Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc: A Comprehensive Guide from A to Z

Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc - A scenic route to try 

Both Cat Ba and Tam Coc-Ninh Binh are the most famous attractions in the North of Vietnam. Cat Ba Island is known for its wonderful beaches, towering karst formations rising on the ocean, and a great national park. Tam Coc, on the other hand, appeals to many tourists thanks to dramatic rice paddies, emerald rivers, and ancient pagodas. Travelling between these two destinations will give you a taste of Vietnam's incredible geographical and cultural variety. You will go from an island life to a rural atmosphere. 

How to travel from Cat Ba to Tam Coc

Because Cat Ba is an island covered by a large ocean, there is no direct way from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc. You should take a combination of bus and ferry to travel between Cat Ba Island and Tam Coc. Let's check travel times and costs from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc

Best route from Cat Ba to Tam Coc & Transportation options

Here are some steps you can follow to get from Cat Ba to Tam Coc:

Ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong

Take a ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong. This is the mainland port city closest to Cat Ba. Ferries depart frequently throughout the day, and the journey time is typically around 30 minutes.

In the past, the ferry port was named “Got Ferry”. However, the government moved this port to a nearby location (4km far away from the old one, the new ferry port is “Dong Bai Port”. It’s located next to the Cat Ba Sunworld Cable Car Station. 

Ferry opening time: 

Station → Cat Ba Island

• Low season: 5:30 - 18:30
• Peak season: 5:00 - 19:30

Cat Ba Island → Station

• Low season: 5:00 - 18:00
• Peak season: 4:30 - 19:00

Ticket price: 

• For guest (walking): 10,000d/pax
• For guest (with bicycle): 12,000d/pax
• For guests (with motorbike): 45,000d/pax
• For cars (under 9 seats): 190,000d/car

***Please note: For the Vietnamese holidays, during the domestic high season (summertime), a large amount number of tourists cause traffic jams and you might need to wait for 2-3 hours to get on the ferry. You can choose alternative options such as a high-speed boat or Cat Ba Cable car (cost more than a ferry ticket) 

Bus from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh

Once in Hai Phong (the station), you can take a bus to Ninh Binh, the province where Tam Coc is located. Buses depart regularly from various bus stations in Hai Phong, and the journey time is approximately 2-3 hours. 

Transportations from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh

If you still worry about the ferry schedule how to buy a ferry ticket, and how to find a bus after leaving the ferry, you can book a bus from the centre of Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh. You only need to sit in the car (when the car gets on the ferry, you still need to get out of the car until it arrives at the final port). This is a good way because you don’t have to check the schedule and also save time and money. 

Bus Cat Ba to Ninh Binh 

• Price: 280,000 VND/pax (13 USD/PAX)
• Depart time: 8:30, 12:40, 15:30
• Travel time:4,5-5 hours

Bus Ninh Binh to Cat Ba island

• Depart Time: 7h30, 9h00, 14h00
• Price: 13 USD / PAX
• Travel time:4,5-5 hours

Limousine option: 15 USD/pax (30 USD for a round-trip)

Perfect combine Cat Ba Island and Tam Coc Trip 

Best time for Cat Ba and Tam Coc 

The best time to travel to Cat Ba and Tam Coc is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant during these months, with warm temperatures and low humidity. Rainfall is also relatively low, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Spring is a great time to visit Cat Ba Island for hiking and exploring the Cat Ba National Park. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and other water sports in Lan Ha Bay. Tam Coc is also beautiful in the spring, with the rice paddies turning a lush green colour.

Autumn is another great time to visit Cat Ba and Tam Coc. The weather is still warm, but the crowds have started to thin out. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Ninh Binh weather guide: climate and activities by month

When is the rice season in Tam Coc: A Guide to Tam Coc's Scenic Boat and Bike Tours

Things to do and see on Cat Ba Island

Explore Cat Ba National Park

Hike through the verdant jungle trails, encounter a variety of wildlife, and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the peaks.

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Explore the hidden coves, lagoons, and beaches of Lan Ha Bay with a kayak tour.

Relax on Cat Co Beaches

Cat Ba Island boasts several pristine beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 are popular choices with golden sands and clear waters.

Explore Viet Hai Village

Experience the local Vietnamese culture at Viet Hai Village, a traditional fishing village. Take a boat tour around the village, observe the fishermen at work, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Recommended duration of stay in Cat Ba

1-2 days in Cat Ba

This is ideal if you're short on time or just want a taste of what Cat Ba has to offer. In this amount of time, you can relax on the beaches, explore the town of Cat Ba, and take a day trip to Lan Ha Bay.

3-4 days in Cat Ba

This is the perfect amount of time to experience most of the highlights of Cat Ba Island. You can hike in Cat Ba National Park, go kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, visit some of the caves, and explore Viet Hai Village.

Things to do and see in Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Boat Trip

Experience the beauty of Tam Coc by taking a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. As you glide through the narrow waterways, you'll pass by three caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Admire the towering limestone cliffs and the lush vegetation that line the riverbanks.

Explore the Bich Dong Pagoda and Cave

Climb the 250 steps to reach the pagoda and admire its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Then, venture into the Bich Dong Cave, a natural grotto adorned with Buddhist statues and stalactites.

Cycle through the countryside

Rent a bicycle and explore the charming villages and rice paddies that surround Tam Coc. Take in the tranquil ambience as you ride along the narrow paths, and stop to interact with the friendly locals.

Climb to the Mua Cave and Hang Mua Peak

For breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc, embark on a challenging hike to the Mua Cave and Hang Mua Peak. Consisting of 500 steps, the climb will test your endurance, but the reward is worth it. From the peak, you'll be mesmerized by the 360-degree views of the Tam Coc landscape.

Recommended duration of stay in Tam Coc Ninh Binh 

1-2 days in Tam Coc

Ideal if you're short on time but still want to experience the highlights. You can take a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River, explore Bich Dong Pagoda and Cave, and cycle through the rice paddies.

3-4 days in Tam Coc

This allows you to explore more in-depth. You can do everything from the short trip, plus climb Mua Cave and Hang Mua Peak, visit the Thai Vi Temple, and relax at the Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary.

How to spend 2 days Tam Coc-Ninh Binh? Best accommodations and things to do 

Embark on a journey from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc is a great way to enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Northern Vietnam. For more travel tips and detailed guides, check out our Aloha Vietnam Travel blog to make the most of your trip.

You might read:

• Plan for a tour in Ninh Binh, Vietnam? Get Ready With 19 Frequently Asked Questions
• How many days in the North of Vietnam: Where to visit? - Detailed guide and itineraries (Sẽ include Ninh Binh + Ha Long)