How to Get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: A Complete Travel Guide
Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island are two of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. If you’re planning to travel from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the journey smoothly.
Overview of the Route
Ninh Bình is an inland province, famous for its landscapes and cultural sites like Tam Coc and Trang An. Cat Ba Island, located off the coast near Ha Long Bay, is well-known for its stunning beaches, national park, and vibrant marine life.
The distance between Ninh Binh and Cat Ba is roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) as the crow flies, but due to the geography of the region, the actual travel involves a combination of road and sea transportation.
Travel Options: How to Get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba
There are three primary methods to travel between Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island:
Tourist Bus + Ferry (Most Popular Option)
This is the most straightforward and popular way for tourists to travel between these two destinations. The combination of a bus and ferry service is operated by several companies, offering a seamless transition without needing to arrange separate tickets for each leg of the journey.
- Step 1: Bus from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong The first part of the journey is a bus ride from Ninh Bình to Hai Phong city. Several bus operators, including Good Morning Cat Ba and Cat Ba Daily Tour, provide daily services. The bus ride takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island Once you reach Hai Phong, you will need to board a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Ferries depart from two main harbor: Dong Bai harbor and Cai Vieng harbor. The ferry ride lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Many bus companies include this ferry ride in their service, so you don’t have to worry about booking the ferry separately.
- Step 3: Arrival in Cat Ba Town After reaching Cat Ba Island, most bus companies offer a final leg of the journey to Cat Ba Town, the main tourist hub on the island. This short ride takes around 30 minutes.
You can refer to buy bus ticket from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba island or Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, with a single payment including bus ticket and ferry ticket, pick up at hotel in Tam Coc center and drop off at nearest hotel in Cat Ba town
Estimated Total Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Cost: Approximately 300,000 to 360,000 VND ($12 to $15 USD)
Private Car or Taxi + Ferry
For those seeking more comfort or privacy, hiring a private car or taxi can be a better option. You can hire a car in Ninh Binh to take you directly to Hai Phong, from where you will catch the ferry to Cat Ba Island.
- Step 1: Private Car/Taxi from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong The drive from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong takes approximately 3 hours. This option allows for flexibility in departure times and stops along the way if you wish to explore more of the region.
- Step 2: Ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Similar to the bus option, you will take a ferry from Dong Bai harbor Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. If traveling by private car, ensure that your driver takes you to the correct port.
Estimated Total Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Cost: Depending on the type of vehicle and comfort level, a private car will cost anywhere from 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 VND ($65 to $110 USD).
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba
- Book in Advance: During peak tourist seasons (summer months and holidays), it’s advisable to book your bus or ferry tickets in advance to secure a spot.
- Ferry Schedules: Pay attention to ferry schedules, as they can vary depending on the season or weather conditions. It’s best to check with your operator or hotel before departure.
- Packing Essentials: If you’re taking a bus and ferry combination, it’s a good idea to pack light, as you’ll need to move your luggage between transportation modes. Don’t forget essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection if you’re planning to spend time on the ferry’s deck.
- Avoid Night Travel: It’s generally safer and more convenient to travel during the day. Ferry services might not operate at night, and reaching Cat Ba after dark can limit your options for accommodation and transportation.
What to Do Once You Reach Cat Ba Island
Once you’ve made it to Cat Ba, there’s no shortage of things to do:
- Explore Cat Ba National Park: Famous for its biodiversity and hiking trails, Cat Ba National Park offers scenic treks that provide breathtaking views of the island’s jungles and coastline.
- Relax on the Beaches: Cat Ba is home to several beaches, with Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 being the most popular. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply lounging by the sea.
- Take a Boat Tour of Lan Ha Bay: For a less crowded experience than Ha Long Bay, consider exploring Lan Ha Bay, which is dotted with limestone islands and islets similar to its famous neighbor. You can refer to booking a 1 day Lan Ha Bay tour from Cat Ba and pick up and drop off at the hotel at an extremely attractive price, guaranteed not to disappoint you.
- Kayaking and Rock Climbing: Cat Ba is a hub for adventure sports. You can rent a kayak to explore the hidden coves and caves or take on one of the island’s challenging rock climbing routes.
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is a relatively straightforward journey that combines scenic bus rides, ferry crossings, and the opportunity to explore some of northern Vietnam’s most captivating landscapes. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a relaxed beach getaway, Cat Ba Island promises an unforgettable experience.
Safe travels!