The Cat Ba cable car system, a Guinness World Record holder, was certified as having the highest cable tower above ground level (214.8m) on its opening day – June 6, 2020. This unique tourism product, developed by Sun Group, offers visitors to Cat Ba island a novel experience, helping to alleviate ferry congestion during peak season.

Cat Ba cable car sets world record for highest cable car tower

Setting the Record for “World’s Highest Cable Car Tower” for the Cat Hai – Phu Long Cable Car Line 

The Cat Ba cable car (Cat Hai – Phu Long line) officially commenced operations on June 6, 2020. On its opening day, this newest cable car line, invested in by Sun Group and constructed by the “giant” Doppelmayr & Garaventa (Austria), officially received Guinness World Record certification for the “World’s Highest Cable Car Tower”. This record applies to the third cable tower, with a height of 214.8m (previously held by the Queen Cable Car in Ha Long at 188.88m).

Cat Ba cable car height is equivalent to the Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower A&B (Hanoi)

The Cat Ba cable car reaches a height comparable to the Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower A&B, a massive 48-story building standing 212m tall. Riding this cross-sea cable car offers a unique experience, gliding across the calm bay, and taking in views of the Tan Cang – Hai Phong International Container Port, the largest in Northern Vietnam. Visitors can also admire the vibrant life of coastal fishing villages, the interweaving raft farms where oyster farmers cultivate their product, floating on the sea; shrimp farms and the vast expanse of mangrove forests.

>>> Explore with Sun World the Cat Ba cable car schedule and Cat Ba cable car prices.

Challenges in Constructing the Cat Ba Cable Car Pylon

The Cat Ba cable car pylon shares similarities with several projects undertaken by Doppelmayr & Garaventa (Austria), such as the Queen Cable Car (Ha Long) and the Hon Thom cable car (Phu Quoc). Despite the familiar cable car design and the experienced contractor, the construction of the Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car line encountered certain difficulties, including:

1 – Challenges related to the cable pylon

This is the world’s most modern three-rope cable car system with a total length of 3,955m. Therefore, the cable car pylon had to be built at sea. The engineering team even calculated a plan to build a small “artificial island” as a construction site for the project. The purpose was to create space for mobilizing personnel at sea and as a point for material collection.

The construction of the cable car pylon at sea faced many challenges regarding personnel, materials, and equipment transportation

Due to the small area, storing equipment and materials presented challenges in terms of both time and transportation. Moreover, large machinery and equipment are difficult to operate at maximum capacity in a small area, requiring precise calculations from the engineering team to optimize the work. It is especially important to mention the perseverance, effort, and high concentration of the construction workers directly involved in the pylon construction.

2 – Challenges related to the pylon foundation

In reality, the pylon foundation is only about 3m above sea level. The year-round sea winds combined with salt spray and salty moisture seeping into the equipment casing or electrical distribution boxes, accumulating over time, will corrode the internal structure, causing damage and directly affecting the quality of machinery, costs, and construction progress. This problem forced the engineering team to thoroughly research to find a solution suitable for the local climate and terrain.

3 – Challenges related to the tidal position

The cable car construction material staging area is located in shallow water, and partly due to the impact of sand filling to build the “artificial island”, when the tide goes out (water is shallow), it is difficult for ships to dock on the island. Meanwhile, the tide is a natural phenomenon that humans cannot interfere with; the large difference in water level when the tide rises and falls makes the transportation of materials and equipment very difficult.

4 – Challenges in weather conditions

In this area, the wind level is very strong, the waves are high, sometimes reaching 2-3m. Meanwhile, the height of the pillars is large, and the location is in the middle of the sea, so there are many potential safety risks if it is not carried out by a reputable unit.

Through effort and overcoming difficulties, each cable pillar of the Cat Ba cable car line was gradually completed and successfully launched on schedule.

With all the efforts and dedication, the team of technicians calculated and applied an effective construction plan, thereby ensuring a fast construction progress and high safety for the workers directly involved. In particular, thanks to the strong support of the investor, Sun Group, and the construction partner, the record-breaking Cat Ba cable car was completed on schedule (June 6, 2020).

>>> What Cat Ba has that makes people fascinated? Find out now so you don't miss the wonderful things at this destination!

Significance of the Cat Ba Cable Car Record

The Sun World Cat Ba cable car line connects the two communes of Dong Bai and Phu Long in Cat Hai District, opening up many meanings in promoting tourism in Cat Ba in particular and Vietnam in general. In particular, the record-breaking Cat Ba cable car also helps enhance customer experience, reduce congestion at the Got ferry terminal during peak tourist season, boost the economy and tourism, and affirm Vietnam's position in the world.

Actively promoting Vietnamese tourism

Cat Ba Cable Car, a record-breaking attraction, is a special highlight. Since its launch, this cable car line has attracted numerous visitors to explore the “gem” of the Gulf of Tonkin. From the cable car cabin, visitors will experience the sensation of “flying” at an altitude of over 200m, admiring the magnificent beauty of the Cat Ba archipelago with its lush greenery and clear blue waters.

Cat Ba Cable Car, a record-breaking attraction, draws visitors from both domestic and international destinations for sightseeing and experiences.

Not only Vietnamese tourists but also international visitors are curious about this record-breaking structure, boasting the world’s tallest cable car pylon. The Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car system has created a buzz in global media, contributing to the promotion of Vietnamese tourism. Since its official launch, the Cat Ba cable car line has joined Vietnam’s record-breaking cable car systems, making a strong impression and attracting many international tourists.

Enhancing visitor experiences

Riding the cable car with its 214.8m-high pylon – a record for the world’s tallest cable car pylon – visitors will have a unique experience: the smooth, “flying” sensation as they glide over the vibrant blue sea off the coast of Cat Ba Island. You can admire a part of Lan Ha Bay – one of the world’s most beautiful bays – with its karst mountains from above, and in the distance, the National Park with its many large ancient trees, branches, and boughs reaching for the sun and sea breeze.

The Cat Ba cable car line reduces travel time to 15 minutes per trip, enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.

Looking out at Cat Ba from above, visitors can observe the local life, the aquaculture rafts bobbing on the water, and in the distance, huge cargo ships bustling in and out of Tan Cang International Container Port – the largest deep-water container port in the North. This is truly an impressive experience, especially for those who love nature and vast open spaces.

Boosting economic and tourism development

After setting a record, the Cat Ba cable car is expected to be a highlight to attract tourists to visit and experience. With meticulous investment in the system of stations, cable cars, and state-of-the-art cabins, tourists will be satisfied with the quality of service here.

The Cat Ba cable car record has made a significant contribution to boosting the economy and tourism

Moreover, the travel time by cable car on the Cat Hai - Phu Long route only takes 15 minutes/trip, which is faster and safer than traveling by ferry, and tourists do not have to jostle for space. The advent of the cable car has solved the long-standing challenge of the drawbacks of traditional ferry travel.

Solving the problem of convenient travel to Cat Ba Island is an important factor in promoting and effectively developing tourism for the island. Tourism development will promote the development of other industries such as the food and beverage, entertainment, shopping, hotel, and passenger transport sectors, restoring many traditional crafts, such as fish sauce and salt making… This is an important factor in promoting and shifting the structure of industries, contributing to creating many job opportunities, improving the appearance and living standards, and the economy of Cat Ba Island is becoming more prosperous and sustainably developing.

Asserting Vietnam's Position

At the opening ceremony of the Cat Hai - Phu Long cable car route, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Government, Truong Hoa Binh, expressed his pride that the project was recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Highest Cable Car Pylon in the World". At the same time, the former Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized that this is a large-scale, unique project, constructed on complex terrain, and meticulously invested in. He also commended the efforts, creativity, innovation, and boldness of Sun Group Corporation, along with the correct direction and management of the local government.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh speaks at the opening ceremony of the Cat Hai - Phu Long cable car route

On the other hand, the record-breaking Cat Ba cable car is a new symbol and a "highlight" that promotes comprehensive development, bringing value when combining the intellect of Vietnamese people and the rich natural resources. This has contributed to asserting Vietnam's position with many countries around the world.

4 other related questions about Cat Ba Cable Car

Besides the sharing surrounding the topic of Cat Ba Cable Car setting a world record for the highest cable car pillar in the world above, some tourists are wondering and want to find out how much the ticket price is? What are the operating hours of the Cat Ba cable car? Follow the sharing below to "pocket" useful information.

1. How many passengers can the Cat Ba cable car carry at a time?

The cable car operates at a maximum speed of 8m/s, equipped with about 60 cabins, with a capacity of 30 passengers/cabin. Therefore, the Cat Ba cable car can meet the large demand even during peak season (tourist season) up to 4,500 passengers/hour, so there is almost no congestion, no long waiting time.

2. How much is the Cat Ba cable car ticket?

The Cat Ba cable car ticket price (applicable from September 11, 2023 and may change based on the latest policy) is 100,000 VND/ticket/trip, applicable to adults and children over 1m tall. If your family or group has young children under 1m, they will be free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Details of the new cable car ticket prices (excluding promotions) for each object are updated in the table below:

3. What are the operating hours of the Cat Ba cable car?

Sun World Cat Ba may temporarily suspend operations during maintenance to ensure the safety and quality of the system. To grasp the operating schedule (at each specific time), you can access the Website, Fanpage of Sun World Cat Ba.

It is important to know the cable car operating hours to plan your trip to this beautiful island.

Below is detailed information about the cable car operating hours (applicable from September 11, 2023, until further notice). The operating hours from Friday to Sunday are as follows:

• Morning: 9:00 – 9:15; 10:00 – 10:15, 11:00 – 11:15

• Afternoon: 13:30 – 13:45; 14:30 – 14:45; 15:30 – 15:45

Updated Cat Ba cable car operating hours, applicable from September 11, 2023, until further notice.

4. Who designed and constructed the Cat Ba cable car?

The record-breaking Cat Ba cable car system was invested in by Sun Group and directly constructed by the world's leading international manufacturer of cable cars and moving equipment – Doppelmayr & Garaventa (Austria).

The Cat Ba cable car was designed and constructed by the "giant" Doppelmayr & Garaventa (Austria) – the world's number 1 reliable strategic partner.

With a 127-year history and a track record of 15,000 cable car lines completed for customers in 96 countries worldwide, Doppelmayr & Garaventa (Austria) is a reputable strategic partner that has completed and put into operation the Cat Ba cable car system, providing a safe and smooth "flight path", allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the route to the poetic Cat Ba island from above.

The Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car line is an exciting and unmissable experience when traveling to the beautiful Cat Ba island. The record-breaking Cat Ba cable car, recognized by Guinness World Records as having the highest cable towers above ground level, has contributed to promoting Vietnam's tourism image and affirming its position on the international stage. For a complete and memorable trip, don't miss the experience of 'flying' over the calm bay, admiring the poetic beauty from above with the Cat Ba cable car!