The beauty of Vietnam’s natural landscape is beyond what words describe: from the imposing mountains to the picturesque rice paddies. And it would surely be an omission if the magnificent islands in the northern part were missed. If you have an invaluable chance to visit the country, never forget to spend time on the islands below in northern Vietnam.
Cat Ba Island – The Must-visit Pearl of Hai Phong
Cat Ba is not only a coastal tourist attraction among islands in northern Vietnam but also a great place to learn more about the country’s nature and culture. The island is truly a pearl containing the quintessential Vietnamese features.
Best time to visit Cat Ba Island: March to September
Where is Cat Ba Island, and how do you get there?
Travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is an archipelago of Cat Hai District, located offshore about 30 kilometers away from Hai Phong City.
To travel to Cat Ba Island, there are two popular options:
- Traveling by the high-speed ferry from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba Island takes around 45 minutes (VND 200,000 – VND 250,000/ person)
- We drove across the Tan Vu Bridge, which connects the Hanoi—Hai Phong Expressway with Cat Ba Island. Then, we reached Got Wharf and traveled to the island by ferry. The ferry costs VND 45,000/ bike or VND 190,000/ car.
Find tickets from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island
From Ha Long Bay, tourists can traverse by ferry to Cat Ba Island, costing around VND 80,000 to VND 400,000 depending on the means of transport.
Find tickets from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island
What to Do at Cat Ba Island?
When visiting Cat Ba Island, tourists are highly suggested to opt for:
Ti Top Island – The Natural Wonder Viewed from The Sky
If you plan to travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Ha Long Bay, Ti Top Island (also known as Titov Island) is a worth-visiting destination when you are considering islands in northern Vietnam. Compared to the famous Cat Ba Island, Ti Top still delivers a staggering view observed from the sky and a great sense of peace since it is much less crowded.
Best time to visit Ti Top Island: March to May
Where Is Ti Top Island and How to Get There?
Since Ti Top Island is located in the heart of Ha Long Bay and a part of the sightseeing tour number 2, the island is accessible. You can:
- Buy a single boat ticket to the island (VND 30,000 – VND 50,000/person)
- Register for a several-day cruise trip in Ha Long Bay that includes Ti Top Island as its destination (VND 1,500,000 – VND 5,000,000/ person, depending on the quality and length of the trip)
- Take the seaplane from Tuan Chau Island to admire the beauty of the island from above (VND 1,500,000 – VND 2,000,000/person)
What to Do at Ti Top Island?
Quan Lan Island – A Charming Definition of Rusticity
Quan Lan should be at the top of your bucket list for those planning to explore islands in northern Vietnam. As the island still preserves its pristine beauty, tourists can get away from the hustle and bustle and genuinely unwind.
Best time to visit Quan Lan Island: April to September
Where is Quan Lan Island, and how do you get there?
Quan Lan island is about 40-kilometers away from the center of Van Don Island District, located towards the southeast of Quang Ninh province.
To reach the islands, you can head to Cai Rong Port, then choose your transportation:
- The high-speed boat, costing VND 150,000/ person (45 minutes)
- Or the wooden ship, costing VND 60,000/ person (about 3 hours). Despite longer travel times, the wooden ship can offer an ecstatic view as Ha Long Bay along the trip.
What to Do on Quan Lan Island
Co To Island – The Gem of Northern Sea
While Phu Quoc is considered the gem of the southern sea, that title would be given to Co To Island regarding the islands in northern Vietnam. Co To is situated towards the northeast of Quan Lan Island, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Best time to visit Co To Island: April to August
Where is Co To Island, and how do you get there?
Co To is an island on the east side of Quang Ninh Province. You can catch Xuan Truong Bus at My Dinh Station to get to Quang Ninh (4 hours drive).
Transportation to Co To Island:
- The high-speed boat costs around VND 180,000 – 200,000/ person (~90 minutes)
- The wooden boat costs around VND 110,000/ person (~3 hours)
What to Do on Co To Island?
Find tickets to travel to Vietnam’s Northern Islands:
Pro-tips on Visiting Islands in Northern Vietnam
How to Travel around The Islands?
There are some options for traveling around the islands, such as electric cars, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes. Those longing to experience the local lifestyle by riding should check out whether they are allowed to do so.
What Should You Pack?
To make most of your experience in the islands in northern Vietnam, lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes that are suitable for any kind of activity should be prioritized.
Make sure to bring along your flip-flops so you can enjoy swimming without worrying about your shoes getting wet. Also, some bug repellent and sunscreen would go a long way.
How to Get the Best Deal?
When visiting islands in northern Vietnam, remember bargain is the key to get the best price in any case, from hiring a motorbike or dealing with the locals to buy seafood. Check out our tips on bargaining in Vietnam.
Final Thoughts on Islands in Northern Vietnam
On the whole, whether dipping your toes in the turquoise water or discovering the untouched coastal caves, the islands in northern Vietnam are totally able to fulfill any tourist’s desire to look forward to a sun-soaked holiday. Let your worries and hesitation fly away and ready to embark on your journey to the islands in northern Vietnam this summer.