Butterfly Valley

Red River Delta, VN

Butterfly Valley, or Lien Minh by its Vietnamese name, is a jewel in the jungle within Cat Ba Island. Its location outside the National Park makes it much easier to access, but the landscape is the same. Lien Minh is owned by a few farming families who quietly go about their business of cultivating and herding. The majority of the land, including the crag, is owned by a friendly couple named Trinh and Nga. They also own The Hive, the climber’s hangout in Butterfly Valley. This is where you can safely leave a motorbike, use the restroom, and buy drinks and snacks. You can also ask Nga to prepare a traditional Vietnamese lunch or dinner and enjoy the family’s company. Although the field in Butterfly Valley floods during the monsoon, approximately 50% of the crag remains accessible through a higher trail leading from The Hive. Butterfly Valley is the region’s biggest and most diverse crag, with more than 60 climbs spanning all grades and styles. The cliff faces south-southeast and receives sun for most of the morning. Shade moves from the right side of the wall to the left, generally covering the entire crag by afternoon. The bases of most climbs are sheltered by trees, making it possible to climb even on sunnier days. Unless it has rained much during previous days, it is possible to climb at Butterfly Valley even in persistent rain since there are many sheltered climbs. Bring a 70 meter rope for some of the crag’s longer climbs.
CRAG STATISTICS
68
Routes
2893
meters climbed
137
Zlags
6c+
average grade

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Family friendly
Very safe
Rain safe
Parking
Slabs
Vertical
Overhanging
Roof
Exposition
75 m.
20 min.

GALLERY