1. Overview of Cat Ba High-Speed Ferry
Cat Ba High-Speed Ferry has long been a familiar choice for tourists who want to reach this beautiful island quickly and comfortably. It only takes about 30 – 45 minutes for the entire journey, and tourists can leave the coast of Hai Phong or Ha Long to head straight for the blue waters of Lan Ha Bay. The short travel time makes the trip more pleasant, especially suitable for those who want to optimize their time for experiences on the island.
Cat Ba high-speed ferry is a convenient way to travel to the island. (Source: Collected)
Compared to other travel options, high-speed ferries operate continuously throughout the day, making it more flexible to choose departure times. Currently, visitors can reach Cat Ba from various departure points. The most popular are the route from Hong Bang Port in Hai Phong city center and the route from Got Pier in Cat Hai Special Economic Zone.
In addition, the high-speed ferry route from Ha Long to Cat Ba is also being strongly invested in and exploited so that visitors can combine sightseeing of 2 natural wonders in a complete way. Each route offers a unique experience, but all share the common advantages of being fast, convenient, and suitable for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers.
Not only a means of transportation, Cat Ba high-speed ferry is also a smooth start to the journey to the pearl island. From the moment the ship cuts through the waves, the sea breeze blows into the hull, and the limestone mountains gradually appear, visitors can clearly feel the proximity of a fascinating destination.
2. Summary of the most popular Cat Ba high-speed ferry routes
2.1. Hai Phong – Cat Ba Route
Itinerary and average travel time:
Departing from Hai Phong city center → Hong Bang Port: right in the city center, easy to access
High-speed ferry from Hong Bang Port → Cat Ba center: about 55 minutes
The Cat Ba high-speed ferry route departing from Hong Bang Port offers complete convenience for visitors. Located right in the center of Hai Phong city, Hong Bang Port helps you shorten most of the travel time, without having to take a ferry or combine additional transfer vehicles. This is especially ideal for families with young children, the elderly, or those who want a "direct" journey from the city to the island.
The ferry ride takes about 55 minutes, taking visitors directly to the center of Cat Ba – where many hotels, dining services, and famous beaches are concentrated. Thanks to this, visitors can quickly start their exploration journey as soon as they set foot on the island, without losing extra time for inter-island travel.
There are many reputable ferry companies operating this route, such as Hoang Yen Express, Cat Ba Island Resort Express… The ferries are all modernly equipped, spacious, and professionally operated, providing a sense of security throughout the sea crossing.
2.2. Ha Long – Cat Ba Route
Itinerary and average travel time:
Tuan Chau Pier (Ha Long) → Gia Luan Pier (Cat Ba): 45 minutes – 1 hour
From Gia Luan → Cat Ba center: about 30 – 40 minutes by bus/transfer vehicle
The Tuan Chau – Gia Luan route is one of the most interesting journeys for visitors who want to combine exploration of two of the North's leading destinations: Ha Long and Cat Ba. The ferry will depart from Tuan Chau Pier, cross the blue waters of Ha Long Bay before entering Lan Ha Bay and docking at Gia Luan Pier – the northern gateway to Cat Ba Island.
The high-speed train route from Ha Long to Cat Ba is becoming increasingly popular. (Source: Collected)
The ship's journey offers the opportunity to admire the limestone mountain ranges and majestic natural scenery on both bays. After arriving at Gia Luan pier, tourists continue to travel by shuttle bus for about 30 – 40 minutes to reach the center of Cat Ba.
This route has both high-speed passenger ferries and ferries for motorbikes/cars, which is very suitable for tourists traveling by self-driving. However, the frequency of trips is not as high as the route from Hai Phong, especially during the low season. Therefore, you should book tickets in advance to manage your time and avoid missing the schedule.
3. Review of reputable, high-quality Cat Ba high-speed ferry companies
3.1. Tuan Chau Express
Reference ticket price: 250,000 VND/person
Booking hotline: 0858 221 668
Tuan Chau Express is one of the new ferry companies in the Northern region but has quickly made an impression thanks to its modern design according to European standards. The ship is a catamaran, with a capacity of up to 300 passengers, a spacious cabin, and many entertainment facilities, providing a comfortable experience throughout the journey.
The travel speed is up to 28 nautical miles per hour, with stable operation in Force 7 winds, good noise reduction, and seasickness prevention. Thanks to this, even though the Ha Long – Cat Ba journey lasts about an hour, tourists can fully enjoy the smoothness.
Professional service style, modern interior, and spacious cabins are factors that make Tuan Chau Express an impressive choice for those who want to experience high-quality high-speed ferries.
Tuan Chau Express Boat offers a smooth, comfortable journey. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Mekong Hoang Yen
Reference ticket price: from 250,000 VND/guest
Booking Hotline: 0965 866 188
Mekong Hoang Yen is a familiar boat company for Hai Phong residents and tourists who frequently travel to Cat Ba. Its biggest advantage is the high frequency of daily trips, often with up to 7 departures in each direction, allowing tourists to choose a suitable time.
Travel time is about 45 minutes per trip. The boat is fully equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, televisions, life jackets, drinking water service, and pleasant, friendly staff. Thanks to many years of operation and a professional operating process, the company can also increase trips during peak season to meet large customer volumes.
Tourists can book tickets directly at No. 6 Cu Chinh Lan, Hong Bang Ward, Hai Phong City, or purchase online to plan their itinerary. Children under 6 years old travel for free, providing convenience for families with young children.
3.3. Catba Island High-Speed Boat
Adults: about 250,000 VND/guest and children aged 1-3: 180,000 VND/guest
Booking Hotline: 0898 121 994
Catba Island is a very familiar name to tourists who frequently travel between Hai Phong and Cat Ba. The boat has a modern design, fully equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, refrigerators, televisions, and life jackets. The most outstanding feature is the spacious passenger cabin, creating an airy and comfortable feeling throughout the approximately 45-minute journey.
The company currently operates 3 trips per day at different times, suitable for tourists who need flexibility. Tickets can be purchased online or at the office at No. 9/32 Phu Hai 3 Residential Area, Hai Phong City.
3.4. Hadeco High-Speed Boat
Reference ticket price: 130,000 – 150,000 VND/guest
Booking Hotline: 0912 810 555
Hadeco is a suitable choice for tourists who want to bring their motorbikes to the island. The boat has a modern design, spacious interior, and full amenities, providing comfort even when carrying personal luggage or vehicles.
Hadeco currently operates the Ben Binh – Cai Vieng route and vice versa, with multiple trips per day from 7:00 AM to 4:45 PM. The short journey and frequent departures make it easy for tourists to arrange their schedules. Tickets can be purchased at the company's counters in Cat Ba or Hai Phong.
Spacious and comfortable seating area of the Hadeco boat. (Source: Collected)
4. Instructions for booking tickets and experience traveling by Cat Ba high-speed train
4.1. How to book tickets quickly and conveniently
Booking tickets for the Cat Ba high-speed train is currently quite easy thanks to the diverse and flexible booking system. Many tourists choose to book tickets online through the official websites of the shipping companies. With just a few steps of selecting the time slot, number of passengers, and filling in information, an e-ticket will be sent immediately via email or message, allowing you to have complete control over your itinerary.
Another option is to call the shipping company's hotline directly. This is a convenient method if you need quick support, want to inquire further about departure times, ticket availability, or policies for children.
In addition, tourists can also purchase Cat Ba high-speed train tickets through reputable travel agents or on major e-commerce platforms. These channels often offer many time slot options, simple payment processes, and sometimes even include promotions during peak tourist seasons. Whichever method you choose, it is advisable to book early to avoid sold-out situations, especially during holidays or weekends.
4.2. Important notes when traveling by Cat Ba high-speed train
For a smooth journey, you should arrive at the pier 20–30 minutes in advance to complete procedures and queue up to board the train. Some companies require information verification, so passengers should bring identification or passports, especially when traveling with young children.
Regarding luggage, it is recommended to bring lightweight items and avoid excessively large suitcases as the storage space on the train is limited. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a seat near the middle of the train – where there is the least shaking. You can also prepare ginger candy, anti-seasickness patches, or simply limit looking out at the sea during rough waves.
To make your trip complete, you can prepare lightweight clothing, easy-to-walk-in shoes, and a light jacket as the air-conditioned cabin can sometimes be a bit cold for young children. During peak season, it is best to book tickets 3–5 days in advance, while during the low season, you should still maintain the habit of checking ticket availability before departure.
5. Suggested itinerary for a 2-day 1-night trip to Cat Ba Island
5.1. Day 1:
3-wire cable car line Sun World Cat Ba is modern. (Source: Collected)
In the morning, visitors can start their journey by the Sun World Cat Ba cable car, a modern 3-wire cable car line. The journey from Cat Hai station to Phu Long station opens up a spectacular seascape stretching right beneath your feet. This is a mode of transport that offers a novel experience, making the journey to the island start impressively. For visitors bringing their own motorbikes or cars, they can choose the Cat Ba high-speed ferry or a ferry to conveniently transport their vehicles to the island.
Once you set foot on Cat Ba, spend the afternoon relaxing at Cat Co 1 beach – one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches on the island. The clear blue water, gentle waves, and long, sloping sandy shore are perfect for the whole family. After swimming, you can stroll along the mountain-side paths, watch the sunset, and enjoy the characteristic salty sea breeze.
In the evening, don't forget to visit the Cat Ba night market to explore the bustling atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, and local dishes. This is also an ideal place to buy small gifts like dried squid, dried seafood, or souvenirs.
5.2. Day 2:
The second morning is the ideal time to explore Lan Ha Bay. Visitors can choose a half-day or full-day tour, depending on their schedule. The itinerary usually includes gentle activities such as kayaking, swimming, visiting floating villages, or simply admiring the towering limestone mountains reflected in the clear blue water.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Cannon Fort, a spot for panoramic views of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay from above. The road leading up to the fort is not too long, making it suitable for a leisurely visit before leaving the island.
With its high speed, flexible schedule, and increasingly perfect service, the high-speed ferry makes the trip to Cat Ba Island more convenient and easier than ever. If you are planning to explore Cat Ba, don't forget to consider the Cat Ba high-speed ferry to start your journey smoothly and with great excitement.
