1. The Truth About "Cat Ba Bridge" - Current Status and Latest Information
When it comes to the Cat Ba Bridge, tourists often misunderstand it as a direct sea-crossing bridge. In reality, the current road to Cat Ba involves a combined transportation system starting with the Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge—Vietnam's longest sea-crossing bridge at 5.4 km.
After crossing the Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge, travelers arrive at Cat Hai Island, from where they must take a cable car or ferry to continue their journey to Cat Ba. Therefore, when locals say "Cat Ba Bridge is open," they usually refer to the completion of this transport system rather than a separate bridge.
Currently, there are no concrete plans to build a direct bridge to Cat Ba in 2025. Instead, the Sun World cable car is being promoted as a sustainable transport solution, aligning with the island's green tourism development strategy.
2. Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car - A Modern "Sky Bridge"
The Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car, stretching 3,955 meters, has become the preferred mode of transport for tourists visiting Cat Ba. This system connects Cat Hai with Phu Long on Cat Ba Island, offering a distinctly different experience from traditional ferries.
What makes this cable car unique is its extremely fast travel time, only about 10 minutes to cover nearly 4 km over the sea. With a fare of 50,000 VND per trip, visitors not only save time but also enjoy panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from above.
Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car (Image: Collection)
The cable car operates 6 outbound and 6 return trips daily at the following times: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM. Tourists are advised to check the schedule and book in advance via booking.sunworld.vn or the Sun Paradise Land app, especially during peak travel seasons.
The cable car's major advantage over ferries is its resistance to bad weather and tides. Passengers also don't have to worry about seasickness or long waiting times as they would with ferries.
3. Travel Routes to Cat Ba: From Hanoi and Surrounding Provinces
3.1 From Hanoi via Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge
The most popular route from Hanoi to Cat Ba starts with a 120 km drive on the Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway. This modern route offers excellent road conditions and significantly shortens travel time compared to the old national highway.
After reaching Hai Phong, visitors cross the Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge. Officially opened in 2017, this bridge marked a turning point in connecting Cat Ba by road. Previously, travelers had to take a ferry from Dong Bai to reach Cat Hai; now they can drive straight across.
From Cat Hai, you can take a cable car or ferry to Cat Ba (Image: Collection)
From Cat Hai, tourists have two main options: the recommended Sun World Cable Car for its convenience and speed, or the Dong Bai - Cai Vieng ferry for those wanting a waterway experience or needing to transport personal vehicles.
Total travel time from Hanoi to Cat Ba is about 3-4 hours using the cable car, depending on traffic conditions and waiting times at stops.
3.2 From Hai Phong and Nearby Provinces
Travelers from Hai Phong enjoy a shorter distance and can choose between two main routes. The road via Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge is similar to the Hanoi route but much shorter.
Another exciting option is the high-speed boat from Binh Wharf (Hai Phong) directly to Cat Ba, taking only 45-50 minutes. This route is ideal for those without personal vehicles or those wanting a waterway experience from the start.
From nearby provinces like Quang Ninh, Nam Dinh, and Thai Binh, tourists can connect to the Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway to follow the common route or choose the most suitable path based on their location.
4. Transportation from Mainland to Cat Ba
4.1 Cable Car - A Modern and Quick Option
The cable car has completely changed how travelers reach Cat Ba. Before its existence, ferries were the only option, often overcrowded during peak seasons and vulnerable to bad weather.
Experience panoramic views from the cable car (Photo: collected)
The cable car offers a unique aerial view of Ha Long Bay from dozens of meters above. Visitors can admire iconic limestone islands, traditional fishing villages, and crystal-clear seas. This is a major advantage over ferries, which limit visibility at sea level.
To ensure the best experience, visitors should book tickets online and arrive about 30 minutes before departure. During peak seasons (April to October), demand is high, and pre-booking helps avoid sold-out situations.
Sun World Cat Ba also offers combo packages including transport and hotel pick-up, especially convenient for tourists without personal vehicles or unfamiliar with the route. Electric buses and buggy cars are also available to transport guests from Phu Long Cable Car Station to various locations in central Cat Ba Island, providing convenient and eco-friendly travel.
4.2 Dong Bai - Cai Vieng Ferry
Although the cable car is now available, the Dong Bai - Cai Vieng ferry still operates and remains popular among locals. The ferry's main advantage is its ability to carry motorbikes and cars, which the cable car cannot accommodate.
You can also choose to travel via Dong Bai - Cai Vieng Ferry (Photo: collected)
Ferry tickets are usually cheaper than cable cars, but the travel time is longer—about 30 minutes per trip. Ferries operate frequently throughout the day, although the schedule may change based on weather and tides.
The main drawback of ferries is long waiting times, especially on weekends and holidays when tourist numbers surge. Additionally, some passengers may experience seasickness, particularly during rough seas or unfavorable weather.
Travelers should check the weather forecast before choosing to take the ferry, as operations may be suspended for safety during adverse conditions.
5. Important Notes When Traveling to Cat Ba
5.1 Tips for Crossing Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge
The Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge is a critical transport infrastructure, but it requires careful preparation from travelers.
Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before crossing, as this is a long stretch with no gas stations. Speed limits range from 60-80 km/h depending on the section; strictly follow these limits for safety.
Absolutely do not stop to take photos on the bridge. This behavior is not only dangerous but also illegal and may result in heavy fines. If you wish to photograph the bridge, find distant viewpoints or take photos while in motion (with a separate driver).
5.2 Tips for Year-Round Travel to Cat Ba
Each season offers different experiences in Cat Ba, and transportation varies accordingly. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with heavy tourist traffic potentially overloading both the cable car and ferry.
Autumn (September to November) is considered the best time to visit, with cool weather, little rain, and moderate tourist numbers, making travel easier. The cable car also operates most stably during this period, with minimal weather-related disruptions.
Tourists visiting Cat Ba - Hai Phong (Photo: collected)
6. Conclusion
Although there is no actual Cat Ba Bridge yet, the current transport system, with the Sun World Cable Car and Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge, offers a convenient route to the island. Cat Ba is becoming increasingly accessible. Plan your journey today to discover the unique beauty of Ha Long Bay from a completely new perspective.
