Cat Ba National Park
Discover the wild side of Ha Long Bay with Cat Ba National Park's lush jungles, limestone karsts, and pristine Lan Ha Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Cat Ba National Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild side of Ha Long Bay with Cat Ba National Park's lush jungles, limestone karsts, and pristine Lan Ha Bay.
"The national park is amazing, you can see different landscapes, the jungle, the rock road, and different kinds of animals."
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people, especially for hikes. :sunrise:
Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential for safe trekking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ngu Lam Peak
Cat Ba National Park
Conquer this challenging hike for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the lush, jungle-covered mountains.
Lan Ha Bay
Adjacent to Cat Ba National Park
Explore emerald waters, hidden lagoons, and stunning limestone karsts on a boat tour or kayak adventure.
Viet Hai Village
Deep within Cat Ba National Park
Step back in time in this charming village, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life accessible by boat and electric car.
Trung Trang Cave
Cat Ba National Park
Discover the natural beauty and informative exhibits within this ancient cave system.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit Cat Ba National Park
Getting Around Cat Ba Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people, especially for hikes. :sunrise:
Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential for safe trekking. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, especially for the strenuous hikes. :droplet:
Consider Lan Ha Bay Tours
Opt for Lan Ha Bay tours to avoid crowds and experience more of Cat Ba National Park's natural beauty. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people, especially for hikes. :sunrise:
Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential for safe trekking. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, especially for the strenuous hikes. :droplet:
Consider Lan Ha Bay Tours
Opt for Lan Ha Bay tours to avoid crowds and experience more of Cat Ba National Park's natural beauty. :kayak:
Explore by Scooter
Rent a scooter for the best way to explore the island and reach various park entrances. :motorcycle:
Look for Bioluminescence
Experience the magic of bioluminescent plankton during night kayaking tours. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning natural landscapes of Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay, highlighting the rewarding hikes and unique experiences like cave dinners and bioluminescent plankton sightings. While the park's beauty is undeniable, some find the main town less appealing and note that certain areas can be challenging due to terrain or ongoing development.
"The tour guide is very nice and skillful. His name is Anh and he can edit the video and make a very
good video tearing the tracking break time, even though it was not included in the, and he support whole journey. He will provide a lot of things if you do not have for example like some Band-Aid and also give enough time and let you to enjoy the whole journey.
the national Park is amazing you can see different landscape. the jungle the rock road, some very narrow street, muddy road and the pond different kind of animal insect. For example, a lot of spider and even snake.
The food also amazing and valuable, and you can refill all your energy in that village After that, you will do the cycling very beautiful scenery along the road. then we'll take a boat.
The boat will go through a very long way and you enjoy the scenery along the way you won't feel the time you won't feel the distance because it's too beautiful
And we also did the kayaking, which was great and then swimming also amazing.
Encourage you to join this trip."
shao weixing
"We were at this national park the other day. It was a rainy day, hence walking and climbing was not easy as some areas were slippery. Nice view and a nice and peaceful place. The museum was also nice and informative."
John Chrysostom
"Of you want to enter the Walking area, tot need to buy a ticket (120.000), it is also the entrance fee for the caves 1km from the entrance. The park is old, but the nature is beautiful, the "zoo" has some rabbits, Ducks and other easy animals, they don't look happy.
The walk to the top is steep, hot and slippery, but real Vietnam jungle and worth it."
Jan Schober
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Hanoi, you can take a bus or limousine van to Cat Ba Island, which typically includes a ferry or cable car ride. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Renting a scooter is a popular and flexible option for exploring the island. Alternatively, you can hire a private car with a driver or use local taxis.
Yes, boat tours are essential for exploring the surrounding Lan Ha Bay and accessing areas within the national park that are not reachable by land.
Viet Hai Village is typically reached by a boat trip of about 40 minutes, followed by an electric car ride or cycling to the village itself.
Cat Ba Island can be affected by typhoons, and infrastructure may be impacted. It's advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for Cat Ba National Park is approximately 120,000 VND. This fee often includes access to certain caves.
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the walking and trekking areas of the national park.
The park ticket usually covers access to caves within a 1km radius of the entrance, but it's best to confirm on-site for specific cave access.
Information on online ticket purchasing is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park entrance.
The park is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the exact hours upon arrival or with your tour operator.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ngu Lam Peak offers a rewarding hike with stunning views. There are shorter (1.5-2 hours round trip) and longer (5-6 hours one way) routes available. 
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including spiders and snakes. It's also a habitat for the endangered white-headed langur.
Yes, bioluminescent plankton can be seen in the waters around Cat Ba, especially during night kayaking tours.
The hiking trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery, especially after rain. Proper footwear and caution are advised.
Yes, Ngu Lam Peak is a prominent viewpoint offering panoramic vistas. Other gulf viewpoints are also accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main town of Cat Ba offers numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and local Vietnamese cuisine. Some tours may include meals in villages like Viet Hai.
Yes, there are unique dining experiences available, including dinners in caves, offering a magical atmosphere.
Food options are limited within the national park itself. It's advisable to eat before entering or pack snacks and water.
The food in Viet Hai Village is described as amazing and valuable, offering a chance to refuel after activities.
While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants in Cat Ba town offer vegetarian dishes. It's always good to specify your dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Ngu Lam Peak offers incredible 360° views, perfect for landscape photography. Lan Ha Bay's karsts and emerald waters are also highly photogenic.
Drone photography is possible in certain areas, offering unique aerial perspectives of the park and bay.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the park and bay.
Ngu Lam Peak is a must-visit for photographers. The Gulf viewpoint also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife, extra batteries, and a waterproof bag for protection. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider opting for shorter, less strenuous trails within the park or focusing on the scenic boat rides. When visiting, ensure children have appropriate footwear for any walking and plenty of water.
The 'zoo' area within the park, though small, might offer some interest for younger visitors, but reviews suggest the animals may not appear happy. 🎒 Budget Travelers
The park entrance fee is relatively low at 120,000 VND. For exploring Lan Ha Bay, look for group boat tours which are more affordable than private charters. Accommodation options on Cat Ba Island range from hostels to budget guesthouses, offering affordable stays.
💑 Couples
For a unique experience, a dinner in a cave provides an unforgettable and intimate setting. Hiking to Ngu Lam Peak together can be a rewarding shared adventure, culminating in spectacular panoramic vistas.
+1 Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely kayak trip exploring hidden lagoons and enjoying the serenity of the bay. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lan Ha Bay
Visitors can explore the bay through various means, including boat tours, kayaking, and swimming in secluded spots. Many tours offer opportunities to witness the unique beauty of the bay, with some even venturing to see bioluminescent plankton at night. Kayaking is a highly recommended activity for getting up close to the karsts and exploring sea caves.
Some tours also include stops at floating fishing villages, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. When choosing a Lan Ha Bay tour, consider opting for those that focus on nature and avoid mass tourism for a more authentic experience.
Many tours depart from Cat Ba town or are part of multi-day cruises that include stops within the national park. Hiking in Cat Ba National Park
+1 The hike to Ngu Lam Peak can be challenging due to its steep gradient, with well-formed steps and some rocky sections. It's highly recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the intense heat and humidity, and to have a more peaceful experience.
The terrain can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain, so wearing proper hiking shoes is essential for safety. Carrying ample water, at least 2 liters per person, is also vital due to the strenuous nature of the climbs. Beyond Ngu Lam Peak, the park offers different routes, including shorter ones for a quick trek and longer, more immersive trails that can take several hours.
The park is known for its dense jungle and diverse wildlife, including various insects and potentially snakes, adding to the adventurous feel of the trek. Viet Hai Village: A Glimpse into Rural Life
Reaching the village typically involves a scenic boat ride of about 40 minutes from the jetty, followed by a journey via electric car or bicycle. This mode of transport adds to the charm and sense of discovery as you approach the secluded community.The village itself is characterized by its peaceful atmosphere and traditional stilt houses, surrounded by lush greenery and rice paddies.
Visitors can explore the village on foot or by bicycle, taking in the sights and sounds of daily life. The experience provides a stark contrast to the bustling tourist areas and offers a genuine insight into the local culture and agricultural practices.Many tours that explore Lan Ha Bay include a visit to Viet Hai Village, often combining it with activities like cycling and enjoying local meals.
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