Cat Ba is the largest of the 366 islands spanning 260km2 that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba Island has a surface area of 285 km2 and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay. It is commonly used as an overnight hotel stop on tours to Ha Long Bay run by travel agents from Hanoi. This island belongs to Hai Phong City - the most famous harbor city in Vietnam.
Cat Ba has approximately half of its area is covered by a National Park, which is home to the highly endangered Cat Ba Langur. This golden-headed langur is rarely seen, as fewer than 100 specimens are thought to survive in the wild, although it is the subject of a well-organised conservation programme. The Park covers both land and marine areas and has a high biodiversity, although it is at risk from too rapid an increase in tourism. Types of natural habitats found on Cat Ba Archipelago include limestone karsts, tropical limestone forests, coral reefs, mangrove and sea grass beds, lagoons, beaches, caves, and willow swamp forests. Other mammals in the Park include civet cats and oriental giant squirrels. Cat Ba Island is one of the only populated islands in Ha Long Bay, with roughly 13,000 inhabitants living in six different communes, and 4,000 more inhabitants living on floating fishing villages off the coast. The large majority of the population can be found in Cat Ba Town, which is located at the southern tip of the Island (15 km south of the national park) and is the commercial center on the Island.
Outside of Cat Ba Town is a beautiful island with much to explore. At the heart of Cat Ba Island lies a visually stunning and ecologically diverse national park. In 1986, 9,800 [98 km²] hectares (approximately one third of the Island's total land mass) was annexed as Cat Ba National Park, the first decreed protected area in Vietnam to include a marine component (Dawkins 14). It had previously been the site of a timber company. In 2006, the boundaries of the national park were redefined, so the park contained 109 km² of land area and an additional 52 km² of inshore waters and mangrove covered tidal zones (langur website). In 2004, Cat Ba Archipelago was declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Area in order to protect the multiple terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well the diverse plant and animal life that is found on the Island.
Come to Cat Ba Island, you will have lots to see beside the National Park. Cat Ba’s Beach is also stunning with the crystal clear water and is located southwest side of the island. You can enjoy a peaceful swim or simply just lie down for a sunbath. You can also do a cruise tour to witness the amazing landscapes with hundreds of limestone islands, or participate kayaking to discover inside rock arches, natural limestone tunnels and floating fishing villages. Trekking in Cat Ba National Park is also an excellent activity in your list of thing to do. If seeing the beautiful limestone karsts isn't enough for you, try scaling them and challenge yourself with rock climbing. There are also several sites which you would not want to miss such as Monkey Island where monkeys live in harmony without too much of human interference; Hospital Cave which is a 17 room underground hospital and hideout which was in use until 1975. It's a real life James Bond underground lair; and Cannon Fort, (2km north of Cat Ba Town) which was built in 1942 as a naval defense. Standing at the Fort, you will enjoy incredible views of Lan Ha Bay and it is a great place to see sunsets.
Beside the those famous tourist’s attraction sites and awesome activities here in Cat Ba Island, the foods here are also cheap and delicious with good accommodation to suit your needs for an excellent night to spend at this Island. Getting around the Island is also very easy with motorbike and bicycle. Moreover, you can also buy trinkets such as shell sculptures are sold at stalls on the easterly edge of the waterfront or at Cat Ba Market.
In conclusion, Cat Ba Island offers you full packages of what you are looking for in your holiday: from nature’s beauty with wonderful scenic views and marvelous National Park and Monkey Island to all kinds of activities such as sun-bath, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, biking, trekking and sight-seeing with cruise trip. You will not regret to spend your holiday here at Cat Ba Island – A wonderful destination to be!
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