A trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a standard itinerary for anyone traveling to Northern Vietnam. This article covers all the ways to travel, how long each takes, and some travel tips to ensure you have a pleasurable trip.
Overview Of Hanoi To Halong Bay
The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is one of the most frequently traveled routes in northern Vietnam. It connects Hanoi, the cultural hub of Vietnam, with Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hanoi is famous for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, and Halong Bay is popular for its magnificent islands and emerald waters. Due to this stark contrast, most tourists want to visit both places in one go.
By including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, visitors can truly feel the pulse of the modern city and enjoy calm and peace in the bay. In recent years, the route has been made more hassle-free with improved infrastructure, so travelling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is easier than ever. No matter if you’re going backpacking, traveling with family, or on a luxury cruise, this trip is simply a “must-do” on your itinerary in Vietnam!
How Far Is It From Hanoi To Halong Bay?
The Hanoi to Halong Bay distance is about 160km. This reasonably short travel time links two of northern Vietnam’s most popular destinations; therefore, they should be included in various short trip plans as well as long stay holidays.
The Hanoi to Halong Bay travel time ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. However, this can fluctuate depending on the chosen mode of transportation, traffic situations, and the particular route selected. Thanks to the contemporary highways, notably the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway and the following Halong-Hai Phong Expressway, the time of moving is now much quicker and more comfortable for travelers.
How To Travel From Hanoi To Halong Bay?
There are several easy ways to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, and each provides a different kind of trip depending on your budget, preference, and style of travel. The preferred mode of transport is key to a trouble-free and enjoyable journey to this majestic UNESCO World Heritage site. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most popular and best ways of getting there
By Motorbike
One of the most exciting ways to travel the distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is to take a motorbike. Depending, of course, on the road and the weather, driving usually takes about 4.5 – 5 hours. The most common itinerary is via National Highway 18 and Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces. The rental cost is about 150,000 – 250,000 VND/per day.
This is a great option for experienced riders who value freedom and prefer going to off-the-route areas of the destination. On the motorbike, you are free to pause at local villages, picturesque rice fields, and biker cafes along the way. But it also has its drawbacks. Crossing all that distance on the road can be physically exhausting, and the traffic in Vietnam is notoriously unpredictable.
Safety tips:
- Be sure to have a valid international driving permit (IDP), which includes motorbikes, and a valid driving license from your home country. You could get fined heavily, have the bike taken away from you, and, importantly, your travel insurance would be void should you have an accident.
- Wear a well-fitting full-face helmet approved to safety standards at all times.
- Cover up with a thick long-sleeve jacket, long pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the sun, road debris, and potential scrapes in any sort of accident.
- Inspect brakes, tires, lights, horn, and mirrors for readiness before you go.
- Avoid riding at night; it is much harder to see and identify road hazards.
- Be prepared for the unexpected moves of other vehicles (such as trucks and buses)
By Bus
One of the most convenient and cost-effective methods of transportation to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay is by bus. This option is best if you want to hit that spot between affordability and comfort that both backpackers and families appreciate.
Here is all the information about taking a bus to Halong Bay:
| Aspects | Details |
| Operators | Phuc Xuyen, Kumho Viet Thanh, and Duc Phuc |
| Travel time | 4 hours |
| Cost | 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND |
Also, travel tickets can be bought on the day of travel at the bus station. The Hanoi to Halong Bay bus usually departs from My Dinh Bus Station, Luong Yen Bus Station, or Giap Bat Bus Station. These buses run on set schedules and tend to stop multiple times throughout the journey to pick up or drop off passengers, which may lengthen the overall duration of the trip. Though budget-friendly, the comfort may be basic, and there may be fairly little space for luggage.
By Minivan
More popular with tourists is the minivan, which is commonly advertised as “limousine vans” or “luxury vans”. They are normally 9-seated or 16-seated vehicles for the comfort of travelers. Their vans have comfortable, reclining seats, good air conditioning, and sometimes free wifi and water.
A number of these services also provide pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels to head directly to the cruise embarkation points in Halong City.
| Aspects | Details | Notes |
| Reliable operator | VIP Anh Huy, Trung Thanh Limousine, and Hoang Phu Limousine | |
| Cost | 250,000 VND to 350,000 VND | Because of the comfort, the ticket price may be a bit higher than taking a bus |
| Travel time | Only 2.5 – 3.5 hours | Tourist-owned minivans run on a direct expressway with few or no stops. |
By Private Car
For tourists who would like to enjoy a comfortable and private space during the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, it is a wonderful idea to hire a private car. This option is ideal for small families, small groups.
Private car services have various types of vehicles to support different group sizes and luggage amounts. You can typically choose from:
| Types of cars | Prices | Notes |
| 4-seater car | 1,200,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND | Suitable for independent travelers, and couples/groups with light baggage. |
| 7-seater car | 1,500,000 VND to 2,200,000 VND | Ideal for families or small groups of 3 – 5 people, with more space for passengers as well as luggage. |
| 16-seater van | 2,000,000 VND to 2,800,000 VND | Ideal for bigger families, business tours, or groups of friends (6 – 12) with sufficient seating space and plenty of room for luggage. |
With the use of the direct highways from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a private car will take around 2.5 – 3 hours. This makes it one of the quickest ways to travel. And if passengers request, drivers can also make quick comfort stops, giving an extra level of flexibility.
However, the big disadvantage of a private car is that it’s not for low-budget visitors. The price is much higher than buses or minivans for solo travelers or small groups. Moreover, you should book through a trusted company or hotel to ensure a safe and reliable service.
By Train
The train is a great way to experience local life, and it can also be very charming, but there is no direct Hanoi to Halong Bay train route. You need to break your main journey into two smaller routes.
From Hanoi to Halong Bay, the most popular and convenient train line is the service of Hanoi – Hai Phong City. When you land in Hai Phong, you are still pretty far away from Halong City and its primary cruise ports, about 60 – 70 kilometers. You’d still need to arrange the transport from Hai Phong by taking a taxi, private car, or local bus.
| Aspects | Details | Notes |
| Travel time |
|
Soft seats are slightly higher.
A local bus would be cheaper. |
| Prices |
|
Passenger train tickets can be purchased at the station on the date of departure or booked online via official Vietnam Railways websites or agents.
The main benefit of taking the train is that it is cheap for the Hanoi-Hai Phong route, and is a more authentic form of transport in which to take in rural Vietnamese life through the window. But the major drawbacks are its long travel time and limited schedule.
By Seaplane
For travelers wanting luxury, speed, and the most incredible views flying over Halong Bay, a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay is worth the splurge! This is the quickest way to the bay by far, and you get to see a new side of this beautiful country. The real flight time from Noi Bai Airport to Tuan Chau Marina is surprisingly short (about 45 minutes). Adding the transfer and regular airport check-in times, the total travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay is normally 2 to 3 hours.
One-way tickets typically cost from 3,500,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per person, or more, depending on the season, demand, and whether you opt for the scenic flight. The fee does not include transfer from Hanoi downtown to Noi Bai Airport. Such a high cost is not suitable for low-budget visitors. Also, luggage allowances are limited, so you will need to pack light.
Tips For Traveling From Hanoi To Halong Bay
To make the most of the journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a little prep goes a long way. Knowing some key safety tips and essential procedures will give you peace of mind. Here is the list:
- The majority of Halong Bay cruising tours leave around 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. You should go early in the morning from Hanoi, ranging from 7:30 am to 9:00.
- If you take a private car or taxi, avoid Hanoi’s peak hours (normally 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM) if possible.
- Travelling independently, particularly in high season (October to April, and Vietnamese holidays), you might want to make bus or minivan reservations a few days ahead as well. You can reserve through your hotel, a travel agent, or online platforms.
- Bring light, breathable clothes, especially if you’re visiting Halong Bay in the summer months (May-September).
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential because the sun can be strong as you glide through the water.
- Bring a waterproof bag or case for any water activity.
- If you are planning to take a boat trip, check the weather as rainy days or storms may affect your journey.
- Rather than going straight from Halong Bay back to Hanoi, you could continue to Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay and provides a different experience, with national parks, beaches, and a more laid-back vibe.
- It’s fine to bring some water and light snacks, especially if you have the kind of constitution that wilts when you get hungry. Rest stops are common on most long bus services.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay is part of the experience of Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty. There are a number of different ways to make your trip to this iconic location, and each will allow you to experience it in a decidedly different way. With a little preparation in advance, you can make it a gas-and-hassle-free adventure! Visit Seni World for personalized travel advice and smooth bookings for your Vietnam experience. We want to make your trip a good experience.
