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
4€
📍
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
📍Bến Gót Port in Hải Phòng is the main departure point for Cát Bà. It is a crucial boarding point for ferries and speedboats. The port is modern and well-organized, with passenger facilities including waiting areas and small shops, ensuring a smooth transition to the island.
🚇From Hải Phòng city center, Bến Gót Port is accessible by taxi or local bus. A taxi ride takes approximately 45-60 minutes and costs between 300,000 and 450,000 VND. Public bus is a more economical option, but less direct, requiring transfers.
Ferries and speedboats typically operate hourly from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with increased frequency during peak tourist seasons. Departures may be affected by weather conditions.
💸 Transport from 4€ per person
Fastest: 0h 37min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from Hải Phòng to Cát Bà is a key step for any explorer of North __Vietnam__, and with us, say goodbye to uncertainty! The most direct and popular option is the bus-ferry combination. You'll first take a comfortable bus (often a local 'mini-van' or 'limousine bus') from Hải Phòng city center, usually from your operator's agency or a central pickup point. This short journey of about 1 hour will take you to a ferry terminal, often Got Pier.

The transfer is usually well-organized by reliable operators. There, a modern ferry (not an old barge! ) will await you for the crossing of about 45 minutes to 1 hour through the magnificent Lan Ha Bay, offering breathtaking views of the limestone karsts. The bus costs around 4€ and the ferry 10€, totaling 14€ for a smooth and stress-free journey.

In all, allow 2-3 hours door-to-door. There's no night bus for this route, but the beauty of the landscapes more than makes up for it. We recommend booking your combined bus-ferry ticket online through reputable platforms to avoid hassle and extra costs. This guarantees you a seat, clear schedules, and a trip without unpleasant logistical surprises.

Frequently asked questions — Hai Phong → Cat Ba

✨ Why visit Cat Ba?

  • Explore __Cat Ba__ National Park: hiking, unique wildlife like the Cat Ba langur, and stunning karst landscapes.
  • Cruise Lan Ha Bay: kayak through lagoons, swim in secluded coves, and discover floating villages.
  • Relax on Cat Co beaches (Cat Co 1, 2, 3): fine sand, calm waters, and scenic walkways connecting them.
  • Visit Hospital Cave: a fascinating historical site used during the __Vietnam__ War.
  • Ascend Cannon Fort for spectacular panoramic views of the bay and island at sunset.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — to explore the national park, Lan Ha Bay, and enjoy the beaches.

☀️ When to visit Cat Ba?

TROPICAL HUMID CLIMATE

September to November or March to May — post-monsoon and pre-monsoon periods, ideal for mild weather and sunshine.

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.
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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 4 days

For the independent traveler, 3 days is ideal for discovering Cát Bà. This allows you to explore the island, take a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, and hike in the national park. If you only have one day, focus on the bay and a viewpoint.

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