Welcome to Cat Ba National Park – the heart of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve and a Special National Scenic Site. Your visit to Cat Ba National Park contributes to the collective effort to protect the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage.
Location and Geographical Features
The Cat Ba Archipelago comprises 366 large and small islands and serves as a quintessential model of karst landscapes invaded by the sea. It is a natural chronicle marking the dramatic events and transitions of the sea, karst formations, and ancient Vietnamese inhabitants. The archipelago is located 150 km southeast of Hanoi and borders Ha Long Bay to the north.
The Cat Ba Archipelago and the islands within Ha Long Bay were formed during the Paleozoic Era, specifically from the end of the Caledonian orogeny to the beginning of the Hercynian orogeny, approximately 380–250 million years ago, and are associated with the Flandrian transgression following the melting of the glaciers. (According to geological documents and maps at a 1:500,000 scale of Northern Vietnam, the Cat Ba region—like the rest of Northeastern Vietnam—has a long geological development history. It was once part of the Caledonian folded structure, which marked the end of the deep marine geosyncline regime Karstzia at the end of the Silurian period — Source: Sustainable Forest Management Plan.)
Cat Ba Island and Historical Legend
Cat Ba is the largest island, stretching northwest–southeast for about 25 km in length and roughly 10 km in width, covering an area of over 140 km². According to legend, the island was once called “Các Bà” (Ladies’ Island) because it was frequently guarded and managed by women. These women served as the rear force, providing supplies to the men who were fighting invaders on smaller outer islands and working as offshore fishermen.
Today, the island still retains many temples and shrines dedicated to these women, such as Hien Hao Temple, Ang Van Temple, Tran Chau Temple, and many other shrines scattered across the island. There are also temples dedicated to the men on Cat Ong Island, located outside Cat Ba town’s fishing port, facing the sea.
Cat Ba is home to a long-standing coastal civilization, characteristic of marine communities. Archaeological discoveries and research at sites like Cai Beo and Bai Ben (Hien Hao) on Cat Ba Island reveal that humans have inhabited this island for about 7,000 years, belonging to the Ha Long culture.
Topography and Unique Natural Features
The Cat Ba Archipelago features a hilly limestone terrain with elevations typically ranging from 50 to 200 meters above sea level. Cao Vong Peak is the highest point on both Cat Ba and Ha Long, reaching an elevation of 322 meters. Cat Ba is considered one of the world’s most exemplary karst landscapes invaded by the sea.
The islands commonly rise 100–150 meters above sea level, with the highest point at Cao Vong Peak (322 m) — Source: Sustainable Forest Management Plan. The positive terrain is mainly composed of limestone mountain ranges. Regarding negative terrain, Cat Ba Archipelago features numerous karst sinkholes, karst valleys, and karst caves.
Many karst sinkholes and valleys are partially submerged by seawater. Those valleys that have an opening to the sea are locally called “tùng” or “vụng”, such as Tùng Gấu, Vụng Ông Cậm, and Vụng Áng Le. (Tùng Gấu is a sea-invaded valley extending about 5 km into the island. Visitors coming here will witness a unique geological marvel: cruising along Tùng Gấu feels like gliding on a vast, emerald-green river, flanked by islets, towering limestone mountains with bizarre shapes, deeply indented sea notches, and sea caves resembling frog jaws, etc.).
Distinctive and Diverse Ecosystems
Brackish or saltwater lakes formed from flooded karst sinkholes are locally known as “áng.” These unique features often create stunning landscapes and serve as special habitats for various organisms, often giving rise to endemic species.
The karst caves on the limestone islands of Cat Ba also exhibit distinctive characteristics. They are generally classified into three types, based on morphology, age, and formation conditions: Ancient submerged caves; Basal caves; Frog-mouth caves.
The waters around Cat Ba have an average depth of 15 meters, with the deepest point reaching 29 meters in the Cua Van area.
Establishment and Function of the National Park
To conserve biodiversity, natural resources, rare and precious flora and fauna species, as well as the cultural and historical values of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Therefore, with the strategic and consistent vision of the Party and the State in preserving and safeguarding natural landscapes and biodiversity for current and future generations—
On the basis of scientific rationale, on March 31, 1986, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Prime Minister) issued Decision No. 79-CT to establish Cat Ba National Park. This is Vietnam’s first national park to include both forest and marine ecosystems. It is also the only conservation area in Vietnam and the world that is home to the Cat Ba Langur.
Area and Functional Zoning
The National Park covers an area of 17,362.96 hectares and lies within the administrative boundaries of two provinces (Hai Phong and Quang Ninh), including 10,482.4 hectares of islands and 6,880.56 hectares of sea. It encompasses a wide range of resources and diverse ecosystem types, such as:
- Evergreen tropical moist forest ecosystem on limestone mountains
- Marine ecosystem
- Coastal mangrove forest ecosystem
- Freshwater swamp forest ecosystem in limestone valleys (such as Ao Ech)
- Intertidal ecosystems (sand, rock, mud)
- Coral reef ecosystem
- Cave ecosystem (more than 150 caves discovered)
- Tung-áng and saltwater lake ecosystems (unique to Cat Ba and Ha Long)
The park is divided into the following functional zones: Strictly protected zone; Ecological restoration zone; Administrative zone
UNESCO Recognition and International Titles
With its outstanding values in biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes, the Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. In January 2020, Lan Ha Bay, located within the marine area of the Park, was recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
In September 2023, Cat Ba Archipelago, together with Ha Long Bay, was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. This marked the first trans-provincial World Natural Heritage Site in Vietnam.
Ecotourism Activities in the Park
To meet the needs of domestic and international visitors for sightseeing, learning, exploring nature, entertainment, and relaxation, the Park has developed and continues to expand a variety of routes, destinations, and tourism types for visitors to choose from, such as:
Representative Forest Ecotourism Routes:
- Kim Giao Forest – Ngu Lam Peak Route (approx. 2 hours)
- Trung Trang Cave
- Environmental Education Route (1–2 hours)
- Ao Ech – Viet Hai Route (approx. 6 hours)
- Mangrove Forest – Thien Long Cave Route (approx. 4 hours)
Types of Marine Tourism:
- Sightseeing at scenic spots such as Lan Ha Bay, Nam Cat, Van Boi, Viet Hai, Van Ta, and Tra Bau
- Marine tours lasting from 2 to 6 hours
Based on the tour program, group schedule, weather conditions, terrain, and available transportation, today we invite our group to explore the following routes… by walking (or by car), with an estimated duration of ……, and we will visit …….
