Trek to Cat Ba National Park and Return Journey

Posted By Laxmi Tiwari On

It’s often said, “A smooth start to the year brings good fortune all year.” Instead of endless celebratory parties, why not kick off the new year 2026 with a Cat Ba trekking trip on Hanoi Hai Phong bus route?

Combining exercise with immersing yourself in the pristine nature of Viet Hai ancient village or Ngu Lam peak is undoubtedly the best way to attract good luck.

But to avoid a disastrous first trip of the year due to traffic jams or sold-out tickets, choosing the right mode of transportation is crucial. This article provides a detailed review of the itinerary and compares two reputable bus companies on the Hanoi–Hai Phong route to help you book your tickets now.

1. Why Choose the Cat Ba National Park ?

Hai Phong offers more than just food tours. Cat Ba in spring (January-February) offers beautiful weather: cool and dry, ideal for outdoor activities.

A worthwhile experience awaits you at Cat Ba National Park.

This is a classic trekking route loved by backpackers.

  • Journey: Traverse the vast Kim Giao forest to climb to the summit of Ngu Lam.
  • Reward: From the mountaintop, you will be able to admire the panoramic view of the “pearl island” amidst the deep blue sea. The feeling of conquering the height on New Year’s Day will bring a powerful surge of energy.

Slow down and enjoy life in the tranquil atmosphere of Viet Hai Ancient Village

Nestled in a valley, Viet Hai is completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

  • Experience: Cycle under the shade of ancient trees, breathe in air ten times fresher than the city, and enjoy a natural stream fish massage. This is the ideal place to “detox” your soul after a year of hard work.
  • Additionally, you’ll easily spot foreign tourists walking, boating, or cycling here to enjoy the atmosphere that’s hard to find in the bustling city.

2. Travel Options – Choosing Hoang Long or Nguyen Gia?

To get to Cat Ba, the most important leg of the journey is from Hanoi to Hai Phong (Got ferry terminal or city center). Below is a real-world review of the two bus companies currently receiving the highest ratings on redBus:

2.1. Hoang Long Bus Company: A Safe & Standard Choice

If you value reliability, punctuality, and simplicity, Hoang Long is your ideal choice.

  • Vehicle type: Seated buses and limousines, spacious and clean.
  • Biggest advantage:
    • Frequent trips: Approximately 57 trips/day, buses run continuously from early morning to late evening, making it easy to choose a suitable time.
    • Cat Ba connection: Hoang Long bus often offers convenient routes and connections to the island’s ferry terminal, saving you the hassle of finding a transfer.
    • Reputation: Long-standing brand, committed to not picking up passengers along the way, and accurate travel times.
Departure time
06:00 – 19:30
Hoang Long bus ticket prices
Regular seat car: 130,000 VND/person
Limousine: 240,000 VND/person
Pick-up point
– Offices in Hanoi (68 Tran Nhat Duat Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi)
– Long Bien District (20 Ngoc Tri Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi)
– Ha Dong District (5 Tran Phu Street, Van Quan Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi)
Drop-off point
– Offices in Hai Phong (1st Floor, No. 5, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong)
– Vinh Niem Bus Station (15 Bui Vien Street, Vinh Niem Ward, Le Chan District, Hai Phong)
– Office at 610 Pham Van Dong (Hoa Phuong 8 Gas Station, Duong Kinh District, Hai Phong)

2.2. Nguyen Gia Bus Company: Experience Luxury Limousine

If you want your first trip of the year to be truly comfortable and relaxing like a vacation, choose Nguyen Gia.

  • Vehicle type: 9-seater or 11-seater VIP limousine.
  • Biggest advantages:
    • Amenities: Comfortable leather seats with a massage function and USB charging ports at each seat. You can take a good nap to recharge for your upcoming trekking trip.
    • Space: Fewer passengers, quiet, odourless – an absolute plus for those who get motion sickness or are travelling with family.
Departure time05:00 – 21:00
Nguyen Gia bus ticket prices220.000VNĐ/person
Pick-up point– Cau Giay Office (57 Luu Quang Vu Street, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi)
– Co Linh Office (154 Ngoc Tri Street, Group 7, Thach Ban Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi)
– Transfer to some inner-city Hanoi locations (30 minutes in advance)
Drop-off point– Pham Van Dong Office (522 Pham Van Dong Street, Hai Phong)
– 256 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Phong
– Transfer point for several locations in Hai Phong city

3. Tips for booking tickets during peak season

Whether you choose Hoang Long or Nguyen Gia, remember that the demand for travel on the Hanoi – Hai Phong route is extremely high during the Lunar New Year period. Tickets selling out for peak hours or being overcharged by unlicensed buses are unavoidable if you’re not careful.

Don’t wait till your travel day to buy bus tickets at the terminal. Plan ahead and book in advance on the redBus app to ensure a smoother trip.

  • Visual comparison: View ticket prices, departure times, and actual images of Hoang Long and Gia Nguyen directly on your phone.
  • Secure your seat: Choose your preferred seat, pay online, and receive your e-ticket (mTicket) immediately.
  • Transparent pricing: Buy at the listed price from the bus company, without worrying about unreasonable surcharges. Many deep discounts are available, including a 30% discount for new users on the redBus app.

In conclusion

Pack your bags, prepare your physical fitness to conquer Cat Ba National Park and Viet Ha Bay, and let redBus take care of your journey, ensuring you arrive safely and comfortably with Hoang Long or Nguyen Gia buses.

👉 Check schedule and book your Hanoi – Hai Phong bus tickets