Short answer
Go early, buy your ticket at the headquarters about 15 km north of town, and choose between the short Kim Giao and Ngu Lam Peak trails (2–3 hours) or the full-day trek to Viet Hai village.
01What makes it special
The park covers steep limestone hills cloaked in tropical evergreen forest, with freshwater swamps, caves, mangroves and coral reefs along the coast. Researchers have recorded more than 1,500 plant species and over 50 species of mammals, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, macaques, civets and many bats, along with around 160 species of birds. The Cat Ba archipelago became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004 and part of a World Heritage Site in 2023.
02Tickets and opening hours
Tickets are sold at the headquarters by the main road. In late 2025 the prices were reported as 120,000 VND for the Kim Giao and Ngu Lam Peak route and 160,000 VND for the longer route towards Viet Hai, replacing an older single ticket. The park is open during daylight; start long hikes by 08:00 so that you finish well before dark.
03The main trails
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Giao forest loop | ≈ 1.5–2.5 km | 1–1.5 h | Easy, some steps |
| Ngu Lam Peak | ≈ 2–4 km return | 1.5–2.5 h | Moderate to hard, steep rocky steps |
| Frog Lake (Ao Ech) | ≈ 9 km one way | 4–5 h | Hard, rough terrain |
| Through to Viet Hai | ≈ 10–14 km one way | 5–7 h | Hard, full day, guide recommended |
Distances vary between sources because trails have been rerouted over the years. Ask at the headquarters for the current routes and any closures after storms.
04Guides
The short trails are well marked and easy to walk on your own. For the long trek to Frog Lake and Viet Hai, a local guide is worth it: junctions are confusing, the terrain is rough and you need to arrange a boat back from Viet Hai. Guides can be booked through the park office, tour agencies in town or your hotel; expect to pay around 700,000 VND or more for a day.
05What to bring
- Shoes with real grip, the limestone is sharp and slippery when wet
- At least 1.5 litres of water per person for short trails, more for long ones
- Insect repellent and long socks in the rainy season, when leeches are active
- Snacks: there is little to buy beyond the headquarters
- A charged phone with offline maps
Where it is
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins mark approximate locations.
?Questions people ask
How do I get to Cat Ba National Park?
By scooter, taxi or car with a driver from Cat Ba Town, about 25 minutes on the main road north. Local buses to the northern piers pass the entrance but run infrequently.
Can I see the Cat Ba langur in the national park?
It is very unlikely. The few remaining groups live on remote cliffs, some in strictly protected zones. See Cat Ba langur.
Is the national park worth it?
Yes, especially for the view from Ngu Lam Peak and the feeling of real forest. Go early to avoid heat and tour groups.