Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park (Vườn Quốc Gia Cát Bà) is a protected area covering approximately half of Cát Bà Island in Hai Phong's archipelago. Established on 31 March 1986, the park spans 263 km², of which 173 km² is land and 90 km² is inshore water. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004. The park is administered by the city of Hai Phong and is one of Vietnam's most important protected areas.

The park is best known as the last refuge of the critically endangered Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), also called the white-headed langur, of which fewer than 70 individuals remain in the wild. The park's diverse habitats — limestone karst forest, mangrove swamps, marine waters, and caves — support over 1,500 plant species, 282 animal species, 177 species of coral, and numerous marine fish. It lies on a major bird migration route, making it an important site for waterfowl.

Cat Ba National Park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. The landscape is characterised by rugged limestone hills rising to 500 m, alternating narrow valleys, and dramatic coastal scenery. The park's headquarters are at Trung Trang, near the main road through Cát Bà Island. The best time to visit is during the dry season (October to April), when trails are less slippery and wildlife is more active.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport (HPH IATA) in Hai Phong, about 50 km from the park. From the airport, take a taxi to the ferry terminal in Hai Phong, then a hydrofoil or ferry to Cát Bà Island. The park entrance is 2 km from Cát Bà Town.

By Train

There is no passenger rail service to Cat Ba National Park. Vietnam's national rail network (Reunification Express) primarily serves the mainland and does not extend to islands or remote coastal areas like Cat Ba. Travelers must rely on road and ferry transport to reach the area.

By Car / Road

From Hai Phong city centre, take a bus (route 16C) to the Got ferry terminal on Cát Hải island, then a ferry to Cai Vieng on Cát Bà island (40 minutes, 12,000 dong). From Cai Vieng, take a local bus or taxi to the park headquarters at Trung Trang (about 30 minutes). Alternatively, direct tourist buses run from Hanoi to Cát Bà Town (3.5 hours, from 320,000 dong).

Within the park, walking is the primary mode of exploration. The main hiking trails lead from the park headquarters to the observation tower, frog pond, and nature walks. Renting a motorbike from Cát Bà Town is the best way to reach the park entrance. Inside the park, a guide is recommended for navigating the trails and spotting wildlife.

• Cat Ba Langur Viewing Area — The park is home to the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. Sightings are rare but possible with an experienced guide. The Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project runs conservation efforts.

• Observation Tower — A lookout point at the top of a steep 1.5–2 hour hike offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and Ha Long Bay in the distance.

• Frog Pond — A natural pool in a limestone valley, best visited during the drier months. The trail passes through dense forest.

• Nature Walks — Short marked trails around the park headquarters, suitable for casual visitors, showcasing the diverse flora and limestone formations.

• Mangrove Forests — Coastal mangrove areas in the park's marine section, important for birdlife and marine biodiversity.

• Hiking — The main activity. The summit trail to the observation tower is the park's signature hike (1.5–2 hours round trip). Sturdy footwear is essential as the trail can be slippery after rain.

• Birdwatching — The park is on a major migration route. Bring binoculars to spot storks, herons, and other waterfowl in the mangrove areas.

• Wildlife spotting — With luck and patience, visitors may see macaques, civet cats, giant squirrels, and various bird species. The Cat Ba langur is very rarely seen.

• Guided nature tours — The park office can arrange guided walks with local naturalists who know the best spots for wildlife.

• Photography — The limestone peaks, forest vistas, and coastal views offer outstanding photographic opportunities.

There are no restaurants inside the park. Visitors should bring snacks and water for their hike. Cát Bà Town, 2 km from the park entrance, has numerous restaurants serving Vietnamese and seafood dishes.

Bring bottled water for hiking — tap water is not available on the trails. Cát Bà Town has cafes and bars near the park entrance.

• Budget: Homestays and guesthouses in Cát Bà Town, 2 km from the park, from 150,000–300,000 dong.
• Mid-range: Holiday View Hotel and Le Pont Hotel in Cát Bà Town, US$25–60 per night.
• Upscale: Monkey Island Resort and Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort, US$40–80 per night.

The park entrance gate has a small souvenir shop selling postcards, books, and local crafts. For more extensive shopping, visit Cát Bà Town, 2 km away.

• Cát Bà Town — 2 km from the park entrance. Restaurants, bars, beaches, and boat tours of Lan Ha Bay.
• Lan Ha Bay — Accessible by boat from Cát Bà Town. A quieter, less touristy alternative to Ha Long Bay, with limestone karsts, kayaking, and floating villages.
• Monkey Island — A short boat trip from Cát Bà. Bamboo bungalows, kayaking, and a resident monkey population.
• Hai Phong — 45 minutes by hydrofoil. Museums, colonial architecture, and the Hai Phong Brewery.
• Ha Long Bay — 2–3 hours by road and ferry. The iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.