Cat Ba National Park, Northwest Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car from the Northwest region, you'll first need to make your way to Hanoi. From Hanoi, take National Route 5 towards Hai Phong. Once in Hai Phong, follow the signs to Cat Hai Island. You will then take the ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and will cost approximately 50,000 VND (around $2.50). After arriving on Cat Ba Island, follow the signs leading to Cat Ba National Park, which is about a 30-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

• Bus

  For those using public transportation, start by taking a bus from your current location in the Northwest to Hanoi. Various bus companies operate this route, and tickets typically cost between 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($8 to $13). Once in Hanoi, head to the Giap Bat Bus Station and catch a bus to Cat Ba Island. These buses usually include the ferry ticket and will cost you about 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($13 to $17). The total travel time from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, including the ferry, is approximately 4 to 5 hours. After arriving on Cat Ba Island, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Cat Ba National Park, which is around 30 minutes away.

• Train and Ferry

  Another option is to take a train from the Northwest region to Hanoi. Once you arrive in Hanoi, you can either take a taxi or the metro to Giap Bat Bus Station to catch a bus to Cat Ba Island. The train fare varies depending on the class you choose but typically ranges from 150,000 to 500,000 VND ($6 to $22). The bus from Giap Bat to Cat Ba Island will cost around 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($13 to $17) and includes the ferry fare. Upon arriving at Cat Ba, you will need to arrange a local transportation option to reach Cat Ba National Park.