24/9/2023 | 8:31:59 PM

UNESCO recognises Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as World Natural Heritage

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. The extension of the property comprises a multitude of limestone islands and towering limestone pillars rising from the sea, with eroded notches, arches and caves creating a picturesque and beautiful landscape. Seven key ecosystem types are found here and the area is home to threatened endemic species such as the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), the Cat Ba Tiger Gecko (Goniurosaurus Catbaensis), and the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea).

Sails of Indochina Adventures

    UNESCO Honours Vietnam's Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba as Natural Heritage
    The UNESCO recognition will further boost the tourism potential of the archipelago, which boasts a rich diversity of island and ocean ecosystems. UNESCO recently declared the vast Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago in Vietnam's Quang Ninh province a world natural heritage site. This recognition was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee. Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago is Vietnam's first UNESCO-listed world heritage site that spans two provinces. UNESCO had earlier recognised the archipelago as a world biosphere reserve.

    UNESCO has recognised Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh province and neighboring Hai Phong city as a world natural heritage. The UN’s cultural organisation has announced the new inscription to the list at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Apparently, Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago is Vietnam's first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site. Cat Ba Archipelago in the port city of Hai Phong is the largest limestone archipelago in Vietnam and is home to over 360 islands. The archipelago had earlier been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. But it’s not the first time that Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province was named by a heritage. Back in 1994 and 2000, the site was bestowed with the same title.

    As per the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba archipelago is noted for a rich diversity of island and ocean and is home to a range of rare animals and plants. It houses the nation’s largest maritime forest with an area of more than 17000 hectares.

    About Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
    Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is famous for its 1,600 islands and islets made of limestone pillars. This area extension features numerous limestone islands and tall pillars emerging from the sea, forming scenes with weathered notches, arches, and caves. The region hosts seven different ecosystem types and is the habitat of endangered native species like the Cat Ba Langur, the Cat Ba Tiger Gecko, and the Asian Small-clawed Otter.

    The tourist spot is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of tall limestone formations. These formations are covered in greenery, creating a stunning contrast with the sparkling water. For those interested in cruising, kayaking, and exploring caves, Ha Long Bay is an ideal place to try these activities.

    As far as Cat Ba Island is concerned, it is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, spanning more than 300 square kilometres. With more than 360 islands, this largest group of limestone islands is known for its scenic views, including tall cliffs, dense forests, and clear waters. Besides exploring its beaches, one can visit places like 'Monkey Island,' where you'll see free-roaming long-tailed macaques. About 2 kilometres north of town, there's the 'Cannon Fort' built in 1942 for defence, and it's a great place to catch a beautiful sunset.

    Places To Visit Nearby
    Near Vietnam's Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, travellers can discover a wealth of natural beauty and cultural gems. Lan Ha Bay, an adjacent wonder to Ha Long, beckons with its pristine waters and iconic karsts, ideal for boat tours, kayaking, and swimming. Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers hiking amidst lush greenery and wildlife encounters. Don't miss Monkey Island's wild inhabitants or the historical insights at Cannon Fort on Cat Ba. Cai Beo Floating Village provides a glimpse into traditional fishing life. Don't forget to stay at Eco Floating Farmstay Cai Beo to witness the daily life of local fishemen, while Sung Sot Cave astonishes with its stunning formations in Ha Long Bay. Ti Top Island rewards hikers with panoramic bay vistas. Tuan Chau Island's amenities promise entertainment, and Bai Tu Long Bay offers a quieter alternative to Ha Long. Finally, Quan Lan Island boasts sandy beaches and serenity in Bai Tu Long Bay, completing the diverse attractions awaiting exploration near Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island.

    Best Time To Visit
    The best time to visit Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is during the autumn and winter months, which generally span from October to April.

    Getting There
    Most international travellers arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. You can check for flights to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). From Hanoi, you can either take a domestic flight to Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong, which is the closest city to Cat Ba Island, or you can travel by road from Hanoi to Halong City, which is closer to the main part of Ha Long Bay.

    About Ha Long Bay
    Ha Long Bay is one of the prime attractions in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald green waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the sea. These karsts are often covered in lush greenery, creating a striking contrast with the sparkling waters. Ha Long Bay offers numerous opportunities for cruising, kayaking, and exploring caves, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a serene and picturesque natural environment.

    About Cat Ba Island
    Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba archipelago and serves as a gateway to the surrounding area. The island features rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, and a mix of forested hills and valleys. Cat Ba Town is the main urban center on the island and serves as a base for visitors exploring the bay. Cat Ba is known for its Cat Ba Langur, a critically endangered species of monkey found only on this island. Cát Bà Island is the largest of the 367 islands spanning 260 km2 (100 sq mi) that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Lan Ha Bay in Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba island has a surface area of 285 km2 (110 sq mi) and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay.

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    “Best Way–BY FAR–To Visit Halong Bay!”

    After considering other ways to see and experience Halong Bay, we chose Blue Swimmer for a more intimate and customized experience. And boy were we glad. Instead of the huge, steamer style boats carrying lots of people and featuring 30 minutes of kayaking, we had a grand wooden boat all to ourselves–with a great guide, Thang, a solid captain and a very good cook. We could kayak all we wanted. And instead of the more crowded Halong Bay, we focused on Bai Tu Long. From our first email, Mr Kevin was terrific to deal with. We had a kind of complicated timeline, which he worked with–even arranging transport to Haiphong from the Hanoi airport, and having someone meet us at the hydrofoil dock with prepaid tickets. Everything went smoothly from beginning to end. The kayaking was good. Everybody loved jumping off the top deck to swim. And the food was terrific–and plentiful. The boat was very spacious, with two bedrooms for the four of us, each with its own bathroom including shower. There was also a living area for eating. But we spent most of our time in the four lounges on the main deck, watching the karst islands go by, looking at the floating villages, and enjoying the changing scenery. We are experienced kayakers, so doing a fair amount of paddling was important to us. Especially on the second day, we got plenty. And the boats were in fine shape. Most important, as we cruised by the other, crowded boats, we said to ourselves over and over: ” Sure glad we chose Blue Swimmer.”

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