Everyone knows Cat Ba the "pearl island" famous for its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. However, few realize that not far away lies Van Don, a destination offering a completely different atmosphere: more peaceful than Ha Long and more pristine than Bai Chay, yet rapidly transforming thanks to its international airport and eco-resorts along Bai Tu Long Bay. Despite this, traveling between Cat Ba and Van Don is far from simple. The journey requires a combination of ferries, shuttle buses, and local taxis all while managing bulky luggage. Furthermore, unpredictable ferry schedules can cause you to miss your flight or the boat to Co To Island. That is why Mui Ne Private Car has launched a private transfer service between Cat Ba and Van Don. We provide an all-inclusive, door-to-door service picking you up at your resort and taking you to your final destination so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without a care in the world. MUI NE PRIVATE CAR is operated by Minh Khoi Travel Co., Ltd. We are fully licensed and boast over eight years of experience serving international travelers in Vietnam. You can view reviews and book our services via GetYourGuide, 12Go, Viator, or Google Maps. Book with confidence.
Route: Cat Ba Island → Cai Vieng / Dong Bai Ferry → Van Don (Airport / Any address / Hotel)
Total Distance: ~135 km (~84 miles)
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Available Vehicles: 4-Seater Sedan, 7-Seater SUV
"Should you visit Van Don after a trip to Cat Ba?" The answer is yes in fact, it is a destination well worth a dedicated trip of its own.
Cat Ba is already renowned for Lan Ha Bay cruises and jungle trekking. Van Don, however, offers a distinct atmosphere: it serves as a gateway to pristine archipelagos and boasts fascinating cultural sites alongside exceptional seafood cuisine. It is also home to the largest international airport in Northern Vietnam (outside of Hanoi). In short, it is a destination well worth experiencing.
Below is an interactive map showing the route from Cat Ba Island across the water to the mainland, continuing directly to Van Don a journey of approximately 135 km:
Van Don is home to the state-of-the-art Van Don International Airport (VDO), a key hub for both domestic and international flights. Additionally, Cai Rong Port and Ao Tien Port in Van Don serve as the main departure points for ferries taking travelers to islands such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, and Co To.
Van Don offers a harmonious blend of nature, spiritual sites, and coastal resorts. Highlights include:
Bai Dai Beach: A pristine, 2-km stretch of white sand with clear blue waters facing Bai Tu Long Bay—an ideal spot for swimming and water sports.
Cai Bau Pagoda (Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery): A stunning pagoda nestled against a mountainside, offering panoramic views of the bay from its grounds.
Ba Mun National Park: An island boasting lush primeval forests, a diverse array of rare wildlife, and a rich mangrove ecosystem.
Cuisine: Don't miss out on sa sung (peanut worms), cu ky (red-clawed crabs), and fragrant, hand-pounded grilled squid cakes. It is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience.
Sa sung – a specialty of Van Don
Squid Cakes – The Flavor of the Sea
Cu ky crab – a distinctive specialty of Van Don
"How can you get from Cat Ba Island to Van Don?" Generally, travelers choose one of two main methods:
"Why should I choose Mui Ne Private Car over other options?" We specialize in reliable, long-distance interprovincial travel across Vietnam with key operational advantages:
Connecting to other Northern destinations? Explore our private car connections from Cat Ba to Hanoi, Cat Bi Airport, or Hai Phong City.
Fixed, transparent all-inclusive rates for private car transfers from Cat Ba Island to Van Don (~135 km):
Real photos of our clean, modern vehicles – see what you'll be riding in