Cat Ba is in the top 8 most wonderful islands in Southeast Asia

Cat Ba archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve (in 2004); and by the Prime Minister as a special National Monument (in 2013). (Photo: VNA)

The famous travel magazine National Geographic Traveler (USA) has just announced the list of "The best islands in Southeast Asia", in which Cat Ba Island (Cat Hai special 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 climbing enthusiasts”, especially in Butterfly Valley - where steep cliffs, winding caves and wild landscapes create a special attraction.

The article also suggests exciting experiences on the island such as rope-free rock climbing on deep water, conquering Ngu Lam peak to see the whole view of Cat Ba, or kayaking at night in the water glowing with plankton - "an unforgettable magical experience".

Not only possessing majestic natural beauty, Cat Ba is also highly appreciated for its orientation of sustainable tourism development, harmonizing exploitation and conservation. Tourists can visit Cat Ba National Park, explore Viet Hai fishing village, enjoy fresh seafood and enjoy the fresh air.

The fact that Cat Ba was ranked by National Geographic Traveler as one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia is not only the pride of Hai Phong and Vietnam tourism, but also affirms the attraction of Vietnam's nature, culture and people on the world tourism map.

As the third largest island in Vietnam, Cat Ba and nearly 400 large and small islands surrounding it form the Cat Ba archipelago, likened to a green pearl chain in the Gulf of Tonkin. This place has great potential to develop high-class eco-tourism and resorts.

Tourists visit Lan Ha Bay by cruise ship. (Photo: Minh Thu/VNA)

Cat Ba archipelago (Cat Hai special zone, Hai Phong city) is the only place in Vietnam that gathers many international and national titles such as World Biosphere Reserve; World Natural Heritage (along with Ha Long Bay); Cat Ba National Park.

This place converges all the typical ecosystems of Vietnam such as primeval forests, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds and cave systems which are the habitat of thousands of species of animals and plants, including rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book, especially the Cat Ba Langur, the world's most endangered primate, which only exists in Vietnam.

Cat Ba National Park is one of the national parks with the highest biodiversity in Vietnam. There are about 1,600 species of higher plants, 63 species of mammals, 209 species of birds, 58 species of reptiles, 401 species of insects... Among them are many rare and endemic species such as agarwood, Cat Ba langur, spotted deer, hornbill, brown-headed eagle.

Besides, in the southeast of Cat Ba island there is Lan Ha bay, with many small sandy beaches, clear and blue water, small waves.

Possessing outstanding advantages in natural conditions, 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 8th World Heritage Site and also the first inter-provincial World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Being recognized by UNESCO opens up many opportunities for the development of Hai Phong-Quang Ninh tourism, especially in building an international tourism brand and increasing its attractiveness on the world tourism map.

In order to fully exploit the unique strengths of Cat Ba, on December 2, 2023, the Prime Minister approved the planning of Hai Phong city for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, in which the goal of building a highly attractive Cat Ba-Do Son marine tourism complex is identified; combined with Ha Long Bay to become an international-class marine tourism center.

The overall project for tourism development in Hai Phong city until 2025, with a vision to 2030, also identifies the need to position Cat Ba's unique value, promote its natural strengths, combine appropriate investment in infrastructure, develop sustainable green tourism associated with the exploitation and conservation of world natural heritage, and build the Cat Ba tourism brand to become a classy island paradise. These are important legal corridors to gradually shape the Cat Ba 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