Legend whispers of Princess Kim Ngan and her lover Ngoc Giao. Their tragic love story is etched into the very heart of Kim Giao forest. This is Dinh Kim Giao a place where nature’s beauty intertwines with ancient tales.
Dinh Kim Giao is more than just a viewpoint. It’s a journey into the heart of Cat Ba National Park. A trek through 3km of diverse ecosystems awaits you. Expect a 2-2.5 hour adventure.
Begin at the Garden Center. Walk past collective houses built in the 1960s. They are a testament to a bygone era of socialist construction. Explore the botanical garden. Discover its 13.5 hectares of native plants. Many rare species thrive here. This is a living testament to Cat Ba’s biodiversity.
The forest itself is layered. The forest floor teems with life. Worms insects and even civets find shelter here. The middle layer and shrubbery are home to frogs squirrels and birds. The canopy high above is a haven for golden monkeys and langurs. Climbing plants vines and epiphytes weave through these layers.
The Kim Giao forest itself covers nearly 10 hectares. This area is dominated by the Kim Giao tree. It’s a small tree with a straight trunk and flaky bark. Its leaves are thick oval-shaped and spear-like. The tree grows slowly and regenerates well. It produces cones in spring and purple fruits in autumn. The light yellow wood is ideal for handicrafts.
According to legend Kim Giao wood was used by ancient kings to make chopsticks. These chopsticks were used to detect poisons in food. This is the true magic of Dinh Kim Giao. It’s a place where history nature and myth converge.
From the Kim Giao forest continue for about 1km to Ngu Lam peak. Along the way you might spot white-tailed red-bellied squirrels. They are easily recognizable by their grey backs and red bellies. Keep an eye out for the black squirrel too. These are among the largest tree squirrels in the world.
Reaching Ngu Lam peak you’ll stand 225m above sea level. Marvel at the panoramic views of Cat Ba. The vistas are breathtaking. You will witness limestone mountains sculpted by the sea. This is a testament to the geomorphology of Cat Ba Archipelago. Cat Ba is recognized as a Global Geopark for good reason.
Remember Dinh Kim Giao. Remember the legend of Kim Giao forest. Remember the journey itself. This unforgettable experience will stay with you long after you leave this enchanted place.