In this article, we will guide you on an enchanting voyage from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay. Whether you opt for a leisurely ferry ride or other means of transportation, the journey promises to unveil breathtaking natural beauty. Prepare to be captivated by majestic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
1. How far is it from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay?
Cat Ba Island is in Hai Phong City, while Ha Long Bay belongs to Quang Ninh Province. Both Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island are recognized by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage sites and are must-visit destinations in Vietnam, especially for those seeking to immerse themselves in majestic nature. The distance between Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay is approximately 22 kilometers as the crow flies.
2. Best way to get from Cat Ba Island to Ha Long Bay – by ferry
There are several ways to travel from Cat Ba Island to Ha Long Bay, such as by ferry, bus, and cruise. The quickest way is by ferry. Travelers on a ferry journey will have the opportunity to explore the majestic landscapes of both Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.
Here is the detailed information about the ferry from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay:
Route | Gia Luan Port (Cat Ba Island) – Tuan Chau Port (Ha Long Bay) |
Cat Ba ferry schedule | 9:00 AM; 11:30 AM; 1:00 PM; 3:00 PM; 4:00 PM |
Duration | About 50 minutes |
Ticket price |
*Free of charge for children under 1.2 meters tall. |
How to book tickets |
To book your ticket, you can directly contact the ferry operator, through email, the Tuan Chau mobile app, or using the information provided below:
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*Note: These details are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.
The Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay ferry allows you to admire majestic limestone karsts and emerald waters (Source: Collected)
Explore: How to get to Ha Long Bay? A FULL guide for first-timers
3. Can you travel from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by bus?
Aside from the ferry, travelers can also go from Cat Ba to Ha Long by road. However, this option may be more complicated and time-consuming, as there will be two legs:
- Leg 1: Travel from Cat Ba to Hai Phong’s inner city by ferry/cable car
- Leg 2: Travel from Hai Phong to Ha Long by bus/taxi/motorbike
4. Recommended Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay tours
To conveniently travel from Cat Ba to Ha Long and fully explore the beauty of both destinations, travelers can book tours from reputable travel agencies. These tours often include comprehensive services such as transportation, meals, and accommodation, with various itineraries to choose from.
4.1. Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay 1-day tour
For a day trip, travelers can choose a Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay cruise that takes them to Cai Beo Fishing Village to learn about the local fishermen’s way of life, kayak to explore lagoons and caves such as Bat Cave, Dark Cave, and Bright Cave, and stop at the stunning Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming. Along the way, travelers can enjoy spectacular scenery and indulge in a delicious seafood lunch.
4.2. Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay 2-day tour
A 2-day Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay tour is usually designed with various exciting experiences, such as:
- Day 1: Explore Cat Ba National Road on Cat Ba Island. Here, you can enjoy trekking to Butterfly Valley to admire the beautiful natural scenery and discover diverse flora and fauna. Afterward, you can visit the village of Lien Minh, which is known for its lush green fields, and learn about the local culture.
- Day 2: Travel by boat to Lan Ha Bay, visit floating villages,then continue cruising to Ha Long Bay. You will have the opportunity to see numerous limestone formations, stop at Cam Lagoon for swimming, kayak through Dark Cave, Bat Cave, and Bright Cave, and relax on the deck amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Discover: Things to do in Ha Long Bay: 27 incredible ideas to include in your trip
5. Useful tips for your trip from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay
For an unforgettable experience at two of Vietnam’s most beautiful tourist destinations, note these tips:
- Must-try foods in Cat Ba & Ha Long: Both Ha Long cuisine and Cat Ba cuisine are renowned for delicious dishes made from fresh seafood. Visitors can indulge in delicacies such as grilled scallops with spring onions, steamed crabs, grilled oysters, grilled mantis shrimp, seafood porridge, sticky rice with squid cakes, among others.
- Packing: Travelers should check the weather forecast to pack appropriately. Lightweight, breathable clothes, swimwear, flip-flops, waterproof bags, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, seasickness pills, etc. are all essential items for a comfortable trip.
- Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: After exploring Cat Ba and Ha Long, travelers can relax at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, a resort built entirely on the sea that offers breathtaking views of the bay. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long provides a wide range of top-notch amenities such as private beaches, swimming pools, spas, restaurants, bars, etc. for a relaxing retreat.
Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
The journey from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay is not just a mere trip; it is a journey to unparalleled natural splendor and cultural richness. Whether you choose to navigate the waters by ferry or explore the scenic routes by land, the experience is bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul. From the rugged cliffs of Cat Ba to the ethereal beauty of Ha Long, this voyage epitomizes the essence of Vietnam’s enchanting landscapes.
Beyond Cat Ba and Ha Long, travelers should not miss out on other prominent destinations in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In these cities, travelers can explore the exciting entertainment complexes of VinWonders. VinWonders offers thrilling games, vibrant festivals, and architectural marvels for an enjoyable experience. Moreover, to elevate your trip to another level, consider staying at the luxurious hotels and resorts offered by Vinpearl.
Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and get ready for a journey full of fun!