The route from Hoi An to Halong Bay links Vietnam’s heritage town with its most famous natural wonder. Distances may be long, but practical transport options make combining both destinations simple and rewarding for travelers.
Overview Of Hoi An To Halong Bay
Both Halong Bay and Hoi An have very distinct features, and that is an exclusive feature of traveling to Vietnam. In the ancient town of Hoi An, you can stroll past yellow-walled houses and tailor shops, then sit down for local specialties that show you the best of what to eat in Hoi An. Hoi An contrasts with the majestic limestone peaks that peacefully rise in Halong Bay. Seeing both places on a single trip allows you to witness the two different faces of Vietnam.
Traveling from Hoi An to Halong Bay is a long journey that cuts across the country. Along the way are the central beaches, the lowland rice fields, and the bustling cities in the north that lead you to the Gulf of Tonkin. Nowadays, the journey of traveling from Hoi An to Halong Bay alongside other tourists is one filled with adventure, and as a result, the journey itself becomes a memory.
How Far Is It From Hoi An To Halong Bay?
The journey between Hoi An and Halong Bay is more than a mere number on the map. The regions Hoi An and Halong Bay are separated by roughly 1,000 to 1,100 kilometers. Therefore, by any kind of travel, it takes one and a half to a full day. That is with continuous breaks.
To travel by bus in direct service takes between 16 and 20 hours. Meanwhile, private cars can operate a little faster if the scheduling is not strict. When going by plane from Da Nang to Hanoi, and then continuing by road, the travel time is still 6 to 7 hours. In short, it is a lengthy transfer, but it links two incredible sights in Vietnam.
How to Travel From Hoi An To Halong Bay?
Covering the long distance between Hoi An and Halong Bay can be done in many ways, each offering a different balance of time, comfort, and cost. From overland journeys that reveal Vietnam’s landscapes to quick flights that save a full day, the choice depends on how you want to shape your trip.
By Motorbike
A motorbike journey all the way through Hoi An to Halong Bay certainly is a daunting task. It is more than a thousand kilometers, in addition to the fact that the roads will require some patience and strength. But the payoff is more than that, it is the freedom to work at your own speed and see Vietnam changing bit by bit right in front of your eyes.
Keeping your attention to the weather is essential while dealing with the unpredictable traffic on Highway 1A, especially heavy trucks. The wearisome distance and the long hours make it even more demanding. While this kind of travel is demanding in general, for seasoned travelers, this kind of travel offers a unique kind of excitement that a plane cannot offer.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route Option 1 | Hoi An → Hue → Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) → Vinh (Nghe An) → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay. This follows National Highway 1A, the most direct coastal route, with plenty of cities to rest in between. |
| Route Option 2 | Hoi An → Kon Tum → Pleiku → Buon Ma Thuot → Gia Nghia → Hoa Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay. This follows the Ho Chi Minh Highway, quieter and more scenic, cutting through highlands and small towns. |
| Route Option 3 | A mixed journey combining Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh Highway, allowing you to enjoy both the coast and the mountains before reaching Hanoi. |
| Distance | Roughly 1,000 – 1,200 km, depending on the route. |
| Travel Time | At least 4 – 6 days with overnight stays. Riders usually stop in major towns rather than pushing through. |
| Suggested Stops | Hue: pause to see the Imperial Citadel and taste central Vietnamese food.
Phong Nha: explore the famous cave systems in the national park. Ninh Binh: ride through limestone karsts and rice paddies at Tam Coc or Trang An, an experience often compared with the charm of Hoi An’s activities and attractions. Hanoi: rest before the final leg north to Halong Bay. |
By Bus or Minivan
For tourists, the easiest way to travel the distance between Hoi An and Halong Bay is by bus or minivan. Though the ride can be lengthy, and usually transfers are avoided, a direct bus is preferred; they tend to be more expensive. A lot of people prefer this method for low cost and daily availability, and tourists follow for the same reason.
Services tend to vary in quality. You can get a cheap seat with a standard sleeper bus, and you will face crowded cabins and frequent roadside stops. Boutique sleeper buses and limousine-style minivans are more expensive but offer better reclining seats, fewer passengers, and smoother rides. Most buses depart in the evening, allowing you to spend the night traveling and arrive in the north early the next morning.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND & USD) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard Sleeper Bus | ~520,000 – 550,000 VND (22 – 24 USD) | 18 – 20 hours | This is the cheapest option and usually the most crowded. The buses make several roadside stops, and the cabins are quite basic, so bringing a blanket or travel pillow can make the long ride more bearable. |
| Cabin / VIP Sleeper Bus | ~1,200,000 – 1,400,000 VND (50 – 55 USD) | 18 – 20 hours | These buses provide private cabin-style berths with more space and privacy. The comfort level is higher, but tickets sell out quickly during weekends and holidays, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. |
| Limousine Minivan (9–16 seats) | ~600,000 – 1,000,000 VND (27 – 40 USD) | 18 – 20 hours | Limousine minivans carry fewer passengers and feature wider reclining seats. Many operators offer hotel pick-up in Hoi An and drop-off closer to Halong Bay, making the journey smoother despite the long travel time. |
By Private Car
Going by a private car from Hoi An to Halong Bay means you have an itinerary that works for you. You control the start time, the stops, and their lengths. While the distance exceeds 900 km and there are hours of highway driving, the legs you want to take on the route can be as casual or active as you want. You can take a stretch break at a café in Hue, admire the green hills next to Vinh, or simply gaze at the changing terrain while riding.
While the price of a private car is higher than that of a bus, the higher price entitles you to greater convenience and flexibility. Drivers are generally courteous and well-mannered, tending to offer water or soft music.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (one-way) | Estimated Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| 4‑Seater Sedan | Around €99 (~2,500,000 VND) for Hoi An → Hue portion; full Hoi An → Halong estimated at $60-120/day depending on duration | 18 – 20 hours with breaks along the way | Comfort, compact luggage space, best for couples or solo travelers with small luggage. Booking early gives a better rate. |
| 7-Seater SUV | Approximately €109 (~2,700,000 VND) zone rate; full trip likely $90 – 140/day | Similarly, around 18 – 20 hours | More room for luggage and people. A good fit for small families or groups wanting space and reliability. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | Around €139 (~3,400,000 VND) for regional trips; van rentals can run $139+/day | Still about 18 – 20 hours, depending on stops | Ideal for groups of 8 – 15 with lots of bags. Everyone stays together, and you can even request short photo or snack breaks along the route. |
By Flight
In terms of travel to Halong Bay, the flights are the fastest option in bridging the greater distance from Hoi An to Halong Bay. Hoi An does not have an airport. Therefore, the traveller would have to go to Da Nang International Airport, which is 30 km away. There are short flights from Da Nang to Hanoi that take around one hour. Upon landing, the shuttle or car to Halong Bay would take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
For numerous individuals venturing into new regions, this alternative is an equilibrium between travel time and comfort. Although flights may seem costlier than tickets for trains or buses, flights ensure that the individual does not lose an entire day, as one would in the case of land transportation. In-flight services, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways have multiple daily flights operating on the Da Nang–Hanoi route, meaning that flights can be scheduled without hassle.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | ~1 hour 20 minutes by flight (Da Nang → Hanoi), plus 2.5-3.5 hours by road (Hanoi → Halong Bay). |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways – multiple daily departures. |
| Estimated Price | From 800,000 VND (~$35) in low season to 2,000,000 VND (~$85) in peak months, booking early helps secure cheaper fares. |
| Notes & Tips | There is no airport in Hoi An — the nearest one is Da Nang International Airport (DAD). For Halong Bay, travelers often use Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, but Van Don International Airport (VDO) in Quang Ninh (opened in 2018 and located about 50 km from Halong) is actually the closest option. Booking morning flights gives you enough daylight to continue the journey comfortably and start your Halong Bay journey without rushing. |
Tips For Traveling From Hoi An To Halong Bay
Covering such a long stretch of Vietnam means more than just picking a bus or flight—it’s also about planning the little details that make the journey smoother. These tips are drawn from what seasoned travelers often wish they had known earlier, and they can save both time and energy on the road north.
- Evening sleeper buses allow you to save on a full night of accommodation. Bear in mind, earplugs and an eye mask can turn an uncomfortable evening into a decent night of sleep.
- Booking early morning flights can allow you to connect to a same-day transfer to Halong Bay without feeling rushed upon arrival.
- Train travellers often have issues finding soft sleeper cabins, especially on weekends, since this ticket option sells out quickly. You can avoid ending up on a 16-hour ride with a hard seat.
- Summers in northern Vietnam can change in an instant with heavy rainstorms. These cause delays with buses and trains. So building in a time buffer at the beginning of your schedule will keep you flexible.
- You might find that tickets for buses and trains are cheaper to purchase directly from a local agency in Hoi An instead of using an international booking site. Online booking sites can provide more language support from initial bookings to cancellations without penalties.
- There are luggage delivery options in Vietnam that can also deliver large bags separately. This is an especially useful option if you want to travel lightly on overnight buses or trains.
- At Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, the late-night ground transport options to Halong Bay are limited, and so usually means an overnight stay in Hanoi if you arrive too late in the evening.
Final Thoughts
The journey from Hoi An to Halong Bay is never a quick transfer; it’s a passage across Vietnam that shows you just how diverse the country can be. What matters most is choosing the way that fits your time, budget, and travel style. If you want help planning or combining these routes, Seni World is here to take care of the details so you can focus on the experience. From booking tickets to arranging cruise cabins, we make the long stretch from Hoi An to Halong Bay feel like part of the adventure instead of an obstacle.
