Comprehensive Guide: Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island from A to Z

Cat Ba is currently one of the famous tourist destinations in Hai Phong. We will provide a detailed guide on how to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba below. We hope that Onevivu’s tips will help travelers have an easy journey to the renowned destination of Cat Ba!

Getting to Cat Ba from Hanoi involves several stages:

Stage 1: Travelers from Hanoi head towards Hai Phong and pass through the Tan Vu Sea Crossing Bridge to reach Got Ferry. Upon reaching Got Ferry, you have two options: either park your vehicle at Got Ferry and take a ferry to Cai Vieng Pier, then hire a taxi to the town, or take your vehicle onto the ferry to Cat Ba. However, be mindful to avoid weekends and peak summer periods when there’s a high influx of tourists, leading to ferry and road congestion to the island.

Stage 2: From Got Ferry, travelers will navigate to Cai Vieng Pier in Cat Hai District to reach the island’s central area. Besides the ferry, travelers can also opt for the Phu Long – Cat Hai cable car.

Stage 3: After reaching Cai Vieng Pier, travelers will be transported to Cat Ba town, the island’s center. To cover the remaining 20km distance to Cat Ba Island, travelers will need to rent a motorbike or car.

Additionally, visitors can reach Cat Ba Island via two other methods:

  • Taking a ferry from Tuan Chau Island
  • Traveling by high-speed boat

Ferry from Tuan Chau Island – Gia Luận (Cat Ba). High-speed boat from Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island. Currently, Google Maps offers straightforward and quick directions for the journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba. Travelers can rely on their smartphones to easily navigate to Cat Ba Island.

The transportation options from Hanoi to Cat Ba

The transportation options from Hanoi to Cat Ba include several choices. For instance:

Personal cars or rented vehicles for a direct trip to Cat Ba Island. Full-route tourist buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba. With these transportation means, you can easily and swiftly take your vehicle onto the ferry to reach Cat Ba Island. Bus companies usually pick up passengers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Aeon Mall Long Bien area, then proceed on the expressway towards Cat Ba.

Upon reaching Got Ferry, you board a high-speed boat to Cai Vieng Pier, where a shuttle bus awaits to take passengers directly to Cat Ba town, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour journey for the entire route. Some bus companies for reference include Cat Ba Express, Cat Ba Discovery, Good Morning Cat Ba, Daiichi Bus, among others.

Alternatively, you can travel from the ferry on Tuan Chau Island or via high-speed boat from Hai Phong for a faster, safer, and more convenient journey. Check out: The most convenient Hanoi to Cat Ba tourist transport.

Furthermore, you can also book all-inclusive Cat Ba tours that provide pickup from Hanoi and transportation services to explore Cat Ba Island with additional enticing services.

Guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba- transportation
Guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba- transportation

Explore the beauty of Cat Ba

The beauty of Cat Ba is regarded as a natural gift bestowed by Mother Nature since ancient times. When visiting Cat Ba, tourists should not miss out on interesting attractions such as:

In Cat Ba Swim at Cat Co Beach 1, 2, 3

Cat Co Beach 1, 2, 3 are stunning beaches with white sand, golden sunshine, and incredibly tranquil coastlines, ensuring utmost safety. The crystal-clear waters of these beaches also attract numerous tourists.

For those seeking more secluded and untouched beaches, you can explore the beaches in Lan Ha Bay. These beaches offer fewer amenities, blend harmoniously with nature, and provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cat ba beaches -guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba
Cat ba beaches -guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Indulge in exquisite seafood in Cat Ba

Cat Ba in Hai Phong is favored by nature, resulting in all types of seafood being firm, sweet, tender, and incredibly fresh here. Particularly due to the abundance of seafood and easy availability through fishing, the prices for seafood are relatively affordable. Most importantly, locals here have unique cooking methods that bring out distinctive, delightful flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Seafood in Cat Ba island
Seafood in Cat Ba island

Explore Lan Ha Bay

In recent years, Lan Ha Bay has gained more recognition among travelers. The distinctive feature of this bay is its crystal-clear waters, allowing visibility to the seabed. Therefore, many people choose this place as an ideal spot for kayaking. Diving in Lan Ha Bay to admire the coral reefs is also an exciting experience when visiting Cat Ba.

Lan Ha bay- guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba
Lan Ha bay- guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Visiting Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort stands at an elevation of 177 meters above sea level, making it a vantage point to oversee the entire Cat Ba town. The sunset over Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, and the beaches are all prominently visible from this vantage point. Furthermore, the historical remnants at Cannon Fort will also offer you a deeper insight into the glorious history of the nation.

Cannon Fort Cat Ba- guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba
Cannon Fort Cat Ba- guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park

For nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the lush greenery, exploring the beautiful landscapes, Cat Ba National Park is a must-visit. This place boasts diverse vegetation, fresh air, and offers trekking services (hiking and mountain climbing) for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings.

Tranquil paths interwoven with rocky challenges and rugged trails will provide a sense of conquest for spirited adventurers who thrive on exploration and vibrant experiences.

Cat Ba national park
Cat Ba national park

Night Squid Fishing in Lan Ha Bay

The night squid fishing tour in Lan Ha Bay costs around 500,000 VND per person. This is an entertaining service enjoyed by many tourists. After a successful night of squid fishing, tourists can also have their catch expertly prepared into delicious dishes to fully savor the authentic flavors of squid at Cat Ba Island’s seaside.

Squid fishing Lan Ha bay
Squid fishing Lan Ha bay

The information about transportation from Hanoi to Cat Ba and the travel experiences shared by Onevivu hope to be helpful for you. Wishing all travelers an enjoyable experience and hoping that your visit to Cat Ba in Hai Phong will leave a profound and lasting impression!


Maybe you are interested