An adventure through the wilderness, conquering 10 km of Cat Ba's primeval forest.

Famous as the largest island in the Cat Ba archipelago, Cat Ba attracts tourists with its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and long stretches of white sandy beaches, despite being only about 140 km from Hanoi. The highlight of Cat Ba is Cat Ba National Park – a world biosphere reserve covering over 17,300 hectares, of which nearly 11,000 hectares are mountainous forests. It boasts an incredibly rich and diverse flora and fauna.

To explore Cat Ba National Park, visitors can begin their journey from the park's entrance, 11 km from Phu Long ferry terminal. This is also the starting point for exciting island trekking tours. Entrance fee to the National Park is 80,000 VND per person.

The most beautiful trekking route in Northern Vietnam.

Cat Ba has always been a dream destination for those who love exploring wild nature. Upon his first visit to this beautiful island, Quoc Khanh was immediately overwhelmed: “I love mountain climbing, and when I heard that you could climb mountains and trek through the forest in Cat Ba National Park, my friends and I planned a trip right away.”

As a passionate mountain climber, he couldn't miss the opportunity to conquer the challenging trekking routes in Cat Ba National Park. According to him, the 10km trekking route in Cat Ba National Park is a popular choice among tourists because it boasts many beautiful landscapes and offers a rich experience. This journey takes visitors over six steep rocky slopes, through dense primeval forests, and conquers majestic peaks such as Ang Vat, May Bau, and Ang Phay… Furthermore, visitors also have the chance to explore many other attractive destinations along the way, such as Ngu Lam Peak and Ao Ech (Frog Pond).

The pristine forest with its high canopy cover created an unexpectedly fresh and cool atmosphere. Even on a hot sunny day, just a 2-3 minute stop under the shady trees was enough to refresh and energize the entire group, ready to continue their exploration.

“The exploration journey through the National Park took about 5 hours. Our group overcame steep rocky slopes and jagged cliffs. In the forest, there are ancient trees hundreds of years old, along with countless species of birds and egrets. Although I was tired from the 8 km long walk, the scenery here was completely worth it,” Quoc Khanh said.

What impressed Quoc Khanh the most was the diversity of flora and fauna in the National Park. Fortunately, the group visited during butterfly season. Along the trail, he was able to admire the vibrant butterflies fluttering about, creating a picturesque scene. The chirping of birds echoed throughout the mountains and forests like a melodious symphony, transporting him to a world of wild vitality.

Together with his close friends, he had an exciting journey, weaving through shady trees and overcoming rugged rocks to reach the mountaintop. From there, he was able to admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba, as beautiful as a watercolor painting.

Furthermore, this trip was even more special because he had the opportunity to swim at pristine, idyllic beaches. The clear, cool seawater seemed to wash away all fatigue. His group had a fun night at Viet Hai Ancient Village, immersing themselves in the simple, rustic atmosphere of a Vietnamese countryside.

“My most memorable moment was the fun evening our group had at Viet Hai Ancient Village. We had a delicious dinner and then spent time together as a group, reminiscing about the moments we had overcome during our mountain trek,” Quoc Khanh recalled fondly.

Related articles

The secret to overcoming personal limits of a female lawyer passionate about conquering heights.

Braving the -20°C cold, a Vietnamese man climbed 2,696 meters to conquer the snow-capped Karamatsu Mountain.

A complete guide to trekking and exploring the wild nature.

To ensure your safety and have a successful trekking trip, Quoc Khanh suggests the following tips:

Summer is the ideal time to explore the wilderness; however, the jungle during this season also poses many dangers due to the high density of insects and reptiles. Therefore, you need to carry an effective insect repellent and use it regularly to protect yourself.

You should also prepare a small first-aid kit including antiseptic, bandages, painkillers, fever reducers, etc., to treat minor wounds or handle unexpected medical situations. When encountering reptiles such as snakes or centipedes, remain calm and move slowly away. Absolutely do not touch or catch them, as this can make them feel threatened and attack you.

The hot summer weather can easily dehydrate your body, so you should bring plenty of water and replenish electrolytes regularly to maintain your health throughout the journey. Above all, conquering the jungle requires perseverance and courage. Prepare yourself mentally for challenges and maintain your determination to complete the journey.

"If you want to both go hiking and swim in the sea like I did, now is the perfect time. From June onwards, there will be more rain, and bad weather and floods will be more frequent. Or you can also trek Cat Ba National Park in the winter, but you won't be able to swim because it's too cold," Quoc Khanh advised.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai