Cat Ba National Park: Wigo Tourist’s 2025 Adventure Guide
Ready to escape into one of Vietnam’s most dramatic and vital natural landscapes? Welcome to Cat Ba National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve where dense jungle collides with towering limestone mountains.
As your local travel experts at Wigo Tourist, we know Cat Ba National Park is the beating heart of Hai Phong’s adventure scene. It’s a vast wilderness of rich biodiversity, scenic hiking trails, and mysterious caves. But its sheer size and rugged terrain can be daunting for first-time visitors.
That’s where we come in. This is your complete 2025 Wigo Tourist guide to making the most of your visit. We’ll show you the must-see sights, the best trekking routes, and provide insider tips to make your journey safe and unforgettable. Let’s explore Cat Ba National Park together!
What is Cat Ba National Park? A Glance at the “UNESCO Gem”
Cat Ba National Park is a vast protected area on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago. It’s located just south of the world-famous Ha Long Bay and is a critical part of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
Established in 1986, the park covers over 17,300 hectares, including 11,000 hectares of lush forest and thousands of hectares of marine area.
Its global importance comes from its incredibly diverse ecosystems, which range from tropical rainforests and mangrove wetlands to coral reefs. Most famously, it is the last remaining sanctuary for the world’s most endangered primate: the critically endangered, golden-headed Cat Ba langur.
What to See & Do: Wigo Tourist’s Top Picks for Cat Ba National Park
Your adventure can be as relaxed or as thrilling as you want. Here are the top experiences Wigo Tourist recommends.
1. Explore the Rich Ecosystems & Wildlife
The park isn’t just one forest; it’s a mosaic of seven distinct ecosystems. This variety supports over 4,000 species of flora and fauna.
The star of the show is the Cat Ba langur. With only a small population left, spotting one is incredibly rare and a true privilege. Your best chance is on a quiet, early-morning guided trek. But you’re very likely to see other wildlife, like macaques, civets, deer, and a stunning variety of tropical birds and butterflies.
Wigo Tourist Tip: To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife respectfully, let us arrange a trek with a certified local guide. They know the park’s trails, animal behaviors, and the quietest spots for observation.
2. Discover the Stunning Cave Systems
The park’s limestone mountains are hollowed out with magnificent caves. Two are must-visits:
Trung Trang Cave: This is a 300-meter-long journey through a natural masterpiece. Formed over tens of millions of years, the cave is filled with thousands of shimmering, fantastical stalactites and stalagmites. A Wigo Tourist guide can share the local legends behind the “crystal vault” and “maiden” formations.
Hospital Cave: This isn’t just a cave; it’s a powerful piece of Vietnamese history. Between 1963 and 1965, during the American War, this cave was secretly converted into a bomb-proof military hospital. Today, you can explore its 17 concrete rooms, including operating theaters and recovery areas, left almost untouched.
3. Find Serenity at Ao Ech (Frog Pond)
Deep within the park’s core lies Ao Ech, a “paradise on earth.” This crystal-clear pond, perched 100 meters above sea level, is a vital water source for the forest. True to its name, it’s home to thousands of frogs. As night falls, their croaks create a unique symphony of the wild. It’s a serene, magical spot, often visited as part of the longer trek to Viet Hai.
4. Visit the Timeless Viet Hai Fishing Village
Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and jungle, Viet Hai is a tiny, ancient village where time seems to stand still. It’s completely isolated, accessible only by a challenging 10km trek or, more popularly, by boat.
Visitors can cycle along pristine forest trails, enjoy a natural “fish foot massage” in a local stream, admire the traditional thatched-roof houses, and savor a delicious, locally-sourced lunch.
Wigo Tourist Must-Do: This is one of our most popular day trips! Wigo Tourist offers a fantastic tour that combines a scenic boat cruise through the stunning Lan Ha Bay with a fun, easy cycling trip into Viet Hai Village. It’s the perfect, hassle-free way to experience this gem.
Trekking in Cat Ba National Park: Wigo’s Top Route Guide
Lace-up your boots! Trekking is the number one activity here. Wigo Tourist has broken down the best routes for you.
The “Must-Do” Hike: Ngu Lam Peak
This is the most popular trail for a reason. It’s a relatively easy 2-kilometer trail that’s perfect for most visitors and can be done in about 2 hours (round trip). The path takes you through the beautiful Kim Giao forest and then up a steep but rewarding climb. The prize? A breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the summit, looking out over the endless green peaks of Cat Ba National Park.
The “Full-Day Adventure”: Park HQ to Viet Hai Village
For the serious trekker, this is the ultimate challenge. It’s a 10-kilometer, 4- to 5-hour journey right through the heart of the park. You’ll pass Ao Ech (Frog Pond) and be completely immersed in the pristine, untouched forest.
Wigo Safety Warning: This is a challenging trail. The jungle is dense, trails can be unclear, and it’s easy to get lost. We strongly advise going with a professional. Wigo Tourist’s guided trekking packages ensure your safety, so you can focus on the adventure. We’ll also arrange the boat back from Viet Hai village!
Shorter Walks & Coastal Trails
For a lighter experience, you can explore the easy trails around the park entrance, such as the walk through Kim Giao Forest or the trail leading from Trung Trang Cave.
How to Get to Cat Ba National Park (Wigo’s Travel Plan)
Getting here is part of the adventure, involving a car and a ferry.
- From Hai Phong City: The easiest way is to drive across the Tan Vu Bridge (the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia!) to the Dong Bai Ferry Terminal.
- The Ferry: From Dong Bai, you’ll board a ferry or speedboat to Cai Vieng Port on Cat Ba Island. The journey is scenic and takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the vessel.
- On Cat Ba Island: From Cai Vieng Port, the main entrance of Cat Ba National Park is about a 25-minute drive toward Cat Ba Town.
The Wigo Tourist Solution: Feeling overwhelmed by the logistics? Let Wigo Tourist handle it. We can arrange seamless private car transfers from Hanoi or Hai Phong, book your ferry tickets in advance, and have a car or motorbike taxi ready for you on the island.
Best Time to Visit Cat Ba National Park
The best times to visit are during Autumn (September – November) and Spring (February – April).
During these months, the weather is dry, the humidity is low, and temperatures are mild and pleasant. The clear skies are perfect for hiking and guarantee the best views from Ngu Lam Peak.
Wigo Tourist’s Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Book a Guide: We can’t stress this enough. For any serious trek, book a guide. The park is a wild place. Wigo Tourist can connect you with licensed, local experts who will keep you safe and enrich your experience.
- Wear Proper Shoes: This is not a place for sandals. You need non-slip hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, especially for the rocky climb to Ngu Lam Peak.
- Stay Hydrated & Pack Snacks: Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially on a hot day. High-energy snacks are also a great idea.
- Bring Repellent & Meds: Insect repellent is a must. It’s also wise to carry a small first-aid kit with basics for headaches or scrapes.
- Leave No Trace: This is a priceless UNESCO reserve. Pack out everything you pack in. Do not litter, pick flowers, or disturb the wildlife.
The Perfect Add-On: VinWonders Vu Yen
While you’re in Hai Phong, Wigo Tourist highly recommends visiting the new superstar attraction: VinWonders Vu Yen!
Opened in July 2025, this is the largest theme park and entertainment complex in Northern Vietnam, located on its own island in Hai Phong. It’s an incredible destination with:
- Wildlife Kingdom: A massive safari and zoo.
- Aloha Island: A sprawling water park.
- Warrior Land & Fairy World: Thrilling amusement park zones with record-breaking roller coasters.
It’s the perfect way to combine the raw nature of Cat Ba National Park with world-class thrills. Wigo Tourist is an official partner and can book your VinWonders Vu Yen tickets, combo packages, and private transfers!
Your Cat Ba Adventure Awaits!
Cat Ba National Park is an adventure for the soul. It’s a chance to challenge yourself on a rugged trail, stand in awe of a 360-degree jungle view, and connect with one of Vietnam’s most precious natural wonders.
Wigo Tourist is here to make that adventure seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
Contact Wigo Tourist today to book your guided trek, Lan Ha Bay cruise to Viet Hai, or a full Hai Phong & Cat Ba adventure package!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where is Cat Ba National Park located? The park is on Cat Ba Island in the Cat Ba Archipelago. It’s administratively part of Hai Phong City, located about 140km from Hanoi.
Q2: What is the entrance fee to the national park? The fee structure can be complex. The general park entrance is approximately 80,000 VND. However, separate fees for specific sites like Trung Trang Cave (around 80,000 VND) and a new archipelago-wide entrance fee (around 120,000 VND for day-trips) may also apply. Wigo Tourist’s tip: Our guided tours include all necessary entrance fees to avoid any confusion or hidden costs.
Q3: What’s special about the wildlife in Cat Ba National Park? The park is the last and only home of the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. You can also see macaques, civets, wild boar, and a rich variety of birds and butterflies.
Q4: What are the top things to do in the park? The top experiences are trekking to Ngu Lam Peak, exploring Trung Trang Cave and Hospital Cave, and visiting Viet Hai Fishing Village (best combined with a Lan Ha Bay cruise).
Q5: Are guided tours available in the park? Yes! Wigo Tourist offers a variety of guided hiking and cycling tours. Our knowledgeable local guides share insights about the park’s ecosystems and ensure a safe, memorable adventure.
Q6: How long should I spend at Cat Ba National Park? You can do a half-day trip to hike Ngu Lam Peak and see a cave. However, Wigo Tourist recommends a full day to explore more thoroughly or combine your visit with a trip to Viet Hai Village.
Q7: What should I bring for a trip to Cat Ba National Park? Pack sturdy walking/hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, plenty of water, light snacks, and a light rain jacket, just in case.
