Cat Ba island belong Hai Phong province consists of 367 small and large islands, among which Cat Ba Island (also known as Pearl Island) is a naturally privileged island with great potential for tourism development. Despite being well-known for a long time, Cat Ba still maintains its natural beauty thanks to its isolation.
Where is Cat Ba Island located? This is a question many tourists have. Cat Ba Island is located offshore in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 30km from the center of Hai Phong city and approximately 150km from the capital city of Hanoi. Cat Ba, Hai Phong is suitable for summer vacations or weekend getaways with friends and family.
Cat Ba has an average annual temperature ranging from 25 ℃ to 28 ℃, reaching up to 30 ℃ in the summer or 15 ℃ to 20 ℃ in the winter. Compared to the average temperatures in other parts of the country, Cat Ba has a relatively pleasant climate, making it suitable for tourists to visit at any time of the year.
The ideal time to visit Cat Ba is from April to August. The summer weather with clear skies, cool breezes, and calm seas is perfect for enjoying a complete and fulfilling beach vacation. This period is also ideal for underwater activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, or even paragliding. In July and August, when the sea is rough, it is advisable to check the weather forecast for the next 3-5 days to ensure that your trip to Cat Ba, Hai Phong is not canceled due to storms.
If you want to avoid crowds and excessive heat, you can choose the cool autumn season from September to November. From November to March, Cat Ba is relatively less crowded, but it is a suitable time to experience and explore the natural beauty of the area.
Read more: 17 Interesting Must Do and See in Cat Ba Island 2023 | Updated
How to get to Cat Ba Island? Currently, there are several transportation options available to travel to Cat Ba Island from various locations.
Cat Ba Island is not far from the center of Hai Phong city, about 30km to the southeast. From Hai Phong, you have three options to reach Cat Ba Island:
Travel by high-speed boat or hydrofoil from Ben Binh
Ben Binh is located in the city center of Hai Phong, making it easily accessible. From here, transportation companies offer services to Cat Ba Island with ticket prices starting from 250,000 VND per person for a one-way trip from Ben Binh to Cat Ba. The travel time to Cat Ba Island by high-speed boat is approximately 45-60 minutes. You can purchase tickets directly at the dock, but during peak seasons, it is recommended to book tickets at least two weeks in advance.
Travel by ferry from Got Ferry Terminal
If you want to save costs for your trip, you can choose to travel from Got Ferry Terminal (Cat Hai) to Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal (Cat Ba). Unlike high-speed boats, the Got Ferry will only take you to Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal, which is 25km from the center of Cat Ba town, so you will need to take a bus to the town. Got Ferry sells tickets at the terminal, so you can only buy them in person and cannot book in advance. During peak seasons, the ferry terminal is usually congested, and you may have to wait for a long time, so please consider this carefully.
Travel by cable car
The Cat Ba cable car line starts from Cat Hai Island and ends in the Cai Vieng area, with a travel time of only 8 minutes. The ticket price for the Cat Ba cable car is 150,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children. If you plan to stay overnight on the island, there is also a convenient overnight parking service available at the Cat Hai station.
One of the popular routes favored by many tourists is traveling from Halong to Cat Ba. From Tuan Chau Port, you can take a high-speed boat to Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island, with ticket prices of around 80,000 VND per person. This scenic sea route is often crowded, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Traveling by train to Hai Phong is also an interesting option. The train ticket for the Hanoi - Hai Phong route costs between 100,000 VND and 130,000 VND, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours. Then you need take taxi and boat to the island
In addition, you can also travel from Hanoi to Halong to reach Tuan Chau. From Tuan Chau, there are boat trips to Cat Ba. Combining a visit to Halong Bay and Cat Ba will provide an exciting experience for your journey.
Travelers can take a flight to either Hanoi, Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), or Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) for convenient and quick access to Cat Ba.
In recent years, Cat Ba Island has become a hot destination in Hai Phong for not only domestic but also international tourists. Due to this reason, investors have constructed numerous high-end resorts and hotels on the island to cater to the increasing demand. Here are some of the best recommendations for travelers visiting Cat Ba, Hai Phong:
Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort: One of the most popular accommodation options, Flamingo Cat Ba offers stunning beachfront lodging with various amenities such as restaurants, a gym, a bar, and a swimming pool.
Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery: This hotel is designed with luxurious style and offers beautiful views. Additionally, it is conveniently located at Cat Co 3 Beach, perfect for beach activities and entertainment.
Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa: With its prime location nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for your vacation.
One of the most enticing accommodation options in Cat Ba is spending the night on a beautiful cruise ship in the bay. Sleeping overnight on a 5-star cruise ship, waking up to a mesmerizing sunrise, enjoying a romantic sunset, and indulging in exquisite cuisine on the sea will be an unforgettable experience in your life.
One of the most enticing accommodation options in Cat Ba is spending the night on a beautiful cruise ship in the bay
When traveling to Cat Ba, you should keep in mind some notes to have a more fulfilling trip:
Book hotel rooms in advance, and avoid weekends or holidays as prices will significantly increase compared to regular days.
Bring necessary items, but avoid carrying too much as it may hinder your mobility.
Equip yourself with essential medications such as cold medicine, digestive aids, insect bite remedies, motion sickness medication, etc.
Bring warm clothing during winter or a light jacket during summer as Cat Ba can get chilly at night.
Research and inquire about prices before using services on Cat Ba Island.
Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Cat Ba tourism always appeals to all visitors. We hope that the information about Cat Ba travel provided here will help you plan a suitable itinerary.
