When thinking of Cat Ba, tourists are often captivated by the deep blue of the ocean and the magnificent limestone bays. However, hidden deep within the core of Cat Ba National Park is a vibrant and lively “Green Season” of the vast forest—a pristine beauty recently and perfectly portrayed by the program “Exploring Vietnam” (VTV1). Let’s embark with us on a journey to explore the most mysterious and poetic green coordinates of Cat Ba National Park.
1. The Century-Old Kim Giao Forest: A Serene Note of History and Ecology
The first stop on the “Green Season” journey is the Kim Giao Forest—one of the few special pure-stand forests covering an area of nearly 10 hectares. Growing interspersed on towering limestone cliffs, the Kim Giao population here carries the serene and tranquil beauty of time.
Kim Giao wood not only holds high ecological value but is also deeply tied to the length of history and culture. Legend has it that this precious wood was once used by ancient kings and lords to make chopsticks to test for poison in their food. Today, the Kim Giao forest acts as a “green lung” purifying the air, offering visitors gentle trekking steps under the shady canopy, where they can enjoy absolute freshness.
2. The Breezy Pine Hill: A Highland Feeling in the Heart of the Pearl Island
Leaving the tranquility of the Kim Giao forest, visitors will arrive at a green patch with a completely different nuance: the Pine Hill. Situated at an impressive altitude above sea level, this area boasts a cool and dry microclimate.
Free from the sound of waves crashing on the shore or the noise of boat engines, this place only features the rustling of the wind gliding through the towering pine canopies. The scenery and atmosphere at the Cat Ba pine hill give visitors an awe-inspiring feeling, as if they are wandering in a miniature poetic highland. This is an ideal space to stop and rest, recharging with “healing” energy from nature.
3. Thai Lai Meadow: The Green Heart Amidst the Limestone Valley
The journey back to the “Green Season” becomes complete when you cast your eyes to admire Thai Lai Meadow from above. This giant heart-shaped meadow is a masterpiece sculpted by Mother Nature amidst the embrace of majestic limestone mountain ranges.
Thai Lai Meadow bears the unique characteristics of a seasonal flooded valley ecosystem. During the rainy season, it is a serene lake; however, when the dry season arrives, the water recedes, giving way to a lush, tender green grass carpet. Especially during this season, thousands of vibrant butterflies gather here, transforming the Thai Lai valley into a real-life fairytale painting that captivates anyone who has the chance to visit.
Joining Hands to Protect Cat Ba’s “Green Season”
The diversity from the Kim Giao Forest and the Pine Hill to the Thai Lai Meadow is a testament to a distinct and invaluable stratified ecosystem within Cat Ba National Park. Each forest layer and vegetation carpet is silently telling its own story about wildlife.
We always welcome visitors to explore, experience ecological trekking routes, and immerse themselves in nature. At the same time, Cat Ba National Park hopes every visitor will act as a green ambassador—joining hands to protect the environment, refrain from littering, and respect the living spaces of flora and fauna, so that Cat Ba’s “Green Season” endures the test of time.
👉 Plan your trekking trip to explore Cat Ba National Park today!
