The Cat Ba National Park is home to 32 species of mammals, including most of the world’s 65 golden-headed langurs, the world’s most threatened primate. There are some good hiking trails here, including a two-hour round trip to the top of Ngu Lam and a day hike to the Viet Hai village. To get to the park’s headquarters in Trung Trang, take the Song Tung bus from Cat Ba Town, or rent a ‘xe om’ or a car.
A guide is not mandatory but is definitely recommended. Many visitors choose to visit the park on an organized tour of the city of Cat Ba, but you can also organize guides at the park headquarters.
The short but arduous trek to the top of Ngu Lam Peak offers a view of the surrounding jungle. The difficult 9km trekking route through the park (which starts just north of the park entrance) to the Viet Hai village is best done with a guide. Lunch and homestay accommodation are available in Viet Hai. From there, you can walk, rent a bike, or take an electric vehicle for 5 km to the pier, where water taxis return to the Ben Beo pier near Cat Ba until 4PM An elusive shared public ferry must leave Ben Beo at 11AM and 4AM, and from Viet Hai at 7AM and 1PM, but check these times.
Readmore: Cat Ba Islands
Bring proper walking shoes, a raincoat, and a generous supply of water for the Viet Hai trek. It is not an easy walk, and it is best to avoid it during the rainy season or after the rain.
Among the mammals present in the park, the most common are macaques, deer, civets, and various species of squirrels, including the giant black squirrel. Seventy species of birds have been seen, including hawks, hornbills, and cuckoos.
0
