TOURS FROM HANOI TO CAT BA ISLAND – A FANTASTIC TRIP TO THE NORTHEAST VIETNAM

Thanks to the gift of nature and human efforts, Vietnam has gradually become a fantastic tourist destination. Referring to Vietnam, people mention not only the wars but also the majestic landscapes. The Northeast has always been contributing to the success of tourism in Vietnam. The itinerary in this article is one of the most popular motorbike tours in Northern Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi to Cat Ba Islands and Halong Bay will help you admire a part of beautiful Northeastern Vietnam. 

First, we should make it clear why motorbike tours from Hanoi to Cat Ba is highly recommended. Of course, you can choose to go by car or bus, but motorcycling will bring us a better sense of adventure. Motorcycling makes it easier for us to stop somewhere and marvel at gorgeous sceneries. We can also move to remote areas that cars or buses can’t reach. Moreover, experiencing off-road tracks will surely bring you unforgettable moments. The more challenges you overcome, the more joy you will have. A trip from Cat Ba Island is not all about sightseeing, but it includes a diversity of activities, such as cave exploring, kayaking, trekking, fishing, etc.

Day 1: Hanoi – Hai Phong

Most tours from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island must stop at Hai Phong city first. On the way to Hai Phong, we shall take a look at Bat Trang – the famous ceramic village of Hanoi. Here, you can witness the process of creating sophisticated ceramic products like cups, vases, bowls, plates, or big jars. The products have not only high quality but also exquisite decoration. You can buy some pottery items as souvenirs for your relatives. Another experience not to be missed is that you can create your own pottery items under the guidance of a craftsman. Believe us, it may look easy, but it’s a real challenge for your patience. After exploring Bat Trang, we continue our journey to Hai Phong city – one of the five cities under the central government. 

Day 2: Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island

From Hai Phong city, we will take a speedboat from Binh wharf, and then move to Cai Vieng wharf of Cat Ba Island. Here we will start to explore this splendor island. Actually, Cat Ba is just the name of the main island, which has an area of about 100km2. The Cat Ba island district is an archipelago with up to 367 islands of different sizes. Located in the south of Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port. The charming beauty of the island has attracted thousands of people. Cat Ba was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Cat Ba biosphere reserve is a place full of tropical forests on limestone islands, mangroves, coral reefs, algal mats, and complex cave systems.

On this day, we will spend time exploring Lan Ha Bay – one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. The bay is situated in the east of Cat Ba Island and bordered to the south by Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay has an area of more than 7000 hectares, including a relatively untouched archipelago with about 400 islands. The most special thing about the bay is probably the sand beaches at the foot of the mountain. The wild beauty makes these beaches different from other ones in Halong Bay. Under the clear blue water are colorful coral reefs. Sen Island, Cu Island, or Monkey Island are the best places for scuba diving and watching the coral. Rock climbing, cave exploring, or visiting Monkey Island are also cool activities that we should give a try.

Day 3: Discovering Cat Ba National Park

If you see any tours from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island without visiting Cat Ba National Park, don’t book it. The park is obviously a highlight of the trip. With a total area of 15200 hectares, Cat Ba National Park is home to a rich flora and fauna. So you are going to encounter a myriad of strange plants and animals. Archaeological remains found here suggest that humans may live in the land 6000 – 7000 years ago. This means this landmark has a great value for archeology. This is a perfect place for trekking and rock climbing. The majestic landscapes of mountains and forests are irresistible.

Day 4: Cat Ba – Hanoi

On the last day, we will visit Cai Beo village. According to a study by the Vietnam Institute of Archeology, Cai Beo is the most important archaeological site in the coastal areas and islands of Northeast Vietnam. From a distance, Cai Beo Bay is very beautiful with green water, rocky mountains mixed with blue sky. The poetic beauty of nature and the bustling life of the fishing village together create a rare beauty. Another thing that everyone thirst for in tours from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is seafood. On the island, we can taste a variety of fresh seafood, such as squid, crab, shrimp, etc. At the end of the day, we will go back to Hanoi. The trip will definitely bring you many precious memories.

There are many tours from Hanoi to Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island, but we are confident that this motorbike tour is completely different. If you want to travel around Vietnam by motorbike and explore this beautiful country in an entirely new way, visit Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club to choose your favorite motorbike route and bike to start in no time!