Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

About the Ride from Hanoi to Cat Ba

For the 125km (78 mile) journey to Cat Ba from Hanoi, the best option is a combined ticket for bus and ferry.

Some tourists choose to make their own way from Hanoi to Halong Bay, and then book their own transport from Halong Bay to Cat Ba.

And although both of these route options are available, they’re really only a good idea for those travellers who specifically want to spend time in Halong before going to Cat Ba. If you’re more interested in getting straight from Hanoi to Cat Ba, a combined bus and ferry to Cat Ba from Hanoi is a much simpler option. It saves you the problem of having to book separate tickets and the headache of having to tackle several journeys.

After enjoying the non-stop chaos and culture of busy Hanoi, you might be eagerly anticipating something a little more relaxing. And that’s exactly what Cat Ba offers. Full of snorkeling, swimming, caving and hiking, it’s the perfect island getaway. For an exciting combination of jungle fun and shoreside escapades, it doesn’t get much better than Cat Ba.

The journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba is also full of fun, with three different, but equally exciting sections. 

Via bus, you’ll go from Hanoi to Ben Pha Got ferry terminal, the closest mainland point to Cat Ba. You’ll then take a boat from this terminal to a port on Cat Ba. From there, you’ll get another bus, into the center of Ca Ba island. 

The journey starts in the heart of Hanoi’s chaos and craziness, and ends at the shimmering shores of Cat Ba.

One of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, Cat Ba is the biggest island in Halong Bay. Rough, rugged and full of beautiful natural wonder, no visit to Vietnam is complete without a trip to Cat Ba.

 

What to see when traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba

With a combined ferry and bus ticket to Cat Ba from Hanoi, the journey itself is interesting and exciting. 

Full of variety, the journey includes two bus trips and one ferry crossing. On the first stretch of the journey, the bus from Hanoi to Ben Pha Got ferry terminal, you’ll leave the busy roads of Hanoi, making your way past smaller settlements and cosy roadside stores. This part of the journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba takes around two hours.

Upon reaching the Ben Pha Got ferry terminal, you’ll be greeted by the boat which will take you to Cat Ba. Sometimes a ferry, sometimes a speedboat, your boat will be one of many docked in this small but bustling terminal. During your 20 minute boat ride between ports, you’ll be surrounded by the waters which Cat Ba calls home. 

On the final stretch of your journey, the bus from Cat Ba Pier to Cat Ba center, you’ll become briefly acquainted with much of the adventure that Cat Ba has to offer. Rustic homes, lush forests and crashing shores accompany you on your journey to the heart of Cat Ba Island.

 

 

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Taking a combined bus and ferry

The combined bus and ferry from Hanoi to Cat Ba is a simple journey which saves you the trouble of requiring separate tickets for separate legs of your journey. If you want to get to Cat Ba quickly and easily with no problems or complications, it’s the best way.

Because this journey is provided by a number of different companies, the specifics vary. Your bus company will usually pick you up from a pre-designated point in Cat Ba, but all providers are typically happy to pick you up from your hotel. Similarly, all providers are usually able to drop you at your hotel in Hanoi.

When you reach the mainland ferry terminal, some boats will drive on to the ferry  and therefore the one bus will take you all the way from Hanoi to Cat Ba

In other instances, one bus will take you to the mainland ferry terminal, where you’ll step off your bus and on to the ferry. When you step off the ferry at the Cat Ba dock, you’ll board a different bus, which will then take you to the center of Cat Ba. If your bus doesn’t board the boat, your boat might either be a ferry or a small speedboat.

You should check the details for each individual journey to see the services and perks which each provider offers. But whatever you choose, all journeys are simple, affordable and fun.