How to Get to Cat Ba Island: A Comprehensive Guide 2023

Cat Ba

Cat Ba Island is a stunning island in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. Its pristine natural landscapes, including breathtaking beaches, lush green mountains, and diverse ecosystems, make it a popular tourist destination. Cat Ba Island offers an attractive and beautiful scenery that should not be missed during your vacation. Let's discover how to get to Cat Ba Island this summer.

Let's discover how to get to Cat Ba Island this summer

Recommended reading: Indulge in Luxury: Private Boat Tour Halong Bay - Book Now!

Introduction to Cat Ba

Before finding out how to get to Cat Ba Island, let's explore the beauty of this island. The Cat Ba Archipelago, with its 367 beautiful islands, stretches magnificently within the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province. Located 30 km from the center of Hai Phong City and 25 km from Halong City, Cat Ba Island is the largest "gem" in this archipelago.

Cat Ba Island boasts three main beaches (Cat Ba 1, Cat Ba 2, and Cat Ba 3), where visitors can indulge in the clear blue waters and bask in the sunlight. Not only does Cat Ba Island possess rich biodiversity, but it is also home to a unique ecosystem. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since 2014, this place offers an array of exciting activities such as mountain climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, and adventurous explorations.

To explore the island, visitors can rent scooters and venture to the most attractive destinations. Additionally, hiking through the National Park and climbing Ngu Lam Mountain are highly recommended activities for visitors.

Introduction and discovering how to get to Cat Ba island

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

The journey from the heart of Hanoi to the enchanting Cat Ba Island promises an exciting adventure. Covering a distance of over 150 km, traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba is relatively convenient. If you drive a car or ride a motorcycle, you can embark on a breathtaking journey lasting approximately 3–4 hours, passing through golden rice fields and witnessing the majestic landscapes of the bay area. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience without the hassle of driving, taking a bus is a great alternative. Although the travel time extends to around 4-5 hours, you can sit back comfortably and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

How to Get to Cat Ba Island

How to get to Cat Ba Island? There are several ways to get to Cat Ba Island, depending on your preferences and starting point. Here are some common options:

Traveling to Cat Ba via Train

Recently, taking the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong has become a trendy choice among young travelers, offering a unique and picturesque journey. By opting for the train, you can indulge in a novel experience while marveling at the beautiful landmarks and landscapes along the way. You can board the train at either Hanoi Station (open daily) or Long Bien Station (open from Monday to Friday). The train journey provides a perfect opportunity to unwind, read a book, or simply gaze out at the ever-changing panorama.

Traveling to Cat Ba via Train

Discover: What to do Cat Ba Island - Things to do for the best experience

Traveling to Cat Ba via Bus

To reach Cat Ba Island by bus, start by heading to either Luong Yen or My Dinh bus stations in Hanoi. These stations offer a variety of bus services that include routes to Cat Ba Island. Look for a bus company that operates routes to Hai Phong City, which serves as the closest access point to the island. Purchase your bus ticket to Hai Phong, keeping in mind that the travel time is typically around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Upon arrival in Hai Phong, make your way to either Ben Binh or Ben Got bus stations. These are the primary bus stations that provide connections to Cat Ba Island. From there, you'll find specialized bus or minibus services that cater specifically to travelers heading to Cat Ba Island. Purchase your ticket for the bus or minibus, and then embark on your journey.

Traveling to Cat Ba via Car

One of the safest and most convenient options for traveling to Cat Ba Island is by car. The route starts with the 5B Highway from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then continues towards Tan Vu Lach Bridge to reach the Cat Ba Cable Car station, which leads to Got Ferry Terminal. After that, you can proceed to the center of Cat Ba town.

Traveling by car is a suitable choice for families or groups, providing both privacy and the flexibility to stop and enjoy the scenery wherever you please, making your journey more fulfilling.

Traveling to Cat Ba via Car

Traveling to Cat Ba via motorcycle

If you have wanderlust and crave the freedom to explore, a motorcycle is an excellent choice. From Hanoi, you can consider two routes to reach Cat Ba.

The first route is to travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong. This route covers a distance of about 130 kilometers. To reach Cat Ba, you can take your motorcycle on the ferry, allowing you to easily explore the exciting attractions and entertainment spots on the island.

The second route is to travel through Halong and Tuan Chau. Although this route is about 20 kilometers longer than the first route, it offers amazing experiences that are worth the extra distance. Typically, you will follow National Highway 18 from Bac Ninh to Halong and then wait for the ferry at Tuan Chau. The waiting time here is also shorter.

Traveling to Cat Ba via motorcycle

Using Seaplane, Cruise, Ferry/Speedboat

To get to Cat Ba Island, you have a few options:

• Seaplane

You can travel to Cat Ba Island by seaplane from Hai Phong. After checking the appropriate schedule, passengers can purchase seaplane tickets to Cat Ba Island and begin enjoying the unique landscapes of Vietnam's northern delta.

• Cruise

Most cruises depart from Ha Long Bay or Hai Phong City. After purchasing tickets, passengers can relax as the cruise ship takes them to Cat Ba Island, allowing them to admire the beauty of the sea and the nearby islands.

Explore further: How to book your perfect Cat Ba cruise?

• Ferry/Speedboat

Travel to Hai Phong City, which serves as the main departure point for ferries and speedboats to Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival, follow the instructions provided by the ferry or speedboat staff to disembark.

FAQs about the way to Cat Ba Island

Answering the question: “How to get to Cat Ba Island?”, choosing the right mode of transportation is an important factor. Regardless of your chosen means of transportation, this journey will immerse you in the splendid Gulf region and the captivating island, where you can explore stunning landscapes and cherish unforgettable experiences. 

To reach Cat Ba Island, you can take many routes.

How to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay

• Ferry/High-speed boat

Embark on a thrilling journey by taking a ferry or high-speed boat from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. You can purchase tickets at the ferry terminals or through reputable travel agencies.

Enjoy a scenic ride lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the route and weather conditions, as you marvel at the untouched beauty and grandeur of Halong Bay on your way to Cat Ba Island. For travelers who have booked the Paradise Grand cruise experience in Lan Ha Bay (located in Cat Ba Island), you have the option to take the Paradise Express speedboat from Tuan Chau International Port (Ha Long) to Gia Luan pier and board the Paradise Grand cruise without any additional charges.

• Cruise

There are several cruises available from Halong Bay or Hai Phong City that offer trips to Cat Ba Island. Research and book through trusted travel agencies or reliable online platforms.

Paradise Grand - One of the famous Cat Ba Island cruises

How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong

• By High-Speed Boat

At Dinh Vu Ferry Terminal, you can also inquire about and purchase tickets for high-speed boats that travel to Cat Ba Island. High-speed boats offer a quick and convenient journey, taking a similar amount of time as the ferry.

• By Bus

Another option is to travel from Hai Phong city center to Hai Phong Bus Station and then continue the journey by bus to Cat Ba Island. It takes around 2–3 hours.

For more information: Where to stay in Cat Ba - The ultimate accommodation guide

Recommended Cat Ba Exploration Itinerary by Paradise Vietnam

Besides exploring How to get to Cat Ba Island, The schedule is also something tourists care about. In particular, the famous cruise ship offering an enticing Cat Ba Island tour must include Paradise Grand. During the 2-day, 1-night trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the most breathtaking destinations of Cat Ba Island, including Lan Ha Bay, which is renowned for its beauty and offers a wide range of captivating activities:

Day 1: Embark on a Journey to Explore Lan Ha Bay with Dark and Light Cave

Morning: Guests will gather at Paradise Suites Hotel on Tuan Chau Island.

Afternoon: 

• Guests will enjoy lunch at La Espacia restaurant while Paradise Cruises Grand sails through the islands and beaches of Lan Ha Bay. 
• The first stop will be Dark and Light Cave, a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can choose to kayak or take a bamboo boat ride guided by locals.

Evening:

• Guests will indulge in a delightful dinner prepared by the Chef of Paradise Grand Cruise at La Espacia restaurant. 
• After dinner, they can unwind with a drink at the Piano Lounge, try their hand at squid fishing, or watch a movie at the cinema.
•  Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class on board at 5:30 p.m.

Explore further: Halong Bay junk boat with the best itinerary 2023 - Paradise Sails

Day 2: Continue the tour with Ao Ech

• In the morning, start your day by joining a Tai Chi session and savoring a light breakfast of tea, coffee, and cakes at the Piano Lounge.
• Next, the journey will lead to the final destination - Ao Ech. This place is renowned for its wild and serene beauty, with lush green forests and crystal-clear waters. Guests can engage in kayaking or enjoy a leisurely float with their loved ones.
• At the conclusion of the program, guests can spend their remaining time at the Piano Lounge or Sundeck, admiring the magnificent beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
• Upon disembarking from the Paradise Grand cruise, visitors will be transferred to a speedboat for their return journey to Tuan Chau port.

In addition, Paradise Grand also offers a 3-day, 2-night itinerary for those with ample time to explore Cat Ba Island. This extended journey includes a visit to the Viet Hai fishing village, providing an opportunity to experience the cultural aspects of the local community. Guests will have the chance to explore an aquarium, visit an apiary, explore an old house, and indulge in a foot massage at the aquarium.

Visitors join a kayak tour in Lan Ha Bay

Recommended reading: Discover the Best Cat Ba Nightlife Hotspots

This article has shared all about how to get to Cat Ba Island from many key areas and different means. Paradise Vietnam hopes the above information will be useful for you and your family's upcoming trip.