National Park Cat Ba travel tips for a good experience 

• National Park Cat Ba is home to numerous types of flora and animals that are recognized as endangered in both Vietnam and throughout the globe. Thus you must not break tree branches or pluck leaves for any reason. for any cause, as well as forbidding the act of hunting animals in the national forest.
• In the national forest area or the periphery regions, you must not burn, set a fire, smoke, or throw away cigarette butts indiscriminately because it might create an unfortunate fire with significant effects. Willful violators must carry full responsibility before the law.
• Because the area to visit and explore Cat Ba National Park is so big, you should bring flat shoes or sports shoes with soft bottoms because you will be walking a lot.
• Cat Ba National Forest is a primitive forest with thick trees and so many mosquitoes and ants... so carry insect repellent, and anti-mosquito cream, to prevent getting bitten with too much irritation and pain.
• To protect your health, pack hats, hats, and sunshade goods, and urge you to wear a wide-brimmed hat to avoid the heat and prevent many parasitic insects from arriving. induce undesired problems such as fungus, sores, etc.

Paradise Vietnam Cruise

If you want to explore other destinations besides National Park Cat Ba, consider the Paradise Vietnam excursions. The schedule of tour boats such as the Paradise Grand is planned to sail through Lan Ha Bay and visit other locations such as Frog Pond, Viet Hai fishing hamlet, and Sang Toi Cave - these are appealing destinations that should not be missed while visiting Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. You can find more information about Paradise Vietnam cruises here: https://paradisevietnam.com/.