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Outdoors

Cat Ba National Park Trail Hike

You climb stone steps and rocky limestone paths through the Kim Giao forest to an observation tower on Ngu Lam peak, then come down by a separate signed path. Trees along the way carry name labels, and the tower is a place to rest and look out over the island's forested limestone hills.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Cat Ba National Park Trail near Cat Ba Island
Photo: Building on Cat Ba island by Shyamal, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Distance
about 3 km return (lollipop loop)
Climb
about 150 m
Time
1.5-2 hours

The route

Kim Giao forest to Ngu Lam peak trail, from the park centre at Trung Trang.

The trail starts from the national park centre at Trung Trang, off the main north-south road across the island from Cat Ba town. Local buses across the island leave from the western edge of Cat Ba town.

When to go

The park is open from 7:00 to 17:00; the path is slippery and muddy after rain, and summer brings mosquitoes.

Permits and fees

Tickets are sold at the park. Under Hai Phong fees in force from 1 August 2024, the route from the park centre to Kim Giao and Ngu Lam cost 120,000 VND per adult and 60,000 VND per child (6 or older, or over 1.2 m); the park's own fee page shows a newer schedule, so check before you go.

Before you go

  • Start in the morning, before the heat builds.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there is nothing to buy on the trail.
  • Wear long sleeves and insect repellent in summer.
  • Follow the signs: there are separate paths for going up and coming down.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.

Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • Steep stone stairs and sharp, eroded limestone; you may need your hands on the steepest parts.
  • The path turns slippery and muddy after rain.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against catbanationalpark.com, catbanationalpark.com, thanhnien.vn, hikingproject.com, en.wikivoyage.org, en.wikipedia.org and vnexpress.net. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.