Embarking on a journey from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay offers a shift from rustic beaches to iconic karsts. Within moments, travelers will leave behind the charm of Cat Ba Island for the breathtaking vistas of Ha Long Bay. This seamless journey sets the stage for exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, promising an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Northern Vietnam.
1. How far is it from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay?
Cat Ba Island, situated within Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province, is the largest island in Cat Ba Archipelago. It neighbors Ha Long Bay, which is located in Quang Ninh Province and renowned for breathtaking limestone karsts. Cat Ba vs Ha Long Bay are parts of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. The distance between Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay is approximately 22 kilometers as the crow flies. The actual travel distances vary based on transportation options chosen.
2. How to get from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by water?
2.1. Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by speedboat
Traveling from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by the speedboat of Paradise Express offers a swift and luxurious experience. The speedboat operates between Tuan Chau Harbour in Ha Long and Gia Luan Pier in Cat Ba, completing the journey in just 15 minutes. It boasts state-of-the-art design, minimizing the impact of sea waves on its balance. With modern amenities for passengers, Paradise Express ensures a smooth ride, making sea sickness a distant concern.
Paradise Express operates speedboats daily, with ticket prices as follows:
Ticket type | Ticket price |
Adults | 200,000 VND |
Children between 2-6 years old | 155,000 VND |
Children below 2 years old | Free of charge |
Charter | 15,500,000 VND |
2.2. Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by ferry
Traveling by ferry is another convenient option. The ferry also operates between Gia Luan Pier and Tuan Chau Harbour. With a travel time of approximately 45 minutes, passengers can enjoy the picturesque journey across the bay. In addition to accommodating passengers, the ferry also transports vehicles, providing a versatile transportation option.
The updated schedule for the Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay ferry is as follows:
- By April 15th and from October 1st onwards: Three departures per day at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
- From April 16th to September 30th: Five departures per day at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
Below are the specific ticket prices for the ferry:
Ticket type | Ticket price |
Passengers only | 80,000 VND |
Passengers with motorbikes | 100,000 VND |
Cars (less than 9 seats) | 480,000 VND |
Vans (9 - 15 seats) | 520,000 VND |
Vans (16 - 23 seats) | 560,000 VND |
Buses (24 - 29 seats) | 600,000 VND |
Buses (more than 30 seats) | 650,000 VND |
Charter | 28,000,000 VND |
>>> Discover: Map of Ha Long Bay: Guide to a perfect travel itinerary with your beloved
3. Is it possible to get from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay by road?
To journey from Cat Ba Island to Ha Long Bay by road, travelers first need to return to Hai Phong City. From there, they can proceed to Ha Long City. The road trip from Hai Phong to Ha Long typically takes about 1 hour. This route offers travelers a chance to soak in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Vietnam as they make their way to Ha Long Bay.
3.1. From Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong City
There are two options to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong: Ferry and speedboat.
- By ferry
The ferry will take passengers from Cat Ba Island to Dong Bai Pier on Cat Hai Island. This island is linked to Hai Phong City via Tan Vu Bridge. Ferry services operate from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM during off-peak seasons, departing every 30 minutes. During peak seasons, operations run from 4:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Traveling by ferry is very affordable. It costs 12,000 VND per person if you are alone, and an additional 45,000 VND if you bring a bike. For cars with less than 9 seats, the fee is 190,000 VND per car.
- By speedboat
Travelers seeking to journey from Cat Ba to Hai Phong by speedboat are presented with a range of options. One prominent provider is Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa. Their speedboats depart from Cat Ba and dock at Hong Bang Pier. Departure times are set at 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM from Friday to Sunday. Equipped with modern amenities, the speedboats ensure a swift journey of about 60 minutes. Ticket prices are 250,000 VND for adults and 180,000 VND for children.
3.2. From Hai Phong City to Ha Long City
How to get to Ha Long Bay from Hai Phong? The journey spans 50 kilometers, typically taking about 1 hour to cover. The most common means of transportation for this route are coaches and limousine buses.
Regular coaches can accommodate up to 45 passengers. Meanwhile, limousine buses offer fewer seats but feature more spacious chairs, along with amenities like Wi-Fi and complimentary water. Popular providers for this route include Daiichi Travel, Duy Khanh Limousine, Hai Phong Travel, and Quang Muoi. Ticket prices range from 130,000 VND to 200,000 VND.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for taxis or choose to drive themselves by renting a car or motorbike. Taxis offer door-to-door convenience, while self-driving provides flexibility during the journey.
>>> More on: Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay: A complete transportation guide for your trip
Upon arriving in Ha Long City, visitors can embark on a cruise to explore the pristine beauty of Ha Long Bay. These cruises offer both day trips and overnight options, catering to various budgets and itineraries. Prices for cruises can range from as low as $70 per person for budget day cruises to as high as $600 per person for more luxurious overnight experiences.
>>> Read more: Things to do in Ha Long Bay: Complete your trip with 14 awesome activities
*The information in this guide is for reference only and may be subject to change over time.
There are several options available for travelers to journey from Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay. Whether opting for the speed and luxury of a speedboat, the slow but scenic pace of a ferry, or the flexibility of a land-based route, each choice offers its own unique experiences. With careful consideration of factors such as time, budget, and personal preferences, travelers can embark on a seamless adventure between these two destinations.
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>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for a perfect retreat amidst the emerald bay!
