In the Ha Giang to Cat Ba trip, you go from Ha Giang to Hai Phong by motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, and from Hai Phong (the Got Ferry Terminal) to Cat Ba by ferry. Let’s learn more about them.
Overview Of Ha Giang To Cat Ba
Many travelers choose to mix Ha Giang and Cat Ba into their Northern Vietnam itinerary because they want to enjoy both the mountain atmosphere and the sea vibe. Ha Giang is well known for its huge, captivating karst mountain ranges with the rugged, adventurous, and pristine beauty of Vietnam’s highlands. This place also has ethnic minority groups with unique cultures and lifestyles.
Conversely, Cat Ba Island, located in Halong Bay, is renowned for its great limestone karsts growing from emerald waters, wonderful seashores, and sea activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves. Combining the two destinations allows travelers a perfect feeling of transition from the thrilling, cool mountain air of Ha Giang to the serene, sun-soaking wet coastal in Cat Ba. They will be an unforgettable experience of Vietnam’s various Northern attractions.
How Far Is It From Ha Giang To Cat Ba?
The approximate road distance from Ha Giang City to Cat Ba Island (the measuring point will be the Got Ferry Terminal in Hai Phong City, which is the mainland access point) is about 400 to 450 kilometers (also means from 250 to 280 miles). After arriving at the Got Ferry Terminal in Hai Phong City, your adventure will be followed by a ferry crossing to reach Cat Ba Island.
How To Travel From Ha Giang To Cat Ba?
Traveling from Ha Giang to Cat Ba Island, you need to separate into 2 segments: In the first segment, you need to go from Ha Giang City to Ha Phong City, and then, in the second segment, you always start from the Got Ferry Terminal in Hai Phong City, take a ferry to Cat Ba Island. In this section of this article, Seni World will help you to know various ways to get from Ha Giang to Hai Phong.
By Motorbike
A Ha Giang itinerary to Cat Ba Island by motorbike will give you the maximum of freedom and a direct connection with nature along your route. You can comfortably stop at any beautiful spot that captures your attention to see or take memorable photos, or spend some time talking with the locals you met on your path.
However, the risks of this motorbike adventure are putting your body under stress when covering over 400 kilometers of assorted terrain. The tough mountain passes, busy national highways, and the weather conditions like rain or fog can pose many dangers for you. Only riding a motorbike in the Ha Giang to Cat Ba itinerary in case you are a skilled, careful, and experienced rider.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | The most popular route for travelers:
Another great route for travelers to sightseeing: Ha Giang City → QL2 → Vinh Phuc or Phu Tho → Hanoi → Hung Yen or Hai Duong → Hai Phong → Cat Ba. |
| Distance | About 400 to 450 kilometers from Ha Giang to the Got Ferry Terminal in Hai Phong City, before ferry crossing and riding on Cat Ba Island. |
| Travel Time | At least 2 full days for skilled and experienced riders, but 3 days is highly recommended.
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| Suggested Stop |
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By Bus Or Minivan
Ha Giang to Cat Ba bus or minivan adventure is a multi-segment trip, as there are no direct routes. You will be transferred to Hanoi or will probably go through Hai Phong before coming to Cat Ba Island by ferry.
Seni World will show you the detailed route from Ha Giang to Cat Ba sleeper bus, bus, and minivan journey below:
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes |
| Mixture of bus or minivan trip (via Hanoi) | About 600,000 – 1,100,000 VND | About 10 – 14 hours | This is the most popular way for travelers, consisting of many segments:
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| Mixture of bus or minivan trip (via Ha Phong) directly | About 500,000 – 900,000 VND | About 9 – 12 hours | Some bus agencies may have a direct route from Ha Giang to Hai Phong without many segments and a short stop in Hanoi:
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By Private Car
Hiring a private car for the trip from Ha Giang to Cat Ba brings the highest comfort, flexibility, and the most directness for travelers. This is a suitable choice for people who prioritize convenience over cost.
Here is the detailed path from Ha Giang to Cat Ba by a private car for you:
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | About 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 VND (per car, not per person) | About 6-8 hours | Solo travelers and couples with light baggage who prioritize a suitable budget within private selections. |
| 7-seater SUV/MPV | About 6,000,000 – 8,500,000 VND (per car, not per person) | About 6-8 hours | Small families (2 adults and a maximum of 3 children) or groups of 3 to 5 members with standard luggage who love the convenience. |
| 9-seater luxury limousine van | About 8,000,000 – 10,000,000+ VND (per car, not per person) | About 6-8 hours | Communities of 4 to 7 members or small businesses who love top-rate comfort and many modern amenities like large seats, a TV, and USB ports. |
| 16-seater van | About 7,000,000 – 9,500,000 VND (per car, not per person) | About 6-8 hours | Communities of 12 to 14 members with comfortable baggage and free to experience good feelings together. |
Tips For Traveling From Ha Giang To Cat Ba
If you want to have a convenient, flexible, and interesting adventure from Ha Giang to Cat Ba Island, you need to find out more about the travel experience. Seni World has collected some important travel tips for you to have a brilliant Ha Giang to Cat Ba.
Book tickets for multi-segment trips in advance
Particularly for longer bus segments (from Ha Giang to Hanoi) or private car offerings, you should book tickets in advance, especially if you travel in peak seasons. In case of travelling by bus, don’t forget to book a combo ticket for multi-segment trips if to be had, to simplify transfers.
Pack layers of apparel
The climate in this itinerary will change from Ha Giang’s cool mountains to Cat Ba’s humid coastal atmosphere. Therefore, you need to prepare versatile layers, high-quality rain gear, sunscreen, as well as secure, strong footwear.
Carefully check ferry logistics
Let’s take a look at the Got Ferry Terminal agenda in advance, in particular during vacations and holidays. You must arrange in time to start from your drop-off point in Hai Phong City to this ferry terminal for not to be late and miss.
Always have cash
Almost all remote areas and small local stores along the mountainous areas and roads will accept cash. So you need to prepare enough VND (Vietnam Dong) for buying here.
Stay hydrated and carry snacks
Ha Giang to Cat Ba is a very long adventure, irrespective of transportation. Therefore, carry water and snacks, as relaxation stops may be infrequent or have restricted options for you.
Prioritize safety when riding a motorbike
This is a legal requirement for travelers to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially foreigners. Remember to wear complete defensive gear and say no to riding your motorbike at night to avoid the dark and fatigue.
FAQs About Traveling From Ha Giang To Cat Ba
If you want your journey from Ha Giang to Hanoi to be more secure, happier, and more interesting, don’t forget to find out more carefully about some FAQs below. Seni World has collected these insights from various Vietnamese and global travelers of Ha Giang and Cat Ba throughout time.
What is the best time to visit from Ha Giang to Cat Ba?
The best time to visit Ha Giang is from October to April. This time, the weather is dry and the sky is clear. In particular, from October to November and from March to April are the rice harvest period and the flower season, with pleasant temperatures, very suitable for exploring. For Cat Ba Island, the perfect travel time is Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November) for good weather, less rain, and a peaceful sea.
Can I go directly by boat from Ha Giang to Cat Ba?
No, Ha Giang is an inland mountainous province, so you must go on land to Hai Phong City first, and after that, let’s take a ferry to arrive at Cat Ba Island.
What kind of luggage can I bring in case riding a motorbike?
Only bring essentials in a securely strapped or waterproof dry backpack, because the space is very limited, and weight will affect handling when you ride the motorbike on the road.
Final Thoughts
The adventure from Ha Giang to Cat Ba can be separated into 2 segments: from Ha Giang to Hai Phong with many types of transportation, like motorbike, bus, minivan, and private car; and from Hai Phong (the Got Ferry Terminal) to Cat Ba Island by ferry. If you want to take an adventure from Ha Giang to Cat Ba, consult about interesting things to see and to do in these 2 places, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your trip.
