The Northern Coast Cát Bà National Park

Established in 1986, the park encompasses an area of 152 sq. km—over 50% of Cát Bà Island. Its terrain is composed of limestone mountains which average 150m in height, with its highest peak, Cao Vong, measuring in at 322m. The waters of the park range from 15 to 20m in depth and take up 54 sq. km of its total area.

The park is also home to a botanical garden, fields of lychee trees, and over 120 animal species. Of these, over 69 species of birds, 20 reptiles, and 32 terrestrial mammals have so far been identified. As these mammals live in the remote areas of the park, visitors probably won’t see much more than small snakes slithering along the trails. Other fauna include the python and numerous animals on the endangered list, among which are the golden-faced langur and the leopard cat. While the climate of the rest of the country may fluctuate substantially from season to season, the temperature of the park remains largely comfortable, ranging from 16-17˚C in January to 28-29˚C in July, with a yearly average of 23-24˚C. While it is a little warmer from May to October, these months are also the rainiest.

At the Environmental Education Center directly behind park headquarters, visitors can watch movies about the park in Vietnamese or read about the climate, flora, and fauna of the preserve. Boards highlight a few of the park’s natural species. Across the street from the Education Center is a Specimen Exhibit. A stuffed wildcat, monkeys, and a few reptiles fill one case, while others are lined with sea creatures and butterflies. (Open daily 7am-5pm. Fee included in park entrance.)

Accommodations And Food. Spending the night at the park is highly feasible and facilitates day hiking. Musty but clean guesthouses 2 at the park headquarters have large rooms with twin beds and private baths with hot water. (☎888 741; fax 821 249. Rooms 120,000.) Camping at the park is only allowed at the ranger’s station; bring your own equipment (25,000 per person per day). Those staying at the park can order meals 2 through the park service. (Breakfast 10,000; lunch and dinner 20,000-50,000.) Those going on long hikes or planning to spend the day in the park are advised to bring along food and water, though there are a few vendors along the path into the forest.

Hikes. Though the park provides numerous hikes, both relaxed and rigorous, two trails—Ng Lñm and Vi_t H=i Village—have been adopted by tourist companies and enjoy the most popularity. Other, less touristed routes allow visitors to walk through the forest on the way to caves or simply to wander through the park. Though guides (20,000-100,000 depending on the trail) are not required, they are available and recommended for longer and more arduous hikes.

A more relaxed hike open to visitors is a half-hour walk to the timber forest of Kim Giao (1km). From the park headquarters, head straight along the cement path until you reach the steps that mark the beginning of the mountain hike. Climb up into the forest. At the intersection, a sign points you left to Ng Lñm Peak (turning right leads to the Trung Trang Cave). Ng Lñm (1.5km; 2hr.), also known as the Kim Giao Peak, is often referred to as the “short trail.” From the park entrance, head straight along the road, passing the botanical gardens and the park zoo. The paved road turns into steps, which are made from small tiles. Farther up, the trek becomes more intense, and the end of the ascent requires a short rock climb. An old and rusty observation deck stands atop the mountain. From both the mountain and the tower (used as a fire watch), there is a spectacular panorama of the island.

To hike to Trung Trang Cave (1-2hr.), follow the path toward Ng Lñm, turning onto the trail just before the climb up to the peak. The 3.5km walk on a tile-laden path through the forest has a few ladder climbs. The cave is at the end of the path. You can also get there by walking down the road from the park entrance toward Cát Bà town. One kilometer down the road, a sign directs travelers to steer right. Similar to the caves of Hå Long Bay, the 400m long Trung Trang Cave has an array of stalactites and is inhabited by bats. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight. During the summer, guides are available on site; in the winter, arrange a tour at the park entrance (open daily 7am-5pm; 15,000).

The trail to Ao Éch Lake and Vi_t H=i Village starts from behind park headquarters and passes over hills and through forest and grasslands. The 5km trek to the lake takes 2hr. Past the lake, visitors can continue another 1-2hr. along the main path for 3km, eventually reaching Vi_t H=i Village. Here, they can eat lunch before heading off on the remaining 5km hike toward Lan Ha Bay or stay overnight at a small guesthouse 1 for 60,000. A local boat heads back to Cát Bà town (1-2hr; 15,000). Due to the length of the trail and the ease with which hikers lose their way, it is advisable for day hikers to go with a group or hire a guide and arrange for a boat to pick them up from the bay. Most hotels arrange for independent travelers to join groups that leave for the trail at 8 or 8:30am and return to the town by 5pm. The trek usually costs US$8-10 per person and comes with bus, guide, boat, and lunch. For more homestay opportunities, try Hiˆn Hà village, 5km past the park.