How to get from
Cat Ba Island to Hanoi

About the journey from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi

As wonderful as an escape to Cat Ba Island may be, the day will come when it is time to tear yourself away. Leaving behind its lush rainforests and quiet beaches, the best place in the region for a return to modern life is in the vibrant capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.

Your journey will take place in multiple stages. 

First, you’ll have to navigate to your departure port from your accommodations on the island. 

Next, your ferry ride doubles as a scenic cruise on your way to the mainland. 

The final stage is an overland ride through a steadily increasing urban landscape. The next thing you know, you’ll be smack in the middle of the insane traffic and gleaming skyscrapers of the modern city. 

In just a few hours, you’ll go from the rustic, laid-back rhythms of the Vietnamese countryside to the frenetic pace of the capital city. 

Unmissable things to do in Hanoi

Far removed from the traumas of the Vietnam War, Hanoi is a modern city that is rapidly coming into its own. Here are some of the top sights:

1. Get lost in the Old Quarter: This compact neighborhood is the beating heart of Hanoi. Jam-packed with shops, restaurants and colorful markets, the energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter will revive the spirits of even the most weary traveler.

2. Take some pictures at Hoan Kiem Lake: Tucked inside the Old Quarter is Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Among these is the Ngoc Son Temple — reachable only by crossing the brilliantly red Huc Bridge. There’s also the Turtle Tower, which is set apart on a tiny island for the perfect photo backdrop.

3. Live it up on West Lake: With 17 kilometers of waterfront, West Lake is the swankiest part of town. Along its shores, you’ll find high-end neighborhoods, five-star hotels and top-shelf dining. At some point, you will want to take in the modern skyline from a sophisticated rooftop bar. But don’t forget to also explore the many historic pagodas and temples that line the lakeside.

4. Get in touch with the past at the Temple of Literature: For a glimpse of nearly a thousand years into Vietnam’s imperial past, set aside time to visit the Temple of Literature. Wandering among its scenic courtyards, statues, and pavilions will enrich both your appreciation of local culture and your photo album.

What you can expect when traveling from Cat Ba to Hanoi

The total travel time to complete this multi-stage journey is about 3.5-4 hours. Fortunately, there’s an ever-changing view from your window, making this ride an interesting one.

Departing from your hotel on Cat Ba, you’ll catch your last glimpse of the serene jungle on your way to the ferry terminal. After that, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous panorama for about twenty minutes as your ferry crosses the Gulf of Tonkin. 

Once you arrive on the mainland, you’ll spend about two hours on the road. Along the way, you’ll notice how the development and activity build the closer you get to the city.

By the time you enter Hanoi, the tranquil vibes of Cat Ba will seem worlds away with this head-first plunge back into the modern world.

How to get from Cat Ba to Hanoi

Many operators run this route, each with their own levels of comfort and convenience. While some have pre-arranged pickup points on Cat Ba, many will also offer door-to-door transportation. This means they will pick you up from your hotel, get you on the ferry, provide a ride into Hanoi, and then drop you off at your hotel in town.

Bus or minivan

With bus or minivan tickets, operators will drive their vehicle right onto the ferry with no need to switch coaches. They depart and arrive at preset locations, and the trip will take between 2.5 and 5.5 hours. 

On the bus, you can enjoy air conditioning and reclining seats. Luggage allowances are one large bag per passenger (20 kg). Prices start around $11 for buses and $16 for minivans.

Bus + Ferry

In most cases, a bus + ferry combination ticket will get you onto the ferry or speedboat, then use a separate vehicle for the final leg. You will have A/C, reclining seats and perhaps even WiFi. Luggage is one bag up to 20 kg plus a handbag up to 7 kg.

Pickup at your hotel in Cat Ba is possible, depending on the operator, and the total travel time ranges between three and 4.5 hours.

Car 

Though the most expensive option, it might not be that much more if you are traveling in a group of four. It’s only about $100 for the vehicle (not per person), and it provides your travel party with the ultimate convenience.

Besides riding in air-conditioned style, you can choose any time convenient, and it’s a door-to-door service.

Passengers can bring one large bag weighing up to 20 kg and a handbag. A maximum of four passengers is allowed.

The car will drive you onto the ferry and take you all the way to your hotel in Hanoi.

Van + Ferry

With tickets starting at $16, it’s good value. A van service will whisk you between destinations in air-conditioned comfort, with amenities like reclining seats, charging stations and even WiFi. Luggage is limited to one 20 kg bag plus a handbag per passenger.

Hotel pickup is possible at Cat Ba, while there’s usually a preset arrival destination in Hanoi.

The journey will take about three hours.

Where do I catch the ferry on Cat Ba?

After pickup from either your hotel or a pre-arranged location, most operators will have you booked on a ferry leaving from the Cat Ba Ferry Terminal. It’s the one in the south of the island. 

The arrival pier is Ben Pha Got in Haiphong. From there, you will board your motor coach for the transfer to Hanoi.

Arriving in Hanoi

Your drop-off spot depends on the operator. Some have preset drop-off points, while others offer the option of a hotel drop-off. 

After your time on Cat Ba, arriving in Hanoi might initially seem like an assault on your senses. The constant beeping of horns and traffic so chaotic that it borders on the absurd will grasp your attention. It may even raise your heartbeat as you dodge a colorful wave of incoming motorbikes.

But that same energy is what really makes the city so great. Spending a night on the town or a day haggling in the markets will thrill the very same senses that had you white-knuckling on the way in.

When is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?

It’s easy to imagine Vietnam as nothing but hot and humid all year round. 

However, only half of that is true. While you will definitely contend with humidity much of the year, winters in Hanoi can see temperatures drop as low as 10°C (50°F). 

Spring and fall are considered the best time for touring. But if it's the heat and humidity you’ve come looking for, the summer months will keep you hot and sticky. The summer is also the monsoon season, so be sure to bring your umbrella.

How much time do I need in Hanoi?

If all you want to do is tick off a list of the top sights in Hanoi, they can be covered in one very full day. But if you truly want to sample the fun, frenzy, and food for which the city is famous, three to four nights should be enough.