Besides, this place is also an ideal picnic spot every weekend that families cannot miss. Let’s explore this beautiful National Park with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Cat Ba National Park?
Cat Ba National Park is located on the road across Cat Ba island, in Tran Chau commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong, Vietnam. More than 40 km from Hai Phong city center and about 150 km southeast of Hanoi capital.
2. How is Cat Ba National Park unique?
Cat Ba National Park has a total natural area of up to 17,360 hectares, including: 11,000 hectares of forest and 6,500 hectares of sea surface. Thanks to favorable climate and environmental conditions. Cat Ba national forest has become an ideal location for the development and storage of many different ecosystems.
The ecosystem in Cat Ba National Forest currently includes: more than 282 species of plants and nearly 800 species of animals living in the forest and under the sea. This place is one of the largest special-use forests in Vietnam, possessing a diverse ecosystem including sea, mangrove forests, terrestrial forests and rare flora and fauna species. In addition, in Cat Ba Garden there are many rare archaeological relics of high historical value.
Not only possessing an extremely diverse ecosystem, the national park in Cat Ba also attracts a large number of tourists. Because of its long-standing historical values that are still preserved to this day. There are still many archaeological relics that prove that humans were here thousands of years ago. In 2004, Cat Ba National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.
3. When is the best time to visit Cat Ba National Park?
From April to November every year is considered the ideal time to travel to Cat Ba National Park. At this time, the air is extremely cool, it is sunny, and is favorable for sightseeing and sightseeing activities.
4. How to get to Cat Ba National Park?
4.1 From Hanoi to Cat Ba town
Cat Ba Garden is about 15 km from Cat Ba town center, more than 40 km from Hai Phong, you can get here by many different routes and types of means. However, before visiting the National Park, you must first go to Cat Ba town.
4.1.1 By Car
The Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba bus route is operated by Cat Ba Express Transport Company. The car picks up passengers from Hanoi, moving along the Hanoi – Hai Phong highway to Ben Giot (Cat Hai district). Next, you will take a speedboat to reach Ben Cai Vieng. From here, you only need to drive about 30 minutes to reach Cat Ba town. The entire journey only takes about 3.5 – 4 hours. The ticket prices range from 240,000 – 290,000 VND/person/way, depending on low or peak season.
4.1.2 By train
Train is the means of choice for many tourists to get to Cat Ba National Park. Train tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong cost about 60,000 VND/ticket, travel time is more than 2 hours. Arriving in Hai Phong city, you continue to take the high-speed train to Cat Ba town, ticket price is 220,000 VND/person.
4.1.3 By plane
Tourists in places with long geographical distances can choose a plane as a means of transportation to Cat Bi – Hai Phong airport. Then, you buy a ticket to take a speedboat to Cat Ba town.
4.2 Transportation to Cat Ba National Park
From Cat Ba town, you can go to Cat Ba National Park by one of the following means:
4.2.1 By bicycle
In the town center, there are many places to rent mountain bikes at extremely cheap prices, from 150,000 VND/day. Cycling, you will freely admire the scenery on both sides of the pass.
4.2.2 By motorbike
Renting a motorbike to Cat Ba Garden only costs about 200,000 VND/day, you can refer to this means. However, before going, you should look at the map carefully to avoid getting lost on the road.
4.2.3 By Car
Cars are the ideal means of transport for large groups. Car rental service in Cat Ba town is quite limited, so you need to contact to book a car in advance.
5. Activities and experiences in Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park is known for its pristine, natural and extremely poetic beauty. You can freely experience interesting activities such as sightseeing, trekking or taking check-in photos.
5.1 Overwhelmed by the diverse flora and fauna ecosystem
Cat Ba Garden possesses an extremely diverse ecosystem, home to thousands of plant and animal species. There are about 58 species of mammals, 55 species of reptiles, 274 species of insects and more than 200 species of birds. In particular, Cat Ba Garden is also a place to preserve rare animals. Such as golden-haired monkeys, black squirrels, chamois, white-headed squirrels,…
Cat Ba National Park has been recognized by UNESCO as a “World Biosphere Reserve”, promising to be an attractive destination for those who love the natural world.
5.2 Exploring the diverse and rich marine ecosystem
Not only does it possess countless rare terrestrial animal and plant species, nature also favors Cat Ba Garden with a rich marine ecosystem. The marine ecosystem of Cat Ba Park is concentrated mainly on the coast, bays and limestone foothills. They include nearly 1,500 species of fish, seaweed, coral and zooplankton.
Besides exploring the marine ecosystem, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in interesting games. Such as diving to see coral, kayaking to visit the island, swimming…
5.3 Admiring the unique forest ecosystem of Cat Ba Garden
The Cat Ba forest ecosystem is extremely diverse, divided into 3 types: mangrove forest, primary forest and coniferous forest (unique on Cat Ba island). From the moment you arrive here, you will be amazed by the rows of towering ancient trees, large trunks, and super wide foliage. In the middle of a majestic forest with lush foliage is the habitat and growth of thousands of plant species.
5.4 Checking-in with the magical cave system at Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba Garden is the gathering place of countless mysterious caves, the most famous of which is Trung Trang cave. This is the largest and oldest cave in the cave system here. Going through the mountain more than 300 meters long with beautiful limestone stalactites. In addition to checking in at Trung Trang cave, visitors can visit other destinations such as Da Hoa cave, Quan Y cave,…
5.5 Visiting a series of famous historical sites
Cai Beo relic or Cai Beo Fishing Village is an attractive destination in the tour to explore Cat Ba Garden. The ancient fishing village is nestled between the four waters of Lan Ha Bay, bringing a strangely peaceful and poetic beauty. Coming here, you will be immersed in the daily life of local people, learning about fishing and seafood catching.
5.6 Being ecstatic about the beauty of Cat Ba flower valley
Cat Ba Flower Valley is located on an area of 2 hectares, is a “virtual living” paradise with millions of flowers blooming. Visiting Cat Ba National Park, you must definitely stop by the valley to check-in with species of yellow mustard, white mustard, buckwheat, phalaenopsis orchids,…
The flower beds are carefully planned, creating harmony and beauty. In addition, this place also has unique architectural works for you to admire and take pictures of.
6. Specialties when traveling to Cat Ba National Park
After a day of traveling and having fun at Cat Ba Garden, don’t forget to enjoy the local dishes here:
6.1 Crab noodles
Crab noodle is a specialty dish, contributing to making a name for Hai Phong cuisine. Hai Phong rice paper is large and brown in color. When you eat it, you will feel the characteristic chewy and fleshy texture. The soul of the dish is the rich, fragrant broth, once eaten you will remember it forever.
6.2 Seafood
Seafood in Cat Ba is always in the top 1 when considering freshness and affordable prices. Going to Cat Ba National Park, it would be a mistake if you did not stop to enjoy delicious dishes made from seafood. Such as: crispy fried crab, snails stuffed with meat, crab steamed with beer, grilled squid with five spices,…
6.3 Banh Beo
Different from Banh Beo in the Central region of Vietnam. Banh Beo in Cat Ba has a filling made from jicama, wood ear mushrooms and minced fried onions. You can enjoy the cake with bone broth, both rich and fragrant.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Cat Ba National Park
When traveling to Cat Ba National Park, you can refer to some hotels below:
- Flamingo Premium Lan Ha Bay Resort. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- Cat Ba Paradise Hotel – Sky bar & Massage. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- Cat Ba Wonder Hotel. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- Cat Ba Rosalia Hotel. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- Roza Palace Hotel. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
- An Duong Cat Ba – Hotel Elite. Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong.
8. Some necessary notes when traveling to Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park is a world biosphere reserve. So when you come here to visit and explore, you need to note the following:
- Do not litter indiscriminately, keep the surrounding landscape clean.
- Do not cut down trees, pick flowers, pluck leaves, or break branches.
- Friendly visit, does not affect the living environment of animals and plants here.
- Preparing adequate snacks and drinks to make the discovery journey as convenient as possible.
- In particular, prepare necessary medicines such as: runny nose, headache, fever reducer, anti-mosquito cream, etc.
With natural scenery and countless fascinating experiences, Cat Ba National Park promises to bring you unforgettable memories. Don’t wait any longer, pack your suitcase and visit the “green lungs” of Hai Phong Port city right away.
Please contact Origin Vietnam immediately – a professional tour operator, we will share useful information about the destination and accompany you on your tour in Cat Ba Island to discover Cat Ba National Park with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences.
