Road Trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba: The Ultimate Guide

“Seeing is believing, touching is confirming” – this proverb rings true when talking about a road trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. Instead of just hearing about it, why not take the wheel and experience the stunning coastal roads and the beauty of this island yourself? This guide will help you plan a perfect and memorable road trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba!

Preparing for Your Hanoi – Cat Ba Journey

Choosing the Ideal “Travel Companion”

If you love power and open roads, a pickup truck like the Ford Ranger Raptor or Mitsubishi Triton would be a perfect choice. With outstanding off-road capabilities, these two “warriors” will conquer any terrain, from smooth highways to rugged coastal paths.

Coastal road in Cat Ba

If you prioritize comfort and space for your family, 7-seater SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Kia Sorento are great options. These vehicles not only offer spacious and comfortable interiors but also come fully equipped with amenities, promising the most relaxing travel experience.

Vehicle Check Before Departure

Before embarking on your journey, a thorough vehicle inspection is crucial. Ensure your “beloved ride” is fully maintained:

• Check tires, tire pressure, and change oil if needed.
• Inspect the braking system, headlights, turn signals, and horn.
• Ensure you have enough fuel for the entire trip.
• Prepare basic repair tools such as a tire pump, spare tire repair kit, etc.

Detailed Itinerary Planning

The distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba is about 150km, with a travel time of around 3-4 hours. You can choose a day trip or stay in Cat Ba for 1-2 nights to fully explore the island’s beauty.

Road Trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Choosing the Right Route

There are two main routes to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba:

• Route via Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Ferry: This is the shortest route, about 130km. However, you will need to take the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai ferry (ticket price around 40,000 – 80,000 VND/way/vehicle).
• Route via Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge and Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway: This route is longer, about 170km, but you will experience traveling on the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia and a modern expressway.

Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary in Cat Ba

Day 1:

• Morning: Depart from Hanoi at 6:00 AM and travel to Cat Ba.
• Noon: Arrive in Cat Ba, check into your hotel, rest, and have lunch.
• Afternoon: Rent a motorbike or electric car to explore Cat Ba town and visit Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches.
• Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Cat Ba night market.

Day 2:

• Morning: Explore Lan Ha Bay by boat or kayak.
• Noon: Have lunch at a seaside restaurant.
• Afternoon: Depart for Hanoi.

Safe and Enjoyable Road Trip

For a more fulfilling trip, remember these tips:

• Always obey traffic laws and drive safely.
• Prepare all necessary vehicle documents and personal identification.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.
• Prepare basic medications, especially motion sickness and stomach ache remedies.

Family traveling by car

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hanoi to Cat Ba Road Trip

1. Should I take the ferry or the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge?

If you want to save time and money, the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai ferry is a reasonable choice. However, if you want to experience traveling on the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia and a modern expressway, choose the route via Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge.

2. Which hotel should I stay at in Cat Ba?

Cat Ba has many hotels, resorts, and homestays with various price ranges. You can refer to and book in advance on online booking websites like Booking.com, Agoda.com, Traveloka.com, etc.

3. What delicious food is there in Cat Ba?

Cat Ba is famous for its fresh seafood dishes such as oysters, sea snails, mantis shrimp, crabs, and squid. You can enjoy seafood at seaside restaurants or at the Cat Ba night market.

XE TAI HA NOI – Your Companion on Every Road

If you are looking for a quality truck at a reasonable price to accompany you on every journey, come to XE TAI HA NOI. We are proud to be a provider of genuine, reputable, and high-quality trucks in Hanoi and neighboring provinces.

With a team of experienced and dedicated staff, XE TAI HA NOI is committed to bringing absolute satisfaction to our customers.

Contact XE TAI HA NOI now for advice and the best quote!

Similar Products

In addition to trucks, XE TAI HA NOI also provides dump trucks, specialized vehicles, and tractor-trailers with various models and types.

Wish you a fun and memorable road trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba!