From mainland Hai Phong to the islands, the Dong Bai - Cai Vieng ferry is the most familiar route for many. Just arriving at the dock a little early and seeing the brand-new, white and blue ferries lined up one after another, you'll feel the rhythm of life in Hai Phong moving in its own unique way. The ferries are large, with spacious decks and clean passenger waiting areas on the roof; the smell of fresh paint still lingers in the air. The staff back up vehicles, load goods, and give signals with decisive movements. They are accustomed to the rhythm of the water flowing beneath their feet, as if their whole lives have been invested in these journeys back and forth.
To reach Cat Ba from Quang Ninh province, visitors take a ferry connecting Tuan Chau to Gia Luan pier, a circuitous route across the sea, approaching Cat Ba from a somewhat cumbersome but worthwhile route. Along this route, visitors can see a part of Ha Long Bay's structure, feel the fresh and pure offshore breeze, and occasionally spot a seaplane soaring in the sky. In the distance, oyster and seafood farming rafts belonging to local people stand alone amidst the picturesque scenery.
Interestingly, despite starting from two different docks in two different provinces, both ferry routes head towards the same destination: Cat Ba. One side offers the blue hues of Hai Phong, the other the green of Quang Ninh – two parallel journeys, like two breaths of the northern coast. One can choose one route, or try both on different trips, to experience Cat Ba from two distinct perspectives. From Dong Bai, Cat Ba appears straightforward and approachable. From Tuan Chau, Cat Ba is beautiful in a dreamy way, the island gradually emerging from behind limestone cliffs, like secrets slowly being revealed.
The ferry this morning was moderately crowded. On deck, a few tourists pulled scarves up around their necks, pointing towards the low mountain range gradually rising from the water. The morning sea breeze wasn't strong, just enough to make jackets flutter and hair tangle. The ferry glided smoothly, occasionally rocking gently as if reminding passengers that beneath their feet lay the vast, deep sea. Long rows of buoys marking the waterway stretched silently in the sun, guiding the ferry through the waves like a predetermined return journey.
The closer we got to the island, the bluer the water became. Cliffs rose amidst the vast expanse of water, interspersed with the peaceful green of mangrove trees and the early morning sunlight dappling through the rocky outcrops.
The ferry slowed down as it approached the dock. People stood up to gather their luggage, laughter grew louder, and their breaths warmed. Everyone seemed to have just passed through a peaceful moment before returning to the bustling daily life on the island.
Whether departing from Cai Vieng or Tuan Chau, regardless of where you start from the mainland, the sea journey always allows you to pause, feel small before nature, and touch the unique beauty of Cat Ba, an island whose memories grow stronger with each visit.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tren-chuyen-pha-ra-dao-cat-ba-post828589.html
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