Where is Cat Ba
Cat Ba Island is a stunning and popular tourist destination located in northern Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, which includes over 360 small and large islands. The island is part of Hai Phong City, and it is approximately 260 kilometers from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
Cat Ba Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife. The island is home to Cat Ba National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park covers over 26,000 hectares of land and sea and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species such as the golden-headed langur, a primate species found only in this region.
How to get to Cat Ba Island
Getting to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi is relatively easy, and there are several options to choose from depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the most popular ways to get to Cat Ba Island:
- Public Bus and Ferry:
This is the most popular and affordable option. You can take a public bus from Hanoi’s Long Bien to Hai Phong city, which takes around 2-3 hours. From there, you can take a ferry to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 45 minutes. The ferry departs from Ben Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at the main pier on Cat Ba Island.
The public bus is an excellent way to save money, and it is a comfortable ride. The buses are air-conditioned and come with comfortable seats, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. You can buy tickets for the public bus at the bus station, and they are relatively cheap.
Once you arrive in Hai Phong, you can take a ferry to Cat Ba Island. The ferry is a scenic ride, and you will see beautiful views of the surrounding area. The ferry leaves from Ben Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at the main pier on Cat Ba Island. You can buy tickets for the ferry at the harbor, and they are relatively cheap as well.
- Private Car and Speedboat:
If you prefer a more comfortable and faster option, you can hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi to Hai Phong city. The journey takes around 2 hours, and from Hai Phong, you can take a speedboat to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 20-30 minutes. The speedboat departs from Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at Beo harbor on Cat Ba Island.
The private car is an excellent option if you want to travel in comfort and style. The cars are air-conditioned and come with comfortable seats, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. You can hire a private car from Hanoi at any travel agency or tour operator.
The speedboat is a faster option than the ferry, and it is an exciting ride. You will see beautiful views of the surrounding area, and the ride is quite smooth. The speedboat leaves from Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at Beo harbor on Cat Ba Island. You can buy tickets for the speedboat at the harbor, and they are relatively cheap as well.
- Private Tour:
If you want a hassle-free and convenient option, you can book a private tour from Hanoi to Cat Ba, that includes transportation by van or car, a speedboat to Cat Ba Island, and a visit to some popular attractions on the island. The tour operators can arrange everything for you, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The private tour is an excellent option if you want to explore Cat Ba Island without any hassle. The tour operators will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Cat Ba Island and drop-off at hotel in Cat Ba Island town.