Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago: Vietnam’s New UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

On September 16, 2023, at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This milestone marks Vietnam’s first inter-provincial heritage site, co-managed by Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City, uniting two of the most spectacular natural areas in northern Vietnam.

Discover the Beauty of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago

Ha Long Bay, already listed by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000, is renowned for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and mystical seascapes. Adjacent to it lies the Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam’s largest limestone island group, comprising over 360 islands, with Cat Ba Island as its centerpiece. By merging these two areas under one designation, UNESCO has acknowledged the unparalleled beauty, biodiversity, and geological importance of this region.

The Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba complex is now one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Southeast Asia, attracting tourists, researchers, and conservationists from around the world.

Why Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago Deserves UNESCO Status

UNESCO’s recognition is based on the site’s three major values:

🌿 Outstanding Natural Beauty

• The area boasts a dreamlike landscape of limestone pillars, jungle-covered islets, hidden lagoons, and coastal caves.

• Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, offers a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay, with equally stunning views and fewer crowds.

🪨 Geological and Geomorphological Significance

• This region is considered a living geological museum, showcasing karst formations that reflect the Earth’s evolutionary history over millions of years.

• Numerous fossils, stalactite caves, and eroded limestone structures contribute to its scientific value.

🦧 Exceptional Biodiversity

• Home to 4,910 species of plants and animals, both on land and underwater.

• Includes 198 endangered species listed on the IUCN Red List.

• Features 51 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

• Notably, the Cat Ba Langur – one of the world’s rarest primates – lives only in this region, with an estimated 60–70 individuals surviving today.

• Cat Ba also contains Vietnam’s largest maritime forest, covering more than 17,000 hectares, including over 1,000 hectares of primeval forest.

Seven Unique Ecosystems in One Place

Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago is ecologically rich, with seven interconnected tropical and subtropical ecosystems:

1. Tropical rainforest

2. Karst cave systems

3. Mangrove forests

4. Intertidal zones

5. Coral reef ecosystems

6. Soft-bottom seabeds

7. Saltwater lakes

This incredible environmental diversity makes the area a global biodiversity hotspot and a model for sustainable ecotourism and marine conservation.

Vietnam’s Expanding UNESCO Heritage List

Before this 2023 addition, Vietnam had eight UNESCO-recognized heritage sites:

1. Hue Monuments Complex (1993)

2. Ha Long Bay (1994, 2000)

3. My Son Sanctuary (1999)

4. Hoi An Ancient Town (1999)

5. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (2003, 2015)

6. Thang Long Imperial Citadel (2010)

7. Ho Dynasty Citadel (2011)

8. Trang An Landscape Complex (2014)

Now, with Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam proudly holds nine World Heritage Sites, cementing its reputation as a country of rich natural and cultural treasures.

Why You Should Visit Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago

This newly unified heritage site offers unforgettable experiences for all kinds of travelers:

• Cruise among limestone towers on a traditional wooden junk boat.

• Kayak through hidden lagoons and into sea caves.

• Trek through Cat Ba National Park, encountering exotic flora and fauna.

• Dive or snorkel around colorful coral reefs.

• Relax on quiet beaches and enjoy local seafood in floating villages.

Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife photographer, family traveler, or adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba offers the perfect eco-friendly getaway.

Plan Your Trip to Ha Long Bay Today

Just a few hours from Hanoi, the area is easily accessible by road, ferry, and cruise, making it ideal for weekend escapes or extended explorations. Whether visiting Ha Long Bay or venturing further into Cat Ba’s remote corners, you’ll discover a world-class destination unlike any other.

🌍 Don’t miss your chance to explore Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam’s latest UNESCO World Heritage treasure.