Tourists Stranded Overnight on Vietnam's Cat Ba Island

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Hundreds of tourists found themselves unexpectedly stranded on Vietnam's Cat Ba Island on 7th September after ferry services to the mainland halted without warning. The disruption left many passengers stuck overnight, causing significant inconvenience and frustration.

Arriving at the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng terminal late in the afternoon, many travellers anticipated catching one of the last ferries back. However, they were met with empty docks instead. "The last ferry was supposed to be at 6 p.m., but my family arrived at 5 p.m. and there wasn't a single trip left," recounted a tourist from Hai Phong's Le Chan District.

Efforts to contact the ferry management and the city's Department of Construction proved futile as services did not resume. Stranded on the scenic island, hundreds of travellers were forced to adjust their plans, impacting work schedules and daily routines.

According to the Hai Phong Waterway Traffic Safety Corporation, operator of the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng route, the day's quota of 48 trips had been exhausted. The official schedule permits ferries to run strictly from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. from September to December.

This adherence to the timetable was criticised by passengers who found it inflexible. "The management board just stuck to the timetable even though there were still so many people waiting," one visitor remarked.

Le Anh Quan, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, voiced strong criticism of the operators. He clarified that suspensions are only warranted under maritime safety or adverse weather conditions, with prior public announcements. He has called for a comprehensive review and report by 13th September.

In an effort to prevent future disruptions, Quan instructed Cat Hai authorities to coordinate with local hotels to support and inform tourists during unforeseen events. He also set a deadline for expansion and upgrade works at the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng terminal, mandating their completion before 20th September to alleviate congestion and ensure smooth operations.

With its striking limestone karsts, pristine beaches, and national park, Cat Ba is a favoured destination in northern Vietnam, swarming with thousands of visitors during weekends and peak seasons. The vice chairman further pressed for better communication from ferry operators, requiring them to publish clear schedules, capacity limits, and conditions for suspensions, and to increase vessel numbers during high demand.

As plans to upgrade infrastructure unfold, travellers can hope for more reliable services in the future. Meanwhile, authorities are keen on ensuring that such an incident does not recur, aiming for swift and effective solutions to enhance tourist experiences on this beloved island.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-11