How To Get To Cat Ba Island: Updated Travel Guide

Introduction

“How to get to Cat Ba Island?” must be the most commonly asked question among visitors to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. As a “Pearl Island” with preferable natural features, it succeeds in gaining a huge number of vacationers each year.

Indeed, located near Halong Bay, it boasts the typical scenery of this “World Heritage Site,” with limestone mountains and picturesque beaches. Moreover, its pristine beauty is maintained so well that it captures those who love the tranquility and purity of nature.

If you’re planning a trip to this dream island, Vietnam Vacation Travel will give you clear ideas in terms of transportation and travel advice.

Where Is Cat Ba Island?

Cat Ba Island is the largest part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, under the administration of Hai Phong City, Vietnam. It’s 40 kilometers from the Hai Phong mainland and 20 kilometers to the south of Halong Bay.

Haiphong City is proud to have this gorgeous island as its main tourist attraction for a reason. It’s titled the “pearl of Gulf Tonkin” thanks to its white-sand coasts, refreshing seawater, and untouched environment.

It’s a perfect choice for those who love Halong Bay-like scenery but dislike the tourist hassles at that venue. Cat Ba’s peacefulness promises to create wonderful relaxation for holidaymakers.

How To Get To Cat Ba Island?

So, the main topic you might care about is “Cat Ba Island: how to get there.” Normally, people tend to flock to Cat Ba from Haiphong or after visiting other popular tourist destinations such as Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh.

In fact, there are many routes and means of transportation to reach Cat Ba. Whatever it is, you basically have 3 steps: Hai Phong City – a Cat Ba ferry station – Cat Ba Town (Cat Ba Island). You can refer to the following lists to find the best way to get to Cat Ba:

Haiphong To Cat Ba Island

It will take around 1.5 hours to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. So, how to get to Cat Ba Island from Haiphong: Private cars, motorcycles, buses, or cable cars are the most common ways.

By private car: This is not the cheapest but easiest way. Door-to-door private cars can get your travel requests for pickup times and locations to provide a suitable trip for you. It’s convenient, as you don’t need to worry about ferry rides or inconvenient pickup and drop-off places.

We recommend the Hai Phong To Cat Ba Island Private Car.

By motorcycle: Riding a motorcycle to Cat Ba is the favorite of many thanks to its flexibility, low costs, and freedom. You can hire a motorcycle for only 100,000–200,000 VND per vehicle for one day (4–8 USD). You can also ride it around Cat Ba Island after you get there from Hai Phong.

By bus: You can take a bus trip to Cat Ba at a good price. It costs around 150,000 VND per person, including transport and a ferry ticket. Yet, it won’t transfer you door-to-door but between bus stations instead.

By cable car: If you want a unique experience, you should try a cable car route from Cat Hai to Phu Long, based in Haiphong. It’s different from other ways, as you can watch wonderful views from above and avoid crowded ferry rides. It costs 180,000 VND one way and 260,000 VND two ways (bus for city transport and cable car included).

Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island

There are two routes to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay: Tuan Chau Ferry (in Halong Bay)—Cat Ba (2 hours) or Halong Bay—Got Ferry (in Haiphong)—Cat Ba (2.5 hours).

The former way is quicker but less available. Tuan Chau Ferry has fewer rides than Got Ferry and only runs until 3 PM. Therefore, you should book tickets in advance; otherwise, you should opt for the latter route.

Similar to the Haiphong-Cat Ba transport mentioned above, you can choose private cars, buses, or motorcycles for Halong-Cat Ba. For our recommendation, you can consider Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island Private Car.

Hanoi To Cat Ba Island

As estimated, it might take 3 hours to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi. You will travel from Hanoi City or Hanoi Airport to Got Ferry Terminal in 2 hours, take a ferry ride in 30 minutes, and travel to Cat Ba Town in another 30 minutes.

For this route, there are several ways to pick, such as trips by Hanoi to Cat Ba bus, private car, and motorcycle. Particularly:

Private car: Just request the departure time, pickup address, and drop-off place, and they will take you straight to the island safely. You should choose Hanoi To Cat Ba Island Private Car or Hanoi To Cat Ba Island Limousine.

Bus: It runs at fixed sections (8 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM). Its cost ranges from 250,000 to 400,000 VND/pax. You will arrive at a bus agency (Discovery, Daiichi, and Catba Express are recommended), get a bus ride to Got Ferry Terminal, reach Cat Ba by ferry, and get on another bus to your hotel.

Motorcycle: The scooter or motorcycle rental prices in Hanoi range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND/vehicle/day. Besides its high flexibility, you can use it as a vehicle to travel around the island.

Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island

Ninh Binh is farther from Cat Ba than the above destinations. It will take roughly 3.5–4 hours to travel one way by car and ferry. So, how to get to Cat Ba Island from Ninh Binh? It’s the same as other routes: by car, motorcycle, or bus.

Firstly, you go from Ninh Binh to Got Ferry Terminal by road vehicle in 2.5 hours. Then, you get on a ferry and reach Cat Ba in 30 minutes. Finally, you take another ride by road vehicle to your preferred place on the island.

The road vehicle we highly recommend is the Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island Private Car (106 USD/car) due to its convenience, comfort, and safety. Otherwise, you can take a bus trip at 13 USD/person or hire a motorcycle at 5-8 USD/day.

Cat Ba Ferry Schedule

There are two ferry stations (in Hai Phong City) to Cat Ba: the Got Ferry Terminal and the Binh Ferry Terminal. Refer to the latest ferry timetable, as follows:

Got Ferry-Phu Long Ferry Route

Binh Ferry-Cat Ba Route

Hotline for online ticket booking:

• Catba Island: 02256617831
• Mekong Hoang Yen: 0904385346 or 0868554468
• Hadeco: 0977157822

Cat Ba Entrance Fee

Cat Ba Attractions Entrance Ticket Prices

Cat Ba Island Canoe Prices

The Cat Ba Archipelago consists of not only Cat Ba Island but also various beautiful islets and Lan Ha Bay. Canoes are the main mode of transportation to get you to attractions such as Monkey Island, Lan Ha Bay, etc.

Thus, we give you the Cat Ba canoe price ranges for future reference:

Best Time To Visit Cat Ba Island

The ideal time to visit Cat Ba Vietnam is from April to October. It’s the peak tourist season because Vietnam comes into the summer with lots of sunny days for beach activities.

However, please notice that heavy rains and storms usually occur from July to August. Therefore, if you go during this time, it’s better to check the weather forecast for 3-5 days in advance.

If you’re uncomfortable with the crowded peak season, the time from November to March may suit you. The weather might not be as good as in the summer, but it will bring you a tranquil time to relax and enjoy its peaceful nature.

FAQs

What to do on Cat Ba Island?

• Must-see attractions: Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, Monkey Island, Cai Beo Fishing Village, Trung Trang Cave, Quan Y Cave, and Historical Cannon Fort.
• Activities: Kayaking, joining a cruise, scuba-diving for coral reefs, etc.
• Must-try specialties: otter shells, salt-toasted mantis shrimps, blue crabs, grilled mussels, mangrove horseshoe crabs, and squid dishes.

How to get around Cat Ba Island?

There are several means of transportation in Cat Ba, such as:

• Bicycles: 25,000 VND per hour
• Motorcycles/scooters: 150,000–200,000 VND per day
• Meter taxis: 10,000–13,000 VND per kilometer
• Tours by car: 200,000–500,000 VND per tour

Besides, you can choose to walk, as the island is gorgeous to enjoy at a slow pace.

Where do you get the ferry to Cat Ba Island?

There are three main ferry terminals to get to Cat Ba Island: Got Pier (Hai Phong), Binh Pier (Hai Phong), and Tuan Chau Harbor (Halong Bay).

Note: Got Ferry Terminal has been expanded and changed its name to Dong Bai Ferry Terminal since March 1, 2024.

Is it worth visiting Cat Ba Island?

Yes, definitely. Cat Ba Vietnam features heavenly landscapes full of natural vibes. Not too crowded, it promises a relaxing time for those enthusiastic about outdoor activities and unspoiled scenery.

How long does it take to get to Cat Ba Island?

It depends on your starting point, but normally, it will take at least 1.5 hours to get to Cat Ba.

How long should I stay on Cat Ba Island?

We recommend spending three days on Cat Ba Island. There are numerous attractions and activities to do on the island, such as sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, visiting islets and Lan Ha Bay, etc.

Conclusion

Cat Ba Island is an incredible destination for visitors who yearn for real relaxation amidst dream-like natural vistas. Vietnam Vacation Travel hopes that our travel blog has brought you better insight on how to get to Cat Ba Vietnam, how its ferry works, and other helpful tips.

We wish you an unforgettable time on “Pearl Island” Haiphong and in Vietnam as well. Thanks for reading.