Cat Ba to Ha Giang - Travel Guide 2025

Setting off from Cat Ba Island with a motorbike on the back (or a backpack full of gear) means a classic Vietnam adventure awaits. The journey north to Ha Giang passes from emerald bays and bustling ports to winding mountain roads. I recently mapped out this leg of a south-north loop.
I mapped out detailed routes, hidden gems, costs, and insider FAQs to make planning easy.

Transport Options

• Motorbike: Many backpackers ride themselves. You can rent a scooter on Cat Ba (~100-150k VND/day) or bring your own. First take a ferry (hydrofoil) to Haiphong (running several times daily; about 150k VND for a passenger, and ferries charge only ~$4 extra for a motorbike).
  
  From Haiphong to Hanoi it’s ~2h on highway QL5 (120km). Then Hanoi to Ha Giang is ~300km up QL2 - a full day’s ride (~6-8h) through rural hills. Remember fuel in Vietnam is ~19,600 VND/L (~150k VND for the whole trip).
  
  Tip: Wear your helmet (mandatory) and avoid night driving if you can!

• Bus + Ferry Shuttle: A popular budget combo is a shuttle bus plus ferry transfer. For example, Cat Ba Express (Cat Ba Panorama) runs a van+boat shuttle to Haiphong (~150k VND, 2-3h), then connects to an overnight sleeper bus for Ha Giang.
  These “through” tickets typically involve a Hanoi or Haiphong transfer, totaling about 10-12 hours travel.
  
  Tip: A 12Go schedule shows a Good Morning Cat Ba VIP sleeper leaving Hanoi at midnight and reaching Ha Giang around 5am - nice if you don’t mind sleeping en route.

• Bus via Hanoi: You can break the trip at Hanoi. Take a ferry or shuttle to Haiphong, then a bus to Hanoi (Futa/Hai Au run every 30-60min, ~100k VND, ~2h). From Hanoi, many overnight buses depart (~6pm-10pm) for Ha Giang (~220k-300k VND, ~6-7h).
  
  Day buses leave early (6-10am) and reach Ha Giang by afternoon. Websites like or vexere.com let you reserve these tickets. The ride is scenic near the end, with valley-and-mountain views once you’re 100km north of Hanoi.
  
  Tip:  Book sleeper buses 1-2 days in advance, especially in the high season. Hostels or tour desks on Cat Ba can often arrange tickets and pickups.
  If riding a motorbike, double-check the ferry/motorbike combo - some travelers leave their bike on Cat Ba and rent another in Ha Giang to avoid complications.

Scenic Highlights & Detours

 Lan Ha Bay

• Lan Ha Bay / Cat Ba National park: Don’t skip Cat Ba’s backyard. Before leaving, kayak or take a boat tour in Lan Ha Bay (the quieter sister of Halong).
  Hike up Cannon Fort or Men’s Island for sunrise views over the karsts. Or cycle through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai village - a green, offbeat retreat.
  
  

  Quan Ba Twin Peak Mountians of Ha Giang, Vietnam

• Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba Twin Mountains): A bit north of Hanoi on QL2, look for the Quan Ba Pass viewpoint. Here, two pyramid hills (the “Twin Mountains” or Đồng Văn Twin Peaks) rise from rice fields.
  It’s a spectacular photo stop, especially in the soft morning or evening light as you approach Ha Giang province.

• Local Cuisine: This trip is also a feast. In Haiphong, sample bún cá (fish noodle soup) or fresh seafood at markets like Cai Ra.
  
  In Hanoi, don’t miss bún chả or bánh mì. Up north, Ha Giang town has specialties like xôi ngũ sắc (5-color sticky rice), thắng cố (Hmong horse-meat stew), and strong corn wine sold by roadside. Grabbing snacks at local markets (banh gio, grilled corn, tea) is part of the adventure!
  
  

  Bun Cha Traditional Dish of Vietnam

Budget & Booking

• Ferries: Cat Ba ↔ Haiphong hydrofoils run frequently (≈40-60 min). Tickets are ≈150k VND one-way for a person. (A combined shuttle bus+boat service costs about the same and includes van pickup in town.)

• Buses: Haiphong→Hanoi city costs ~100k VND (2h). Hanoi→Ha Giang sleeper buses run ~6-7h for ~220k-300k VND (around $10-15).
  Day buses are of similar price. (Any “combined” Cat Ba→Ha Giang ticket you buy will be higher, often 500k VND+, since it bundles transfers.)

• Motorbike: Rental is ~100k-150k VND/day. Fuel is currently ~19,600 VND/L, so expect around 6-8L used (~120-160k VND) for the whole route.
  Tolls are minimal (there are a couple on QL5).

• Accommodation: In Cat Ba or Hanoi, dorm beds start ~100k/night, private rooms ~300k+. Ha Giang town has lodges/guesthouses 200k-400k.
  Book via Agoda or HostelWorld, or just walk in - it’s off-season quiet outside major holidays.
  
  

  a Luxury Homestay in Cat Ba, Vietnam

• Booking: For peace of mind, use vexere.com to book buses and ferries (they have English UI). Otherwise, local travel counters (Cat Ba station, Hanoi Old Quarter) sell tickets too.
  Print or screenshot your e-ticket; many drivers expect a paper voucher.

Note: Some rural bus routes stop at a provincial station. If your hotel isn’t right by the drop-off point, ask if the driver can swing by your guesthouse or a central landmark. It’s common for Ha Giang buses to drop guests at their hotels on request.

FAQ

Can I ride a motorbike from Cat Ba to Ha Giang?
Yes. Cat Ba ferries allow bikes for a small fee (~$4). You could also use a tour shuttle to move your bike to the mainland. Plan fuel/food stops (the road has few gas stations between major towns).
Always wear a helmet and be extra cautious on curves. Many travelers do break the trip into 2 days (overnight in Hanoi or Tuyên Quang) to rest.

Are there direct buses?
There is no one-bus solution. Every route involves at least one change (usually at Hanoi). Some companies offer “through tickets” (e.g. Cat Ba→Hanoi→Ha Giang), but in practice you often get off at Hanoi station and catch the next bus.
Double-check itineraries - GoodMorning Cat Ba, Daiichi, Bang Phan are common names for Cat Ba-Ha Giang coaches. And nearly all go via Hanoi or Haiphong.

What’s the best route and how long does it take?
The standard route is Cat Ba → Haiphong → Hanoi → Ha Giang, mostly on highways (QL5 & QL2). It’s about 10-12 hours total of travel. Highways are safer and faster, so stick to main roads.
Try to travel during daylight; roads get foggy or icy in winter, and big trucks haul at night. If you have time, consider splitting it into two days (enjoy Hanoi or a mountain town en route).

How should I book tickets?
Online is easiest: vexere.com or the tour company sites. English support is limited though; be patient. Locally, any hotel or travel agency can call ahead and reserve seats.

For sleeper buses, book a day or two early in tourist season. Many hotels will offer free pickup from your hostel/guesthouse for the bus as well.