Day Trips From Ha Long to Cat Ba and Yen Tu

Ha Long city makes a good base for day trips that leave the bay. The main choices are Cat Ba island by ferry, the Yen Tu pilgrimage mountain, the Bach Dang battlefield at Quang Yen and the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long. Distances below are approximate. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), at roughly 26,000 per US dollar.

Cat Ba island by ferry

A car ferry runs from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan on northern Cat Ba and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A foot passenger pays about 60,000 to 80,000 VND. Summer departures are around 07:30, 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 and 15:00, and winter has fewer. Return boats run from about 09:00 to 16:00. A speedboat costs about 165,000 to 250,000 VND. Cat Ba town is about 25 km from Gia Luan.

It is possible in a day but tight, and an overnight stay is better. Sights on the island include:

  • Cannon Fort is open, with a charged entry of a few tens of thousands of dong and an optional electric cart.
  • Hospital Cave was built from 1963 to 1965 with 17 rooms on three levels and was used until 1975. It opens about 08:00 to 17:00. Treat it as a historic site.
  • Cat Ba National Park has forest trails, including the walk to Ngu Lam peak.

Yen Tu and the Bronze Pagoda

Yen Tu is near Uong Bi, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours from Ha Long by car. It is a pilgrimage mountain linked to the Truc Lam Zen tradition, with the Bronze Pagoda on the summit ridge at 1,068 m. A two stage cable car runs up, and cable car fares change between guides, so check at the ticket desk. This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and keep your voice low.

Bach Dang relic site, Quang Yen

Quang Yen is about 25 km west of Ha Long, around 30 minutes by taxi. In 1288 Tran Hung Dao defeated a Mongol fleet on the Bach Dang River by planting iron tipped stakes in the riverbed. The Yen Giang stake field and the Tran Hung Dao temple are the main sites, and entry to the relic sites is free. Plan it as a serious half day rather than a light outing.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long lies north east of Ha Long and has its own set of routes, many leaving from Ao Tien port in Van Don, about 50 km and 45 minutes from the city. Cruises here are less crowded than the main bay. Co To, Quan Lan and Minh Chau islands are reached from the same area. Confirm the departure port when you book, because some operators sail from Ha Long instead.

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha is around Cat Ba and belongs to Hai Phong. It charges its own fee, about 120,000 VND for an adult and 60,000 VND for a child per visit from 2026.

Getting around

Airports are Van Don about 45 minutes away, Cat Bi about 45 minutes and Noi Bai about 2 hours. Hanoi is about 160 km away, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.

Read more: Multi-day trips in Ha Long covers longer cruises and circuits.

Booking

Guided trips and transfers can be compared on GetYourGuide . The Management Board’s getting there page gives road times from Noi Bai airport.