How to get from Hanoi to Halong bay

Have you ever heard of Halong Bay – known as the green jewel of Vietnam ? If not we'd like to introduce you to a world natural wonder Halong Bay one of the most beautiful sights that every visitor to Vietnam must see at least once.

Here are some tips if you are planning a trip to Halong Bay Vietnam

1. Introduction: The gateway to a UNESCO wonder
2. Knowing your destination: Which harbor are you going to?
3. Tourist shuttle to Halong bay
4. Private car to Halong bay
5. Public bus to Halong bay
6. Seaplane to Halong bay
7. The Motorbike route
8. Essential Ha Long Bay tips

1. Introduction: The gateway to a UNESCO wonder

Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh province northern Vietnam. From afar, the bay resembles a magnificent painting with its calm, turquoise waters stretching to the horizon. Thousands of limestone islands of varying sizes rise and fall, forming strange and unique shapes. The high sky and fluffy white clouds reflect on the water, making the scenery even more magical and poetic.

With the completion of the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh expressway the travel time to Halong Bay has been shortened from 4 hours to just over 2 hours. This is a significant step in connecting Ha Long Bay with major cities making it more convenient for tourists to visit and enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty of the area.

2. Knowing your destination: Which harbor are you going to ?

Halong Bay is not just Ha Long Bay it's a vast area with three main ports. The largest is Tuan Chau International Marina, the departure port for most 4-5 star cruises heading to the bay. Next is Sun World International Port (Bai Chay), a modern new port located right in the heart of Bai Chay city making it convenient for tourists to enjoy shopping and entertainment before heading to the bay. Finally, there's Got Pier in Hai Phong city the departure point for ships traveling to Lan Ha Bay another beautiful place with limestone cliffs in the middle of the sea.

However, visitors should note that Lan Ha Bay is not Halong Bay and the distance between the two is quite far. Therefore, visitors should carefully check their cruise voucher before boarding to avoid any problems during your trip.

3. Tourist shuttle to Halong bay

The most common way for international travelers to go to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi is by a pre-booked shuttle or "Limousine". These services brings you convenience, that it could  from the Hanoi Old Quarter to the port takes only about 2 – 2.5 hours at $12 – $25 (300,000 – 600,000 VND)

The Limousine is not what you would expect from the name, but in Vietnam, this is the equivalent of a limo, i.e., a high-end van converted to have 9 reclining seats. They are significantly more comfortable than standard buses, offering USB ports, high-speed Wi-Fi, and plush leather interiors.

There are some major operators for you to choose, such as: Van Don Xanh, Ha Long Travel Limousine, Cat Ba Express,...

For 90% of visitors, the Limousine Shuttle is the best. It’s fast, incredibly comfortable, and takes you right to the port. A trip to Halong Bay is often the centerpiece of a Vietnam itinerary. While most people opt for an overnight cruise, you can also experience the bay by staying on land in Halong City (Bai Chay area) and taking day trips.

4. Private car to Halong bay

If you are traveling as a family or a small group (3-5 people) or you have a lot of luggages, a private car is often the most logical choice. It allows you to set your own departure time and avoid waiting for other passengers to be picked up.

With a private car, you can travel directly from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long and vice versa avoiding central Hanoi, preventing traffic jams and saving a lot of time. The cost will be a bit higher about $65 – $110 (1,600,000 – 2,700,000 VND) depending on types of cars.

A big tip for you to book a private car is to always remember to confirm with drivers whether the price includes the expressway fee or not. It is not only to avoid any argument that may arise but also there are some drivers who might offer a low rate but then take the old, bumpy National Highway 18 to save on tolls adding an hour to your trip.

5. Public bus to Halong bay

If you are a traveler on a budget public bus is an ideal solution for you to go from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. There are buses departing everyday from Hanoi's main bus stations: My Dinh, Gia Lam and Giap Bat. The price is very reasonable only $6 – $10 (150,000 – 250,000 VND) per person and it takes you 3-4 hours to Ha Long. 

However, the drop-off station is Bai Chai bus station so you will still need to take a taxi or Xanh SM (a local travel app) which takes another 15-20 minutes to reach the cruise piers (Tuan Chau or Sun World). A big tip if you take a taxi is to always confirm the price before going to avoid being overcharged.

6. Seaplane to Halong bay

Hai Au Aviation is the only provider in Vietnam offering flights from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay. Instead of spending half a day on a bus, a seaplane flight from Hanoi takes only 45 minutes to reach Ha Long Bay. You'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and be amazed by the ability to land on the water in a seaplane. The flight can be extended by 15 minutes for a scenic flight around the bay based on customer’s request, offering a panoramic view of the emerald green Ha Long Bay with its thousands of limestone islands and small fishing villages before landing at Tuan Chau port.

This is a premium experience for those who want to admire the entire Ha Long Bay from above and enjoy their trip while saving travel time. The cost is approximately $350 - $450 per person per way (approximately 9,000,000 - 12,000,000 VND).

7. The Motorbike route

For many backpackers riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Long bay is a must-do at least for once. This adventurous route allows you to explore at your own pace feeling the wind through your face fully enjoying the beauty of every corner in Vietnam. The ride will take about 3.5 - 4 hours. 

However, you have to go to QL18 road, because motorbikes are prohibited on high-speed expressways in Vietnam. This road is dusty and busy with trucks so if you are a first time visitor or don’t have much experience in riding motorbike in Vietnam, we would not recommend this option.

8. Essential Halong Bay tips

The Transfer Trap: When booking your cruise, always check if the Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi transfer is included. High-end cruises usually include a luxury limousine van but some budget options charge extra.

Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle. Many cruise operators are moving toward plastic-free policies to protect the bay’s ecosystem. Ha Long Bay Management Board will impose strict penalties on businesses that don't comply with the regulations on single-use plastics.

Day Cruise vs Overnight: If you are short on time there is a "6-hour Day Cruises" that follow almost the same route as overnight boats allowing you to see the highlights and return to Hanoi by 8:00 PM.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether your preference is the luxurious comfort of the VIP Limousine the absolute freedom and flexibility of the private car or the awe-inspiring once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the Seaplane option the journey is no longer simply a transport it is the beginning of your maritime voyage.

We would recommend you to simply synchronize your transport with your cruise itinerary. For the majority of overnight cruises the departure process begins between 11:30 AM and 12:15 PM. To prevent the inconvenience of missing the cruise always make sure to arrive at your designated pier – whether it is Tuan Chau, Sun World, or Got Pier – at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

90% of passengers agree that the Luxury Limousine is the Gold standard due to the unbeatable combination of price, speed and door-to-door transport. However, if your budget allows it do not think twice about the bird's-eye view of the 1,600 limestone karsts rising out of the Tonkin Gulf is an experience that will stay with you forever.