The Cat Ba langur population is strictly confined to the island's limestone cliffs, making them one of the rarest primates globally.
The park contains the Trung Trang Cave, which features a dense concentration of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia.
The ecosystem spans both mountainous terrain and mangroves, creating a unique interface for biodiversity.
The park's Ngu Lam peak stands at approximately 210 meters, providing a 360-degree vantage point of the surrounding karst topography.
The park acts as a critical corridor for migratory birds traveling through the Gulf of Tonkin.
Cat Ba National Park is a protected biosphere reserve on Cat Ba Island, recognized by UNESCO for its diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The park is the primary habitat for the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), one of the world's most endangered primates. The terrain consists of rugged limestone karst mountains, tropical forests, and inland wetlands. Over 1,500 plant species and hundreds of animal species, including macaques and civets, reside within the park's boundaries. The landscape features deep valleys and dense canopy cover, with a high peak known as Ngu Lam offering expansive views of the island. The park serves as a transition zone between the terrestrial environment of northern Vietnam and the marine environment of Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays. Established in 1986, it covers an area of approximately 15,200 hectares, encompassing both land and surrounding water. Visitors use designated trekking trails to traverse the interior forest and access limestone caves.
The viewing platform at the summit of Ngu Lam Peak.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with strong grip, as limestone paths can be slippery and uneven.
Bring at least two liters of water, as there are no hydration stations along the internal trekking routes.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET to protect against dense forest mosquitoes.
Attempting to climb off-trail without a professional local guide, which is dangerous due to sharp limestone crevices and navigation difficulty.
Maintain silence to avoid disturbing wildlife, do not remove any flora or rocks, and strictly adhere to marked paths to minimize soil erosion.
