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Butterfly Valley Rock Climbing
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| Elevation: | 229 ft | 70 m |
| GPS: |
20.7711, 106.9955 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 52,160 total · 314/month | |
| Shared By: | Ken H on Mar 18, 2011 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Alex R |
Introduction
Butterfly Valley or Lien Minh has the largest concentration of routes on Cat Ba Island. The land is private and owned by several families in the valley. Passes to climb in the area must be purchased for approximately 50,000 Dong/day (Approximately 2.50 USD.) You can purchase these passes at "The Hive" (a family home and restaurant) that caters to local climbers or at the Asia Outdoors (Formerly Slo Pony Adventures) office.
Butterfly Valley itself is an isolated area at the heart of Cat Ba island. It is home to around 60 sport routes (and more are being bolted.) The rock itself is tufa-covered limestone with a variety of overhung and steep routes.
Vietnam is tropical and muggy a good deal of the year, so it's recommended to bring light rain gear and bug spray if you're prone to attract mosquitoes. Since a lot of the routes are fairly steep, some routes will remain dry, even in rainy conditions.
Butterfly Valley itself is an isolated area at the heart of Cat Ba island. It is home to around 60 sport routes (and more are being bolted.) The rock itself is tufa-covered limestone with a variety of overhung and steep routes.
Vietnam is tropical and muggy a good deal of the year, so it's recommended to bring light rain gear and bug spray if you're prone to attract mosquitoes. Since a lot of the routes are fairly steep, some routes will remain dry, even in rainy conditions.
Getting There
There are two main ways of getting to Butterfly Valley, one is with a guide, the second is on your own. If you talk to Asia Outdoors you can pay for a guide (depending on how many people are working) to show you the ropes and teach you basic to advanced climbing techniques. If you're trying to maximize your dollars and you've climbed before, definitely opt for getting there on your own.
The most practical way of getting to Butterfly Valley is to rent a motorbike in the town of Cat Ba. Most or many restaurants will rent bikes for around 70,000 VND per day. These come with helmets. HELMET LAWS ARE STRICT IN VIETNAM. Wear them or you face very large fines, both as a local and even more as a tourist. Check the fuel before you go, you can fill up on the way to the crag. Approximately 1 liter should be enough to get you there and back. Be sure to check the price of fuel and show the appropriate amount of money to the attendant, otherwise, they will fill your tank.
The roads are narrow and full of curves and turns, and if you're not used to riding a motorbike, definitely ride it around town to get used to it. You may encounter tour buses or other motorbikes while riding out there.
As for actually getting there, Asia Outdoors has the new guidebook, which should have a map. You can also purchase a drawn map if you're not looking to get the guide. asiaoutdoors.com.vn/climber…
The most practical way of getting to Butterfly Valley is to rent a motorbike in the town of Cat Ba. Most or many restaurants will rent bikes for around 70,000 VND per day. These come with helmets. HELMET LAWS ARE STRICT IN VIETNAM. Wear them or you face very large fines, both as a local and even more as a tourist. Check the fuel before you go, you can fill up on the way to the crag. Approximately 1 liter should be enough to get you there and back. Be sure to check the price of fuel and show the appropriate amount of money to the attendant, otherwise, they will fill your tank.
The roads are narrow and full of curves and turns, and if you're not used to riding a motorbike, definitely ride it around town to get used to it. You may encounter tour buses or other motorbikes while riding out there.
As for actually getting there, Asia Outdoors has the new guidebook, which should have a map. You can also purchase a drawn map if you're not looking to get the guide. asiaoutdoors.com.vn/climber…
Resources
Lodging:
Most people stay in Cat Ba, and accommodation can be found easily since it's a tourist town. The land in/around Butterfly Valley is private so camping is generally not an option.
Eats:
The owners of The Hive are great cooks and can make you a tasty meal for around 70,000 Dong. You can organize this with Asia Outdoors, or directly with the family. However, their English is not fluent and it would be best if you had a decent understanding of Vietnamese.
Obviously, you can also bring your own snacks, Cat Ba has multiple markets, restaurants and a sandwich place to get your fix.
Most people stay in Cat Ba, and accommodation can be found easily since it's a tourist town. The land in/around Butterfly Valley is private so camping is generally not an option.
Eats:
The owners of The Hive are great cooks and can make you a tasty meal for around 70,000 Dong. You can organize this with Asia Outdoors, or directly with the family. However, their English is not fluent and it would be best if you had a decent understanding of Vietnamese.
Obviously, you can also bring your own snacks, Cat Ba has multiple markets, restaurants and a sandwich place to get your fix.
Classic Climbing Routes at Butterfly Valley
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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