Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago - HA LONG DIAMOND CRUISES

On September 16, 2023, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, UNESCO officially inscribed Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage Site. This recognition marks a historic milestone as Vietnam’s first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed heritage site, spanning both Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City.

Halong Lanha Baitulong Bay Map

Ha long City, the capital of Quang Ninh Province, boasts a coastline stretching nearly 50 km. Located along the shores of Ha long Bay, the city covers an area of 271.95 km² and is approximately 165 km from Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh province, had previously been recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000. The inclusion of the Cat Ba Archipelago, situated in Hai Phong, greatly extends the protected area and enhances the significance of the region as a natural marvel.

Bai Tu Long Bay occupies three quarters of Halong Bay World Heritage site, as well as many islands in Van Don, Cam Pha District. Travelling to Bai Tu Long Bay is off the beaten track and promises to deliver many unique experiences, far from the heavily touristic sites. Bai Tu Long Bay, located in the northern part of Vietnam, to the east of Halong Bay (Quang Ninh province), is a stunning natural landscape known for its pristine natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. This off-the-beaten-path location is a hidden gem that offers a unique and authentic experience to travelers seeking to escape the crowds of more touristy areas.

Bai Tu Long Bay 1

Covering an area of 65,650 hectares and consisting of 1,133 islands and islets, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam. This area features an extraordinary seascape with limestone islands rising majestically from the sea. The islands vary in size and shape, creating a picturesque and unspoiled natural wonder. As the most extensive and well-known example of marine-invaded tower karst, the site showcases some of the world’s most significant fengcong (clusters of conical peaks) and fenglin (isolated tower) karst formations.

Map Of Cat Ba Island

In addition to its stunning geological features, the landscape is dominated by rich ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and intertidal zones. These ecosystems further enhance the area’s ecological diversity and global significance.

The Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unparalleled natural beauty and geological importance. It serves as a geological museum, offering insights into the Earth’s evolutionary history through its pristine forests, scenic bays, and impressive limestone formations. The site is a testimony to the planet’s development, showcasing nature’s artistic mastery over millennia.

This designation not only highlights the global significance of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago but also reinforces its importance in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental conservation.

Ha Long Bay Cat Ba Archipelago – Hang Bo Nong

Key Features:

Natural Landscapes: The archipelago’s landscape includes charming vegetation-covered limestone islands, striking karst formations, and lush tropical forests.
Biodiversity: The area is home to a rich variety of island and ocean ecosystems, including the country’s largest maritime forest, covering over 17,000 hectares. It supports 4,910 species of plants and animals, with 198 species listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and 51 endemic species. Notably, the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), a critically endangered species, is found only in Cat Ba with a population of approximately 60-70 individuals.
Ecosystems: The Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago encompasses seven contiguous tropical and subtropical marine and island ecosystems, including primary tropical rainforests, cave ecosystems, mangroves, intertidal zones, coral reefs, soft-bottom habitats, and saltwater lakes.

The inscription of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage Site underscores its outstanding universal value and the importance of preserving its unique natural and ecological features.