The Kim Giao forest spans roughly ten hectares at the heart of Cat Ba national park in northern Vietnam. It owes its name to Nageia fleuryi, a conifer endemic to the region with a straight trunk and soft bark, long associated with a royal legend and the crafting of chopsticks rumoured to detect poison. For travellers exploring the island, it offers a chance to combine a moderate hike, a viewpoint at 225 metres elevation and a botanical pause guided by the national park.

Why visit Kim Giao forest

Three features set this Cat Ba site apart. First is botanical rarity: Nageia fleuryi is protected in Vietnam, and the Kim Giao forest concentrates a dense population within a compact area, making it an accessible observation ground. Second is the landscape: the trail opens onto Ngu Lam peak, from which you can take in the wooded limestone ridges of the park. Third is the cultural dimension—the legend that named the tree and the ancient uses of its wood.

The legend of Kim Giao

The forest's name comes from a tale passed down across northern Vietnam's regions. Kim Ngân, a virtuous princess, had been promised to the hero who would save the kingdom from invaders. Giao Thuy, a young woodcutter, drove back enemy forces and won her hand. At their wedding feast, a jealous mandarin poisoned his wine. The princess, desperate, died at his side. The legend says that from both their graves grew a tree whose name combined those of the lovers: Kim Giao.

The wood of this tree—creamy white and very pale—was later said to have been used to craft chopsticks for the royal court. According to tradition, they would change colour when touched by poisoned food. This property belongs to the realm of legend, but it contributed to the symbolic value of Nageia fleuryi in Vietnamese culture.

What to see and do

The hike to Ngu Lam peak

The marked trail leads to Ngu Lam summit at 225 metres altitude. Plan for roughly 3 kilometres each way and 3 to 4 hours for the loop, including breaks. The route alternates stone steps, exposed roots and rocky sections that can be slippery after rain: sturdy closed shoes are essential. An observation platform at the summit opens onto views of the park's wooded limestone massifs.

Observing Nageia fleuryi

The Kim Giao zone itself covers around 10 hectares. The conifer is easily recognised by its upright trunk, smooth bark and small purple cone-shaped fruits. Several panels highlight the species' characteristics and protected status.

Daytime wildlife

The forest is home to several squirrel species active during the day, notably the white-tailed and red-bellied squirrel as well as black squirrels. Move quietly along the trail's first sections to improve your chances of spotting them.

When to go

The most favourable period runs from May to July: moderate temperatures, passable trails and dense vegetation. Tropical storm season spans July to August and may cause temporary closures of park sections; check forecasts and park advisories before departing. Winter is possible but humidity makes steps more slippery.

How to get there

From Hanoi, the most common itinerary combines a bus to Hai Phong (around 2 hours) then a ferry to Cat Ba island (roughly 45 minutes). Hydrofoil links between Hanoi and Cat Ba have existed; their availability varies by season and operator—verify before booking.

Once there, expect roughly twenty kilometres from Cat Ba town to the national park entrance by taxi, hired scooter or shuttle. From the park centre, the botanical garden is a 500-metre walk, then a marked trail leads in about fifteen minutes to Kim Giao forest.

Practical information

• Ticket: Access to the forest passes through the Cat Ba national park entrance; the fee is modest and grants access to several park trails and sites.
• Hours: daytime visits only; set out early morning for cooler conditions and better chances of encountering wildlife.
• Duration: allow half a day to combine the forest and Ngu Lam ascent.
• Equipment: hiking shoes, water, insect repellent, lightweight rain jacket for summer.

Around the area

Kim Giao forest combines well with other stops in the national park and on the island. To understand the balance between tourism and conservation on the archipelago, read our feature on Cát Bà: development and biosphere preservation. Botany enthusiasts may extend the theme with the botanical garden and zoo. Further south in Vietnam, other peaks deserve a visit, such as Buu Long and Long An mountains or Ba Den mountain.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Kim Giao forest fits naturally into an itinerary exploring northern Vietnam, spanning Halong Bay, Cat Ba island and the capital Hanoi. To build a custom itinerary incorporating this stop, explore our Vietnam travel ideas.