​Cat Ba Archipelago recognized as world natural heritage

On September 16, 2023, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, spanning Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city, were officially recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The announcement of this new addition to the UNESCO list was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cat Ba Archipelago is Vietnam's largest limestone archipelago
 

 

This unique heritage site, spanning two provinces, represents Vietnam's first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site. The Cat Ba Archipelago, located in the northern port city of Hai Phong, is Vietnam's largest limestone archipelago. and has previously been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Notably, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province was twice named a world heritage site, by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000. They have garnered acclaim for their exceptional biodiversity, which includes rare species, as well as their breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cat Ba Archipelago had earlier been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.

Vietnam now proudly hosts nine UNESCO world heritage sites, each contributing to its socio-economic development, environmental preservation, and enriching its cultural and tourism inspiration. Among Vietnam's UNESCO-recognized treasures are eight distinguished sites: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Ha Long Bay, the Hue Imperial Citadel City in Thua Thien Hue Province, Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province, Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty in Thanh Hoa Province, and the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province.