If you’re touring Vietnam by motorbike and find yourself in Hanoi wondering how to ride to Cat Ba Island to explore Halong Bay on your own, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to get your motorbike right to the doorstep of your hotel in Cat Ba.
The quickest and cheapest way to reach the island is by taking a ferry from Tuan Chau, a small island connected to the mainland by a long bridge. You can reach it after riding approximately 150 km from Hanoi, following the same route as if you were heading to Halong Bay.
Here’s the route we took to get to the port so that you don’t get lost:
Once you arrive at the port, head to the ferry terminal that takes you to Cat Ba. The entire area is modern and well-organized, so it’s easy to find your way, there’s even a clear sign directing you.
Follow the sign, and you’ll reach a ticket booth where you can purchase a ferry ticket for your motorbike, which includes the driver’s fare and costs 80,000 VND. If you have a passenger, they will need to pay an additional 60,000 VND.
At the terminal, there is a schedule board displaying ticket prices and departure times for both outbound and return trips to Cat Ba. It’s worth checking the schedule in advance so you can plan your return journey accordingly.
Once it’s time to depart, ride your motorbike onto the ferry, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the limestone rock formations. The journey takes just over an hour and is smooth and peaceful.
The small port of Cat Ba is located in the north of the island, so after disembarking, you’ll still need to ride approximately 20 km to reach Cat Ba Town, in the south of the island. This ride offers spectacular views as you traverse the island’s central roads.
