Cable Car to Cat Ba Island: Price, Schedule & Travel Tips

The cable car to Cat Ba Island offers travelers a unique way to admire the beauty of Lan Ha Bay above, turning a simple transfer an unforgettable experience. Glide over turquoise waters, limestone peaks, and floating villages as you make your way to the heart of Cat Ba. Join Cat Ba Expedition and discover how this world-record cable car adds adventure, comfort, and breathtaking views to your island journey.

Overview of The Phu Long Cable Car

The Phu Long Cable Car, officially known as the Sun World Cat Hai to Phu Long Cable Car, is part of a world-class system that connects Cat Hai Island in Hai Phong with Cat Ba Island. Built by Sun Group, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest three-cable sea-crossing cable car in the world.

Stretching over four kilometers across Lan Ha Bay, this cable car to Cat Ba Island offers travelers a smooth and unforgettable ten-minute journey above the sea. Each bright red cabin can carry around thirty to forty passengers, providing a comfortable experience for solo travelers, couples, and tour groups alike.

As the cabin glides above the water, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of emerald seas, tiny islands, and floating fishing villages below. It feels as if you are flying across the bay, surrounded by calm winds and endless views. This makes the cable car Cat Ba one of the most memorable travel experiences in northern Vietnam.

At the Phu Long Station, modern facilities such as rest areas, cafes, and souvenir shops make the journey even more enjoyable. here, visitors can easily reach Cat Ba Town, Cat Ba National Park, or Lan Ha Bay by electric cart, taxi, or motorbike.

Why Take the Cable Car to Cat Ba Island?

Taking the cable car to Cat Ba Island isn’t just about getting point A to point B, it’s a scenic adventure in itself. Instead of sitting on a crowded ferry, you’ll glide smoothly above the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by hundreds of limestone karsts and floating fishing villages. The view alone is worth the ride.

The cable car Cat Ba is also the fastest and most reliable way to reach the island. It connects directly Cat Hai (Hai Phong) to Phu Long (Cat Ba Island) in just about 10 minutes, saving you long queues and unpredictable ferry schedules.

Besides being convenient, it’s a truly unique experience - imagine watching boats drift below, feeling the sea breeze, and capturing panoramic photos of one of Vietnam’s most stunning coastal landscapes. Whether you’re a backpacker chasing epic views or a couple on a romantic getaway, this ride offers something unforgettable.

Cat Ba Cable Car Ticket: Price, Schedule & How to Buy

If you are planning to take the cable car to Cat Ba Island, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Ticket Price (Updated for 2025)

The Cat Ba cable car ticket is currently offered at a special price of 50,000 VND per one-way trip, valid until December 31, 2025. This is an amazing deal considering the breathtaking experience you’ll get. Each ride lasts around ten minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in northern Vietnam without breaking the budget.

It’s a great option for both domestic and international travelers, especially backpackers and solo adventurers who want to experience something unique and affordable. Remember to keep your ticket if you plan to take the return trip on the same day.

Cable Car Schedule

The Phu Long Cable Car runs several times a day, with specific boarding slots in the morning and afternoon. Make sure to arrive a little early, as each time slot only lasts for a short period.

NOTE: The Cat Ba cable car is closed every Monday and Thursday for maintenance. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Each journey across Lan Ha Bay is smooth, safe, and filled with stunning photo opportunities. The cabins are spacious, air-conditioned, and surrounded by glass windows so you can fully enjoy the view.

Where and How to Buy Tickets

You can purchase your Cat Ba cable car tickets directly at the Cat Hai Station on the mainland or at the Phu Long Station on Cat Ba Island. Both locations have ticket counters and digital kiosks that are easy to use.

Tickets are also available on the official Sun World website or through selected travel agencies that offer bus and cable car combo tickets Hanoi or Hai Phong. If you’re traveling with a group, you can sometimes find package discounts or combined tickets that include local transport on the island.

What You’ll See the Cable Car

As the cable car to Cat Ba Island begins to glide over the sea, you will quickly realize that this is not just a way to travel but a breathtaking experience above one of Vietnam’s most beautiful bays. Beneath your feet, the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay shimmer under the sunlight, dotted with fishing boats and peaceful floating villages that gently move with the waves.

When the cabin rises higher, the view opens up to a wide panorama of green islands, golden beaches, and limestone cliffs covered in tropical forest. The scene feels calm and almost dreamlike, giving you the sense of floating above another world. this height, the scenery of Cat Ba National Park comes view, stretching endlessly across the horizon.

On bright days, you may even spot Ha Long Bay far in the distance where the sea meets the sky. The ride is especially stunning during sunset, when the bay glows in shades of gold, pink, and orange. For travelers who love photography or simply enjoy peaceful moments, this is one of the most unforgettable sights in northern Vietnam.

Even if you have seen pictures before, nothing compares to witnessing it yourself. The cable car Cat Ba offers a rare chance to admire a UNESCO biosphere reserve above, a moment that stays in your memory long after your trip ends.

Useful Travel Tips

To make the most of your ride on the cable car to Cat Ba Island, here are a few simple but helpful tips that will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

First, try to arrive at the station at least fifteen minutes before departure. The Cat Ba cable car runs on a fixed schedule, and the boarding time is short, so being early ensures you will not miss your slot.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you plan to ride during the middle of the day. The cabins have large glass windows that offer a beautiful view, but they can get quite bright when the sun is strong.

If you are traveling on a weekend or public holiday, expect more visitors. Buying tickets online or going in the morning can help you avoid long lines.

Keep your ticket with you for the return trip, as you might need to show it again when boarding. The ticket is valid for a one-way ride, and you can buy another one easily at the station if you plan to return later in the day.

For the best experience, combine your cable car Cat Ba journey with a visit to Cat Ba National Park or a Lan Ha Bay cruise. Both are located nearby and can be reached easily Phu Long Station by electric cart or taxi.

Lastly, remember that the cable car service is closed every Monday and Thursday for maintenance, so plan your travel days accordingly.

Taking the cable car to Cat Ba Island is more than just a way to get there, it is an experience that captures the spirit of adventure and the beauty of northern Vietnam. the sweeping views of Lan Ha Bay to the peaceful charm of Cat Ba’s green hills, every moment feels unforgettable. Plan your trip with Cat Ba Expedition to make the most of this scenic ride and continue exploring the island’s hidden wonders, local culture, and breathtaking nature.