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Starting from April 1st, 2026, the transportation system connecting the mainland and the Cat Ba archipelago will officially apply a new service price framework at the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng ferry terminal.
Accordingly, the city divides priority groups based on their educational goals and actual place of residence. Specifically, the group with the highest benefits is students. All students with permanent residence or currently studying at educational institutions within the Cat Hai Special Economic Zone will receive completely free ferry services.
From April 1st, 2026, the People's Committee of Hai Phong City will officially implement a policy of waiving or reducing ferry service fees between Dong Bai and Cai Vieng to provide maximum support for residents of the Cat Hai Special Economic Zone. Photo: Hai Le Cao
For Vietnamese citizens with stable permanent residency in the Cat Hai Special Economic Zone, the city applies a 50% discount on current fares. This discount policy covers most common types of private vehicles, including tickets for pedestrians, cyclists, bicycle taxis, and motorbikes. Notably, for vehicles with fewer than 9 seats, owners are also eligible for this significant discount if they can prove the vehicle is legally owned by a local resident and commit to not using it for commercial transportation purposes.
To ensure transparency and prevent budget losses, the control process is strictly regulated. Those eligible for priority will have their individual identification cards printed and issued by the ferry operator in coordination with the People's Committee of the Cat Hai Special Economic Zone. When using the ferry, passengers are required to present this card along with valid identification documents for verification by control staff. For accompanying passengers (excluding the driver), the discount will be calculated at the same rate as for pedestrians if they also meet the criteria on the approved list.
The Dong Bai – Cai Vieng ferry route has long been considered the "lifeline" connecting the development of the Cat Ba archipelago with the rest of Hai Phong city. With its large transport capacity and modern design, this new ferry terminal plays a strategic role as a gateway, transporting millions of tourists annually to the core heritage area. Applying preferential policies for local people not only helps stabilize social order but also creates a positive atmosphere, encouraging people to actively participate in local tourism services.
The Cat Ba archipelago is currently one of the most popular destinations for international tourists. Photo: Hai Le Cao
The Cat Ba Archipelago is currently one of the most popular destinations for international tourists. Comprising 367 islands of varying sizes spread across approximately 300 km² in the Gulf of Tonkin, it boasts a magnificent tropical karst landscape, comparable in beauty to Ha Long Bay but with a more pristine and peaceful character. The value of Cat Ba has been recognized internationally through several historical milestones: in 2004, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, and most recently, on September 16, 2023, the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago complex was officially honored as a World Natural Heritage Site.
The exemption and reduction of ferry fees between Dong Bai and Cai Vieng, effective from April 1, 2026, is expected to have a positive effect. With reduced travel costs for residents and local workers, the prices of supporting services on the island will also have the opportunity to become more competitive, thereby attracting more tourists. The Hai Phong City People's Committee has assigned the ferry service operator the specific task of publicly posting the policy at all terminals, ensuring that people receive timely and accurate information.
In the context of green and sustainable tourism becoming a global trend, policies supporting transportation infrastructure like this are a leverage for Cat Ba to continue maintaining its position as the "pearl island". Convenient connections to the mainland (30km from Hai Phong city center and 140km from Hanoi) along with social welfare incentives will transform the Cat Hai special economic zone into a model of harmony between economic development and caring for the people's lives.
