How to Get from Halong to Cat Ba Island?

By Mr Hoang Dinh - May 3, 2024

Halong, located in northeastern Vietnam, is renowned for its breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, Cat Ba Island offers a serene escape, drawing visitors from near and far. Combining visits to both destinations promises a rich and varied experience, from exploring Halong Bay's allure to discovering the Cat Ba biosphere reserve. Choosing the right option is essential for travelers seeking transportation from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island.

1. From Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island by highway Halong – Hai Phong
2. From Halong Bay to Cat Ba island by ferry Tuan Chau – Gia Luan pier

1. From Halong Bay to Cat Ba by highway Halong – Hai Phong

The highway connecting Halong and Hai Phong is of great importance as it helps to bridge the gap between these two areas. The distance between them has been significantly reduced from 75km to 25km, reducing travel time considerably. However, this highway is exclusively for four-wheel vehicles. Upon reaching Hai Phong, tourists have to travel another 15km to reach Got Pier or Dong Bai Pier, from where they can take a ferry or a cable car to Cat Ba Island. Besides, they can take a bus or a taxi to reach Cat Ba town center, which is approximately 25km away from there. Following this route, the entire journey would take around 2 hours. This route would be ideal for tourists exploring Hai Phong City and proceeding to Cat Ba Island.

from halong to cat ba by highway

2. From Halong Bay to Cat Ba by ferry Tuan Chau – Gia Luan pier

If you're looking for an easy way to travel from Halong to Cat Ba, the Tuan Chau ferry is a great option. The ferry can accommodate up to 200 passengers and multiple vehicles per trip. It has essential safety features such as lifesaving equipment, firehose systems, and medical supplies. Additionally, toilets and food services are available for the passengers during the trip. Whether traveling from Halong to Cat Ba or vice versa, the Tuan Chau ferry is a reliable and convenient mode of transportation.

This transportation option is an excellent way to reduce the distance between Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. To get to Tuan Chau ferry from Halong City, you will need to cover a distance of approximately 12km. The ferry ride is about an hour long, during which you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Halong Bay before arriving at Gia Luan pier. You can take a bus from Gia Luan Pier to Cat Ba town, which is around 25km away. This ferry route is a popular choice for many tourists and passengers who want to connect Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island.

From Halong Bay to Cat Ba island by ferry

Ferry schedule:

Peak season (25 April – 5 Sept):

Time table for Tuan Chau to Gia Luan: 7.30 AM – 9.00 AM – 11.30 AM– 1.30 PM – 3.00 PM
Time table for Gia Luan to Tuan Chau: 9.00 AM– 11.30 AM – 1.00 PM – 4.00 PM

Low season (6 Sept – 24 April)