There are numerous ways to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay, like motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, train, and plane. Depending on your favorite, demand, and cost, choose the right way to have a comfortable, safe, and happy journey.
Overview Of Da Nang To Halong Bay
Da Nang to Halong Bay is a brilliant trip from Vietnam’s coastal city to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the North. This adventure is worth it, particularly for global vacationers, because they can witness both Da Nang’s beautiful seashores and Halong Bay’s breathtaking limestone karsts, emerald waters, as well as enjoy an unforgettable cruise in this destination.
How Far Is It From Da Nang To Halong Bay?
The distance from Da Nang to Halong Bay is about 870 to 900 kilometers by road, depending on the specific direction taken. With the distance above, the common Da Nang to Halong Bay travel time is about 3 to 5 days (by motorbike), from 15 to 19 hours (by bus or minivan), about 13 to 16 hours (by private car), from 18 – 20 hours (by train), and about 1 hour and 20 minutes (by plane to Hanoi, and then from 2.5 to 3.5 hours to Halong Bay by car or by bus).
How To Travel From Da Nang To Halong Bay?
Traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay, you can select many different types of transportation, like a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, a private car, a train, or a plane. In this section of this blog, Seni World will show you how to get from Da Nang to Halong Bay.
By Motorbike
The Da Nang to Halong Bay distance by motorbike is an interesting and thrilling journey, giving travelers the opportunity to discover various captivating landscapes of the Central to Northern Vietnam itinerary. Especially, you can stop at hidden gems along the way, and immerse yourself in the local tradition at your own pace.
However, this adventure covers a long distance (over 900 kilometers), which can be exhausting and time-consuming for travelers, and frequently requires numerous days of driving. Besides, there are some issues like avenue safety, unpredictable climate, and traffic conditions that additionally pose substantial risks. Therefore, this choice is only great for skilled riders, not for normal tourists.
| Aspect | Option 1 (National Highway 1A or also called QL1A) | Option 2 (Ho Chi Minh Highway or also called QL15) | Option 3 (Mixed route between National Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh Highway) |
| Route | Da Nang → Hue → Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) → Vinh (Nghe An) → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay (Quang Ninh) | Da Nang → Kon Tum → Nghe An → Thanh Hoa → Hoa Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay | Da Nang → Hue → Phong Nha – Ke Bang (Quang Binh) → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay |
| Distance | About 900 kilometers | About 1,000 kilometers | About 950 kilometers |
| Travel Time | From 20 to 22 hours (from 3 to 4 days) | From 22 to 26 hours (from 4 to 5 days) | From 22 to 24 hours (from 3 to 4 days) |
Suggested stops for you:
Traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay by motorbike, you will have some stops to take some short breaks, as well as sightseeing:
- Hue: You can choose to visit the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume River.
- Phong Nha – Ke Bang (Quang Binh): Let’s investigate the mysterious cave system and the world-famous national park.
- Vinh (Nghe An): Rest and admire President Ho Chi Minh’s hometown.
- Ninh Binh: You will explore Trang An, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
- Hanoi: This is a wonderful stop for traditional local food and sightseeing in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Halong Bay: At the final destination of this trip, you can take boat cruises to witness limestone karsts and beautiful seascapes.
By Bus Or Minivan
Touring from Da Nang to Halong Bay by bus or minivan is a less expensive and convenient choice, providing direct routes without multiple transfers. Buses or minivans help travelers loosen up during the long adventure, thanks to air conditioning, reclining seats, and occasional rest stops along the way. This type of transportation is suitable for budget travelers in comparison to flights, and you can get close to Halong’s city center or attractions in Halong Bay, and from these areas, easier to cruise and visit local attractions.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes |
| Sleeper Bus | About 700,000 – 900,000 VND (per person) | About 16 – 18 hours | If you are a budget traveler, a sleeper bus is a suitable choice, especially for overnight travel with reclining beds. This trip may be quite long and may make you feel tired. |
| VIP Sleeper Bus | About 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND (per person) | About 15 – 17 hours | VIP sleeper buses have more legroom, fewer passengers, and privacy curtains. Sometimes they also offer Wi-Fi and USB ports. So they are a more comfortable option for long-distance travelers. |
| Limousine Minivan | About 1,000,000 – 1,400,000 VND (per person) | About 15 – 17 hours | This type of transportation has premium reclining seats, fewer passengers, and a smoother ride. It is a wonderful choice for small groups looking for more comfort on a long road. |
| Open Tour Bus | About 800,000 – 1,100,000 VND (per person) | About 16 – 19 hours | Open tour buses will schedule various flexible stops for you at some major cities (such as Ninh Binh and Hanoi) before arriving in Halong Bay. This is a low-priced and time-consuming choice. |
By Private Car
Traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay by private car is a handy and flexible revel in, giving travelers complete control over their trip. You can freely stop at sights, rest breaks, or local restaurants along the way. It guarantees privacy, door-to-door comfort, and a smoother adventure without the stress of going to multiple transfers. With air conditioning, spacious seating, and an experienced driver, it will be a safe vehicle, particularly for families or small groups who value convenience, protection, and privacy on long trips.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-Seater Sedan | About 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND | About 13 – 15 hours | Solo vacationers, couples, or small communities (up to 3 members). They want both flexibility and privacy. |
| 7-Seater SUV/MPV | About 9,000,000 – 11,000,000 VND | About 13 – 15 hours | Small families or communities (up to 6 members) who love more comfort and luggage space on this trip. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | About 11,000,000 – 13,000,000 VND | About 14 – 16 hours | Larger groups (up to 15 members) and perfect for company trips or big families. |
| Luxury Car (SUV) | About 13,000,000 – 16,000,000 VND | About 13 – 15 hours | Travelers wanting a premium adventure with high comfort, modern and professional service, as well as various flexible stops. |
By Train
The Da Nang to Halong Bay train journey offers travelers a scenic and comfortable experience along Vietnam’s coastline, especially from March to September, the best time to visit Da Nang. You can choose to relax in spacious seats or sleeper cabins instead of sitting on a tiring, prolonged journey. The train adventure to Hanoi is connected to Halong Bay, which is safer and more comfortable than going on motorbikes or buses.
| Cabin Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Required Documents | Best For |
| Hard Seat | About 700,000 – 900,000 VND | About 18 to 20 hours (You will go from Da Nang to Hanoi by train, then from Hanoi to Halong by train or by bus) | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Hard seat train is good for budget travelers who only need basic seating for long trips. |
| Soft Seat | About 900,000 – 1,200,000 VND | About 18 – 20 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | This option has air conditioning and is more comfortable for travelers than a hard seat. |
| Hard Sleeper (6-Berth Cabin) | About 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 VND | About 18 – 20 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Great for communities or solo visitors who seek reasonable privacy at a moderate price. |
| Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) | About 1,500,000 – 1,900,000 VND | About 18 – 20 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Perfect for families or couples wanting more comfort, quietness, as well as a better night’s rest. |
| VIP Sleeper (2-Berth Cabin, Some Trains From Hanoi To Ha Long City) | About 2,000,000 – 2,400,000 VND | About 18 – 20 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | This type of transportation is excellent for premium travelers who need privacy, cleanliness, and full modern amenities. |
By Plane
Traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay by plane, you can reduce your travel time than an overland journey. Travelers can save both time and energy to unwind more in cruises, beaches, as well as water activities in Halong Bay. Flights also have comfort, safety, and more than one departure option for vacationers who want to optimize the itinerary smartly.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Duration | About 1 hour and 20 minutes (Da Nang to Hanoi), and then from 2.5 to 3.5 hours to Halong Bay by car or by bus. |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways. |
| Airport in Hanoi | There is no airport in Halong Bay. The nearest one is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. |
| Airport in Da Nang | Da Nang International Airport (DAD). |
| Estimated Price (VND) | About 800,000 to 1,800,000+ VND (depends on the peak season, the seasonal promotion, and the hot deal of each airline). |
| Best For | The Da Nang to Halong Bay flight is wonderful for travelers who want to have the fastest way to reach Halong Bay from Da Nang by mixing flight and road trip from Hanoi. |
| Required Documents | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers). |
Tips For Traveling From Da Nang To Halong Bay
If you want to have a comfortable, happy, safe, and memorable journey from Da Nang to Halong Bay, you need to find out more about the travel tips for this trip. Seni World has collected them for you to have a brilliant Halong Bay – Da Nang itinerary.
- Book in advance: You need to book transportation tickets, lodging, and cruise early during peak season, especially on holidays and summer months, for availability.
- Bring light luggage on a cruise: Let’s bring only essentials, because cruise cabins in the Halong Bay trip have limited space.
- Prepare motion sickness medicine: It is very handy for the cruise trip in case you get seasick.
- Pack swimwear and swimming gear: There are various water activities like kayaking, swimming, or beach visits during the cruise, so you need to prepare your swimwear and swimming gear.
- Cash is king: Some small purchases on the cruise or in local markets will need some cash. Let’s bring them in your baggage.
- Try local seafood: Halong Bay is world-famous for squid, prawns, and clams. Don’t forget to enjoy them.
- Stay flexible: Bad sea conditions may affect your adventure, so you need to customize your trip flexibly. If you don’t know how to do it, contact Seni World for consulting.
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay, you can choose many different types of transportation, like an adventurous motorbike, a low-cost bus or minivan, a convenient private car, or a pleasant train or plane. It will depend on your favorite, demand, and real-time budget. If you want to take a trip from Da Nang to Halong Bay and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your Da Nang to Halong Bay adventure, and throughout beautiful Vietnam.
