Ninh Binh To Cat Ba: Connecting Vietnam’s Scenic Wonders

Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island are two top attractions in Vietnam with their stunning looks and cool things to do. This guide will show how to go from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island and some travel tips.

Overview of Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island

Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island are top spots in North Vietnam. Often known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh draws many with its calm river rides, green rice fields, and big rock hills. The region also offers a range of things to do in Ninh Binh, from visiting ancient temples to exploring hidden caves and nature reserves. You can also see old temples like Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda there. At the same time, Cat Ba Island is the largest in its group and acts as a door to Lan Ha Bay. It boasts the lush Cat Ba National Park, impressive rock formations, and sandy shores.

Putting these two places together works well for lots of visitors. A trip to Cat Ba Island, with its view of the sea, beach fun, and wild sports like kayaking, walking, or boat rides, fits well after seeing the quiet land of Ninh Binh. The journey from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba is a key part of any travel plan for North Vietnam because of this mix.

How Far Is It From Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island?

The Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island distance is about 130 to 150 kilometers. It can change based on the path you pick and where you start in Ninh Binh. You will travel by land and then take a short trip on the water by ferry or speedboat.

On most days, it takes around 4.5 to 6 hours to get there. This time covers the drive or bus ride to Got Pier in Hai Phong, and then a ride by ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba Island. The trip isn’t too long, but the time might change due to road jams, slow transfers, and the weather, mainly when it rains. If you use buses or other public ways of moving, you might need to wait a bit when you switch rides or buy tickets.

How To Travel From Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island?

Traveling from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island can be done in a number of ways, each with pros and cons that fit different kinds of tourists. These are some well-liked choices for you to think about.

By Motorbike

Taking a bike ride from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is a fun and pretty trip, great for those who like open roads. Most people go by taking National Highway 10 from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong. From there, you cross the Tan Vu-Lach Huyen bridge, which takes you to the Got Ferry place.

From Got Ferry, you’ll get on a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Another way is to use National Highway 5B (Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway) if you want a fast path with fewer stops. This whole trip by motorbike often takes about 3 to 4 hours to get to the ferry, and also 20 to 30 more minutes on the ferry.

Riding a motorbike lets you move as you wish. You can stop anytime you want for photos or rest. It is also a less costly way to go. This way gives a special trip feel, letting you see how locals live up close. Yet, riding a motorbike can be more risky. You need strong driving skills and must be very careful, especially on busy roads. It’s not good if you carry a lot of bags. Also, bad weather can mess up the trip.

Safety tips:

• Always have on a good helmet and the right gear.
• Try not to ride at night as you can’t see well, and roads might be bad.
• Look over your motorbike well before you go: brakes, tires, lights, and gas.
• Use main roads and try Google Maps or other map apps that work offline.
• Take your driver’s license and all bike papers to skip trouble at road stops.
• Take a raincoat and put on sunscreen; the weather in Vietnam can change fast.

By Bus Or Minivan

Many people pick a bus or minivan to go from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island. This way is easy and convenient for moving between these two nice places. Some known bus companies are Cat Ba Express, The Long Travel, Good Morning Cat Ba, and Daiichi Travel. They set up their buses with good seats and cool air, making the ride nice even on hot days.

Minivan firms often sell combo tickets, so you don’t need to buy ferry tickets on their own. It’s an easy trip for one person, two people, or small groups. The whole ride from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island takes about 4 to 5 hours. This time also has the drive, waiting at the ferry place, and the ferry ride over the water.

To use more time to look around when you get there, the Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island bus trips tend to start in the morning or just after noon. This smart plan means you get to Cat Ba Island with lots of days left. So, you can check in where you stay and start to see the pretty views and spots on the island.

By Private Car

If you are with others or want the best comfort, getting a private car or taxi works well. It gives the most privacy and ease. The total price depends on how big the car is, like a 4- or 7-seater. Most of the time, it pays for road fees, gas, and the driver’s fee. But the ferry ticket to Cat Ba Island is usually not part of it. You can purchase these tickets with your driver’s assistance.

The biggest benefit of this way is the privacy and full control. You can relax well or talk in secret. You get to pick when you leave. You decide where the car gets you and leaves you. The driver can stop when you want, maybe to eat or snap some pictures. Additionally, they will serve as informal guides, sharing local knowledge about attractions and providing recommendations. Also, there will be a larger space for your luggage.

Self-drive Car Rental

Renting a car to drive by yourself is great for those who like to go on their own during a trip. This choice is good for those who know how to drive well. You must have a valid driver’s license from Vietnam or an international one. It works well for groups of friends or families who want to look around on their own.

Before you rent, be sure you have all you need on paper. It’s very important to check the car for any damage before you start. The trip in a self-driving car takes about 3 to 4 hours until you get to the ferry spot. You enjoy a lot of free time and private space with a self-driving car. However, you have to deal with driving a long way by yourself. It can make you tired.

Combine Vehicles

To get to Cat Ba, you can mix a train and bus trip, but it’s not the fastest way. You first ride a train from Ninh Binh Station to Hai Phong Station. It’s a 2 to 3-hour ride. The fare will cost you from 70,000 to 120,000 VND. Once there, you can grab a taxi or a motorbike taxi to Got Ferry Terminal or Binh Ferry Terminal. This trip is short, about 30 to 45 minutes, and sets you back 100,000 to 200,000 VND.

From Got Ferry Terminal, a ferry will take you to Cat Ba in 20 to 30 minutes, and it costs 30,000 – 50,000 VND per person. Combining two transport modes may take more time since you switch from one ride to another, and it can be hard with big bags. The times also change based on the train and ferry run times, which may not be easy to match.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a modern way by reaching Cat Hai Station and taking the Sunworld Cat Ba Cable Car. This amazing cable car trip takes just about 10 minutes. It gives wide views of Lan Ha Bay, mangrove trees, and big rocks. The cost to ride is usually between 150,000 and 200,000 VND for each adult.

Tips For Traveling From Ninh Binh To Cat Ba Island

Going from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island can be a top part of your trip in Vietnam. However, to make it easy and stress-free, here are some tips you should know:

• In high times like summer or big days off, be sure to buy your bus, ferry, or car service spots in advance. This locks your spot and stops you from having to pay more or finding out they are all gone.
• Look at how many are going, what you can spend, and what you like to pick the best way to move. A bus or minivan works well for one or two people. A car by itself is nice for big groups or homes.
• The weather plays a big role in trips. To avoid rain and heat, check the ideal time to go to Ninh Binh before planning your journey.
• Having less stuff makes it simple to move, even more so when changing from one ride to another.
• You must have water, small eats, a power bank, sun block, a hat, and shades.
• Many spots take cards, but cash is key too, mainly to buy ferry spots or pay at little shops.
• If on a bike, always watch the road signs, stay in the speed set, and keep back a bit from those in front.
• The ferries may not operate late into the evening. If you arrive too late, you may have fewer alternatives for activities and meals, or they will have fewer options for continuing their journey from the ferry station to their hotel.

Final Thoughts

Travelling from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is a journey worth making. Connecting two of the beautiful places in Vietnam, visitors can travel in a variety of ways, whether it is a bike, bus, rental car, or several combinations. Good travel plans will make your journey easy and comfortable. SeniWorld provides travel bookings, trips in a full package, and travel advice. This is so you have the best experience. Let SeniWorld support you in planning your next journey!