Vietnam

How to get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
0h 37min
💶
From
3€
📍
Distance
40 km
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There are 3 way(s) to get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Hai Phong
📍The main departure point is Bến Gót Port, located approximately 20 km from Hải Phòng. It is a crucial ferry terminal for accessing Cát Bà Island, offering basic but functional facilities for both passengers and vehicles.
🚇From Hải Phòng city center, take a taxi or local bus to Bến Gót Port. A taxi costs around 250,000 - 350,000 VND (10-15 EUR) and takes 30-45 minutes. Local buses are cheaper (approx. 20,000 - 30,000 VND) but slower, taking up to 1 hour.
Ferries from Bến Gót to Cát Bà (Cái Viềng) generally run every 30 minutes to 1 hour, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Frequency may vary by season and demand. There are no direct flights to Cát Bà.
💸 Transport from 3€ per person
Fastest: 0h 37min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

From Hải Phòng to Cát Bà, get ready for a stress-free transition to the island's breathtaking landscapes! For your options, you can choose between a local bus combined with a ferry, a direct ferry transfer from central __Hai Phong__, or even a short flight to Cat Bi airport followed by a journey to the port. The local bus is the most economical option: for about 3€, it drops you at the Got ferry terminal. From there, you'll take the ferry to Cát Bà, a one-hour journey.

It's an authentic experience, but make sure to locate the exact bus departure point in Hải Phòng to avoid any confusion. If you prefer simplicity, reliable operators like Good Morning __Cat Ba__ offer 'all-in-one' bus+ferry transfers for around 10-15€, picking you up directly from your hotel in Hải Phòng and dropping you off in Cát Bà Town. This is ideal for avoiding logistical hassle and ensuring a peaceful arrival. The landscapes you'll cross by ferry are magnificent, offering a glimpse of Ha Long Bay's famous karst rocks.

Choose the option that best suits your budget and your desire for flexibility or tranquility. There's no overnight bus on this short journey, but the day is optimized to let you enjoy Cát Bà as soon as you arrive.

Frequently asked questions — Hai Phong → Cat Ba

✨ Why visit Cat Ba?

  • Explore Lan Ha Bay by kayak or traditional junk boat, a less crowded alternative to Halong Bay.
  • Hike in __Cat Ba__ National Park to discover its endemic wildlife and flora, offering panoramic views.
  • Relax on Cat Co beaches 1, 2, or 3, easily accessible by foot or bus from the town.
  • Visit Cannon Fort for historical insights and spectacular sunset views over the bay.
  • Discover Trung Trang Cave or Hospital Cave, showcasing the island's geological and military history.
🌙
Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — Allows ample time to explore Lan Ha Bay, the national park, and beaches.

☀️ When to visit Cat Ba?

TROPICAL HUMID CLIMATE

April to October — Offers warm and sunny weather, perfect for swimming and water activities. Avoid typhoons in September.

Jan 😐
Feb 😐
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😊
Jun 😐
Jul 😐
Aug 😐
Sep 😐
Oct 😊
Nov 😊
Dec 😐
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In Cat Ba — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Cat Ba
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Cat Ba?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏝️
Lan Ha Bay — secret alternative to Ha Long
Lan Ha Bay, on the Cat Ba side, has over 300 karst islets and almost no tourists compared to Ha Long. Full-day wooden boat cruises from Cat Ba harbour (300,000–500,000 VND/person) include kayaking, snorkelling and private beach. Clearer water, half the price.
AVENTURE
🤿
Diving and snorkelling in the bay
Cat Ba has northern Vietnam's best dive sites: sea beds of 5–20 m with coral, clownfish and rays. Asia Outdoors and Cat Ba Diving offer discover dives (~USD 35) and PADI courses. Best season: March–October, maximum visibility April–June.
🚴
Cycling in Cat Ba National Park
The national park covers 17,000 ha of tropical rainforest with marked cycling trails of 15 to 45 km. Mountain bike rental in town (~100,000 VND/day). The trail to Ngu Lam peak (177 m) offers a 360° view over the bay. Allow 3–4 hours for the main loop.
UNIQUE
🐒
Cat Ba langur — critically endangered primate
The Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) is one of the world's most endangered primates: fewer than 70 individuals in the wild. The Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project organises sunrise boat trips to observe them in their habitat (~500,000 VND, booking required).
🏊
Cat Co beaches 1, 2 and 3
Three white sand beaches within walking distance of the tourist town (10–20 min). Cat Co 1 and 2 are livelier with bars and sun loungers. Cat Co 3 remains the quietest. Entry ~20,000 VND. Good swimming April to October, water at 27–30°C in summer.
🧗
Rock climbing on karst cliffs
Cat Ba is a world-renowned climbing destination with 200+ limestone routes for all levels (5a to 8b). Asia Outdoors is the top operator: half-day ~USD 35–45, equipment provided. Some routes accessed directly by kayak from the sea for the most spectacular sites.
🏰
People's Army fort — panoramic view
The military fort atop the hill overlooking Cat Ba town offers the best view of the bay and islets. 20-min walk from the main street. Entry ~30,000 VND. Vietnam War bunkers and artillery pieces still visible. Stunning at sunset.
🐟
Cai Beo floating village
One of Vietnam's oldest floating villages (5,000 years of history), 4 km from Cat Ba town. Around a hundred families still live on the water in pontoon houses surrounded by fish cages. Boat visit (~100,000 VND/h) early morning to see fishermen at work.

⏱️ How long to visit Cat Ba?

1 to 3 days

For an independent traveler, 2 to 3 days are ideal to explore Cát Bà. This allows for a bay cruise, hiking in the national park, and enjoying the beaches. If time is short, one day is enough for a quick overview of the bay and the island.

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