
Cat Ba Island – an ideal place for tourists to escape from the bustling city life (Source: Collected)
1. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong?
No matter which city in Vietnam you depart from, chances are you will need to get to Hai Phong first, then make your way from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. The distance from Hai Phong to Cat Ba is approximately 60 kilometers. As for how to get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong, the three most popular options are cable car, speedboat, and ferry.
1.1. By cable car
The newly opened Cat Ba sea-crossing cable car has quickly become a great choice for tourists. It offers breathtaking aerial views of the island and the surrounding bay. However, the cable car may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights. The ticket price is currently 100,000 VND per ticket per way, with free admission for children under 1 meter in height. The travel time is about 15 minutes.
1.2. By speedboat
The speedboat also offers a quick journey to Cat Ba Island, this time across the waters. However, the downside of taking the speedboat is the possibility of seasickness, which can affect some travelers. You can purchase a speedboat ticket to Cat Ba Island at Hong Bang Port or Binh Port, for 250,000 VND per ticket per way. The travel time is about 45 minutes.
1.3. By ferry
To travel to Cat Ba Island by ferry from Hai Phong, tourists first need to reach Dong Bai Ferry Terminal via Tan Vu Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in Vietnam. Here, you can purchase a ferry ticket for just 12,000 VND per ticket per way. The downside of taking the ferry is the possibility of congestion, which can lead to significantly longer travel time (up to 3 hours or more).
Discover: Things to do in Cat Ba: Top 15+ experiences not to be missed
2. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi?
If you want to go from Hanoi to Cat Ba, you will need to get to Hai Phong first. The distance from Hanoi to Hai Phong is approximately 120 kilometers, which can typically be covered in around 1 hour and 45 minutes by road. Regarding the means of transport, you can choose between the train, coach, tourist bus, and private car.
2.1. By train
For an authentic adventure, you can take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Departing from Long Bien Train Station, the journey takes around 2.5 hours and offers beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arriving in Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
2.2. By coach/limousine bus
Coach is the most popular choice for inter-provincial travel in Vietnam, while limousine bus is like an upgraded, compact coach with fewer seats but more amenities. There are many reliable companies that offer service from Hanoi to Hai Phong, such as Doan Xuan, Hai Au, Anh Huy Dat Cang, O Ho, and Hoang Long, with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 VND to 200,000 VND. Upon reaching Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
2.3. By tourist bus
Traveling by tourist bus is an excellent choice for those seeking an all-inclusive journey to Cat Ba Island. The tourist bus is quite similar to the coach, except that it is often part of a package tour that has already included transport from Hai Phong to Cat Ba. For example, a tourist bus may take you straight to the ferry terminal and give you a ferry ticket. It is a popular option for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience.
2.4. By private car
For travelers valuing privacy, flexibility, and a touch of luxury, renting a private car is an excellent choice for the journey from Hanoi to Hai Phong. This option allows you to customize your itinerary and make stops throughout the trip. Upon arriving in Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
Don’t forget to check Cat Ba weather in advance!
3. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Ha Long Bay?
The distance between Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay is approximately 40 kilometers, making it relatively close in geographical terms. Travel time, however, can vary significantly based on the means of transport chosen.
3.1. By ferry
Traveling by ferry from Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh to Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong offers a scenic trip between these two coastal destinations. The ferry typically departs from Tuan Chau Port. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Ticket prices vary depending on the amenities included, ranging from 80,000 VND to 570,000 VND.
3.2. By tourist bus
Similar to traveling from Hanoi, you can book a package tour to get on a tourist bus from Ha Long to Hai Phong. Upon reaching Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
Explore how to get from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay!
4. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Ninh Binh?
Similar to departing from Hanoi, you will need to go from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong first. The distance from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong is approximately 150 kilometers by road. The overall travel time from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba is about 2.5 hours. Regarding the means of transport, you can choose between the coach and private car.
4.1. By coach/limousine bus
Traveling by coach or limousine bus from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong is as straightforward and easy as departing from Hanoi. There are many reliable companies that offer service from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong, such as Cat Ba Discovery, The New Way, Quang Muoi, Ninh Binh Travel, and Duy Khanh Limousine. with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND. Upon arriving in Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
4.2. By private car
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong by private car also offers flexibility and independence. Upon arriving in Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
5. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Ho Chi Minh City?
Hai Phong city lies over 1,794 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, translating to a journey of more than 33 hours by road. Alternatively, a flight can cover the distance in just about 2 hours.
5.1. By airplane
You will fly from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways are some domestic airlines that offer service for this route. After arriving in Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
5.2. By sleeper bus
Traveling from Saigon to Cat Ba by sleeper bus is a long journey, which is provided by companies such as Hoang Long, Thuan Thien, and Ngoc Chong. Ticket prices range from 700,000 VND to 900,000 VND. After reaching Hai Phong, you can make your way to Cat Ba via the above-mentioned transport options.
*Disclaimer: The information in this guide is for reference purposes only. Please contact the transport service providers to get the most up-to-date details.
Venturing to Cat Ba Island offers a captivating journey to explore Vietnam’s coastal wonders. Now that you know how to get to Cat Ba Island, it’s time to think about the attractions!
While you are in Hai Phong, make sure that you visit Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen. As Vietnam’s first international-standard equestrian academy, it features a wide array of horses, including 10 rare breeds from across the world. Covering an area of 29.5 hectares and accommodating over 300 stable stalls, Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen provides a diverse range of immersive experiences, promising to be an engaging destination for horse-riding enthusiasts in Vietnam.
Also located on Vu Yen Island, Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong offers a distinctive golfing experience. It features 36 holes spread across two distinct courses: the Marsh Course celebrated for its challenging marshy terrain, and the Lake Course amidst stunning landscapes adorned with various water features.