It all can be a bit confusing as there is no bridge to Cat Ba. As others have said, you must take either a ferry or speedboat from Cat Ba port. Price is the main difference. The ferry can take buses (small 16 seater type) that will connect from Cat Ba to Cat Hai - the next island westward and which DOES have a bridge to the mainland. Cheaper. Not sure why but Cat Ba does not have any of those "limo" buses that connect most towns in Nth Vietnam but the smaller buses are ok as the journey is not that long. Speed boat is a lot quicker, bypasses the Cat Hai bridge and deposits you directly to Haiphone port. But more expensive I traveled back up to Halong but I remember many travel agencies selling the Cat Ba to Cat Bi Airport ticket. As others have said, just make sure that your ticket explicitly states Cat Bi Airport - the agencies are just re-sellers for the bus companies and some of the bus companies will try to eke out a bit more cash. The bus to Ha Long dropped me right outside the hotel as my ticket stipulated. As always in VN, let the buyer beware. Do not assume anything and get the destination in writing on the ticket.

Gosh...I’m not too sure I can help. I traveled through the net to try and book and iit may be worth you doing the same looking for specific guides for adventure holidays rather than the traditional operators. I really wish I could give you a better answer. Good luck and hope that you enjoy. I certainly would go back and spend more time

Hi. We did exactly what you wanted to. We booked a day trip through Cat Ba Oasis Bungalows where we were staying. There was a great guide, Paul, and the trip was fantastic. Our children are slightly older (22 and 16), but I still think your children would love it, particularly if they like swimming. They loved the trips to the secret beaches and caves - absolutely beautiful. They did kayaking and rock climbing on monkey island, although that was quite difficult. I think the trip up to the top of the Cat Ba National Park might be better as there is some climbing and hiking but not quite so hazardous. Anyway, whatever you decide, hope to have a great time. Only tip would be, try not to go in the Vietnamese school holidays! Best wishes Tom

Please go to Nam Cat Beach or monkey island for camping. If you would like to get an adventure, visit Sails of Indochina for some unique and lovely cruises on traditional sailing junks

I don't know the Cafê & Restaurant, but according to Google map Phu Long village is 40 min in moto from the center of CatBa town.

Hung Long is nice hotel, you can check the price through booking. Asia outdoor organize the rock climbing tour, but not that price, you can check with them directly from here. Add: 210 Đường Một Tháng Tư, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng Tel: 0225 3688 450

Hola Lo siento. Yo sólo tengo fotos del HOI LAKE FARMSTAY, el hotel en el que me alojé

Google seach : Cat Ba Island Cruises for more information