2 Days in Haiphong and Cat Ba Itinerary for Easy Planning

This 2 days in Haiphong and Cat Ba itinerary gives you the best of both worlds: one day in a lively port city with French era streets and famous street food, and one day among the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay. The two places are close, so you can see a lot without rushing, as long as you plan the crossing to Cat Ba Island well.

Below, the Haiphong Adventure team shares a simple plan we often suggest to our guests, with timings, transport options, where to stay and tips for different seasons. Ferry and bus schedules change, so check them close to your trip, updated October 2026.

The Plan at a Glance

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1, Haiphong city	Banh da cua breakfast, Opera House and French quarter	Du Hang Pagoda or museum, Cau Quay bridge	Street food at Tam Bac Lake, travel to Cat Ba or sleep in the city
Day 2, Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay	Boat trip into Lan Ha Bay, floating villages	Kayaking, swimming, a small beach	Cannon Fort sunset, seafood in Cat Ba town

You can also flip the order: start with the islands and finish in the city before your onward trip to Hanoi or the airport.

Before You Go: Two Ways to Structure the Trip

Option A: Sleep in Haiphong, then Cat Ba

Spend day one and the first night in Haiphong, then leave early on day two for Cat Ba. You need an early start, because the crossing takes time, but you keep your bags simple and only sleep in one hotel.

Option B: Move to Cat Ba on the first evening

Explore Haiphong in the morning and early afternoon, then travel to Cat Ba in the late afternoon and sleep on the island. This gives you a full, relaxed day on the water and is our favorite version.

For transport details, read our guide to the ferry and bus combo between Haiphong and Cat Ba.

Day 1 Morning: Breakfast and the French Quarter

Start with a bowl of banh da cua, Haiphong’s signature crab noodle soup, or a bundle of crunchy banh mi cay. Then walk to the Opera House and the streets around it, where French era buildings, wide squares and the golden Le Chan statue sit close together.

• Opera House: the symbol of the city, best admired from the square.
• City Post Office: a handsome yellow colonial building nearby.
• Sidewalk coffee: sit on a low stool and order ca phe sua da.

>>> 24-Hour DIY Haiphong Tour: The Ultimate Guide

Day 1 Afternoon: Culture and the Swing Bridge

Du Hang Pagoda or Haiphong Museum

Choose the centuries old Du Hang Pagoda for carved wood, incense and quiet courtyards, or Haiphong Museum for a short history lesson in a colonial building. Dress modestly at the pagoda and check museum opening days in advance.

Cau Quay swing bridge

Late afternoon is the best time for photos at the old iron swing bridge with its railway tracks and colorful murals nearby. Watch for vehicles and keep off the tracks when barriers move.

If you are short on time, our half day Haiphong plan fits the city highlights into four hours.

Day 1 Evening: Street Food or the Crossing to Cat Ba

If you are staying in Haiphong, head to Tam Bac Lake and the nearby streets for snails, rice cakes, sweet che and fresh beer. If you are moving to Cat Ba tonight, eat an early dinner, then take a bus and boat combo or a private car with the ferry.

• Bus and speedboat combo: usually the quickest public option, departing from the city or nearby piers.
• Car ferry: the car crosses on a ferry, comfortable with luggage.
• Private car: door to door from your Haiphong hotel, including the ferry crossing.

>>> Haiphong To Cat Ba Travel Time And Schedule Info

Day 2 Morning: Into Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay lies just south and east of Cat Ba Island. It has the same dramatic limestone scenery as nearby Halong Bay, but with fewer boats in many areas. Most day trips leave from the harbor near Cat Ba town in the morning.

• Floating fishing villages: wooden houses and fish farms that families still live and work on.
• Hidden lagoons: calm coves surrounded by cliffs, reached by kayak or small boat.
• Quiet beaches: small sandy beaches between the rocks for a swim.

Choose a boat with life jackets, shade and a clear route. Our Lan Ha Bay route that avoids the crowds shows what a quieter day can look like.

Day 2 Afternoon: Kayaking, Swimming and Islands

After lunch on the boat, it is time to paddle. Kayaking between the cliffs is calm and suitable for most beginners with a guide. Many trips also stop at a beach or at Monkey Island, where a short but steep climb leads to a fine viewpoint.

• Wear quick dry clothes and water shoes.
• Use reef safe sunscreen and a hat.
• Keep phones in a dry bag.
• Never feed or tease the wild monkeys.

>>> Tips For Kayaking On A Lan Ha Bay Tour Safely

Day 2 Evening: Cannon Fort Sunset and Seafood

Back on the island, take a taxi or motorbike up to Cannon Fort, an old hilltop defense site with tunnels, cannons and wide views over Cat Ba harbor. Sunset here is one of the best free shows in northern Vietnam. Then go down to the waterfront for grilled seafood, choosing places that show prices clearly.

Where to Stay

• Haiphong city: stay near the Opera House or Tam Bac Lake for walkable sights and food.
• Cat Ba town: the easiest base, with many hotels, restaurants and boat offices.
• Quieter Cat Ba: homestays near Viet Hai village or lodges outside town for nature lovers.

Book Cat Ba early for summer weekends and Vietnamese holidays, when the island gets very busy.

Best Time for This Itinerary

• April to June: warm water, good for swimming, before the peak summer crowds.
• September to November: pleasant weather and clear days, a great time for kayaking.
• July and August: hot and busy, with storms that can cancel boats.
• December to March: cool and often misty, beautiful but less ideal for swimming.

Always check the weather before boat days. Trips may be cancelled during storms, so keep a little flexibility.

Practical Tips

• Pack a small island bag and leave big luggage at your Haiphong hotel if you return.
• Carry cash for small shops, taxis and boat extras.
• Leave a buffer before flights, trains or cruise departures on your last day.
• Bring motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive on boats.
• Respect local people on the floating villages and ask before taking close up photos.

Many travelers combine this plan with guided haiphong tours on day one and a boat trip on day two, so they only need to organize the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2 days enough for Haiphong and Cat Ba?

Yes, for the highlights. One day covers the city and one day covers Lan Ha Bay. Add a third day for hiking in Cat Ba National Park.

How long does it take to get from Haiphong to Cat Ba?

Usually around 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the route, ferry times and traffic. Check schedules before you go.

Should I sleep in Haiphong or Cat Ba?

Sleeping on Cat Ba gives you a full relaxed day on the water. Sleeping in Haiphong is easier if you have big luggage or an early onward trip.

Is Lan Ha Bay better than Halong Bay?

The scenery is similar. Lan Ha Bay often feels quieter in many areas, while Halong Bay has more cruise options.

Can I do Cat Ba as a day trip from Haiphong?

It is possible with an early start, but you will spend a lot of time traveling. Staying one night is far more enjoyable.

Plan Your Two Days with Local Help

With one day in the city and one day on the bay, this 2 days in Haiphong and Cat Ba itinerary shows you street life, history, islands and sunsets in a single easy trip. Plan your crossing, book Cat Ba early in busy seasons and keep a little flexibility for the weather.

Haiphong Adventure can arrange city tours, transfers to Cat Ba and bay trips so you can simply enjoy the journey. Contact us:

• WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
• KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure

We look forward to showing you the city and the islands.