Butterfly Valley, also known as Lien Minh Valley, stands as the premier rock climbing destination on Cat Ba Island. Unlike the more touristy spots on the island, Butterfly Valley is tucked away in the mountains – Lien Minh village, Tran Chau, Cat Hai, Hai Phong City, Vietnam. While reaching this hidden gem can be challenging, the journey, whether on a bicycle or motorbike, promises a rewarding adventure.

Tourists enjoy seeing white butterflies flying around. Photo: Dam Quoc Khanh

Situated in the heart of Cat Ba Island, Butterfly Valley boasts the largest concentration of climbing routes, approximately 60 (with more in development). The rock formations consist of tufa-covered limestone, offering a range of overhung and steep routes for climbers of various skill levels.

To reach Butterfly Valley, there are two main options: hiring a guide or navigating independently. Opting for a guide provides insights, and instruction on climbing techniques, and ensures a smoother experience. However, choosing the independent route is recommended for those looking to maximize their budget and have climbing experience.

Butterfly Valley holds allure for several reasons. The valley’s shape resembles a heart, making it a popular spot for young people seeking unique check-in locations.

One of the valley’s most captivating features is the multitude of butterflies. Photo: Tinhte

One of the valley’s most captivating features is the multitude of butterflies. Thousands of these colorful creatures flutter around, creating a picturesque scene. If butterflies in Cuc Phuong National Park are concentrated in the forest, then in Cat Ba, visitors can encounter them in places with dense canopy trees since Cat Ba Island has a system of green trees covering the island. Cat Ba has a dense tree cover. The space in the forest is quiet and cool, only the bustling footsteps of tourists and the chirping of birds can be heard above.

Vietnam’s tropical climate suggests packing light rain gear and bug spray, especially for those susceptible to mosquitoes. Given the steep nature of many routes, some remain dry even in rainy conditions.

Cat Ba archipelago has long been known as a place with clear beaches surrounding winding hills and mountains. This place has a fresh atmosphere, with diverse cuisine and picturesque scenery.

Butterfly hunting is an interesting activity in Cat Ba Island. Photo: Dam Quoc Khanh

Cat Ba Island, lying in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the northeast coast of Vietnam, is a favorite travel destination for foreign and domestic tourists alike. Roughly equidistant from two of northern Vietnam’s largest industrial cities – Hai Phong (to the west) and Ha Long (to the north) – Cat Ba Island is, nonetheless, one of the country’s star natural attractions, and part of the world-famous Halong Bay.

Cat Ba is a beautiful island and there is lots to see and do here as one of Vietnam’s major tourist hot spots. Cat Ba’s population is around 16,000, but the island receives some 2.5 million tourists each year. With this popularity comes some familiar problems: crowds during peak times, over-development in concentrated areas, pollution, noise, and threats to the natural environment.

Thousands of these colorful creatures flutter around, creating a picturesque scene. Photo: Along Walker

Cat Ba Island boasts three main beaches (Cat Ba 1, Cat Ba 2, and Cat Ba 3), where visitors can indulge in the clear blue waters and bask in the sunlight. Not only does Cat Ba Island possess rich biodiversity, but it is also home to a unique ecosystem. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since 2014, this place offers an array of exciting activities such as mountain climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, and adventurous explorations.

To explore the island, visitors can rent scooters and venture to the most attractive destinations. Additionally, hiking through the National Park and climbing Ngu Lam Mountain are highly recommended activities for visitors.

Tourists camping at the Butterfly Valley. Photo: Bao An Ninh Hai Phong

The journey from the heart of Hanoi to the enchanting Cat Ba Island promises an exciting adventure. Covering a distance of over 150 km, traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba is relatively convenient via car or motorcycle. In that case, they can embark on a breathtaking journey lasting approximately 3–4 hours, passing through golden rice fields and witnessing the majestic landscapes of the bay area.

However, if they prefer a more relaxed experience without the hassle of driving, taking a bus is a great alternative. Although the travel time extends to around 4-5 hours, travelers can sit back comfortably and enjoy the scenic views.

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