The Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve (2004); and was recognized by the Prime Minister as a Special National Monument (2013). (Photo: VNA)
The renowned travel magazine National Geographic Traveller (USA) has just published its list of "The Best Islands in Southeast Asia," in which Cat Ba Island (Cat Hai Special Economic Zone, Hai Phong City, Vietnam) is suggested as an ideal destination for adventurous exploration trips.
National Geographic Traveller describes Cat Ba as "a paradise for mountain climbing enthusiasts," especially Butterfly Valley, where sheer cliffs, winding caves, and pristine landscapes create a unique attraction.
The article also suggests exciting experiences on the island such as rope climbing over deep water, conquering Ngu Lam peak to admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba, or kayaking at night amidst water glowing with plankton - "a magical and unforgettable experience".
Besides its majestic natural beauty, Cat Ba is also highly regarded for its sustainable tourism development strategy, harmonizing exploitation and conservation. Visitors can explore Cat Ba National Park, discover Viet Hai fishing village, enjoy fresh seafood, and breathe in the fresh air.
The fact that Cat Ba Island has been ranked among the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia by National Geographic Traveller is not only a source of pride for Hai Phong and Vietnam's tourism industry, but also affirms the attractiveness of Vietnam's nature, culture, and people on the world tourism map.
As the third largest island in Vietnam, Cat Ba, along with nearly 400 surrounding islands of varying sizes, forms the Cat Ba archipelago, often described as a string of green pearls in the Gulf of Tonkin. It possesses immense potential for developing high-end eco-tourism and resort destinations.
Tourists explore Lan Ha Bay by yacht. (Photo: Minh Thu/VNA)
The Cat Ba Archipelago (Cat Hai Special Economic Zone, Hai Phong City) is the only place in Vietnam that boasts numerous international and national titles, including a World Biosphere Reserve; a World Natural Heritage Site (along with Ha Long Bay); and Cat Ba National Park.
This area boasts a full range of typical Vietnamese ecosystems, including primeval forests, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a system of caves, providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species, including rare species listed in the Vietnamese Red Book, especially the Cat Ba langur, the world's most endangered primate species, found only in Vietnam.
Cat Ba National Park is one of the most biodiverse national parks in Vietnam. It is home to approximately 1,600 species of higher plants, 63 species of mammals, 209 species of birds, 58 species of reptiles, and 401 species of insects… Among them are many rare and endemic species such as the agarwood tree, the Cat Ba langur, the spotted deer, the hornbill, and the brown-headed eagle.
In addition, the southeastern part of Cat Ba Island is Lan Ha Bay, with many small sandy beaches, clear and blue water, and gentle waves.
Possessing outstanding natural advantages, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in September 2023.
This is Vietnam's eighth World Heritage Site and also its first inter-provincial World Heritage Site. UNESCO recognition opens up many opportunities for the development of tourism in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, especially in building an international tourism brand and increasing their attractiveness on the world tourism map.
In order to fully exploit the unique strengths of Cat Ba, on December 2nd, 2023, the Prime Minister approved the Hai Phong City planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, which identifies the goal of building a highly attractive Cat Ba-Do Son marine tourism complex; combined with Ha Long Bay to become an international-class marine tourism center.
The overall plan for tourism development in Hai Phong city until 2025, with a vision to 2030, also identifies the need to define Cat Ba's unique value, leverage its natural strengths combined with appropriate investment in infrastructure, develop sustainable green tourism linked to the exploitation and preservation of world natural heritage sites, and build Cat Ba's tourism brand into a world-class island paradise. These are important legal frameworks to gradually shape Cat Ba into an international tourism center.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cat-ba-lot-top-8-hon-dao-tuyet-voi-nhat-o-khu-vuc-dong-nam-a-post1076118.vnp
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