Cat Ba National Park – The Intersection Connecting “Two Heritage Regions: Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago”. The uniqueness of Cat Ba National Park lies in the harmonious and skillful combination of various distinctive ecosystems, such as: Evergreen forest ecosystem on limestone islands, Freshwater swamp forest on high mountains (Ao Ech), Coastal mangrove forests, Intertidal ecosystems with nearshore coral reefs, and countless large and small caves with unique characteristics. Located about 45 km southeast of the center of Hai Phong City and nearly 30 km northwest of Quang Ninh Province, Cat Ba National Park appears to visitors as a green gem in the Gulf of Tonkin, where diverse forest types form a rich and unique flora and fauna community on the limestone islands of Cat Ba.
Cat Ba National Park was established on March 31, 1986, under Decision No. 79/CT of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Prime Minister). It is the first national park in Vietnam’s system of special-use forests to include both terrestrial and marine components. Notably, it is the only place in the world that still preserves the endemic primate species of Vietnam and the world – the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus). Because of these unparalleled and unique values, under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, UNESCO officially recognized Cat Ba National Park and the Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Biosphere Reserve on December 2, 2004 – the third biosphere reserve of Vietnam at that time. In May 2020, Lan Ha Bay was certified as an official member of the “World’s Most Beautiful Bays” by the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club.
At the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was officially recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site, for its wild, rugged, and stunning natural beauty that gently embraces visitors with its serene landscapes.
Cat Ba National Park is a core part of the World Natural Heritage Site Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago and a World Biosphere Reserve, formed by 366 “green pearl islands on the sea”. It is internationally famous for its unique forest–marine ecotourism experiences. Few foreign visitors come here without spending time exploring the National Park, to enjoy its unique and breathtaking nature: freshwater forests on limestone peaks, pure Kim Giao forests, mangroves, caves, and rare, endemic wildlife species such as the Cat Ba Langur, Cat Ba Bent-toed Gecko, and rich marine ecosystems. This is an ideal place for ecotourism, trekking, cave exploration, and engaging in environmental activities like tree planting, nature education, and plastic waste sorting and collection.
Specific program:
06:00-08:00: The group moves from the starting point from Hai Phong City Center to the sightseeing, learning and experiencing point with the theme “Protecting nature”.
08:00-11:30: At Cat Ba National Park:
– Tour guide introduces and communicates about the value of the Biodiversity Conservation Area associated with education on protecting the ecological environment, the Cat Ba archipelago biosphere reserve; World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago
– Experience the activities “A day as a Forest Ranger”, Tree nursery, tree planting… through environmental protection activities to learn about the values of natural resources including:
+) Learn about the characteristics, properties, and how to identify some rare and endangered forest trees and animals
+) Learn about some forest animals that affect human health and how to prevent them…
+) First aid skills, snake bite prevention, survival skills and life skills for students…
+) Communication to introduce and experience “A day as a Forest Ranger” (learn about the skills of using GPS; Forest maps; breaking some traps in the forest to rescue wild animals and how to prevent them when encountered…
11:30-13:00: Lunch break, lunch at Cat Ba National Park cafeteria Mrs.
13:30-15:30:
– Visit and experience Trung Trang cave, explore and learn about the geological and geomorphological values of the cave ecosystem, this is the place where the ancient Vietnamese people lived in the caves of Cat Ba archipelago, as well as Trung Trang cave, which is a place to protect the safety of revolutionary soldiers through the fierce wars of the Vietnam People’s Army
– Participate in the experience of planting trees and planting souvenir trees called “For a green Vietnam”.
