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 With
half of its area declared in 1986 to be one of Vietnam’s national parks,
Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay’s only populated island, has managed to
maintain its diverse ecosystems and wildlife including the very elusive
golden-headed Cat Ba langur.
The Archipelago shares the distinctive rugged appearance and scenic
beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area, that was declared a UNESCO World Natural
Heritage Site, in 1994. The area is also considered to be one of the
best examples in the world of a Karst landscape invaded by the sea. Some
1500-2000 large and small islands and cliffs rise steeply from the
shallow marine waters. Many of these islands reach towering heights of
50 to 100m with sheer vertical cliffs on all sides. All of which is a
visual testament to the beauty and ferocity that only nature’s elements
can do.
The greatest part of the
islands’ mountain range like most of the smaller offshore islands of the
Archipelago, are covered by tropical moist limestone forest.
In addition to these, the island also has spectacular coral terraces,
sandy beaches, freshwater wetland areas, tidal flats, mangrove forests
and a dense willow swamp.
There are also beautiful beaches, numerous lakes, waterfalls and
grottoes in the spectacular limestone hills the highest of which rises
331m above sea level.
Awesome scenery and a high diversity of landscapes make Cat Ba a special
place and it has become a main destination for both local and
international tourists.
The island’s human population may be found mostly on the southern part
of island, around the town of Cat Ba. As opposed to the lively tourist
carnival at Bai Chay, Cat Ba is still relatively laid-back, despite
about a rather huge surge in the construction of hotel rooms to
accommodate the ever growing number of tourists to the island.
The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from September to November when
the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. December to February is
cooler, but still pleasant, and from February to April rain is common.
Summer months are hot and humid.
Sights & Activities
 1.
Cat Ba National Park
Home to various species of monkey, wild boar and hedgehog, the Park has
a myriad of trekking and nature watching opportunities for visitors to
the beautiful island’s shores. A guide in not a mandatory, but is
probably a wise precaution to make.
There’s very challenging 18kilometer trek trough the park which can take
around five to six hours to complete for visitors who love traipsing
through the great outdoors. For this, guide can come in useful for
transport to the trailhead and arranging a boat for the return trip, all
of which can be arranged in Cat Ba town.
For those who feel they can handle the trek by themselves, it is
advisable that they equip themselves with proper trekking shoes,
rainwear, a generous supply of water, plus some food. Camping is allowed
in the park, but you’ll need to bring all your own gear.
To reach the national park headquarters at Trung Trang, take a minibus
from Cat Ba for the trip. All restaurants and hotels should be able to
sell you minibus tickets. Another option is to hire a motorcycle for a
one-way trip.
 2.
Cat Co Beaches
The white-sand Cat Co Beaches (called simply Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) are
perfect places to lounge around in for a day at the beach. Found just
about 1kilometer from Cat Ba town, the beaches may be reached either on
foot or by motorcycle.
The two beaches are separated by a hillock that can be climbed over in
about 20 minutes. Most people however, take the easier route along the
700kilometer wooden seaside walkway connecting them. Cat Co 2 is the
less busy of the two, and offers simple accommodation and camping.
3. Tours
Tours of the island and national park in addition to boat trips around
Halong bay and fishing trips are offered and organized by almost every
hotel and restaurant in Cat Ba town. Typical prices are US$8 per person
for day trips and US$20 for a two-day/one-night trip.
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