Located in the center of Cat Ba Island amid Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba National Park is the main attraction on the island. The park is well worth a visit for those in the region and features lakes, caves and karst rock formations.
There are underground caves and grottoes galore in Cat Ba National Park. The largest of the many lakes is Ech Lake, which goes as deep as 50m, while the highest hills - Cao Vong and Hien Hoa - stretch above 300m. The ground is fairly rugged, making the hiking really good for those with a bit of walking experience.
Cat Ba Island itself lies just off the northeast coast of Vietnam, 20kms east of Hai Phong city and west of Ha Long Bay proper, and also encompasses other smaller islets in the area. The island is the largest in the Ha Long Bay region.
Getting There & Away
Most people get on a tour from the main nearby mainland town of Hai Phong, which also serves the Ha Long Bay area. Ferries run from here all day to Cat Ba Island and you can also charter a vessel. Hai Phong is a three- or four-hour journey from the capital, Hanoi, and can be got to by bus or taxi. Noi Bai International Airport serves Hanoi.