About the ride from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Cat Ba Island is a spectacular showcase of Vietnam's natural wonders. Hikes in Cat Ba National Park, a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, cruises to Lan Ha Bay, known for its striking jagged limestone rock formations and kayaking your way to deserted beaches nearby are just some of things you can do from this beautiful island.
Equally alluring is the city of Ninh Binh that is the starting point to exploring the beautiful surrounds of Tam Coc. Pack a lunch, hire a boat and set off on a ride to marvel at majestic, greenery-covered karsts.
Covering the 123 km (76 miles) from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh takes around 4.5 hours. You can take a bus and ferry combination or book a private taxi and ferry ticket. Depending on who you book with, you will either stay on the bus as it boards the ferry to take you across from Cat Ba, or you will disembark from your bus for the ferry crossing and board a new bus once the boat reaches the mainland.
The bus and ferry combinations are the most economical while the private taxis (you even have the choice of booking a luxurious limo!) provide the most comfortable ride with hotel pick up and drop off and more legroom.
What to see when traveling from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh?
If you take the bus and ferry option to get to Ninh Binh from Cat Ba that requires you to get off the bus and onto the ferry, you can sit back and enjoy a cool breeze as the boat speeds away from the busy Cat Ba harbor.
The journey from Hai Phong City to Ninh Binh takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to cover. This is the perfect time to catch up on sleep or look out and enjoy the Vietnamese countryside. It's a great way to get a little insight into the lives of the locals as they go about their everyday life.
How to get from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Taking a bus
With minimal boarding and disembarking, buses are a convenient and economical way to cover the distance between Cat Ba and Ninh Binh. Clean buses and comfortable seats make the journey a pleasant one. If you choose to travel by bus, you can stay in the bus during the ferry ride and as it continues its journey to Ninh Binh.
Taking a bus and ferry
The bus and ferry combination is a popular and budget-friendly way to travel this route. There are around 11 departures each day, with the first early in the morning and continuing all the way until early evening, giving you multiple options to choose from. Since bus and ferry times are aligned, you don't have to worry about which bus to pick and if you will miss the ferry. Some of the operators offer a small snack and have rest stops along the way.
Hiring a private car/taxi
If flexibility and comfort are what you are looking for, definitely book a private car. For those traveling by themselves or as part of a small group (up to 3 passengers), a standard car works well. If you are part of a bigger group of up to 5 passengers or have extra luggage to deal with, more spacious car options are available. This is also the perfect choice for families.
But, if you want to travel in style, then you have the option of booking an uber-luxurious limo car. With plush seats and plenty of legroom, it's the most comfortable way to travel from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh.
All private cars offer the convenience of hotel pick up and drop off.