Cat Ba National Park is a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty, boasting lush forests, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine coastline. With multiple hiking trails winding through its verdant terrain, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. In this post, we’ll focus on the Ngu Lam Peak hike, renowned for its breathtaking views and accessible route, making it perfect for nature lovers of all levels.
Cat Ba National Park Overview
Nestled within Vietnam’s Cat Ba Archipelago, Cat Ba National Park stands out thanks to its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes. Spread across 15,200 hectares, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including rare species like the Cat Ba langur.
Towering limestone karsts and lush rainforests dominate the terrain, offering scenic hiking trails. From viewpoints like Ngu Lam Peak and Cannon Fort, panoramic vistas encompass Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Ecotourism activities like birdwatching and kayaking allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty while learning about conservation efforts. With guided tours and visitor facilities available, Cat Ba National Park promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Ngu Lam Peak Hike
The Ngu Lam trail is one of the most popular hiking routes within the Cat Ba National Park. Beginning from the park entrance, the trail winds its way gradually upward, presenting hikers with a moderate but rewarding ascent. Along the way, the dense foliage provides shade from the tropical sun, while the sounds of birds and wildlife fill the air.
Planning to visit Vietnam? Start here:
How to Get There?
Getting to Ngu Lam Peak hike starting point is very straightforward. The starting point of the hike is located in the middle of the island, at a short distance from the Trung Trang Cave.
The hike starts next to the Cat Ba National Park tourism office, and it’s very difficult to miss. Below you can find the exact location of the entrance:
Cat Ba National Park – Entrance Fee
As of 2024, the entrance fee to access Cat Ba National Park is 80,000 VND ($3.15 USD) per person.
This fee covers entry to multiple attractions within the park, including Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai Village, and more, making it a convenient option for visitors looking to explore the area.
Cat Ba National Park – Opening Hours
The Cat Ba National Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Ngu Lam Peak – Hike Details
Distance: 1.4km (0.87 miles) – eachway
Duration: 45 minutes/1 hour – each way
Elevation Difference: 180m (590 ft)
Difficulty: moderate – includes some steep and slippery sections
Starting Point
The hike starts near the main road, where parking for motorbikes or bicycles is readily available. At this point, you’ll need to present your ticket if you’ve already purchased one, or purchase one to enter Cat Ba National Park.
The initial segment of the hike is flat and paved, spanning approximately 600 meters until you arrive at a shop. Here marks the true beginning of the hike, and although it’s relatively short, it can pose a moderate challenge if you’re unprepared.
Kim Giao Forest
From the shop, the trail stretches into the lush vegetation of the Kim Giao Forest, where the first incline begins. This section of the trail is steep, very humid, and can be slippery at times due to the dense foliage and moist environment.
As you ascend, be prepared for the challenging terrain and take caution with each step to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. The lush surroundings and immersive experience make it a memorable part of the journey through Cat Ba National Park.
The trail is not well-marked, but it’s generally easy to follow. However, we did find ourselves veering off course at one point. Keep an eye out for thicker jungle growth, as it’s a telltale sign that you may be going the wrong way. Fortunately, once you’re on the right path, the way up is free from dense vegetation.
The Viewing Platform
The final stretch before reaching the first summit includes extremely steep rocky steps, which were particularly slippery during our visit. This section proves to be the most challenging, but it remains manageable even for non-athletes.
At the top of the stairs awaits a viewing platform, offering some of the most breathtaking vistas of Cat Ba Island. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the expansive forests that stretch across the island, their lush canopy extending as far as the eye can see.
However, please note this is not the end of the trek! Continue onward toward the final stop of your hike: Ngu Lam Peak.
Ngu Lam Peak
Continuing along the trail, you’ll come across more steps for the final steep section of the hike. Eventually, you’ll reach Ngu Lam Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Cat Ba Island.
Just a heads up, the slopes here are open, so watch your step and don’t get too close to the edge.
Best Tips for Visiting Cat Ba National Park
Hiking shoes: While some people manage the Ngu Lam Peak hike just fine in regular shoes or even sandals, having proper hiking shoes can definitely up your game in Cat Ba National Park.
Bring water: Even though the hike is short, the humidity can be pretty intense. Make sure to bring along a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and feeling fresh.
Rain jacket: Since the weather on Cat Ba Island can be a bit unpredictable, it’s not a bad idea to throw a rain jacket in your bag just in case things get a little drizzly during your hike to Ngu Lam Peak.
Trung Trang Cave: Don’t forget to swing by Trung Trang Cave—it’s right around the corner from Ngu Lam Peak. The entrance fee is already covered in your ticket, so take your time and soak up the cool vibes of this natural wonder.
Be cautious: Some sections of the trail may be steep or slippery, so proceed with caution, especially during rainy or wet conditions. Watch your step and use handrails if available.
Pack an extra t-shirt: Even though the hike is short, expect to work up a sweat. Having a spare shirt on hand ensures you’ll feel fresh and comfortable after your hike.
Leave no trace: Leave the trail as you found it by packing out any trash and avoiding unnecessary disturbances to the environment. Help preserve the beauty of Ngu Lam Peak for future visitors to enjoy.
Beat the crowds: Opt for an early morning start to avoid congestion on the trail. Not only will you enjoy a quieter hike, but you’ll also capture stunning photos in the morning light.
Consider extending your trek: Did you know? you can combine this trek with the Viet Hai Village, for a much longer 4-hour long hike.
