Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park covers 15,200 hectares of the island’s interior — a dense mix of tropical limestone karst forest, freshwater lakes, caves, and coastal mangroves that makes up roughly half of Cat Ba Island’s total area. The park is the habitat of the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), one of the world’s rarest primates: a golden-headed monkey found only on Cat Ba Island, with fewer than 70 individuals remaining in the wild. The park was established in 1986 and is part of the Cat Ba–Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Trekking

The park’s main trekking route runs from the Trung Trang Cave entrance (12 km from Cat Ba Town) to the Viet Hai fishing village on the north shore — a 4–5 hour trail through dense jungle that crosses the island’s limestone ridge and descends to the coast. The trail involves some steep limestone scrambling and is best done with a guide; the park entrance station at Trung Trang arranges guides (around 300,000–500,000 VND). The return from Viet Hai village is typically by boat back to Cat Ba Town (arranged in advance through the boat tour operators in town).

Hospital Cave

Hospital Cave (Hang Quan Y) is a three-level natural cave system inside the national park, used as a secret military hospital and command centre during the American War — it treated over 17,000 patients between 1963 and 1975. The cave has a conference room, operating theatre, and living quarters preserved from the wartime period; the stalactite formations in the upper levels were incorporated into the hospital’s camouflage. It’s 5 km from Cat Ba Town and accessible by motorbike or taxi; tours with a guide take about 45 minutes.

Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort (Phao Dai Than Cong) sits at 177 metres above sea level on a hill above Cat Ba Town, accessible by a 300-step staircase or by motorbike on the access road. The French-era fort was used by both French colonial and later Vietnamese forces; the two large cannons are still in position. The panoramic view from the fort over Cat Ba Town, Cat Co beaches, and the Lan Ha Bay karst archipelago is the best elevated viewpoint on the island — excellent for photography in the early morning light or at sunset.

Wildlife

• Cat Ba langur: The golden-headed langur is found only in the park’s southern karst cliffs; guided langur-watching boat trips depart from Cat Ba Town (arranged through the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project)
• Birds: Over 70 bird species including kingfishers, hornbills, and sea eagles; the coastal mangrove sections are good for wading birds
• Reptiles: Monitor lizards are commonly seen on the trekking trails; the forest also has pythons and several rare gecko species

Getting There & Practical Tips

• Park entrance: The main entrance is at Trung Trang, 12 km from Cat Ba Town; motorbike taxis from the town take 15 minutes and cost around 50,000 VND each way
• Entry fee: 85,000 VND (adult); guides are available at the entrance for the main trekking route
• Best time: October–April (dry season) for trekking; the wet season (May–September) makes the trail slippery but the jungle is at its most vivid
• Combine with Viet Hai: The Trung Trang–Viet Hai trek plus return boat to Cat Ba Town is the most complete park experience; arrange the return boat before you start the trek

Hotel recommendations coming soon.