Cat Ba - A week on paradise island
Day 1 - Arrive from Ha Noi
There are lots of different operators who organize bus transports and ferry tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba and back again. Then there are three main tour companies (that I know of) who offer transportation from Hanoi to Cat Ba (and back again) with their own buses and speedboats. The good thing about that is that you are guaranteed a spot on the speedboat after getting off your bus, with the ferry you're leaving it up to luck.
It can take anywhere from three to five hours to go between the two destinations and you usually get water on board, as well as one toilet break in the middle.
Settle in at An Homestay
For me, there is only one choice: An Homestay. This small family homestay has two rooms: One bigger one with a breathtaking view of the mountains from the bed and a private bathroom down the hall and a smaller one without a view, with a directly accessible private bathroom. The rooms are super clean, smell nice and the bed is HUGE and incredibly comfortable, with two blankets in the colder months and several pillows.
Tam, who owns the homestay with her husband Quynh, is a phenomenal cook and you’ll get to taste her cooking every morning with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast.
