Experience the tranquil beauty of Phu Long Mangrove Forest in Cat Ba, where winding waterways, lush mangroves, and local life create a truly unique journey.
1. Introduction to Phu Long Mangrove Forest
Nestled at the gateway of Cat Ba Archipelago, Phu Long Mangrove Forest is one of the most pristine wetlands in Northern Vietnam. Located in Hai Phong Province, within the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, this area offers travelers a peaceful escape into nature’s green labyrinth of tidal channels and dense mangrove roots.
Phu Long Mangrove Forest
What makes this place special isn’t just the scenery — it’s the biodiversity and the calm local rhythm that unfolds along the waterways. As you drift by boat through narrow canals, you’ll spot crabs crawling between roots, birds flying low over the water, and locals quietly tending to their fish farms. Phu Long Mangroves promise a genuine slice of coastal Vietnam — where land, water, and life coexist in harmony.
2. Key Facts about Phu Long Mangrove Forest
2.1 How to get there
Phu Long Village sits on the northern edge of Cat Ba Island, about 12 km from Cat Ba Town.
Cat Ba ferry
You can reach it easily:
- From Hanoi: Take a bus or limousine to Hai Phong (2 hours), then a ferry to Cat Ba Island via Cai Vieng Port, followed by a 15-minute drive to Phu Long.
- From Cat Ba Town: Book a motorbike ride or private car (20–25 minutes).
- By boat: Some eco-tours start directly from Cai Vieng, gliding through mangrove channels into the heart of Phu Long Forest.
The mangroves stretch across tidal flats and estuaries surrounding the Phu Long–Gia Luan area — a gateway to Lan Ha Bay’s tranquil scenery.
2.2 Area and forest composition
Covering roughly 100 hectares, Phu Long Mangrove Forest features both natural mangrove ecosystems and man-made aquaculture zones where mangroves coexist with shrimp and fish ponds.
Visit Phu Long Mangrove Forest
Common mangrove species include:
- Rhizophora stylosa (stilt-root mangrove)
- Avicennia marina (grey mangrove)
- Sonneratia caseolaris (mangrove apple)
These resilient trees thrive in saline mud, forming dense roots that protect the coastline and provide essential habitat for countless marine creatures. The mixture of untouched forest and restored zones shows how locals and nature live in balance — a remarkable example of sustainable coastal ecology in Cat Ba.
2.3 Ecological and environmental importance
The diverse ecosystem of the mangrove forest
Phu Long’s mangroves act as a natural shield, protecting coastal communities from erosion and typhoons. They also filter water, trap sediments, and create breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and shellfish.
Beyond that, this forest plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation:
- It shelters many bird species, reptiles, and even bats, as found in local ecological surveys.
- The area contributes to global efforts in wetland restoration and carbon storage.
- Scientists consider Phu Long a model site for ecological planning in Vietnam’s coastal archipelagos.
Simply put, a walk or boat ride here is not just sightseeing — it’s witnessing how nature sustains life quietly yet powerfully.
3. Things to do in Phu Long Mangroves Forest
3.1 Boat tour through the forest
Hop on a small wooden or motorboat and glide through a network of narrow waterways lined with mangrove roots.
Take a motorboat tour through the forest
Depending on the tide, you’ll see:
- Exposed muddy flats with crabs and snails scurrying about
- Submerged roots during high tide, creating a mirror-like landscape
This slow-paced cruise lets you soak in the peaceful sounds of nature — birds calling, paddles dipping, and leaves rustling in the breeze.
3.2 Thien Long cave and Ao Coi valley
Thien Long cave
Just beyond the mangrove channels lies Thien Long Cave, one of Phu Long’s most mysterious sites. Stretching over 300 meters inside limestone hills, this cave is filled with stalactites shaped like dragons, inspiring its name “Heavenly Dragon.”
Nearby, the Ao Coi Valley (also known as Mr. Thanh’s Lagoon) is a hidden freshwater pocket surrounded by mangroves. Locals use it for small-scale aquaculture, and some tours stop here for a short walk or photoshoot — a perfect mix of water, limestone, and forest.
3.3 Local experiences
To make your visit more immersive, try:
Try clam and snail digging experience
- Digging for clams or oysters in shallow mud flats with local fishermen
- Paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking through quiet mangrove creeks
- Visiting Phu Long fishing village or market, where you can see daily life and enjoy fresh seafood
- Chatting with locals about their sustainable aquaculture and mangrove replanting efforts
3.4 Best time to visit Phu Long Mangrove Forest
- The dry season (October–April) offers calm weather and easy navigation.
- Low tide reveals mangrove roots and mudflats — great for photography.
- Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light and cooler temperatures.
Avoid stormy days (May–August), when strong winds and rain can affect tours.
Go paddleboarding (SUP) through Phu Long Mangrove Forest
4. Travel tips for visitors
- What to Prepare: Wear quick-dry clothes and waterproof shoes; bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a waterproof camera bag.
- Safety & Environmental Care: Follow your guide, avoid littering or touching wildlife, and help keep the mangrove ecosystem clean.
- Weather & Tide Tips: Check tide times for the best views of mangrove roots and avoid visiting during heavy rain or strong winds.
Cast fishing nets
5. Conclusion
The Phu Long Mangrove Forest is more than a sightseeing spot — it’s a living ecosystem that reflects the harmony between people and nature in Cat Ba. With its pristine waterways, unique biodiversity, and heartwarming local life, it’s one of the most memorable experiences on the island.
For guided tours and authentic local experiences, contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel – 0989 745 338 to plan your visit with trusted local experts.
You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below:
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Tour From Cat Ba
- Night Kayaking Tour With Bioluminescence Plankton On Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba National Park - Trung Trang Cave Half Day Trekking Tour
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise From Cat Ba Island
- Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island 3 Day 2 Night Tour From Hanoi
