How do I visit Cat Ba National Park?

Cat Ba National Park covers 161 km² of forest and marine habitat. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. For visitors, the park offers trekking, wildlife viewing, and historical sites.

Entrance and fees

• Park entrance: 50,000-80,000 VND (pay at the main gate, 2km from Cat Ba town).
• Hospital Cave: 45,000-60,000 VND (separate ticket, 1.5km from town).
• Guide (optional for short trails, required for long treks): 500,000-800,000 VND/day.
• Boat transfer to Viet Hai: 150,000-200,000 VND per person (if not trekking back).

Trekking routes

1. Ngu Lam Peak (Short, steep, rewarding)

• Duration: 2 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep stairs)
• Elevation: 177 meters above sea level
• Views: Panoramic view of Cat Ba town, islands, and limestone karsts
• Guide required: No — trail is marked with red paint on rocks
• Best time: Early morning (6-8am) to avoid heat

2. Viet Hai Village (Full-day trek)

• Duration: 4 hours one way (8 hours round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate (jungle trail, some elevation)
• Distance: 7 km from park headquarters
• Village: Traditional fishing village accessible only by boat or trek. Has homestays, restaurants, and motorbike taxis to beaches.
• Guide required: Yes — mandatory for this route
• Option: Trek in, boat out (or vice versa) to reduce time

3. Hospital Cave (Historical site)

• Duration: 30-minute guided tour
• History: Built in 1960s as a secret hospital and bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. Three levels, underground chambers, original equipment on display.
• Guide required: Yes — included in entrance fee
• Access: 1.5km from Cat Ba town (walkable or short motorbike taxi ride)

Wildlife viewing

• Cat Ba langurs: ~70-80 individuals remain in the wild. Best spotted early morning along Viet Hai trail or near Trung Trang Cave. Do not approach — disturbance affects breeding.
• Birds: 32 species recorded in the park. Bring binoculars for best viewing.
• Other mammals: Squirrels, civets, and (rarely) golden cats. Most are nocturnal.

What to bring

• Water (at least 1.5 liters per person for full-day treks)
• Snacks or packed lunch (available at Viet Hai village)
• Insect repellent
• Sturdy shoes (trails can be slippery after rain)
• Rain jacket (October-April can still have showers)

Seasonal considerations

• October-April: Cooler (18-25°C), drier, ideal for trekking.
• May-August: Hot and humid (28-35°C), occasional rain. Start treks early to avoid midday heat.
• September: Transitional month — typhoon risk, check forecasts.

The short version

Entrance: 50,000-80,000 VND; Hospital Cave separate 45,000-60,000 VND. Short trek: Ngu Lam Peak (2 hours, no guide needed). Full-day trek: Viet Hai Village (4 hours each way, guide required). Best time: October-April for cooler, drier conditions.