From Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Visiting Ninh Binh after Cat Ba allows you to experience the beauty of both the sea and the countryside. Ninh Binh’s limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and rural villages provide a striking contrast to Cat Ba’s beaches and islands. Finally, Ninh Binh is less crowded than some other popular destinations in Vietnam, making it a great place to unwind and explore at your own pace.
There are several options for traveling from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh:
- Bus: You can take a bus from Cat Ba town to Ninh Binh city, which takes around 4-5 hours.
- Private car: You can hire a private car or taxi to take you from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, which will take around 3 hours.
- Combination of bus and train: You can take a bus from Cat Ba to Hai Phong, and then take a train from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
Bus
Private car
Bus
How to get From Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Your options for traveling From Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Bus
To get from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by bus, you need to take a ferry from Cat Ba to Hai Phong, then take a bus from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
There are several bus companies operating on this route, and tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal or through online booking platforms.
The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, and the buses are generally comfortable and air-conditioned.
- Affordable price.
- Convenient schedule with multiple departures per day.
- Scenic route with views of the Vietnamese countryside.
- Longer travel time compared to other transportation options.
- Potential for crowded and uncomfortable conditions on the bus.
- Limited space for luggage.
Private car
The experience of traveling by private car from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh can be convenient and comfortable, as you will have your own vehicle and driver to take you directly to your destination. The journey is approximately 130 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.
The route from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh offers scenic views of the countryside and rural landscapes. The road is generally well-maintained and relatively smooth, although there may be some potholes or uneven sections in certain areas.
Traveling by private car allows you to have more flexibility and control over your schedule compared to taking a bus or train. You can make stops along the way to take pictures, stretch your legs, or explore local attractions. Additionally, you can avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation and the crowds that come with it.
However, it is important to note that taking a private car can be more expensive than taking a bus or train. It is recommended to compare prices and options before making a decision.
- More comfortable and convenient than taking the bus.
- Offers flexibility to stop at sights and attractions along the way.
- Faster travel time than the bus.
- More expensive than taking the bus.
- Can be stressful and challenging to navigate on your own if you're not familiar with the roads and traffic in Vietnam.
- Parking can be difficult to find in busy areas.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. The closest train station to Cat Ba is in Hai Phong, and from there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to Ninh Binh. It is generally not recommended to travel from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by train due to the additional time and cost involved in taking multiple modes of transportation.
- Comfort: Train seats are generally more comfortable than bus seats, and there is more legroom.
- Scenic views: The train ride from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is very scenic, passing through countryside landscapes and rice fields.
- Opportunity to meet locals: Taking the train can be a great way to interact with locals and get a taste of Vietnamese culture.
- Limited schedule: There are only a few train departures per day, so you'll need to plan your schedule carefully.
- Need to transfer: You'll need to take a ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong, then take a taxi or bus to the train station.
- Slower than other options: The train is generally slower than taking a bus or private car.
