Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park occupies much of Cat Ba Island and adjacent islets in Hai Phong province, northern Vietnam, and protects limestone karst, tropical forest and coastal habitats across the archipelago. The park is important for biodiversity and for safeguarding habitat of island-endemic species.

Hiking trails cross forested slopes and lead to viewpoints over dramatic karst seascapes; the coastline includes mangroves, sea caves and sheltered beaches that are accessed by boat. The combination of terrestrial trails and nearby marine scenery makes the park a base for both land- and sea-based exploration.

The protected area was established to conserve the island’s distinctive habitats and species, including several endemics and restricted-range animals. Ongoing conservation work focuses on habitat protection and species recovery.

The park occupies central and northern parts of Cat Ba Island in the Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay archipelago, east of Haiphong city and off Vietnam’s northeastern coast.

• Cat Ba langur: The park protects the endemic and critically endangered Cat Ba langur, a primate found only on this archipelago.

What to See #

• Karst islands and forests: Large areas of limestone karst, steep forested islands and sea inlets form distinct terrestrial and marine zones used for hiking, wildlife watching and boat excursions.
• Coastal bays and caves: Coastal bays, caves and small beaches around the archipelago provide opportunities for boat tours and swimming in sheltered inlets.