Cat Ba National Park – How to Explore wild & Nature in 2023

Cat Ba Wildlife guide – update 2023

Cat Ba National Park is a protected area in northern Vietnam, located on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay. The park covers a total area of over 26,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.

The park features a range of landscapes, including limestone mountains, valleys, forests, and wetlands. The park’s highest peak is Cao Vong, which stands at 322 meters above sea level. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Trung Trang, which is one of the largest on the island.

One of the most significant features of Cat Ba National Park is its biodiversity. The park is home to over 1,500 plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species. The Cat Ba langur, a species of leaf-eating monkey found only on Cat Ba Island, is one of the most notable inhabitants of the park.

In addition to its terrestrial ecosystem, Cat Ba National Park also includes a marine reserve that covers an area of over 9,800 hectares. The marine reserve is home to a variety of marine species, including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and coral reefs.

Visit to Cat Ba National Park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, rock climbing, bird watching, and kayaking. The park has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island’s natural scenery. There are also several beaches and bays in the park where you can relax and enjoy the pristine natural environment

Find out about: Vietnam Birding Tours & National Park Tour

Fact: One interesting fact about Cat Ba National Park is that it is home to a highly endangered primate species known as the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus). With a population of fewer than 60 individuals in the wild, the Cat Ba Langur is considered one of the rarest primate species in the world. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species and its habitat within the national park.

Cat Ba National Park is a must-visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Here are 9 highlights to look forward to:

Here are 9 highlights to look forward to in Cat Ba National Park for wildlife and nature enthusiasts:

1. Cat Ba Langur: As I mentioned earlier, the Cat Ba National Park is home to the highly endangered primate species known as the Cat Ba Langur. The langur is unique to this region, making it a must-see for you interested in wildlife.
2. Hiking: The park has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular trails is the one leading to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak, which is the highest peak on the island.
3. Cave Exploration: Cat Ba National Park is home to several limestone caves, some of which have underground rivers and waterfalls. You can explore these caves with a guide.
4. Beaches: The park is also home to several beaches, including Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, which are popular with tourists. These beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
5. Wildlife: Besides the Cat Ba Langur, the park is home to other wildlife species such as civets, deer, squirrels, and snakes. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy the park, which has over 70 bird species.
6. Mangrove Forests: Cat Ba National Park has several mangrove forests, which serve as breeding grounds for marine life such as crabs, shrimps, and fish.
7. Kayaking: You can rent kayaks to explore the park’s coastline and mangrove forests. This is a great way to get up close to nature.
8. Monkey Island: Just a short boat ride from Cat Ba Island, Monkey Island is home to over 2,000 monkeys. You can feed and interact with the monkeys under the supervision of a guide.
9. Biodiversity Conservation: The park’s management is dedicated to the conservation of the area’s biodiversity. You can learn about the park’s conservation efforts at the visitor center

Visit Cat Ba for wildlife.

If you are interested in wildlife, Cat Ba Island and its national park are definitely worth a visit. Here are some suggestions for experiencing the wildlife in the area:

1. Take a guided hike: The park has several hiking trails that offer the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. A guide can help you spot animals and teach you about their behaviors and habitats.
2. Look for the Cat Ba Langur: The Cat Ba Langur is a highly endangered primate species that is found only on Cat Ba Island. A guided tour can take you to the areas where they are known to live and help you spot them.
3. Go on a boat tour: A boat tour can take you to areas around the island where you may be able to spot marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
4. Visit Monkey Island: As mentioned earlier, Monkey Island is a popular destination for visitors. While there, you can see and interact with hundreds of playful monkeys.
5. Birdwatching: Cat Ba National Park is home to over 70 species of birds. Birdwatching tours can take you to the best spots for seeing these feathered creatures.
6. Explore the mangrove forests: The mangrove forests around Cat Ba Island are home to a variety of marine life, including crabs, shrimps, and fish. Guided tours can take you through these forests and teach you about their importance to the local ecosystem.
7. Take a night hike: Many animals are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. A guided night hike can give you the opportunity to see some of these creatures in action

Tips

Visit Cat Ba

If you are not specifically interested in wildlife, there are still plenty of things to do and see on Cat Ba Island. Here are some suggestions:

1. Relax on the beach: Cat Ba Island has several beautiful beaches, including Cat Co 1, 2, and 3. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
2. Explore the town: Cat Ba Town is a bustling little town with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. Take a stroll through the streets to soak up the local culture.
3. Visit the Cannon Fort: The Cannon Fort is a historic fort that was built by the French during their occupation of Vietnam. The fort offers stunning panoramic views of the island and its surroundings.
4. Go on a boat tour: A boat tour can take you to some of the nearby islands and islets, including Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay. These tours offer the chance to see some beautiful scenery and experience the local culture.
5. Go kayaking: Kayaking is a popular activity on Cat Ba Island, and there are several places where you can rent a kayak. Paddle through the mangrove forests or explore the coastline for a unique perspective on the island.
6. Visit the Hospital Cave: The Hospital Cave is a historic cave that was used as a hospital during the Vietnam War. The cave is now a museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history.
7. Go rock climbing: Cat Ba Island is a popular destination for rock climbers, with several cliffs and crags to choose from. Even if you’re not an experienced climber, there are plenty of options for beginners

There is no ATM here so its better that take cash with you

Go with local guide

We don’t tell you this to sell more tours, but simply because it’s the best way to see more wildlife.

And not to get lost…

The local guides know the park from the inside out and know where the animals often forage. More importantly, the guides have well-trained eyes that will help you to discover everything from the smallest to the largest wonders of Cat Ba national park. You will be surprised what you would have walked past without noticing had you been visiting on your own!

Visit on weekdays

Cat Ba national park is Vietnam’s most popular national park. 80% of the visitors in Cat Ba are Vietnamese. It is great to see that locals are enjoying their own nature parks, which will only make them more aware of what still survives there. And hopefully helps in the protection of these wonderful places. But you might be looking for a place to get away from your busy daily life.

Try to avoid weekends and national holidays. If your planning only allows a visit on the weekend, it is definitely still worth visiting. But you will have to share the roads and the main attractions like the trails with many locals.

Like in other parks around the world with high visitor numbers, wildlife has learned that people are not to be feared. That’s why the popular parks often offer better wildlife observation opportunities than nature reserves with very low visitor numbers and therefore often bigger problems with poaching. The good news is that generally speaking, Vietnamese do not really like walking. Even less when it is in a jungle. So, even on busy weekends, you might still have the forest to yourself.

Do NOT feed the animals

Most people understand you should not feed the wildlife. In Cat Ba, the wildlife is quite shy but if you find some young macaque or mammals “DON’T FEED THEM”

Feeding wild animals can significantly change their behavior. Feeding or leaving unattended food to large animals, such as bears, can lead them to aggressively seek out food from people, sometimes resulting in injury. Feeding can also alter animal behavior so that animals routinely travel in larger groups, which can make disease transmission between animals more likely.

Bring a compass

This really only applies if you are visiting without a guide. Even though there has been some improvement on the more popular trails, still some trails in there are not well-marked. And besides that, there are no good trail maps available. Often (wildlife) trails branch off the original tourist trails and might cause confusion.

All people we have met who thought they had a good sense of direction, get totally disoriented in these jungles. It is easy when following e.g., a river. But once you get into the continuous forest it is really hard. Even the most basic map can help you if you bring a compass. Study the map before you start the trek.

If you do get lost, and know there is a road to the east that cuts through the entire park, a compass will help you find it. Without it, you are completely lost and will rely mostly on luck!

A compass and some basic study of the area/map would have solved this situation. Phone signal has improved a bit in recent years. But still, once you are deeper in the jungle, you won’t be able to call for help. With an analog compass, you do not rely on battery life.

The souvenir shop in the park at the visitor center might have cheap compasses in stock. But to be sure, better bring one from home or buy it before you enter the park, and test if it indeed points in the right direction…

What is there to see?

Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of things to see and experience. Here are some of the top attractions and activities:

1. Cat Ba National Park: The national park is one of the main attractions on the island, offering a chance to explore lush forests, caves, and wildlife such as the endangered Cat Ba Langur.
2. Beaches: Cat Ba Island is home to several beautiful beaches, including Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, which offer clear blue waters, soft sand, and great spots for swimming and sunbathing.
3. Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is a stunning area of limestone islands and crystal clear waters, and is often compared to nearby Ha Long Bay. You can take boat tours to explore the bay, kayak, swim or snorkel.
4. Cannon Fort: The Cannon Fort is a historic fort that was built by the French during their occupation of Vietnam. It offers panoramic views of the island and its surroundings.
5. Caves: Cat Ba Island has several limestone caves, some of which are accessible for visitors. One of the most popular is the Hospital Cave, which was used as a field hospital during the Vietnam War.
6. Monkey Island: Just a short boat ride from Cat Ba Island, Monkey Island is home to over 2,000 monkeys. You can feed and interact with the monkeys under the supervision of a guide.
7. Rock climbing: Cat Ba Island is a popular destination for rock climbers, with several cliffs and crags to choose from. There are options for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
8. Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the coastline and mangrove forests around Cat Ba Island. Rentals are available from several operators.
9. Local culture: Cat Ba Town and the surrounding villages offer a chance to experience the local culture, including traditional food, markets, and festivals

Other activities

In addition to the activities I already mentioned, there are several other things to do on Cat Ba Island. Here are some more suggestions:

1. Biking: Rent a bicycle and explore the island at your own pace. There are several routes to choose from, including scenic coastal roads and mountain trails.
2. Fishing: Take a fishing trip with a local fisherman and experience traditional fishing methods. You can also try your hand at squid fishing at night.
3. Cooking classes: Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes at a cooking class. You’ll visit the local market to buy ingredients and then learn how to prepare and cook them.
4. Scuba diving: Cat Ba Island offers several scuba diving sites for experienced divers. You can explore underwater caves, see colorful coral reefs, and spot a variety of marine life.
5. Spa treatments: After a day of exploring, relax with a spa treatment. There are several spas on Cat Ba Island that offer massages, facials, and other treatments.
6. Yoga and meditation: Several yoga and meditation centers offer classes and retreats on Cat Ba Island. You can practice yoga in a peaceful setting, surrounded by nature.
7. Nightlife: Cat Ba Town has several bars and clubs where you can enjoy live music and drinks with other travelers.
8. Shopping: There are several markets and shops on Cat Ba Island where you can buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing.
9. Beach activities: Besides swimming and sunbathing, the beaches on Cat Ba Island offer other activities such as beach volleyball, beach football, and frisbee

How to get to Cat Ba?

Cat Ba Island is located in northern Vietnam, near the city of Hai Phong. Here are some ways to get to Cat Ba Island:

1. By ferry: The most common way to get to Cat Ba Island is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Hai Phong city or from Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the departure point. You can also take a speedboat from Haiphong.
2. By bus and ferry: Another option is to take a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong city, and then transfer to the ferry to Cat Ba Island. The bus ride takes around 2-3 hours, and the ferry ride takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
3. Private transfer: If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can arrange a private transfer from Hanoi or Hai Phong city to Cat Ba Island. This can be more expensive, but you’ll have the flexibility to set your own schedule.
4. Motorbike: If you’re an experienced rider, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and ride to Hai Phong city. From there, you can take the ferry to Cat Ba Island. Note that this is not recommended for inexperienced riders or those unfamiliar with Vietnamese traffic.

Once you arrive on Cat Ba Island, you can explore the island by renting a motorbike or bicycle, taking a taxi, or joining a tour

Weather & Climate in Cat Ba

Cat Ba National Park is located in a tropical climate zone, with a distinct wet and dry season. The weather can be divided into two main seasons:

1. Dry season (from November to April): During the dry season, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with low humidity and cooler temperatures. The average temperature is around 20-25°C (68-77°F), but it can get colder in the evenings and early mornings. This is a great time to visit Cat Ba National Park for hiking and outdoor activities.
2. Wet season (from May to October): During the wet season, the weather is hot and humid, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. The average temperature is around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and humidity levels can reach up to 90%. The wet season can make hiking and outdoor activities more challenging, but it’s a great time to visit the nearby Lan Ha Bay for kayaking and other water activities.

Overall, the best time to visit Cat Ba National Park depends on your preferences and activities. If you prefer cooler and drier weather, November to April is the best time to go. If you don’t mind the rain and want to take advantage of water activities, May to October can be a great time to visit

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