tour from hanoi to halong bay

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Halong Bay Tours & Trips from Hanoi

An adventure starting in Hanoi is a great way to see Halong Bay. We have 113 tours that range from 2 days up to 28 days. The most popular time for tours from Hanoi is September, which has the most tour departures.

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113 halong bay tours from hanoi with 287 reviews.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Vietnam Express Southbound

Fantastic trip from start to finish, prepare to be amazed.

Luxury Halong Bay Cruise and Mountain Resort - 6 Days

Excellent 4 night tour beginning and ending in the luxurious Hilton Opera in Hanoi, along with a spectacular 2 night cruise along Halong Bay. Booking was easy and stress-free. Communication was excellent. Our airport pick up was flexible and picked us up at an extremely early 5am. We were able to leave our bags at the Hilton and we enjoyed a free day exploring Hanoi. The hotel choice is excellent. The Hilton Opera is in an excellent location, is a high quality hotel with brilliant staff, rooms, amenities, and a great breakfast. The cruise on Paradise Luxury was outstanding. Accomodation, staff, food, itinerary, transports etc. were perfect. Halong Bay is a beautiful sight and a 2 night stay on the bay is a must. I really recommend Tour Radar. They are reliable, helpful and good value for money. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Vietnam Experience 15 Day

I was really apprehensive about going on my first solo trip, however, after meeting Bobby on day 1, I knew the trip was going to be great. Bobby is an absolute credit to Intro and to Vietnam. We really hit the jackpot in getting him as a tour guide! He’s caring, kind, patient and fun to be around. He went out of his way to make everyone feel included and comfortable, giving options for additional activities and recommendations in our free time. He also made himself available at all times. Having such a knowledgeable expert of Vietnam history, culture and language just made this trip exceptional. The tour itself was filled with a variety of places and activities. The accommodations were all great and varied making the experience even more unique. This trip is not for the faint hearted. You’re on the go a lot, but in return you see so much of Vietnam.

• In-depth Cultural
• Walking Adventure

Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Trekking Pu Luong

Here's an honest, unbiased review of my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with G Adventures. First of all, I've never been on any adventure trip before, however I went with my wife, her sister and her husband, as three of us are turning 60 this year and we thought we'd do something a little different for a change. Booked with G Adventures, as my sister is a travel agent and said they'd never had any problem with them. First of all, we initially flew to Singapore for three nights and did Raffles, the Marina Bay Hotel and the cables cars etc. TIP - 1. they've got a modern underground, which is easy to use. 2. Raffles Long Bar opens at 11am, so get there sharp before the queues start. 3. Singapore is expensive, so beware. We then flew up to Hanoi where we met up with our tour guide (CEO) Phi Hoang and the other ten travellers. From then on we travelled down through Vietnam by bus, train and plane, as well as a night on a boat at Ha Long Bay. TIP - 1. Visit Train Street in Hanoi, it's fun having a train almost take your nose off ! 2. Do the bike ride in Hoi An, experience the free-for-all main roads, before heading out into the fields. Everybody in the group loved it. 3. There's a vegetarian brunch at a Monastery - I love my meat, but it was one of the best meals I've had. 4. Yes, the toilets are basic on the overnight train journey, but the cabins are clean, so pack plenty snacks and have fun. My wife and her sister were a little apprehensive beforehand, but it was a laugh and Phi came round all the cabins taking photos of us. 5. Don't miss the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon - a must do experience. Try and do the war museum afterwards, which is very informative. We then headed by bus into Cambodia where we did the Killing Fields at Phnom Penn - a very sobering experience. We also did the sunrise at Angkor Wat, an amazing series of temples only a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Siem Reap. We then had a long bus journey to Bangkok where we spent the night, before flying home the following day. Phi was with us the whole trip and was an outstanding guide. If you're lucky enough to get him as your CEO then you'll have a superb time. He speaks excellent English, keeps you updated every day on what's happening, as well as setting up a Whatsapp group where he adds more information, as well as posting photos he takes of the group. He also arranges an evening meal every night at a local restaurant, which you can attend or you can do your own thing. At every activity though, you feel he's always floating around, keeping everybody safe and watching out for any issues. On that note, I never felt threatened or in danger in any of the countries we visited. The locals were always friendly and helpful. We stayed in quite a few hotels. Some were more basic than others, but all were clean, had hot water and air-con. TIP - it's very hot and humid, so pack plenty insect repellent. We had a lot better time than we thought we would and that was a lot down to our CEO. There's several long bus journeys in the trip, but there's regular stops along the way to break things up. We'd definitely use G Adventures again.

3-Day Ha Long Bay on Deluxe 4-star Cruise with Kayaking, Swimming, Cooking Class,...

This was an unbelievable experience! We were so lucky to get the boat to ourselves on the second day because most of the group was only doing two day and one night. We got to experience halong bay, a fishing village as well as a school. The food was incredible on the cruise we got ten courses each meal! Everyone went above and beyond, my boyfriend left his wallet on the bus back and the coordinator went out herself and got it back for us. Absolutely recommend this trip, this was one of our favorite experiences from asia.

• Hiking & Trekking

Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia

A well planned itinerary for this tour. So many highlights included. Gave a very informative view of northern Vietnam culture and its beautiful people. Excellent guide and driver. So supportive of all of our needs; strongly recommend this tour and this company.

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - 3 Days

Vietnam is awesome country in South East Asia, i love Halong bay, crowded city in hustles, busy horn, especially food in the local, lvp travel ⛺ organization is perfect ! I 'd love to return hanoi late next 2019, Cheap services with Old like us....i recommend you should visit Vietnam before you see another neighbors

Essential Vietnam And Cambodia

Great trip! Indus is a top-notch outfit.

Hanoi / Halong 4 Days 3 Night Sightseeing Trip

Excellent trip overall - good value for money. Guide was great. Nothing to complaint. Thanks

Vietnam Experience 12 Day

Intro yours are always well prepared and so easy as a traveller to do. However when you get a tour guide like Adam Casey the tour becomes a breeze. Adam is one of those people who obviously love his job and that rubs off on those around him. His enthusiasm and passion for the country shone through in his amazing local knowledge talks he did in all locations and some brilliant recommendations every where we went. Organisation comes easy to Adam as we always had instructions verbally and sent to us with what we were doing the next day. This made travelling enjoyable and efficient as I knew when we would be leaving and when we could unpack. Adam personality fits being a tour leader perfectly. His bubbly, warm and charismatic ways made all travellers feel welcome and at home. Adam always has a friendly ear if you need help or if you’re just missing home that day. Not only this, Adam has some amazing dance moves which shone through when he guided us on our nights out in some of the locations. His willingness to be himself and let loose allowed the whole group to do the same, resulting in some amazing nights out. There is nothing that Adam can’t do, even after I left my bag on a bus it was back returned with me in a couple hours. Honestly he is a brilliant tour leader and if you have Adam Casey as your tour leader you will have an unbelievable time. Thank you so much to Adam for our time with you!

• Ocean Cruise

Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam

Thuong from Swallow travel was amazing, kept in touch with me offered suggestions and was very approachable, it was a great holiday and our trip to Halong Bay was amazing so glad we did it , it was the highlight to our 17 day holiday .

• Mountain Hikes

The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 8 Days

Vietnam Tour Fun had been providing excellent service and support throughout our trip. Ms Mai Hoa started to connect with us a few days before we arrived Vietnam. She was contactable throughout the whole trip. We scheduled to have Halong Bay cruise in the last 2 days in our itinerary. However a typhoon was approaching Vietnam and the government announced no cruise was allowed to set sail for safety reason. Ms Mai Hoa immediately contacted us and offered alternative trips for choosing. The difference in the tour fee was refunded to us after our trip finished. We were very happy with the services of Vietnam Tour Fun and Ms Mai Hoa. We had a great time there.

Northern Vietnam Adventure In 12 Days - Private Tour

My bf and I had a wonderful time in Vietnam. We really didn't think Vietnam was such an interesting place. Even though we only visited the north of the country, the culture and people here are amazing. We hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to return and explore more of this country.

5 Days North of Vietnam

Tour guides needs more improvement, they need to be more adept to communication in English language.

Vietnam Culture, Cruise and Bali 5 Star beach Stay W/Activities

What people love about halong bay tours from hanoi.

It was the first time that I travelled Solo solely for the purpose of travel and turned out to be a trip of lifetime! Of course Intrepid tour leader - Cong, operated like clockwork, thought ahead and no derailment of trip in anyway at all! But what made it fantastic was the group of people who came on this trip and I am sure each one of us will share the same sentiment. Look forward to many more…

Great service and excellent quality!

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6 Transportation Options to Get from Hanoi to Halong Bay & Vice Versa

How to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Most tourists combine a tour to Hanoi with a visit to Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, located to the east of the city. How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay ? What are the best ways to travel to Halong Bay? In this article, we’ll look into 6 ways to commute between the two destinations, and advise you on the best for your trip.

I. Distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay

How far is Halong Bay from Hanoi?

Halong Bay is located on Vietnam’s coastline, just over 160 kilometers to the east of Hanoi . Hosted by Quang Ninh province, Halong Bay boasts a picturesque scenery of emerald water, endless sky and tranquil atmosphere. Thousands of impressive limestone karsts and islets here contributed to the UNESCO World Heritage title. 

There are mainly 06 ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, each of which has its own pros and cons. We’ll look into each and every way in the following part of the article.

II. How to Get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

1. travel from hanoi to halong bay by local bus.

Local buses are among the easiest and cheapest options to get to Halong Bay.

Booking : 

The first thing you’ll have to do is to check the closest bus station that will drop you off at Halong Bay. These five bus stations host buses from Hanoi to Quang Ninh Province:

Arriving at the bus station, you’ll find a great deal of suppliers providing transport services to Halong Bay. Come to the counter to ask for a ticket to Halong Bay and the staff will assist you.

Route : the bus will drop you off at specific stations, and you will have to get a taxi or Grab to get to your hotel or the cruise port (Tuan Chau Gate). To save money on the connecting trip, consult your hotel or cruise supplier for the closest station to get off. 

Duration : a ride on the local bus will take about 3-5 hours depending on whether the bus runs around to pick up passengers. 

Cost : For a ride in a typical 40-seat bus, the ticket will cost you 100,000 – 120,000 VND. You’ll spend another 50,000 – 70,000 VND to get from the station to the hotel or cruise port.

Pros and cons : a one-way ride will cost 150,000 – 200,000 VND in total, making it one of the cheapest means of transportation available. However, you’ll face a number of difficulties: 

• Language barrier at the stations
• Time consuming
• Inflexible departure and arrival stops

2. Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by shuttle bus

Shuttle buses are the smaller buses that offer better services with fewer passengers, and direct routes .

Google for the phrase “vexere” and you will find a website that hosts online booking. Lock in your departure point (Hanoi) and arrival point (Quang Ninh), and you’ll see a number of available shuttle bus suppliers. There are typically 9-seat so-called “limousines” and 19-seat minibuses and they often depart from their own Hanoi offices, rather than the public stations. The arrival points vary between buses, hence you’ll have to look it up yourself to see which is the closest to your hotel or the cruise port.

Things will be much easier if you book a tour via a cruise or tour operator. They will take all the booking off your hands with a relatively cheaper price if you book it yourself. The arrival destination will be pre-determined and you won’t have to worry about getting off at the right place.

Route : like local buses, shuttle buses will drop you off at specific stations. If you are hosted by a tour/cruise operator, they will deliver you to your hotel or the cruise port. 

Duration : shuttle buses often travel with a direct route, resulting in a shorter commuting time. Thanks to the new highway connecting Hanoi and Halong Bay, a one-way trip will only take 2.5 hours minimum.

Cost : For a ride in a typical 9-seat bus, the ticket will cost you 200,000 – 300,000 VND. You’ll spend another 50,000 – 70,000 VND to get from the station to the hotel or cruise port, if you travel without a travel agency. 

Pros and cons : shuttle buses are much more comfortable and time-saving, in comparison with local buses. However, communication will again be a burden if you don’t book via a tour operator. 

3. Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

Trains will be a slow option, but fairly cheap compared to others.

There is only one train that heads to Halong Bay everyday. It departs at Yen Vien Station (Hanoi) at 4:55 am. You can only opt for “hard” seats, which are made of wood and not very comfortable. Go to dsvn.vn and lock in your departure point (Yen Vien), arrival point (Halong) and process to buy the ticket.

Route : the train will head to Halong Station, from which you will need to get a taxi/Grab to arrive at the hotel or cruise port. 

Duration : a train ride will typically take 6-7 hours.

Cost : a train ride is 90,000 – 100,000 VND on average, depending on the time in the year. Another 50,000 – 70,000 VND will be spent on a connecting ride on taxi/Grab.

Pros and cons : for those who have only one day in Halong, a 6-hour train ride will definitely be unsuitable. However, it’s one of the safest and cheapest options, if you don’t mind the noisy sounds of the train.

4. Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by seaplane

Seaplane is the only option if you want to fly to Halong Bay, as well as the fastest and most expensive way .

Google “seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay” and you’ll find the only supplier – Hai Au Aviation among the top results. Call them up and they will take care of you from here.

Route : There is a straight Hanoi to Halong Bay flight, but the airplane will be landing at Tuan Chau Gate.  

Duration : the flight will take 45 minutes to 1 hour at the maximum.

Cost : a one-way flight will cost 4,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND, depending on the time of the year. 

Pros and cons : it will surely be great to admire the majestic views of Halong Bay from above, as you fly over limestone karst mountains and islets. Seaplane is the ideal option for those seeking a luxurious, stress-free experience.

5. Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by motorbike

Motorcycling is only recommended for those having a legal driving license in Vietnam. Please don’t risk being involved in legal issues if you only visit the country for a temporary period. It is the cheapest yet most adventurous option among the six.

Motorbike renters are readily available, especially in the Old Quarter. You can easily rent a bike for 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day. Simply Google “bike rental” or consult your accommodation owners.

Route : there are a few routes for you to choose from. Google Map will assist you on the way.

Duration : depending on your riding speed, you will get to Halong Bay after roughly 3 hours.

Cost : 100,000 – 150,000 VND for a bike rental. 

Pros and cons : it doesn’t seem like a good idea to travel over 160 kilometers on a motorbike. The ride will be exhausting and rather dangerous, if you are not accustomed to Vietnamese traffic. Other risks involve bad weather and getting lost. If you do travel on a motorbike, make sure you have a license, appropriate protective gears, a smartphone with working Google Maps, and a friend to help you in emergencies.

6. Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by private car/taxi

Private cars and taxis will ensure you and your family utmost privacy , but they are also among the most expensive options .

Google “car rental” to find an appropriate supplier, or simply pick up the phone and call a taxi. 

Route : as the most tailormade option, you will be transported to your chosen destination.

Duration : it will be a 2.5 hour-ride, or 3 hours at the maximum, depending on traffic.

Cost : roughly 1,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND, depending on the choice of service. 

Pros and cons : if privacy and convenience matter most to you, this is your ideal option. However, double check the price of the taxi before embarking on your journey. 

Given a lot of options, it’s not easy to pick the best means of transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay, taking account of the weather, budget and travel time. Each means of transportation will have its own pros and cons, and the final decision lies in your hand. We hope that you found this article useful for your upcoming trip to Halong Bay.

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Hanoi to Halong Bay: The Definitive Travel Guide for 2024

Absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Halong Bay from Hanoi in 2023, including a comprehensive guide on how to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay on a day tour, overnight cruise, or DIY.

This post includes what to do in Halong Bay, recommended tour companies, and my top 3 Halong Bay alternatives based on my personal experience travelling to and living in Northern Vietnam.

Halong Bay (Hạ Long Bay) is Vietnam’s best-known and most-visited tourist attraction. More than 6 million people flock to the area every year to cruise around on wooden boats, known as junks .

What makes Halong Bay so unique is the 2,000-odd limestone islands and islets that emerge from the waters off the coast. These range from towering karsts with deep caves, to tiny formations ringed by white-sand beaches.

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In 1994, Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Ever since then, it’s featured near the top of every traveller’s bucket list.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is the jumping off point for Halong Bay. But figuring out how you’re going to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi can be confusing.

There are literally thousands of tour operators organising tours and packages. Fair to say they vary dramatically in quality.

When I moved to Hanoi , the very first piece of advice I received was ‘Don’t book the $12 Halong Bay cruise’ .

It was a good life lesson!

I’ve seen far too many travellers get sucked in by cheap deals and have their Halong Bay experience ruined as a result.

This guide is designed to help you tackle Halong Bay like a pro and have the best experience possible. It covers three main topics:

• Hanoi to Halong Bay day tours (great if you have limited time and are travelling on a budget)
• Halong Bay overnight cruises (the best way to see the bay, provided you have the time and funds)
• Halong Bay DIY trips from Hanoi (using bus, train, van or car)

A big thank you to my friend and Hanoi-based tour guide, Trang, who helped to ensure this guide is up-to-date and accurate!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Halong Bay: The basics

In this section, I’ll run through the Halong Bay basics: What, where, when, and how. I’ll also throw in my two cents about whether or not Halong Bay is worth visiting.

Feel free to skip ahead if you’ve already done your research.

Where is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is located off the coast of Northern Vietnam. It is part of Quảng Ninh Province, which borders on China. The nearest major city is Halong City (Thành phố Hạ Long).

Most boats and cruises depart from Halong Bay cruise port, also known as Tuan Chau Gateway . It is located on the island of Tuần Châu, 13km or a 20-minute drive from Halong City via land bridge.

The heart of Halong Bay, where boats cruise around the karsts and you get those amazing photos, is approximately 20 km off the coast from the port.

How far away is Halong Bay from Hanoi?

Tuan Chau island, the jumping off point for Halong Bay, is located roughly 153 km (95 miles) from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Hanoi and Halong Bay are connected by the 5B Highway, one of the newest and best highways in the whole country . The area has very good infrastructure, partly because of tourism, and partly because the nearby city of Hai Phong is Northern Vietnam’s main seaport.

It takes 2.5-3 hours on average to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car or van. With a bathroom break half-way, the journey usually takes 3.5 hours.

By bus , it takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.

And by train , it takes 7 hours to get to Halong from Hanoi.

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

Typically, people visit Halong Bay for 1 or 2 nights. If you have the time and your budget allows for it, I recommend staying for 2 nights . This is the option I chose the first time I visited Vietnam.

If you have 2 nights on the boat, you naturally have one full day of cruising, which means a whole day without having to be on a bus or in a car. Having this day in between gives you a chance to relax and take in the landscape.

It also means your junk boat will travel further out into the bay. And the further you go, the less polluted and the more beautiful it gets.

Can you visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi?

Yes, it is possible to visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi . In this post, I’ll show you exactly how.

A day trip is a good way to go if you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget. Just be aware that a large chunk of your day will be spent in the car. You’ll miss out on the chance to wake up amongst the karsts, which was the highlight of Halong Bay for me.

Is Halong Bay worth visiting?

There’s an elephant in the room.

If you’ve read this blog before, you’ll know that I’m a big believer in travelling off the beaten track . So why am I writing about Halong Bay, Vietnam’s busiest tourist attraction?

Halong Bay is a bit like Sapa : It’s very touristy, it has a pollution problem, and very sadly, tourism development hasn’t been managed particularly well.

But Sapa is still Sapa, and Halong Bay is still Halong Bay.

It’s still a UNESCO Site. It’s still one of the ‘wonders of the world’. And it’s still one of the most majestic landscapes on planet Earth.

It’s still a huge employer of local guides, chefs, skippers and tourism professionals, and it’s still a major driver of the tourism economy in Northern Vietnam.

I’m not here to tell you you shouldn’t visit Halong Bay – that would be hypocritical. I have been to Halong Bay twice now, and both times I enjoyed it.

At the same time, I do want you to be aware that there are some great Halong Bay alternatives out there. Bai Tu Long Bay is one of them, and I’ve included a few tour providers that visit Bai Tu long in this guide.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find some of my favourite Halong Bay alternatives – or you can browse this separate guide for more ideas .

Just like you can still have an authentic experience in Sapa , I think it’s possible to have an enjoyable experience on Halong Bay. You just have to be prepared, well-informed, and manage your expectations.

Just don’t book the $12 cruise!

Is Bai Tu Long Bay the same as Halong Bay?

Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are two separate bays that sit side by side. If you look at the map, you’ll see that Bai Tu Long Bay wraps around the northern coast of Vietnam, just to the northeast of Halong Bay. A third bay, Lan Ha Bay, is located west of Halong Bay. It hugs a large forested island, Cat Ba.

In recent years, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay have become more popular as alternatives to Halong Bay. The landscape in all three bays is basically the same – dramatic karst rocks and caves. But each one feels very different.

As a general rule, there are more restrictions on how many boats can go out into Bai Tu Long Bay at any one time, so it can be significantly quieter. It’s also more remote and less polluted.

Lan Ha Bay attracts a particular crowd, mainly backpackers and budget travellers, and has additional activities on offer on Cat Ba Island.

Many Halong Bay cruises will take you through Bai Tu Long Bay as part of the itinerary. Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island can be visited separately from Hai Phong (refer to the section on Halong Bay alternatives for more details).

How to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi

Most people go to Halong Bay for one reason, and that’s to drift amongst the karsts on board a junk.

To go on a junk, you need to book a tour. You can either do that online before you arrive in Vietnam, or in person in Hanoi or Halong.

There are hundreds (literally) of tour operators working in this space, and they differ vastly in quality and price. I’ll say more on this later, but for now, all you need to know is that 95% of Halong Bay cruises include transfers between your hotel in Hanoi and Halong Bay . This will either be rolled into the price, or added on when you book.

In other words, if you book a tour package – which I recommend you do – your transportation to Halong will automatically be taken care of.

There are two basic tour options to choose from, depending on your budget and how much time you have:

• Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi
• Halong Bay overnight cruise from Hanoi (1 or 2 nights)

Under certain circumstances, you might want to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi independently . Consider this option if:

• You prefer a private transfer rather than the standard transfer offered in your tour package (in which case, you can take a private car with driver)
• Your tour package has transport as an optional add-on and you want to find a cheaper option
• You are on a very tight budget and want to organise your cruise the cheapest way possible (in which case, you can use the limousine bus, public bus or train)
• You want to stay in Halong City
• You want to visit Sun World Park and the cable car before Halong Bay

If you do want to travel to Halong Bay independently, know that it’s going to take a bit more organising and a bit more effort. I will go over this in detail in Option 3 below.

Option 1: Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi

First let’s look at the easiest, quickest and most affordable way to see Halong Bay, and that’s with a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi.

There are a bunch of Halong Bay one-day tour options that cater to travellers who are time-poor but still want to tick the UNESCO site off their list.

I’ll be honest: A Halong Bay day tour is a tightly packed schedule. It starts early, finishes late, and involves spending about 6 hours or more on the road. I probably wouldn’t recommend you attempt it with kids in tow.

It’s still the quickest way to get a taste for the bay. Tours usually include boat cruising, lunch on deck, and a couple of activities such as walking through caves, kayaking or swimming.

How to book a tour before you arrive in Vietnam

It’s possible to book a tour in person at one of the many agencies in Hanoi. However, I strongly recommend booking online.

Using a booking service such as Viator or Get Your Guide gives you the added safety net of a third party if anything goes wrong.

Online payment is secure, cancellation policies are usually quite relaxed if your plans change, and you can manage your booking on the app (no need to print anything).

Booking online also gives you time and space to properly research the options (and when it comes to travelling to Halong Bay from Hanoi, there are a lot). This reduces the likelihood of getting pressured into something you don’t want to do.

Get Your Guide list the tour provider for each itinerary, so you can do independent research to verify the company and the boat itself before you book.

I would recommend booking your day tour at least 3 weeks out if you’re travelling in low season or 6-8 weeks out if you’re travelling in high season .

If push comes to shove, you can usually find a tour with availability a few days out (or even the night before).

Recommended Halong Bay day tours

I’ve done the legwork for you and put together this list of reputable Halong Bay day tours from Hanoi. Each one follows a good itinerary, has great reviews, and is backed by a reputable company. All tours have an English-speaking guide.

Top choice: Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour

• Inclusions: Kayaking, short hike, lunch on the water, sunset drink on the boat
• Travellers love: Attentive staff, great organisation, excellent food
• From $56 per person
• Bookings through Viator

With more than 500 customer reviews and a five-star rating , this Vietnam Tonkin Travel tour is one of the best options out there.

The full-day tour of Halong Bay starts with pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Transfer to the marina is by bus. You also have the option to organise your own transportation and meet the group at the pier. If you do this, the cost of the van transfer (around $20) will be subtracted from the price when you book.

On-board the air-conditioned junk, you’ll cruise both Halong and Lan Ha bays while enjoying a seafood lunch. The tour then visits Halong Surprise cave and Titop island for views. Activities include kayaking (included in the price), swimming , a gentle trek on Cat Ba Island , and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration .

The day ends with sunset on the boat before departing for Hanoi. At under $60 per person with transfers included, it’s excellent value for money.

Top choice: JadeSails Luxury Cruise of Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay

• Inclusions: Kayaking/row boating, lunch, cooking demonstration, swimming, sunset drinks
• Travellers love: VIP limousine minivan transfers, beautiful boat design, focus on quieter Lan Ha Bay
• From $105 per person

This full-day cruise leaves Hanoi earlier and includes transfers by limousine van (8 pax), meaning you’ll be boarding the junk boat and sipping your welcome drink by 9.30am . This is a huge plus, giving you a full 7 hours on the water – much longer than most other day tours.

JadeSails is a luxe, modern vessel with tasteful lounge spaces and a big sun deck . It’s not too big, so you won’t feel like you’re packed in like a sardine as you do on some of the larger boats! I especially recommend this day cruise for couples .

Lunch is served on board, then you’re off to explore sea caves and secret lagoons by kayak or local row boat. In the afternoon, the boat docks in a quiet and clean spot on Lan Ha Bay for swimming .

The day wraps up with a cooking demonstration and sunset drinks on the deck . You’ll then be whisked to the marina by speed boat and head back to the city on the same highway, getting you home to Hanoi by 7.30pm.

Round-trip transfers from Hanoi by VIP van, welcome drinks, lunch, and all entrance fees and equipment hire are included in the price, which starts from just $105 per person.

Halong Dragonfly Boat Cruise

• Inclusions: Kayaking, Heaven Palace Cave, lunch on the water
• Travellers love: Variety of food, efficient itinerary, early return to Hanoi
• From $100 per person
• Bookings through Get Your Guide

Organised by Charming Vietnam Travel, this day cruise on the beautiful Dragonfly Boat includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi by coach.

You can opt for a private tour which includes private transfers from Hanoi and a one-on-one tour of the cave before joining the rest of the group (usually 20-30 people) on the boat.

First comes a generous lunch on the water, then you’ll have a chance to explore Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Cave), a massive limestone grotto.

45 minutes is set aside for kayaking (equipment hire is included in the price). Because transfer is by coach, this tour departs a little earlier to get you back to Hanoi by 7-8pm . This does eat into your time on the water, but it might be a good option if you have big plans for the next day and need your rest.

There are often great specials on this cruise. The advertised price is $100, but I’ve seen it for as low as $50.

Important things to know about Halong Bay tours

• When booking a Halong Bay tour, you’ll need to enter your details including your full name, passport number and visa expiry date. If you don’t yet have your Vietnam visa, you can note this down. Remember to bring your passport with you on the day! You’ll need it in order to check in at the dock.
• Some tour operators will only pick you up from a hotel, not an Airbnb. That doesn’t mean you have to organise your own transport, it just means you need to get yourself to the nearest hotel for the scheduled pick up.
• Similarly, most tour operators charge an additional fee (around $10) for pick up from a hotel outside of the Old Quarter.
• Most lunches are seafood-heavy, but can be customised. If you’re veg/vegan or you have dietary requirements, give the company plenty of advance warning.
• It’s customary to tip your guide provided you were happy with the service. How much you leave depends on you – and the size of the group, length of the tour, etc. A small tip for your skipper or driver is also appreciated. If you visit a floating village, you often have an opportunity to leave a donation at the local school or library, etc. Do not hand money straight to children.
• Most buses and vans will stop at ‘souvenir’ shops or craft workshops on the road from Hanoi to Halong. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything; it’s perfectly OK just to smile and walk through. Save your money for Hanoi’s shops instead!
• Be very careful to note what’s included in the tour price and what’s not. Most day tours include lunch, but some don’t include drinks. Equipment hire for kayaking is often an optional extra that you have to pay for in cash on the day.
• Overnight tours often have a holiday surcharge (around $20) for Christmas, International New Year and Tet (Lunar New Year). Some companies also add a peak season surcharge to the price for bookings between October 1 and April 30.
• Halong Bay tour itineraries are always subject to change. Boats will still sail if it’s raining, but if the weather is bad enough, there’s a chance your tour might be altered or even cancelled.

Option 2: Halong Bay overnight cruise from Hanoi

One of the best experiences you can have in Vietnam is spending the night on a Halong Bay junk cruise. I have vivid memories of taking a shower on our junk and looking out the round portal window as the karsts floated by. I will never forget that view!

Like day tours, most overnight cruises start from Hanoi and include transfer to and from your hotel in the price. (Some charge extra, however, so always check before you book!).

How to book a Halong Bay cruise

Again, I highly recommend booking through a third party website for secure payment and extra insurance. Hotel booking websites Agoda and Booking.com both have a big selection of boats available – especially Agoda, which is my preferred platform for Southeast Asia.

You can also book Halong Bay overnight cruises through Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator has a bigger selection and is my preferred booking site.

However – things have changed in the past few years and increasingly, cruises are being advertised on tour websites through agents such as Halong Bay Cruise Hunters. This makes it very difficult to do your research when you can’t view the name of the boat. For this reason, I highly recommend booking through Agoda , which is more transparent.

If you’re a solo traveller, note that some boats do charge a single supplement (up to 70 USD) for a single room.

Consider reserving overnight tours a little further in advance – 5-6 weeks out for low season or 10-12 weeks out for high season .

Best Halong Bay overnight cruises

Most (but not all) overnight cruises follow a very similar itinerary. The main difference between companies is the quality of the boat and the standard of the accommodation and food .

There are literally thousands of boats on Halong Bay. To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a shortlist of 9 reputable Halong Bay overnight cruises with excellent reviews.

Top choice: Genesis Regal Cruises (⭐ 9.3)

• Highlights: Outdoor hot tub, spacious rooms with clawfoot tubs, 5-course meals, great range of activities
• Best choice for: Couples & honeymooners
• Book online through Agoda or Viator (2D1N cruise)

With its turmeric-coloured sails and an impressive hot tub on its bow, Genesis Regal is certainly one of the flashiest boats on the bay! Their cruise itineraries cover both Halong and Lan Ha, with one of the highlights being a visit to the Dark and Light Caves by sampan boat.

Suites are positively palatial, with floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the water. Generously proportioned ensuites feature freestanding clawfoot tubs that also look out over the bay.

Transfers to/from Hanoi by limousine van are standard. 5-course meals (Vietnamese and French cuisine) come included. You can opt in for a range of great off-boat activities including kayaking, visiting floating villages, and cycling in Viet Hai village.

Top choice: Mon Cheri Cruises (⭐ 9.1)

• Highlights: Elegant rooms, attentive staff, on-board spa & in-room massage service
• Best choice for: Couples
• Book online through Agoda

This luxury cruise is a bit different from the others because it concentrates on Lan Ha Bay while incorporating a visit to Cat Ba Island on the last day. In addition to the regular kayaking and caving, you also get a chance to explore the national park by bicycle.

The package includes transfers from Hanoi by limousine bus and accommodation in superb 5-star cabins (full-size bath and private balcony included). This feels more like a couples’ boat, but there are interconnecting suites available for families.

In terms of ammenities, Mon Cheri is up there with the best. There’s a gym, outdoor pool , and a spa on board. From early morning Tai Chi classes on the top deck to sunset BBQs , staff will keep you entertained from dawn to dusk!

Ultralux Hera Cruise (⭐ 10)

• Highlights: Luxury rooms with king-size beds, exquisite design, terrific service
• Best choice for: Luxury travellers, honeymooners

Billed as the first ‘6-star boutique cruise on Halong Bay’ , Ultralux Hera is a great option for luxury travellers or honeymooners. The top suites even come with a private chef and butler service !

Suites (there are only 11 of them, making for an intimate experience ) are spacious and thoughtfully decorated with bespoke wood furnishings . The common areas, including the bars and Lotus Lounge where afternoon tea is served, are similarly lovely.

Hera’s 2D1N itinerary (more here ) has a relaxed pace, with lots of downtime to enjoy the on-board spa .

Eric from Travel Babbo took a Hera Cruise and had this to say:

“We did a two-day, one-night cruise with Hera Cruises on Ha Long Bay this past summer. Having sailed with a different company in the past, I was extraordinarily impressed with Hera.

Our cabin was huge with a private deck that took up half the back of the ship. (We enjoyed afternoon tea on the deck). Our bathroom and tub were large as well. The food was excellent, and there way too much of it.

Hera is more expensive than other companies, but we felt like it was worth it given how few others were on our ship (maybe 6?), the service and our cabin.”

Halong Paloma Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Neat & tidy rooms, rooftop deck, attentive staff
• Best choice for: Budget-conscious travellers

A popular choice for budget travellers, Halong Paloma Cruise primarily focuses on Bai Tu Long Bay .

Rooms are definitely more pared-back, but the deluxe ocean view cabins and family suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and enclosed balconies . The boat features two staterooms, a generous dining room, and an open deck bar. On-board activities include Tai Chi and traditional massage .

There’s plenty of time set aside for swimming, visiting floating villages in a sampan boat, and caving . On the last day, you’ll be treated to a traditional Vietnamese cooking class before heading back to Hanoi.

Lee and James, The Travel Scribes, booked their cruise with Paloma and had this to say:

“If you’re looking for a mid-range option for Bai Tu Long Bay, then Paloma Cruises is a cracking choice. One of the better operators in this breath-taking area, Paloma offers a 4 star experience that often feels closer to 5 star luxury than the price tag might suggest.  

Think crisp white linen, downy soft pillows, well-appointed rooms and – of course – a bathroom with a view of limestone karsts as you drift on past. The highlights of doing a Paloma Cruise? Undoubtedly, the food. Over your time on the boat you’ll be plied with deliciously pungent pumpkin soup, heavenly sweet and sour chicken and more gourmet food than you can shake a spring roll at.

Speaking of spring rolls, the crew do a great little exercise of ‘making’ your own spring roll – it’s activities like this, and the impeccable eye to detail and friendliness of the entire staff contingent that makes the Paloma experience so special.

Your activities while aboard are quite standard – tai chi in the mornings, a visit to the caves, kayaking in the bay, and a visit to the fishing village and pearl farm. It’s all wrapped up in a well-executed yet affordable package.”

Era Cruises Ha Long (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Large cabins, gym & cinema room onboard, 24-hour room service
• Best choice for: All travellers

Era Cruises offers 1-3 day itineraries with all the usual perks.

The 3-day schedule is particularly interesting because it charts a slightly different course, visiting Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Ba Ham Lake . Plenty of water and on-shore activities are available, including squid fishing and cycling.

Rooms are tastefully decorated – especially the Era Suite and King Terrace, which both have separate lounge spaces and private sun decks .

Alisa Premier Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Glamorous rooms with dark wood details, outdoor pool, excellent ammenities

This glamorous junk boat with typical red sails boasts a bow swimming pool and stately suites. Dark wood and quilted bedheads give the vessel a sense of old-world glamour , while you still get access to all the mod-cons you need for a comfortable passage.

Alisa Premier gets great reviews for both its food and customer service. Limousine shuttle bus transfers come included in the price.

La Regina Legend Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Outdoor jacuzzis, great value cocktails & nightly happy hour

This boat’s newly renovated suites are certainly regal, with wood panelling, separate sitting areas, and gorgeous ensuites with picture windows and bay views. I love the design on the common spaces which feature old-school pressed tiles and archival photos .

The 3-day cruise has some interesting stops including kayaking at Van Boi and an island driving tour to visit caves and the Quan Y War Hospital. One of the coolest features is that the boat anchors close to the fishing villages.

You’ll also be treated to sunset cocktails and BBQ buffets, plus a fun Indochine movie night with the crew.

Victory Star Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Classy rooms, great buffet, friendly staff
• Best choice for: Families

This Bai Tu Long Bay cruise boat has classy rooms decorated with wood panelling, pressed tiled floors and Vietnamese artwork.

The boat has everything you might need, including a generous sundeck , a bar, and massage facilities.

Majestic Halong Cruise (⭐ 8.0)

• Highlights: Private balconies, generous meals, tons of off-board activities
• Best choice for: Budget travellers

If you want to make your budget stretch further, Majestic Halong offers the same sort of activities as other cruises but at a lower price . The rooms are not as luxurious as some of the other boats, and the shuttle transfer from Hanoi costs extra.

2D1N and 3D2N itineraries (more here ) both include the hike up Ti Top Mountain .

Julie from Ruhls of the Road cruised with Majestic and had this to say:

“Majestic Cruise is a great budget friendly option for cruising through Halong Bay. For our cruise, the boat fit about 20 people fully loaded which made for a more intimate experience than the larger capacity ships. Our room was fully equipped with a queen bed and our own balcony for morning coffee and relaxation.

The itinerary was filled with activities, including a cooking class, kayaking, squid fishing and Tai Chi as the sun came up! All meals came included in the cruise price and were delicious! Lastly, our guide was top notch, friendly, knowledgable and hilariously entertaining.

We chose Majestic Cruise mainly because this was an inexpensive option that still had a ton of excursions. We were very pleased with our experience and would recommend cruising through Halong Bay during a trip to Vietnam.”

Option 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay independently

If you want to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay independently, there are several options available. In the next section, I’ll go through each transportation method in detail.

PRIVATE TAXI

• Flexible & pre-booked
• From 80 USD/car
• 3.5 hrs travel time

via 12GoAsia

VIP LIMO VAN

• Reliable & comfortable
• From 21.50 USD

via GetYourGuide

• Budget-friendly
• From 10 USD
• 2.5 hrs travel time (to the harbour only)
• Slow but scenic
• From 4.50 USD
• 6 hours travel time

[Buy tickets at the station]

Option A: Private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay

There are a few major advantages to booking a private car and driver from Hanoi. It’s a door-to-door service, you can stop whenever you want, and it’s a lot faster than the bus or van (a professional driver can get you from Hanoi to Halong Bay in as little as 3 hours with no stops).

Ouros Travel is one of many local companies that run SUVs, sedans and small vans between Hanoi and Halong. The quoted price is per vehicle, and depending on what model you choose, it will cost you between 80-120 USD for 2-9 people.

If you’re travelling with kids or a large group, this can work out as an economical alternative to the bus.

Private car from Hanoi Airport to Halong Bay

If you’re flying into Hanoi and you want to hit the ground running, you can pre-book a private transfer from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Halong Bay .

The driver will meet you at the airport in Hanoi and drop you off either at the boat dock in Tuan Chau or at your hotel in Halong.

This is a particularly good option if you’re arriving mid-morning and want to get to Halong on the same day. I would also consider using this service to get back to the airport after your cruise.

Most tour companies will drop you at the airport, but a private car is a safer bet if you’re trying to make a tight connection.

Option B: Hanoi to Halong Bay by limousine van

I love limousine buses and used them regularly when I lived in Hanoi to get to Ninh Binh, Sapa, Thai Nguyen, and other locations around the north. The limousine van is a nice middle ground between hiring a private car and taking a public bus.

Basically, it’s a minivan fitted out with super comfy lazyboy-style recliner chairs. WIFI, power sockets and drinking water is all provided. It’s a door-to-door service.

A good budget limousine van is Rosa Eco Bus . They run 2 vans to Halong, starting from Hanoi at 7.30am or 11.30am.

Tickets start from $21.50 and can be reserved online through Get Your Guide or booked via 12GoAsia. Hotel pick up in Hanoi is included, and conveniently, the driver can either drop you at the boat jetty waiting hall or at your accommodation in Halong.

Option C: Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus

There are several bus services between Hanoi and Halong. Some terminate at Tuan Chau Gateway (the boat dock), while others only go as far as Bai Chay Bus Station on the outskirts of Halong City. Make sure you check before you board.

Sapa Express is my top choice. The coaches have AC, and you can reserve tickets online in advance to avoid missing out .

There is a scheduled departure for Tuan Chau every day from Hanoi, with free pick-up available if you’re staying in the Old Quarter.

The bus leaves at 8.30am and arrives at the dock at 11am. Tickets cost $12 .

A cheaper option is local bus company Kumho Viet Thanh . They run 6 buses every day starting from around 6am and finishing at 6pm. Tickets cost 120K VND ( $5.20 ) and can be bought from the bus station in Hanoi or online here . Note that these buses terminate at Bai Chay Bus Station.

Hanoi has several bus stations. The one you want for Kumho Viet Thanh is My Dinh . A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to My Dinh costs around 120K VND ($5.20).

At the other end, a Grab car from Bai Chay Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ($5). This brings the total cost to approximately $15.40, making the Sapa Express bus a more affordable option overall.

Option D: Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

You can also travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train. BUT it’s a very long journey – around 6 hours – and because there are only hard seats available, it’s not terribly comfortable.

Bus or VIP van is a much better way to travel overall.

There is just one train daily, Vietnam Railways train 51501. It departs from Yen Vien Station bright and early at 4.55am, and pulls in at Halong Train Station (Ga Hạ Long) at 11.45am.

A ticket for the train costs $4.50 per person . A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to Yen Vien Station in the city’s east costs at least 140K VND ($6). At the other end, a Grab car from Halong Train Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ($5). This brings the total cost to approximately $14.50 .

If you’re taking this train or any other train in Vietnam, make sure you read my tips for what to pack for a long rail journey .

Things to do in Halong Bay & surrounds

Now that you have the logistics of your Halong Bay trip sorted, it’s time to start exploring the different attractions and activities on offer.

Not all tours follow the same prescribed itinerary, so having an idea of what you actually want to do on Halong Bay will help you choose one that’s right for you.

Note that anyone visiting Halong Bay must pay a compulsory 200,000-500,000 VND (8-20 USD) national park entrance fee.

Some attractions, including caves and fishing villages, also charge a small fee (typically 30,000 VND 50,000 VND).

The main things to do on Halong Bay include:

• Cruising the bay and overnighting on a junk boat
• Touring fishing villages (floating villages)
• Sun Sot (Surprise Cave) & other caves
• Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming
• Ti Top Island (that famous photo spot)

Extra things to do around Halong Bay include:

• Bai Chay Beach
• Halong Queen Cablecar
• Sun World Halong Park
• Poem Mountain
• Cat Ba National Park (Cat Ba Island) and Monkey Island

Halong City tips

Here are a few quick pointers for anyone travelling through Halong City.

How to organise a Halong Bay tour from Halong City

There are a couple of options here: Join a cruise coming from Hanoi that gives you the option to meet at the boat dock, book a boat cruise that includes pick from your hotel in Halong , or head down to the dock in the morning and join a boat tour.

Your hotel should be able to give you more advice on the latter.

To do a Halong Bay tour on the fly:

• Get yourself from Hanoi to Halong City using one of the transport methods above.
• Transfer to Tuan Chau boat dock (a car costs around 140K or a bike 70K when booked through Grab).
• Buy a cruise ticket at the dock in Tuan Chau (250,000 VND per person for 4-6 hours, plus an extra 200,000 VND for entrance to the UNESCO Zone).

Other things to do in Halong City

If you base yourself in Halong City, you have an opportunity to do other activities in the area. Popular spots include Sun World Park (a massive amusement park, great for kids ) and Queen Cable Car . You also have the option to hike up Poem Mountain for a nice view of the bay.

It’s also worth having a stroll around Halong City to visit the local market and Quang Ninh Museum . Like nearby Haiphong , Halong is a great example of a less-touristy city that has its own particular charms.

Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave can be visited on a short boat trip from Halong. Just head to the dock and ask around.

Where to stay in Halong City

Budget: BBQ Hostel (from $8) has free bikes and a popular on-site restaurant.

Mid-range: Beachfront Deja Vu House (from $24) has a gorgeous design and boutique-y feel. It’s close to the beach on the eastern side of town (other side of Bai Chay Bridge), and features a shared kitchen and free bikes.

Up-market: Novotel Halong Bay (from $50) is close to Bai Chay Beach and has a spectacular outdoor pool. Wyndham Legend (from $92) is located in the city. The high-rise has ultra-modern rooms and two cocktail bars.

Hanoi to Halong Bay: Summary

BEST OVERALL OPTION

OVERNIGHT HALONG BAY CRUISE

• From 120 USD including transfers from Hanoi

EFFICIENT OPTION

HALONG BAY DAY TRIP

• From 60 USD including transfers from Hanoi

DIY OPTION A

DIY OPTION B

• From 22 USD

DIY OPTION C

DIY OPTION D

What to pack when you visit Halong Bay

• Your passport. Most companies require you to present your documents when you check in for your cruise at the dock (even if it’s just a day trip).
• Motion sickness and/or sea sickness medication. Pack plenty for the boat and the bus/car if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Book or e-reader. Depending on what kind of tour you do, there may be some downtime. All boats have WIFI these days, but I recommend unwinding with a book. I travel with a Kindle and couldn’t live without it.
• A reusable water bottle. Absolutely essential for minimising plastic waste and staying hydrated. I love my S’Well water bottle – it’s vacuum insulated to keep water icy cold for the whole day, and it doesn’t sweat. Most boats have pure water refill stations.
• Rehydration tablets or sachets. I always travel with a tube of Hydralyte tablets .
• Rain jacket. It does get wet on the bay, so it’s good to have rain gear with you in case you get caught out when you’re kayaking or exploring the caves. I love the packable rain jackets by Lomon for women and EZRUN for men .
• Your swim kit. Don’t forget your bathers! Towels, snorkels and flippers and provided. If you want to bring your own instead, you can.
• Warm jacket or scarf. It can get chilly in the evening when you’re out on the water, so remember to pack something you can throw over your shoulders at night.

Tips for being a responsible traveller in Halong Bay

• Choose a locally owned company if you can.
• Don’t litter! Avoid single-use plastics when you’re out on the bay (and anywhere else in Vietnam or Southeast Asia, for that matter).
• Be respectful when visiting floating villages. Remember that these are people’s homes and communities. Never photograph children.
• Support a few of these Hanoi social enterprises when you’re back in the city – all do amazing work for the environment and Vietnamese people.

Halong Bay alternatives

If you decide that Halong Bay isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I can recommend these 3 alternative options:

• Bai Tu Long Bay & Yen Duc Village: This is definitely an option you should consider for a more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience. Some tours combine a boat trip and a homestay , so you get to experience the best of both worlds. Indochina Junk, one of the most reputable tour companies working on the bay, offers a great itinerary for this area.
• Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay: I recently visited Cat Ba Island and did a boat trip around Lan Ha Bay. It was pleasant – much quieter than Halong, and the National Park offers some great outdoor activities including cycling tours and hiking. Unfortunately though Lan Ha Bay is quite polluted – plastic waste is a huge problem.
• Ninh Binh: ‘Halong Bay on Land’, as it’s known, also offers boat trips (although the waterways are very shallow), cool bungalow accommodation and other activities. It’s only 1.5 hours from Hanoi, making it a great day trip option. Here is my comprehensive Ninh Binh guide and itinerary .

Where to stay in Hanoi

If you’re going to Halong Bay, you’ll probably be staying in Hanoi on either side of your trip.

My favourite hotel in Hanoi is AIRA Boutique ( formerly Essence Hanoi ). The rooms are gorgeous, the on-site restaurant is one of the best in the city, and the service is unbeatable.

When we did our Halong Bay tour, this hotel stored our big luggage free of charge. When we got back, they allowed us to have a shower before our night train, even though we had already checked out.

TOP CHOICE: AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa (⭐ 9.4). Strategically located in Ba Dinh, a local area halfway between the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature, AIRA has polished rooms, a gorgeous rooftop pool and an excellent restaurant-bar. This is where I stayed on my first visit to Hanoi.

SPLURGE: Sofitel Legend Metropole (⭐ 9.2). Set inside a heritage 1901 colonial building in Hanoi’s French Quarter, this luxe resort-hotel has stately rooms, beautiful gardens and pools, and a legendary buffet breakfast.

BOUTIQUE: Capella Hanoi (⭐ 9.8). Quite possibly the best designed hotel in Hanoi, Capella is located in a grand corner building in the heart of the Old Quarter. Every room features gorgeous heritage-style furnishings.

MID-RANGE: Hanoi Delica (⭐ 9.0). A great choice for budget-conscious travellers and families alike, this Old Quarter hotel has tidy, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

BUDGET: Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (⭐ 9.4). This popular hostel offers 4, 6 and 8-bed dormitories. The property has a pool and several accommodating shared spaces for socialising.

If Airbnb is more your thing, here is my curated list of the best quintessentially Hanoian Airbnb apartments .

Still have questions, concerns about visiting Halong Bay? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out.

Vietnam essentials

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam .

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Vietnam using Skyscanner .

VIETNAM VISA: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport via Get Your Guide.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Vietnam online before you go. My top choice is the Asia Link Regional eSIM by Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel .

TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa , Da Nang, Hue or Saigon via 12GoAsia.

BUS TICKETS: Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using 12GoAsia or Bookaway .

FOODIE EXPERIENCES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam on Cookly. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.

DAY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam on Get Your Guide. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.

HALONG BAY: Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.

VIETNAM GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam .

Hanoi to Halong Bay: Pin it!

More Vietnam travel resources

• Off the beaten track in Northern Vietnam – hidden gems & local favourites
• Where to go in Southern Vietnam – 5 must-sees
• The best things to do in Dalat
• How to spend 3 days in Hoi An
• How to get from Danang to Hoi An – transport guide
• How to visit the abandoned dragon waterpark in Hue
• Where to buy authentic Vietnamese souvenirs in Hanoi
• The best national parks to visit in Vietnam – for trekking & more
• Waterwheels & rice fields in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Cycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Phong Nha
• Homestays in Da Bac village
• How to travel to Sapa from Hanoi – transport guide
• Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam – best homestays & more
• Visiting Bac Ha Market near Sapa
• Guide to Ha Giang in far-northern Vietnam
• Guide to visiting Ninh Binh
• Exploring colonial architecture in Hai Phong city
• Day trip from Hanoi to Duong Lam Ancient Village

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Local Halong Bay Cruise Agency – Local Price

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Halong bay one day tour – Suggested Itineraries & Price [2024]

Halong Bay one day tour is a must-do experience when visiting Vietnam. With only a 2.5 hour transfer from Hanoi, you can visit Halong Bay on a day boat and back to Hanoi within 1 day. This one-day tour is a perfect option for travelers who have limited but still want to discover the stunning beauty of the World Natural Heritage Site. 

In this article, Vivu Halong will help you choose the best itinerary (4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours) with suitable cruising boat options (wooden boats, steel boats) at good prices. You also get to know which activities you will experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour.

 >> Vivu Halong is the #1 local travel agency specializing in tours, cruises, and transfers in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, f ully licensed by the National Administration of Tourism. Want to know more about us? >> CLICK HERE or read our reviews on TRIPADVISOR

• Address : No 12, 461 Tran Khat Chan Str, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi ( Map )
• Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo : +84.789.455.888
• Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo : +84 961 250 100
• Email : [email protected]
• FB : facebook.com/vivuhalong

Price of Halong Bay one day tour 

Halong Bay one-day tour is a group tour with a transfer from Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, and activities. The private tour is also available based on your request.  Here is the price list for the tour, please contact us for the best price and tour available when booking.

Inclusions & Exclusions 

• Lunch with Ha Long seafood dishes with a set menu or buffet meal depending on the tour.
• Shuttle bus / Limousine van from Hanoi to Ha Long
• Boat to visit the bay (4 hours – 6 hours – 8 hours), depending on the cruise you choose.
• Entrance ticket to visit Halong Bay for 1 day (VND 290,000/person)
• Tour guide to escort your trip 
• Not including drinks and personal expenses.

>> In case, you need a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, check out this post for the schedule and rate: https://vivuhalong.com/en/transfer-hanoi-ha-long-bay/

[Deluxe] 6-HOUR Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi

Full-day Halong Bay tour from Hanoi, Limousine bus, Buffet lunch & Kayaking

[Small Group] Halong Bay Full day cruise from Hanoi

Bai Tu Long Bay Full day cruise, Off the beaten track

[8 HOUR] Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi (limousine transfer)

[Luxury] 8-Hour Halong Bay cruise

[Luxury] Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi

Which Halong Bay one day itinerary to choose? 

6-hour cruise tour with transfer from Hanoi

This 6-hour tour is the most popular Halong Bay one-day tour, with a shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi. On this tour, you will visit Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, kayak in Luon Cave then get to Titop island for beach relaxation and hiking to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. 

• The tour starts at 8:30 am with a shuttle bus pick up at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, 5 – 6 hours boat cruising on Halong Bay 
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour –  Surprise Cave – Luon Cave (kayaking) – Titop Island (beach & panoramic view) 
• Vietnamese lunch included
• Departure from Ha Long International Port or Tuan Chau International Port

>> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-one-day-tour-wonder-bay-cruise/ 

For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 https://youtu.be/kvyplIXeCYU?si=4_oep3V21fRkWKdA

7- 8 hour cruise tour with transfer from Hanoi 

Halong Bay 7 – 8 hour tour is the longest journey to visit the bay during the daytime. You can have a lot of time to visit caves, and beaches, explore the islands and experience kayaking on the calm water of Halong Bay. 

Unlike other tours departing at noon, this tour departs early at 9:30 a.m., so you will depart from Hanoi at 06:30 a.m. It means you can have enough time for an 8-hour journey. Travellers can visit tourist attractions and experience no less than an overnight cruise. In the past, visitors used to rent a private boat for such long tours. But now there is such an interesting 8-hour tour to from choose. 

• The tour starts from Hanoi at 07:00 am with a shuttle bus pick up at your hotels and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 10:30 pm to 5:00 pm, 8 hours on the boat to visit the bay
• Itinerary following Route 2: Thien Cung Cave – Fighting cocks Islet – Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave – Titop Island – Afternoon tea 
• Tour includes lunch
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port

>> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-cruise-8-hour/ For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/  WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888  

4-hour day cruise, ( depart from Halong City ) 

This traditional tour takes you to the most famous spots of Ha Long Bay. 4 hours is a suitable time if you don’t want to be on the boat for too long. The tour is suitable for travellers who stay in hotels in Halong City and want to see Halong Bay on a half-day tour. The tour includes a visit to Thien Cung cave, go kayaking in Ba Hang and a Vietnamese lunch. 

• The cruise schedule is from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the afternoon, or  from 08:00 to 12:00 in the morning
• 4 hours on the cruising boat to visit the bay.
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour > Cho Da islet > Dinh Huong islet >  Thien Cung cave > Ba Hang fishing village (kayak or bamboo boat ride)
• Lunch included 
• Departure from HaLong International Port (Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Halong City) 

Morning tour 

• 07:00 – 07:30: Pick up at your Hotel in the Bai Chay area
• 07:40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port to check in on the boat.
• 08:00 – 08:15: The cruise starts visiting Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonder world heritage
• 08:50: Passing through Stone Dog islet, Incense burner Islet – the image in the back side of Vietnam currency 200.000d.
• 09:00: Visit the Ba Hang area – where you can do kayaking or bamboo boat to explore the area.
• 09:50: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 10:10: Visit Thien Cung Grottos – one of the most beautiful areas of Halong Bay
• 11:10: Have lunch on the boat (Set Menu lunch,  6 person/table)
• 11:45-12:10: Back to Ha Long International Port.
• 12:30: A shuttle bus take you back to your hotel in Bai Chay

Afternoon tour 

• 11h-11h30: Pick up at your hotels in Bai Chay area, Halong City
• 11h40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port.
• 12h00 – 12h15: Ha Binh cruise starts to visit Halong Bay – the World Heritage Site
• 12h30: Have lunch on the boat (Set menu lunch,  6 person/table)
• 13h30: Visit Stone dog islet, Incense burner islet – the image in the Vietnam currency 200.000d
• 13h40: Visit Ba Hang area – where you can go kayaking or bamboo boat or relax on the cruise.
• 14h20: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 14h40: Visit Thien Cung grotto – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay
• 16h30: The cruise arrives at Ha Long International Port
• 17h00: Shuttle bus takes you back to the hotels

> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-tour-4-hour-cruise/ For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/  WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888  

Which route to choose? 

There would be different routes for visiting Halong Bay in one day, you can choose to visit the route of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. All the routes have similar natural landscapes with limestone islets on green water. However, each cruising route has its own advantage.

Let’s check which route might suit you!

What you would experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour? 

Join a day tour to visit the bay, in addition to boarding the sightseeing boat, you will experience kayaking for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is so interesting to explore the different corners of the bay by yourself. Kayaking is the best way to get closer to the limestone islands in the bay. 

Exploring cave 

Halong Bay is home to many wonderful natural caves, such as Sung Sot Cave , Thien Cung Cave , Trinh Nu Cave, Thien Canh Son Cave … You can climb up the island to go inside the caves. Then you will admire such interesting landscapes bestowed by nature.

Bamboo boat with locals 

If not kayaking, you can choose to take a bamboo boat carried by locals, visit Luon cave , and enter the “lagoon” areas with beautiful scenery, covered by limestone mountains. 

Beach, swimming, hiking on mountain 

The beaches on the bay are not very big but beautiful. You can find a nice beach on Titop island and many small beaches dotted in the bay. On the island, you can relax on the beach, swim, or climb to the top of the mountain to see the whole view of Halong Bay, to save the best selfie photos.

Afternoon tea, cooking lessons

This experience is so relaxing that many travellers want to join in. You can use a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine to wait for the sunset on Halong Bay. It’s not easy to capture this moment so good luck.

Where to depart for the tour? 

There are two cruise ports in Halong Bay where you embark for cruising

Halong International Port 

Halong International Port is located on Halong Road, right in the centre of the Bai Chay tourist area, providing easy access for both domestic and international tourists coming to visit Halong Bay on a day cruise. You can visit Halong Bay on a day cruise departing from Ha Long International Port following a morning tour or afternoon tour.

• Direction to Halong International Port

Tuan Chau Marina 

Tuan Chau International Port is located on Tuan Chau island, the port is 12.5km from Ha Long city and 150km from Hanoi. Tuan Chau is a popular port for both domestic and international visitors taking a day cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

• Direction to Tuan Chau Marina

• More details about Halong Bay Cruise Ports 

Food & Drinks 

On a day tour to Halong Bay, you will be served a Vietnamese lunch with some local seafood dishes, the set menu lunch will be served for 6 persons/table, joining the group. Some bigger boats will offer a Buffet lunch with more choice of food served. Check out the typical menu for lunch on a Halong Bay day tour. Drinks are served with beer, soft drinks, and water… at an extra fee.

Set Menu lunch 

• Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
• French Fries
• Ha Long Grilled Squid
• Steamed Shrimp With Beer
• Grilled Oyster With Onion Fat
• Sea Bass with Sauces
• Stir-fried Vegetable
• Jasmine Rice
• Seasonal Fruits

Vegetarian Lunch Menu 

• Dumpling Cake
• Vegetable Spring Roll
• Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Vietnamese Egg Roll
• Seasonal stir-fried vegetable

Buffet menu (8-hour day cruise) 

• Asparagus soup with seafood
• Rice congee with pork meatballs
• French fries/ fried corn
• Green Papaya salad with dried beef
• Russian Salad
• Pomelo salad with shrimp
• Spring rolls
• Sushi rolls
• Stir-fried noodles with seafood
•  Sauté diced beef
• Grilled shrimp
• Crispy fried squid
• Stir-fried flower clams with basil leaves
• Grilled fish with chilli paste
• Grilled chicken wings
• Salt-roasted mantis shrimp
• Grilled oysters with scallion oil
• Vegetable stir fry
• Mixed fried rice
• Green beans sweet gruel
• Profiteroles
• Strawberry, orange Jam
•  Seasonal fruits
• Pure dumplings
• Pan-fried hot dog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day tour enough for Halong Bay?

Yes, it is an option to admire the natural beauty of Halong Bay within one day (4-8 hours on a boat). The tour could be also arranged with a transfer from Hanoi  (2.5-hour transfer) and back. If you have longer time, the 1-night cruise and 2-night cruise are recommended.

Is Halong Bay a day trip from Hanoi? 

The Halong Bay day tour is the most popular day tour from Hanoi. The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is 150 km for 2.5 hour’s transfer time

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

You should visit Halong Bay for 1 night or 2 nights. A day tour to Halong Bay is an option if you do not have much time here.

Is the Halong Bay day trip worth it?

Yes, it worth visiting. The trip takes you to visit most highlights of Halong Bay including a cave, and island and experience kayaking or bamboo boat rowing…

Can you swim in Halong Bay?

Yes, swimming is an exciting activity when visiting Halong Bay. The water is calm and clean. You might swim from a small beach or in the middle of the bay. In winter (Nov – Feb), it is too cold for swimming.

What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?

April – September is the best time to visit Halong Bay, it is the summertime, with blue water & clear sky.

Is Halong Bay too busy?

Halong Bay is a must-visit so it attracts a lot of visitors during the year. However, the busiest time is in summer month (the peak season for domestic tourists)

How do I book a Halong Bay cruise?

You can book through travel agents, tour operators, and OTAs or book directly with cruise operators. Just check for the best price and trusted service provider 

Are there jellyfish in Halong Bay?

Yes, there are jellyfish in Halong Bay and it could be more jellyfish in the summer months.

With the above information provided by Vivu Halong, hopefully, you have enough information to choose a suitable day tour to visit Halong Bay. If you have any questions or need further advice, do not hesitate to contact Vivu Halong. 

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Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Travel 2024

• Shuttle bus
• Private car
• Seaplane flights
• Summary of options (with comparison table)
• The reverse route: Halong Bay - Hanoi
• Day trips between Hanoi and Halong Bay
• Tips for different types of travelers

Plan your trip with ease and embark on a memorable adventure from the bustling capital to the serene beauty of Halong Bay.

• Halong Bay is a popular tourist spot, receiving millions of visitors each year, with 90% transiting through Hanoi, according to reports.
• The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 163 kilometers (101 miles).
• The average travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay is around 2,5 to 3 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway, without the need for transfers.
• On average, the bus fare to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi is 150,000 VND (approximately 7 USD).
• Over 100 bus companies operate this route with more than 1,000 round-trips daily.
• The majority of public buses to Halong Bay depart from My Dinh Bus Station, which is located 5 km from the city center.
• The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a scenic journey, passing through rural areas and charming villages, giving visitors a glimpse of authentic Vietnamese life.
• Many tour packages are available, combining the journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay with an overnight stay on a traditional junk boat, allowing visitors to fully experience the beauty of the bay.

Thanks to the new express driveway, it now takes only 2.5 hours to get from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a popular transit point for visitors, to Halong Bay, the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple ways to get from one destination to another, and here is a comprehensive guide on Hanoi - Halong Bay transportation for your reference.

1. Overview

Halong Bay sits on Vietnam’s coastline, just over 163 kilometers  (101 miles) east of Hanoi, and is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Sprinkled with impressive limestone karsts, tropical jungles and idyllic beaches , Halong Bay must not be missed. Luckily, it's incredibly easy to travel there from Hanoi.

Trip information:

2. shuttle bus.

Time:   2 hours and 30 minutes - 3 hours

Pricing:  350,00 VND to 500,000 VND one way/ pax if your pick--up and drop-off points are in Hanoi old quarter . Surcharge may apply if you stay outside of the old quarter area.

Best for:   Shuttle bus is considered one of the most effective means of transport between Hanoi and Halong and vice versa. This is the best option if you are budget-conscious and want to save traveling time.

Types of shuttle bus

Shuttle buses or tourist buses from Hanoi to Halong are widely preferred by both locals and foreigners. Choices of shuttle buses vary from budget-friendly to luxurious ones. Almost all shuttle buses drive on 5B Hanoi - Halong Highway which will take only around 2.5 - 3 hours to arrive. The departure time at Hanoi Old Quarter pick-up points is around 8 am to 9 am.

There are three major types of shuttle buses: standard buses, luxury buses, and shuttle buses managed by cruise companies.

• Standard shuttle buses have various passenger capacities ranging from 16-seater minivan to 29-to-30-seater bus, 35-seater bus, and 45-seater bus.
• Luxury shuttle buses are often 9-seater Limousine and 19-seater Fuso complete with high-end amenities.
• Many cruise companies also have their own shuttle service to pick up and drop off tourists at certain destinations.

Popular shuttle bus companies

Among the numerous shuttle buses operating on the Hanoi-Halong route, the following brands are recommended:

How to book

Although fares can be purchased through the bus company's website directly, you are recommended to book tickets through cruise or tour operators for better assurance.

3. Public bus

• Backpackers

Time: ~2-3 hours

Pricing:  100,000 VND to 250,000 VND/pax/one-way

Best for:  Using local buses is not as comfortable and convenient as shuttle buses, but it is cheaper. When traveling on a budget, a local bus might be a better option.

Bus stations in Hanoi (for Halong bay)

Most local buses depart from three main bus stations including:

• My Dinh Station: 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District, Ha Noi. This big and modern bus station is around 11km from Hanoi Old Quarter. It is the primary bus station that connects Hanoi with provinces in the North and Northwest regions such as Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, ect. From here, there are numerous buses that run every half hour to Bai Chay, Quang Ninh Province for a visit to Halong Bay.
• Giap Bat Station: 6 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District. The distance from Giap Bat bus station to Hanoi Old Quarter is 7km, about a 17-minute drive. This bus station is the busy and chaotic gateway of Hanoi to provinces in Central and Southern Vietnam namely Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few buses running on the Hanoi - Halong route.
• Gia Lam Station: 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi. This is the nearest bus station from Hanoi Old Quarter (5.5km) but bus options to Halong are very limited. The station primarily provides public buses to Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ha Giang, and Tuyen Quang Province.

Bus station map

Popular bus companies

Tickets are available at bus station ticketing offices. No advanced reservation is required.

Local tips: 60% of buses to Halong Bay depart from My Dinh Station, offering a wider choice of bus operators and price ranges.

4. Private car

• Luxury travelers

Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes - 3 hours.

Pricing: 2,300,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND round trip.

Best for: Business travelers, families, and groups of friends who prefer a private and comfortable transfer.

To take a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay, you  can book the service through cruise providers or travel agencies. Alternatively, it is possible to book a private taxi. The private car will pick you up and drop you off at whichever location is agreed upon. This is the easiest way, but also the most expensive, to get to Halong Bay.

Here are some reputable companies and taxi brands with private transfer services:

5. seaplane flights.

• Honeymooners
• Time-efficient travelers

Time: 60 minutes

Pricing: 4,100,000 VND - 9,000,000 VND ~ 175 - 385 USD/ pax

Best for: Affluent travelers and couples to admire aerial views of the bay

Taking a seaplane is the most special and amazing way to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It’s also the fastest way to get to Halong Bay. Moreover, using this aviation service, you will be offered a spectacular seaplane trip with aerial views of the bay. A 45-minute scheduled flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay costs from 4,100,000 VND - 9,000,000 VND.

Port of Departure:

Noi Bai International Airport: Counter E09, Lobby E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi 

Port of Arrival: 

Tuan Chau Marina: Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

How to book a seaplane

The seaplane trip can be booked through the Hai Au Aviation’s website seaplanes.vn or contact [email protected] Hotline: 0962069689

Alternatively, you can contact cruise providers to see if there are any packages available which include a seaplane flight. The plane departs from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and arrives in Tuan Chau Cruise port in Halong Bay. Once arrived, you can take a Grab taxi (similar to Uber) or regular taxi to your final destination.

Time: 6 hours and 45 minutes

Pricing: 94,000 VND ~ 4 USD/ pax

Best for: Backpackers and tourists with a tight budget. This is also a great way to enjoy the scenery on the road if you are not pressed for time.

Recently the railway between Hanoi and Halong Bay reopened allowing tourists to take the train to Halong Bay. For a more authentic Vietnamese experience where you can travel with the landscape just passing by at an easy pace, take the train. This is by far the cheapest option to get to Halong Bay. You can expect a ticket to be a bit less than 80.000 VND (4 USD).

Time and where to catch the train

The train leaves once a day from Yen Vien station in Hanoi at 4:55 am. and arrives at Halong station at 11:41 am, a total travel time of 6 hours and 45 minutes. Once the train arrives in Halong City, you have to arrange additional transportation to reach your hotel or the cruise port. The train going back to Hanoi will also take 6 hours and 46 minutes and leaves Halong station at 1.50 pm. and arrives in Hanoi at 8.31 pm.

You can book tickets at a local travel agency in Hanoi or the railway official website: https://dsvn.vn/

7. Motorbike

• Solo travelers

Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes - 4 hours

Pricing: 118,000 VND to 164,000 VND ~ 5 - 7 USD

Best for:  Adventure travelers, independent backpackers

Are you an adventure seeker? If flexibility in time, traveling route, and thrilling experiences are what you fancy, renting a motorbike to drive to Halong Bay is worth trying. There are many places to rent a motorbike in Hanoi at a cheap cost of just 118,000 VND to 164,000 VND per day. You can get help from your hotel or contact motorbike rental centers directly.

Where to rent a motorbike

Here are some popular brands: 13535 Motorbike Rental Hanoi, Happy Zip Motorbikes Rental & Sale Hanoi, Phung Motorbike, and Tigit Motorbikes Hanoi. The rental fee is around118,000 VND to 164,000 VND per day.

Route directions

Obviously, driving from Hanoi to Halong Bay provides you more chances to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides. However, this option only fits adventurous ones with moderate physical strength. There are two prevalent ways to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

Route 1: Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Halong (155km)

From Hanoi, drive on Highway 5 about 10km to Sai Dong Junction then continue to drive further 23km on Highway 1 to Bac Ninh Province. Follow Highway 18 about 122km to reach Halong City.

Route 2: Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong (170km)

This route is a bit longer but more convenient. From Hanoi, you go to Nam Sach Town, Hai Duong Province then drive on Highway 183 to Halong City.

8. Summary of options (with comparison table)

9. The reverse route: Halong Bay - Hanoi

Transportation from Halong Bay to Hanoi is normally the same as Hanoi to Halong Bay. If you already have a clear travel plan, you should book round-trip tickets from shuttle bus companies and private car transfer providers so you can enjoy a hassle-free journey.

10. Day trips between Hanoi and Halong Bay

Thanks to the construction of the new Highway 5B, you now are able to take a day trip between Hanoi and Halong Bay at ease.

The best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay is to take a shuttle bus or hire a private car. While the former option is more economical, the latter is quicker and more convenient yet expensive. If you travel independently, taking a shuttle bus is the most suitable choice which will cost only around 230,000 VND - 351,000 VND. On the other hand, groups of friends and families with a high budget are highly recommended to choose the private transfer option.

Once you arrive in Halong City, you can easily buy a day cruise ticket to visit Halong Bay. The two most popular routes in Halong Bay for a day tour include:

Route 1: Tuan Chau Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Dinh Huong Islet - Fighting Cock Islet (4 hours)

Route 2: Tuan Chau Port - Dinh Huong Islet - Fighting Cock Islet - Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island (6 hours)

It usually costs 290.000 VND ~ 13 USD per passenger either on route 1 or route 2. Tickets are available at Tuan Chau Port, Ngoc Chau Ward, Tuan Chau, Halong City.

Alternatively, a more convenient and hassle-free option is to book a day cruise with Hanoi - Halong transfer included. There are numerous day cruises on Halong Bay including Estella Premium Day Cruise, Genesis Day Cruise, Amazing Sails, Orchid Day Cruise, Phoenix Day Cruise, and Paradise Luxury Day Cruise.

Notes: All prices are up to date!

11. Tips for different types of travelers

For independent travelers and backpackers

If you travel alone and on a tight budget, the best way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi is to take a shuttle bus (around 351,000 VND - 460,000 VND round trip) or a local bus (around 230,000 - 460,000 VND round trip). The total transfer time is from 2.5 - 3 hours one way. Another option but not highly suggested is to drive a motorbike which will take around 4 hours yet picturesque scenery on the way paid off.

For small groups and families

Traveling in groups or with families means that you are accompanied by others and safety for children is especially the top priority. Therefore, the most suitable way is hiring a private car with various capacities depending on the number of people. It costs around 2,300,000 VND to 3,500,000 VND per car round trip and takes  2.5 - 3 hours to arrive.

For affluent travelers and couples

If money is not a problem, you are highly recommended to experience a seaplane, the most extraordinary way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi. The price ranges from 4,1m to 9m VND per pax depending on tourist seasons.

Questions and Answers (16)

I would like to take boat/cruise from Halong Bay to Hanoi, one way, 2 adults 7th April. What are the options? Currently have private car booked but would like to go by boat if possible. Cindy

@Cindy Kerr, Thank you so much for your question. However, now we don't have any boat from Halong to Hanoi for you. For further information needed, feel free to contact us. Best regards, Helen

Coming to Hanoi in March. Looking to take a 1-2 night cruise to Halong Bay then come back to Hanoi. I'm a single traveler looking for a a mid range to possibly luxury cruise depending on price. Would prefer a cruise with other single travelers rather than families if possible. What would you recommend? Are transfers included with any of the cruises or are they always separate?

@David, Thank you so much for your question. I would like to suggest our best cruises for young people such as Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise, Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan, Orchid Classic Cruise, Capella Cruise. If you want to transfer, you can select it in our form when booking, don't worry. Please check our email for further assistance. Best regards, Helen.  

We are arriving in Halong Bay on board the cruise ship Celebrity Solstice on the 7 December Are taxis readily available at the port as we would like to go into the old quarter in Hanoi If not who would you recommend booking a transfer with and a cost please We also need a transfer back to Halong bay from Hanoi later in the evening

@Heather, Plenty of taxis are available at the port. However, if you want a private 4-seat car, we offer a private sedan car at the cost of US$165/car/round trip. Regards,

Frequently asked questions

1. how much does it cost to transfer by a luxury limousine.

Transferring to Halong Bay on  a  luxury limousine is a bit more expensive than a shuttle bus which is around 930,000-1,050,000 VND/ pax/ round trip. Also bear in mind that it is not an actual limousine but an upgraded Ford Transit car with leather seats and TV. It’s still a lot more comfortable than the standard bus, hence the price difference.

2. Is it possible to take a day trip to Halong Bay?

A day trip to Halong Bay is one of the most popular options. With a round-trip ticket by shuttle bus, luxury Limousine, or bus of a cruise company, you can easily approach Halong Bay within 3 hours. Upon arrival, there are many routes to choose on Halong Bay. Also, a number of day cruises provide unique itineraries to prominent tourist attractions. Here are some of the best day cruises on  Halong Bay: Phoenix Day Cruise, L'Azalée Day Cruise, Orchid Day Cruise, Jade Sails, Genesis Day Cruise, and Estella Premium Day Cruise. 

3. What is the fastest way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi?

If you prefer road transfer, shuttle buses and private cars are the two fastest ways to reach Halong Bay thanks to a direct route without stops. Alternatively, if you have the cash to splash, you can take a seaplane from Noi Bai International Airport to Halong City. 

4. Should I book the transfer directly with car companies or through tourist agencies?

Booking through tourist agencies is  highly recommended because you are likely to get better prices, discounts, and guarantees. Otherwise, the price is often higher as you book directly and it is sometimes difficult to contact the car service providers in case of emergency.

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Hanoi to Halong Bay: The Definitive Travel Guide for 2021

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Absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Halong Bay from Hanoi in 2021, including a comprehensive guide on how to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay on a day tour, overnight cruise, or DIY. Includes what to do in Halong Bay, recommended tour companies, and my top 3 Halong Bay alternatives.

Halong Bay (Hạ Long Bay) is Vietnam’s best-known and most-visited tourist attraction. More than 6 million people flock to the area every year to cruise around on wooden boats, known as junks.

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What makes Halong Bay so unique is the 2,000-odd limestone islands and islets that emerge from the waters off the coast. These range from towering karsts with deep caves, to tiny formations ringed by white-sand beaches.

In 1994, Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ever since then, it’s featured near the top of every traveller’s bucket list.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is the jumping off point for Halong Bay. But figuring out how you’re going to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi can be confusing.

There are literally thousands of tour operators organising tours and packages. Fair to say they vary dramatically in quality.

When I moved to Hanoi, the very first piece of advice I received was ‘Don’t book the $12 Halong Bay cruise’ . It was a good life lesson! I’ve seen far too many travellers get sucked in by cheap deals and have their Halong Bay experience ruined as a result.

This guide is designed to help you tackle Halong Bay like a pro and have the best experience possible. It covers three main topics:

• Hanoi to Halong Bay day tours (great if you have limited time and are travelling on a budget)
• Halong Bay overnight cruises (the best way to see the bay, provided you have the time and funds)
• Halong Bay DIY trips from Hanoi (using bus, train, van or car)

A big thank you to my friend and Hanoi-based tour guide, Trang, who helped to ensure this guide is up-to-date and accurate.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

In this section, I’ll run through the Halong Bay basics: What, where, when, and how. I’ll also throw in my two cents about whether or not Halong Bay is worth visiting.

Feel free to skip ahead if you’ve already done your research.

Halong Bay is located off the coast of Northern Vietnam. It’s part of Quảng Ninh Province, which borders on China. The nearest major city is Halong City (Thành phố Hạ Long).

Most boats and cruises depart from Halong Bay cruise port, also known as Tuan Chau Gateway. It is located on the island of Tuần Châu, 13km or a 20-minute drive from Halong City via land bridge.

The heart of Halong Bay, where boats cruise around the karsts and you get those amazing photos, is approximately 20km off the coast from the port.

Tuan Chau island, the jumping off point for Halong Bay, is located roughly 153km (95 miles) from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

Hanoi and Halong Bay are connected by one of the newest and best highways in the whole country . The area has very good infrastructure, partly because of tourism, and partly because the nearby city of Hai Phong is Northern Vietnam’s main seaport.

It takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car or van. With a bathroom break half-way, the journey usually takes 3.5 hours.

By bus, it takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.

And by train, it takes 7 hours to get to Halong from Hanoi.

Typically, people visit Halong Bay for 1 or 2 nights. If you have the time and your budget allows for it, I recommend staying for 2 nights . This is the option I chose the first time I visited Vietnam.

If you have 2 nights on the boat, you naturally have one full day of cruising, which means a whole day without having to be on a bus or in a car. Having this day in between gives you a chance to relax and take in the landscape.

It also means your junk boat will travel further out into the bay. And the further you go, the less polluted and the more beautiful it gets.

Yes, it is possible to visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi . In this post, I’ll show you exactly how.

A day trip is a good way to go if you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget. Just be aware that a large chunk of your day will be spent in the car. You’ll miss out on the chance to wake up amongst the karsts, which was the highlight of Halong Bay for me.

There’s an elephant in the room.

If you’ve read this blog before, you’ll know that I’m a big believer in travelling off the beaten track. So why am I writing about Halong Bay, Vietnam’s busiest tourist attraction?

Halong Bay is a bit like Sapa: It’s very touristy, it has a pollution problem, and very sadly, tourism development hasn’t been managed particularly well.

But Sapa is still Sapa, and Halong Bay is still Halong Bay.

It’s still a UNESCO Site. It’s still one of the ‘wonders of the world’. And it’s still one of the most majestic landscapes on planet Earth. It’s still a huge employer of local guides, chefs, skippers and tourism professionals, and it’s still a major driver of the tourism economy in Northern Vietnam.

I’m not here to tell you you shouldn’t visit Halong Bay – that would be hypocritical. I have been to Halong Bay twice now, and both times I enjoyed it.

At the same time, I do want you to be aware that there are some great Halong Bay alternatives out there. Bai Tu Long Bay is one of them, and I’ve included a few tour providers that visit Bai Tu long in this guide. At the end of this post, you’ll find more of my favourite Halong Bay alternatives.

Just like you can still have an authentic experience in Sapa, I think it’s possible to have an enjoyable experience on Halong Bay. You just have to be prepared, well-informed, and manage your expectations. Don’t book the $12 cruise!

Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are two separate bays that sit side by side. If you look at the map, you’ll see that Bai Tu Long Bay wraps around the northern coast of Vietnam, just to the northeast of Halong Bay. A third bay, Lan Ha Bay, is located west of Halong Bay. It hugs a large island, Cat Ba.

In recent years, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay have become more popular as alternatives to Halong Bay. The landscape in all three bays is basically the same – dramatic karst rocks and caves. But each one feels very different.

As a general rule, there are more restrictions on how many boats can go out into Bai Tu Long Bay at any one time, so it can be significantly quieter. It’s also more remote and less polluted.

Lan Ha Bay attracts a particular crowd, mainly backpackers and budget travellers, and has additional activities on offer on Cat Ba Island.

Many Halong Bay cruises will take you through Bai Tu Long Bay as part of the itinerary. Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island can be visited separately from Hai Phong (refer to the section on Halong Bay alternatives for more details).

Before we delve into the logistics of your Halong Bay trip, it helps to have an understanding of the different attractions and activities on offer. Not all tours follow the same prescribed itinerary, so having an idea of what you actually want to do on Halong Bay will help you choose one that’s right for you.

Note that anyone visiting Halong Bay must pay a 40,000 VND ($1.70) national park entrance fee. Some attractions, including caves and fishing villages, also charge a small fee (typically 30,000 VND 50,000 VND).

Here is a broad overview of the main things to do in Halong Bay and surrounds.

• Cruising the bay and overnighting on a junk boat
• Touring fishing villages (floating villages)
• Sun Sot (Surprise Cave) & other caves
• Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming
• Ti Top Island (that famous photo spot)

Things to do around Halong Bay:

• Bai Chay Beach
• Halong Queen Cablecar
• Sun World Halong Park
• Poem Mountain
• Cat Ba National Park (Cat Ba Island) and Monkey Island

Most people go to Halong Bay for one reason, and that’s to drift amongst the karsts on board a junk. To go on a junk, you need to book a tour. You can either do that online before you arrive in Vietnam, or in person in Hanoi or Halong.

There are hundreds (literally) of tour operators working in this space, and they differ vastly in quality and price. I’ll say more on this later, but for now, all you need to know is that 95% of Halong Bay cruises include transfers between your hotel in Hanoi and Halong Bay . This will either be rolled into the price, or added on when you book.

In other words, if you book a tour package – which I recommend you do – your transportation to Halong will automatically be taken care of.

There are two basic tour options to choose from, depending on your budget and how much time you have:

• Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi
• Halong Bay overnight cruise from Hanoi (1 or 2 nights)

Under certain circumstances, you might want to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi independently . Consider this option if:

• You prefer a private transfer rather than the standard transfer offered in your tour package (in which case, you can take a private car with driver)
• Your tour package has transport as an optional add-on and you want to find a cheaper option
• You are on a very tight budget and want to organise your cruise the cheapest way possible (in which case, you can use the limousine bus, public bus or train)
• You want to stay in Halong City
• You want to visit Sun World Park and the cable car before Halong Bay

If you do want to travel to Halong Bay independently, know that it’s going to take a bit more organising and a bit more effort. I will go over this in detail in Option C below.

First let’s look at the easiest, quickest and most affordable way to see Halong Bay, and that’s with a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi.

There are a bunch of Halong Bay one-day tour options that cater to travellers who are time-poor but still want to tick the UNESCO site off their list.

I’ll be honest, a Halong Bay day tour is a tighly packed schedule. It starts early, finishes late, and involves spending about 6 hours or more on the road. I probably wouldn’t recommend you attempt it with kids in tow.

It’s still the quickest way to get a taste for the bay. Tours usually include boat cruising, lunch on deck, and a couple of activities such as walking through caves, kayaking or swimming.

It’s possible to book a tour in person at one of the many agencies in Hanoi. However, I strongly recommend booking online. Using a booking service such as Get Your Guide (my first preference) gives you the added safety net of a third party if anything goes awry.

Online payment is secure, cancellation policies are usually quite relaxed if your plans change, and you can manage your booking on the app (no need to print anything).

Booking online also gives you time and space to properly research the options (and when it comes to travelling to Halong Bay from Hanoi, there are a lot).

This reduces the likelihood of getting pressured into something you don’t want to do. Get Your Guide lists the tour provider for each itinerary, so you can do independent research to verify the company before you book.

I would recommend booking your day tour at least 3 weeks out if you’re travelling in low season or 6-8 weeks out if you’re travelling in high season. If push comes to shove, you can usually find a tour with availability a few days out (or even the night before).

I’ve done the legwork for you and put together this list of reputable Halong Bay day tours from Hanoi. Each one follows a good itinerary, has great reviews, and is backed by a reputable company. All tours have an English-speaking guide.

This popular day tour of Halong Bay starts with pick up from your hotel in Hanoi at 7.45am. Transfer to Halong Bay is by limousine van.

You also have the option to organise your own transportation to Halong and meet at the pier. If you do this, $15 (the cost of the van transfer) will be subtracted from the tour price when you book.

On-board Genesis’s air-conditioned junk, you’ll cruise the bay while enjoying a seafood lunch. The tour then visits Sung Sot cave and Hang Luon cave . If you want to kayak or ride a small bamboo boat through the cave, you’ll need to pay an additional $5. Otherwise, stay on the junk and relax.

The boat returns to the pier for refreshments before departing for Hanoi at 5.30pm. At under $90 per person with limousine van transfer , it’s great value for money.

Check prices & book this tour

This full-day cruise skips Halong Bay and heads straight to quieter Bai Tu Long . You’ll spend 6 hours on the water, exploring rock formations and enjoying a traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, the boat arrives at Vun Vieng floating village . You then transfer to a row boat to explore the floating village and visit a fish farm. This tour also visits Thien Canh Son cave, and finishes with sunset on the boat and a cooking demonstration .

Round-trip transfer from Hanoi by shuttle, drinks, lunch, and all entrance fees and equipment hire are included in the price, which starts from just $79 per person.

Đọc thêm: Halong Bay

With a number of add-on luxury extras, this day cruise is perfect for honeymooners or couples. It’s one of the most beautiful boats currently out on the bay.

Meet at their office in the Old Quarter for the transfer to Halong by shuttle bus. Following lunch on board, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave on foot and later, Luon Cave (again, kayak hire is not included in the price).

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit Soi Sim Island and hike up to the top for the iconic panoramic view. There’s a chance to swim afterwards.

As you sail back to the pier, you can organise to have a reflexology massage (not included in the tour price). This day tour starts from $80 per person.

Organised by Charming Vietnam Travel, this day cruise includes a round-trip transfer from Hanoi by coach. After lunch on the boat, you’ll have a chance to explore Thien Cung , a massive limestone grotto.

Forty-five minutes is set aside for kayaking (equipment hire is included in the price). Because transfer is by coach, this tour departs a little earlier at 4.30pm to get you back to Hanoi by 8.30pm. This eats into your time on the water.

There are often great specials on this cruise. The advertised price is $90, but I’ve seen it for as low as $45.

• When booking a Halong Bay tour, you’ll need to enter your details including your full name, passport number and visa expiry date. If you don’t yet have your Vietnam visa, you can note this down. Remember to bring your passport with you on the day! You’ll need it in order to check in at the dock.
• Some tour operators will only pick you up from a hotel, not an Airbnb. That doesn’t mean you have to organise your own transport, it just means you need to get yourself to the nearest hotel for the scheduled pick up.
• Similarly, most tour operators charge an additional fee (around $10) for pick up from a hotel outside of the Old Quarter.
• Most lunches are seafood-heavy, but can be customised. If you’re veg/vegan or you have dietary requirements, give the company plenty of advance warning.
• It’s customary to tip your guide provided you were happy with the service. How much you leave depends on you – and the size of the group, length of the tour, etc. A small tip for your skipper or driver is also appreciated. If you visit a floating village, you often have an opportunity to leave a donation at the local school or library, etc. Do not hand money straight to children.
• Most buses and vans will stop at ‘souvenir’ shops or craft workshops on the road from Hanoi to Halong. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything; it’s perfectly OK just to smile and walk through. Save your money for Hanoi’s shops instead!
• Be very careful to note what’s included in the tour price and what’s not. Most day tours include lunch, but some don’t include drinks. Equipment hire for kayaking is often an optional extra that you have to pay for in cash on the day.
• Overnight tours often have a holiday surcharge (around $20) for Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year.
• Halong Bay tour itineraries are always subject to change. Boats will still sail if it’s raining, but if the weather is bad enough, there’s a chance your tour might be altered or cancelled.

One of the best experiences you can have in Vietnam is spending the night on a Halong Bay junk cruise. I have vivid memories of taking a shower on our junk and looking out the round portal window as the karsts floated by. I will never forget that view!

Like day tours, most overnight cruises start from Hanoi and include transfer to and from your hotel in the price.

Again, I highly recommend booking through a third party agent such as Get Your Guide as an extra insurance policy. You can also book Halong Bay overnight cruises through hotel booking sites Agoda and hanoitohalong.com.

Consider reserving overnight tours a little further in advance – 5-6 weeks out for low season or 10-12 weeks out for high season.

Most (but not all) overnight cruises follow a very similar itinerary. The main difference between companies is the quality of the boat and the standard of the accommodation and food.

Here is a shortlist of 7 reputable companies that offer overnight Halong Bay overnight cruises.

This 2D1N overnight cruise focuses on Bai Tu Long Bay. The deluxe ocean view cabins and family suites (up to 3 people) are ultra swish and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows. On-board activities include Tai Chi and traditional massage.

There’s plenty of time set aside for swimming, visiting floating villages in a sampan boat, and caving. On the last day, you’ll be treated to a traditional Vietnamese cooking class before heading back to Hanoi for a 4.30pm arrival.

Note that drinks are not included in the tour price. Hotel pick up from Hanoi must be added on at the time of booking and costs $25 per person.

Lee and James, The Travel Scribes, booked their cruise with Paloma and had this to say:

“If you’re looking for a mid-range option for Bai Tu Long Bay, then Paloma Cruises is a cracking choice. One of the better operators in this breath-taking area, Paloma offers a 4 star experience that often feels closer to 5 star luxury than the price tag might suggest.

“Think crisp white linen, downy soft pillows, well-appointed rooms and – of course – a bathroom with a view of limestone karsts as you drift on past. The highlights of doing a Paloma Cruise? Undoubtedly, the food. Over your time on the boat you’ll be plied with deliciously pungent pumpkin soup, heavenly sweet and sour chicken and more gourmet food than you can shake a spring roll at.

“Speaking of spring rolls, the crew do a great little exercise of ‘making’ your own spring roll – it’s activities like this, and the impeccable eye to detail and friendliness of the entire staff contingent that makes the Paloma experience so special.

“Your activities while aboard are quite standard – tai chi in the mornings, a visit to the caves, kayaking in the bay, and a visit to the fishing village and pearl farm. It’s all wrapped up in a well-executed yet affordable package.”

Check availability and rates on Agoda or book the 2D1N tour via Get Your Guide. Paloma also offers a 3D2N option with a BBQ lunch, and a full day for swimming.

This luxury cruise is a bit different from the others because it concentrates on Lan Ha Bay while incorporating a visit to Cat Ba Island.

The 3D2N option includes a bicycle trip around the island in addition to the usual kayaking, caving, Tai Chi, etc. It’s a great choice if you want to spend some time off the water in the national park. The 2D1N option visits Cat Ba on the last day.

Both include transfers from Hanoi by limousine bus and accommodation in superb 5-star cabins (full-size bath and private balcony included). The interconnecting suites are perfect for families.

Check availability and rates on Agoda or book the 3D2N tour via Get Your Guide.

One of the flashest boats on the bay, this is a great option for luxury travellers or honeymooners. Suites (there are only 11 of them, making for an intimate experience) are spacious and thoughtfully decorated with bespoke wood furnishings.

The 2D1N itinerary (more here) has a relaxed pace, with lots of downtime to enjoy the on-board spa.

Eric from Travel Babbo took a Hera Cruise and had this to say:

“We did a two-day, one-night cruise with Hera Cruises on Ha Long Bay this past summer. Having sailed with a different company in the past, I was extraordinarily impressed with Hera. Our cabin was huge with a private deck that took up half the back of the ship. (We enjoyed afternoon tea on the deck). Our bathroom and tub were large as well. The food was excellent, and there way too much of it.

“We stopped at a floating village in the afternoon and boated around with one of the residents. Having done this on a previous trip, I was disappointed how standardized and touristy it had become. For that reason we skipped the caves the next morning and opted to kayak instead, which was amazing but unfortunately now restricted to just one spot. I understand it’s the same for all visitors?

“Hera is more expensive than other companies, but we felt like it was worth it given how few others were on our ship (maybe 6?), the service and our cabin.”

This boat features spacious rooms and a huge upper deck. Full English breakfast is served every morning. The 2D1N cruise (full itinerary here) focuses on Lan Ha Bay and includes visits to two caves and a row boat ride. Transfer from Hanoi is by shuttle bus.

Shandos from Travelnuity did a tour with Sapphire and had this to say:

“My husband and I had a wonderful time on our overnight cruise with Halong Sapphire. Everything ran very smoothly and the meals on the first day in particular were excellent – a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine.

“If you’re wanting a romantic experience, I highly recommend spending extra to upgrade to a cabin with a spa bath! Just one thing – the drinks on board are more expensive than elsewhere in Vietnam, so keep this in mind before ordering too many cocktails, plus bring along a couple of big bottles of water.”

Check nightly rates on Agoda

When I cruised with Indochina Junk on my first trip to Vietnam, I went with the standard Halong Bay itinerary. They now offer a great alternative tour that combines Bai Tu Long Bay with a visit to Yen Duc village on the mainland.

The 2D1N tour includes VIP van transfer from Hanoi and accommodation in one of 24 luxury cabins. The boat features a full spa and seawater pool as well.

Caving, kayaking and swimming feature on the first day. On the second day, you’ll visit Yen Duc on the way back to Hanoi for a water puppet show and a look around the traditional Vietnamese villiage.

Book the 2D1N tour via Get Your Guide or visit the Indochina Junk website for more itinerary options.

If you want to make your budget stretch further, Majestic Halong offers the same sort of activities as other cruises but at a lower price. The rooms are not as luxurious as some of the other boats, and the shuttle transfer from Hanoi costs extra.

2D1N and 3D2N itineraries (more here) both include the hike up Ti Top Mountain.

Julie from Ruhls of the Road cruised with Majestic and had this to say:

“Majestic Cruise is a great budget friendly option for cruising through Halong Bay. For our cruise, the boat fit about 20 people fully loaded which made for a more intimate experience than the larger capacity ships. Our room was fully equipped with a queen bed and our own balcony for morning coffee and relaxation.

“The itinerary was filled with activities, including a cooking class, kayaking, squid fishing and Tai Chi as the sun came up! All meals came included in the cruise price and were delicious! Lastly, our guide was top notch, friendly, knowledgable and hilariously entertaining.

“We chose Majestic Cruise mainly because this was an inexpensive option that still had a ton of excursions. We were very pleased with our experience and would recommend cruising through Halong Bay during a trip to Vietnam.”

The cabins on Rosa Boutique are some of the nicest you’ll find on the bay. Choose from doubles or interconnecting family cabins for this 2D1N itinerary, which includes a visit to Sung Sot cave, a Tai Chi class and cooking class.

Round-trip hotel transfer from Hanoi by coach is included in the price. Or, you can upgrade to the Rosa Eco Bus (a luxury minivan) for an extra $20 per person.

Check availability and rates on Agoda or book the 2D1N tour via Get Your Guide.

Check nightly rates on AgodaBook the 2D1N tour on GetYourGuide

If you want to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay independently, there are several options available. In the next section, I’ll go through each transportation method in detail.

PRIVATE DRIVER

• From $70/car

Book a car here

LIMOUSINE VAN

• From $20/person

Buy tickets here

Đọc thêm: How to get from VIETNAM to LAOS (2021)?

• From $5-11/person
• From $3.50/person

There are a few major advantages to booking a private car and driver from Hanoi. It’s a door-to-door service, you can stop whenever you want, and it’s a lot faster than the bus or van (a professional driver can get you from Hanoi to Halong Bay in as little as 2 hours).

Ouros Travel is one of many local companies that run SUVs, sedans and small vans between Hanoi and Halong. The quoted price is per vehicle, and depending on what model you choose, it will cost you between $70 and $150.

If you’re travelling with kids or a large group, this can work out as an economical alternative to the bus.

Book a private car here

If you’re flying into Hanoi and you want to hit the ground running, you can pre-book a private transfer from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Halong Bay.

The driver will meet you at the airport in Hanoi and drop you off either at the boat dock in Tuan Chau or at your hotel in Halong.

This is a particularly good option if you’re arriving mid-morning and want to get to Halong on the same day. I would also consider using this service to get back to the airport after your cruise. Most tour companies will drop you at the airport, but a private car is a safer bet if you’re trying to make a tight connection.

Book a private airport transfer here

I love limousine buses and used them regularly when I lived in Hanoi to get to Ninh Binh, Sapa, Thai Nguyen, and other locations around the North. The limousine van is a nice middle ground between hiring a private car and taking a public bus.

Basically, it’s a minivan fitted out with super comfy lazyboy-style recliner chairs. WIFI, power sockets and drinking water is all provided. It’s a door-to-door service.

A good budget limousine van is Phuc Xuyen . They run 10 vans throughout the day to Halong, starting from 7.40am. Tickets start from $9.50 and can be reserved online. These vans leave from Hai Ba Trung (southeast of the Old Quarter) and terminate in Halong City. That means you’ll need to make your own way to the boat dock at Tuan Chau.

Buy tickets for the limousine van here

I can also recommend Rosa Eco Bus , which departs from their office on Hang Voi (the French Quarter) once daily at 7.30am and gets into Halong at 11.20am. Tickets cost $23.50 per person.

You can book online and email them to arrange a hotel pick up if you prefer.

Buy bus tickets here

There are several bus services between Hanoi and Halong. Some terminate at Tuan Chau Gateway (the boat dock), while others only go as far as Bai Chay Bus Station on the outskirts of Halong City. Make sure you check before you board.

Sapa Dragon Express is my top choice. The coaches have AC, and you can reserve tickets online in advance to avoid missing out. There is a scheduled departure for Tuan Chau every day from the Sapa Dragon office in Hanoi Old Quarter. It leaves at 8am and arrives at the dock at 12pm. Tickets cost $11 .

A cheaper option is local bus company Kumho Viet Thanh . They run 7 buses every day starting from 6am and finishing at 6pm. Tickets cost 120K VND ( $5.20 ) and can be bought from the bus station in Hanoi or online here. Note that these buses terminate at Bai Chay Bus Station.

Hanoi has several bus stations. The one you want for Kumho Viet Thanh is My Dinh . A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to My Dinh costs 120K VND ( $5.20 ).

At the other end, a Grab car from Bai Chay Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ( $5 ). This brings the total cost to approximately $15.40 , making the Sapa Dragon bus a more affordable option overall.

You can also travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train. There is just one train daily, Vietnam Railways train 51501. It departs from Yen Vien Station bright and early at 4.55am, and pulls in at Halong Train Station (Ga Hạ Long) at 11.45am.

A ticket for the train costs $3.50 per person . There are only hard seats available on this service. When you book tickets online, you can choose your seat.

A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to Yen Vien Station in the city’s east costs at least 140K VND ( $6 ). At the other end, a Grab car from Halong Train Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ( $5 ). This brings the total cost to approximately $14.50 .

If you’re taking this train or any other train in Vietnam, make sure you read my tips for what to pack for a long rail journey.

Buy train tickets here

Budget: BBQ Hostel (from $8) has free bikes and a popular on-site restaurant.

Mid-range: Beachfront Deja Vu House (from $24) has a gorgeous design and boutique-y feel. It’s close to the beach on the eastern side of town (other side of Bai Chay Bridge), and features a shared kitchen and free bikes.

Up-market: Novotel Halong Bay (from $63) is close to Bai Chay Beach and has a spectacular outdoor pool. Wyndham Legend (from $92) is located in the city. The high-rise has ultra-modern rooms and two cocktail bars.

There are a couple of options here: Join a cruise coming from Hanoi that gives you the option to meet at the boat dock, book a boat cruise that includes pick from your hotel in Halong, or head down to the dock in the morning and join a boat tour. Your hotel should be able to give you more advice on the latter.

To do a Halong Bay tour on the fly:

• Get yourself from Hanoi to Halong City using one of the transport methods above
• Transfer to Tuan Chau boat dock (a car costs 140K or a bike 70K when booked through Grab).
• Buy a cruise ticket at the dock in Tuan Chau (250,000 VND per person for 4-6 hours, plus an extra 40,000 VND for entrance to the UNESCO Zone)

If you base yourself in Halong City, you have an opportunity to do other activities in the area. Popular spots include Sun World Park (a massive amusement park, great for kids) and Queen Cable Car. You also have the option to hike up Poem Mountain for a nice view of the bay.

It’s also worth having a stroll around Halong City to visit the local market and Quang Ninh Museum. Like nearby Haiphong, Halong is a great example of a less-touristy city that has its own particular charms.

Ti Top Island and Sung Sot cave can be visited on a short boat trip from Halong. Just head to the dock and ask around.

Or for something completely different, try a Halong City food tour or even a hot stone massage.

EFFICIENT OPTION

• From $65/person with transfers from Hanoi

Browse tours here

BEST OVERALL OPTION

OVERNIGHT CRUISE

• From $150/person with transfers from Hanoi

Browse cruises here

DIY OPTION 1

DIY OPTION 2

DIY OPTION 3

DIY OPTION 4

• Your passport. Most companies require you to present your documents when you check in for your cruise at the dock (even if it’s just a day trip).
• Motion sickness and/or sea sickness medication. Pack plenty for the boat and the bus/car if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Book or e-reader. Depending on what kind of tour you do, there may be some downtime. All boats have WIFI these days, but I recommend unwinding with a book. I travel with a Kindle and couldn’t live without it.
• A reusable water bottle. Absolutely essential for minimising plastic waste and staying hydrated. I love my S’Well water bottle – it’s vacuum insulated to keep water icy cold for the whole day, and it doesn’t sweat. Most boats have pure water refill stations.
• Rehydration tablets or sachets. I always travel with a tube of Hydralyte tablets.
• Rain jacket. It does get wet on the bay, so it’s good to have rain gear with you in case you get caught out when you’re kayaking or exploring the caves. I love the packable rain jackets by Lomon for women and EZRUN for men.
• Your swim kit. Don’t forget your bathers! Towels, snorkels and flippers and provided. If you want to bring your own instead, you can.
• Warm jacket or scarf. It can get chilly in the evening when you’re out on the water, so remember to pack something you can throw over your shoulders at night.

• Choose a locally owned company if you can.
• Don’t litter! Avoid single-use plastics when you’re out on the bay (and anywhere else in Vietnam or Southeast Asia, for that matter).
• Be respectful when visiting floating villages. Remember that these are people’s homes and communities. Never photograph children.
• Support a few of these Hanoi social enterprises when you’re back in the city – all do amazing work for the environment and Vietnamese people.

If you decide that Halong Bay isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I can recommend these 3 alternative options.

• Bai Tu Long Bay & Yen Duc Village: This is definitely an option you should consider for a more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience. I love that this tour combines a boat trip and a homestay, so you get to experience the best of both worlds. It’s run by Indochina Junk, one of the most reputable tour companies working on the bay.
• Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay: I recently visited Cat Ba Island and did a boat trip around Lan Ha Bay. It was pleasant – much quieter than Halong, and the National Park offers some great outdoor activities including cycling tours and hiking. Unfortunately though Lan Ha Bay is quite polluted – plastic waste is a huge problem.
• Ninh Binh: ‘Halong Bay on land’, as it’s known, also offers boat trips (although the waterways are very shallow), cool bungalow accommodation and other activities. It’s only 1.5 hours from Hanoi, making it a great day trip option. Here is my comprehensive Ninh Binh guide and itinerary.

If you’re going to Halong Bay, you’ll probably be staying in Hanoi on either side of your trip. My favourite hotel in Hanoi is Essence Hanoi . The rooms are gorgeous, the on-site restaurant is one of the best in the city, and the service is unbeatable.

When we did our Halong Bay tour, Essence stored our big luggage free of charge. When we got back, they allowed us to have a shower before our night train, even though we had already checked out.

We went back and stayed with them again just recently. Read my full review of Essence Hanoi Hotel or check rates and availability on Agoda.

A great budget-friendly alternative is Tung Tran Hotel . I stayed here when I first arrived in Hanoi. It’s run by a beautiful family, and it’s located right in the beating heart of the Old Quarter. Check rates and availability on Agoda.

If Airbnb is more your thing, here is my curated list of the best quintessentially Hanoian Airbnb apartments.

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam.

– Find affordable flights to Vietnam on hanoitohalong.com, a booking site that mixes and matches airlines to find the best route (there’s a money back guarantee if you miss a connection).- Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online.- Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport.- Pre-order a local 4G sim card for pickup at your first Vietnam hotel.- Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel.- Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa, Da Nang, Hue or Saigon.- Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using Baolau or Bookaway.- Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.- Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.- Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.- Try an alternative tour or DIY experience with social enterprise Backstreet Academy.- Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam.

Still have questions, concerns about visiting Halong Bay? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out.

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Best of Luxury: Oriental Jade Hotel + Stellar of the Seas Cruise

• Comfortable and spacious room with full-length windows in the 5-star hotel amidst Hanoi Old Quarter
• Overnight on the luxury cruise with state-of-the-art facilities
• Less touristy Lan Ha Bay route with highlights: Dark-Bright Cave & Ao Ech Area
• Transfer door-to-door by luxury car and limousine van

Luxury Duo: Sofitel Legend Metropole + Paradise Cruise

• Stay at the most luxurious hotel in Hanoi
• Overnight stay on board the most beautiful cruise in Halong Bay
• Visit Surprise Cave
• Transfer door-to-door with our luxury car

Hot deal: San Grand Hotel + Paradise Sails

• 1 night trip with Paradise Sails
• Enjoy dinner while contemplating the view of the Bay
• Visit the largest cave in Halong Bay - Surprising Cave
• Stay at one of the nicest hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter - San Grand Hotel

Honeymoon Package: Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise + Soleil Hotel

• Stay just 2 minute walk to Hanoi Old Quarter
• Visit Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay in one trip
• Free limousine shuttle transfer Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi

Family Getaway: Somerset Hotel + Orchid Cruise

• Stay at the most family-friendly hotel in Hanoi
• Overnight stay on board the most beautiful cruise in Halong Bay with unique routing
• Only 2.5 hour transfer from hotel to pier
• Free city tour included

Best Hanoi Halong Bay Sapa Itinerary for 7 Days

• Food tour of Hanoi and sample what best Hanoi has to offer
• Overnight train trip to Lao Cai (Sapa) and wake up in sunrise over mountain
• A good hike passing many ethnic minority's vilalge
• Spend the night on a cruise in Halong Bay, surrounded by water and mountain

Scarlet Pearl + Acoustic Hotel & Spa

• 2 day 1 night Tour on Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay with Scarlet Pearl Cruise
• 2 night stay at the most popular boutique hotel Acoustic Hotel & Spa
• Visit Lan Ha Bay, the lesser known part of Halong Bay

Luxury at its best: Capella Cruise + Pan Pacific Hotel

• Cruise on Capella Cruise - one of the best luxury cruises in the Bay
• Overnight stay at Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi and enjoy a delectable buffet breakfast
• Private luxury car for transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay

Meritel Hotel & Spa + Ambassador Cruise

• Visit Halong Bay with the luxury Ambassdor Cruise
• Daily breakfasts at the hotel and meals on board included
• Enjoy the best value trip with an affordable budget

Calista Hotel + Amanda Cruise

• Experience 2 day 1 night cruise tour to Halong Bay
• Stay in central Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the best food and activities
• Visit Surprise Cave - the largest cave in Halong Bay

Best Value: Hanoi Esplendor Hotel + La Pandora Cruise

• Best budget option: La Pandora Cruise + Esplendor Hotel
• Stay in central Hanoi Old Quarter - the best place for food and activity
• Visit Dark-Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay - one of the most pristine areas with kayaking and rowing boat experience

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Can i adjust the number of nights staying in the hotel.

Yes. You can surely extend or shorten your length of stay in the hotel. Feel free to contact our consultant for the adjusted cost and detailed information.

Is there a tour guide in the cruise package?

No. Our cruise package does not include a tour guide. However, if you want to book a tour guide, send us your request and we will assist you with the service.

Are all meals included in the package?

Cruise packages include hotel accommodation with daily breakfast and all meals on the cruise (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner for 2 day 1 night cruise and 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners for 3 day 2 night cruise). The surcharge will be applied if you want to book lunch and dinner in the hotel. Please contact our consultant for the quote and detailed information.

Can we book the combo for cruise first and hotel later? We would like to go directly from the airport to the cruise pier.

Yes. You can book the combo with cruise first and hotel later. However, there is no direct cruise bus from the airport to the cruise pier. If you go from the airport, we can arrange a private car from there to the cruise port and you can use the cruise bus on the way back to Hanoi. The fee will be adjusted a bit so don't hesitate to get in touch with our consultant for the best support.

Can we stay only 1 night in the hotel and 2 nights on the cruise? Do you drop us off at Noi Bai Airport after the cruise?

Sure. You can adjust your stay in the hotel and on the cruise. However, the price of hotel and cruise are different, so there will be a change in the total cost. For the drop-off service, all shuttle buses just drop guests off in the center of Hanoi which is around 30 km from the airport. Therefore, if you want to be dropped off at Noi Bai Airport after the cruise, you can book a private car or come back to central Hanoi by bus and then transfer to another vehicle to go to the airport.

Cruise + Hotel Packages

If Southern Vietnam boasts poetic white sandy beaches, sand dunes, and islands, Northern Vietnam is never less enchanting with ancient Hanoi, the UNESCO Natural Heritage Site Halong Bay, and a bunch of outstanding mountainous landscapes in Sapa, Ha Giang, Moc Chau, etc.

Hanoi is not only the most popular transport hub for travelers but is also the capital of 1000 years of civilization with stunning landscapes and antique beauty of historical relics that everyone wants to spend at least one or two nights, besides Halong. Instead of researching too much and being overwhelmed, we have built up highlight cruise packages matching your different needs. Whether you are traveling with your family or your newlywed wife or husband on a honeymoon, or you are looking for a low-budget or ultra-luxury stay, we guarantee to offer the best combo of hotel and Halong Bay cruise at the best price.

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Our cruise packages are always based on our expert's knowledge and the actual experience of our former customers. However, if your itinerary doesn't match the available itinerary, we are happy to adjust or rebuild the package based on your needs. Keep in mind that customer experience is always our first priority.

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Hanoi to Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide 2024

PLANNING A TRIP FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY?

You’ve come to the right place — as we have traveled around Vietnam since 2015!

Get ready for the ultimate guide to an epic adventure from Hanoi to Halong Bay! 

We’ve got transportation tips, hidden gems, and everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Brace yourself for picturesque landscapes, hidden caves, and sparkling waters. 

Let’s make this journey one for the books! Hanoi to Halong Bay, here we come!

Approximate Distance Between Hanoi and Halong Bay

Let’s check the distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay. 

It’s roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) between these incredible spots in northern Vietnam. As you venture from the lively city of Hanoi to the tranquil allure of Halong Bay, prepare for breathtaking landscapes and a peek into rural life. 

Knowing this distance helps you pick the ideal mode of transportation for your adventure!

Hanoi to Halong Bay (Hai Phong) via Air

Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by air involves a few steps as there are no direct flights available. Here are the options:

• The travel time from Hanoi to Hai Phong by air is at least 3 hours including the stopover, and the road trip from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay takes about 1.5 hours. There are also seaplane options available (more of this later), which offer a unique and scenic way to explore the Bay.
• Via Ho Chi Minh City : Although this route is a bit roundabout, it might be suitable for those who also want to visit Ho Chi Minh City. You can fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and then take another flight to Hai Phong (Van Don International Airport). From Hai Phong, you can travel by road to Ha Long Bay. The total travel time, including layovers, can be quite long, so this option might not be the most convenient.

While flying is considered faster, it is not the case for Hanoi-Halong Bay. It’s important to note that these options are less convenient than taking a bus or private transfer .

The bus is the most popular mode of transportation, with fares starting from $20 per person for a round trip. The average transfer time through National Highway 5B (170 km) is about 2.5 hours. Private cars and shuttle buses are also available for those who prefer a more comfortable and flexible journey.

Nearby Airports or Terminals in Halong Bay

In Halong Bay, the primary airport serving the region is Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh.

Located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Halong Bay, this modern airport offers convenience for travelers arriving by air. It serves as the gateway to the mesmerizing beauty of Halong Bay, providing easy access to popular destinations such as Tuan Chau Island and Bai Chay.

Another option is through Cat Bi International Airport in Haiphong . It is around 41 kilometers (25 miles) away from Halong Bay.

Upon arrival at Van Don or Cat Bi International Airport, you can arrange transfers to your desired location in Halong Bay, be it your hotel or the embarkation point for your cruise. Shuttle services and private transfers are readily available to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition from the airport to your final destination.

Read also: Getting from Hanoi Noi Bai airport to Halong Bay

Bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay

If you’re looking for cost-effective and flexible transportation options to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, shuttle buses and private transfers are excellent choices. 

Let’s delve into the details of these options and discover how they can enhance your journey.

Round-Trip Bus Schedule: Hanoi to Halong Bay and Back

Shuttle buses from hanoi to halong bay.

Shuttle buses are a popular mode of transportation for travelers seeking convenience and affordability. They offer a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic route.

Shuttle buses are known for their convenience in terms of multiple departure times throughout the day. Reputable bus companies provide regular services, ensuring flexibility in planning your itinerary. 

Some well-regarded bus companies operating on this route include Cat Ba Express and Halong Bay Express.

Bus Providers between Hanoi and Halong Bay

Cat Ba Express

Recognized as a dependable bus service, Cat Ba Express is renowned for its consistent and cozy transportation. The company runs daily shuttle services from Hanoi to Halong Bay, offering a practical and budget-friendly travel solution.

Their buses are fitted with air conditioning, assuring a comfortable voyage. With a firm commitment to customer contentment and safety, Cat Ba Express remains a preferred choice for many travelers.

Scheduled services leave at 7:45 AM, 10:45 AM, and 2 PM daily. One-way tickets cost $14 per person, while a round trip is priced at $27 per person.

Halong Bay Express

Another esteemed bus service is the Halong Bay Express. Specializing in transportation between Hanoi and Halong Bay, they provide cozy buses helmed by experienced drivers, ensuring a seamless and delightful journey.

With their reliable services and affordable fares, Halong Bay Express is a preferred choice for many travelers. They will pick you up in your hotel around the Hanoi Old Quarter from 8:00-8:30 AM. 

You may also try to book bus tickets from the following shuttle bus operators:

Approximate Travel Time and Cost

The travel time by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay is approximately 2.5-4 hours , depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken. This duration allows you to appreciate the scenic beauty of Vietnam’s countryside as you make your way to Halong Bay.

In terms of cost, public buses are an economical option. Fares typically range from $7 to $20 per person , offering a budget-friendly means of transportation. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure your seat and take advantage of any discounted fares.

The three main bus stations are My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Gia Lam.

• My Dinh Bus Station : My Dinh Bus Station is located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of Hanoi Old Quarter. The travel time from Hanoi Old Quarter to My Dinh Bus Station by car or taxi is usually around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic congestion.
• Gia Lam Bus Station : Positioned nearly 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) to the northeast of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the transit time from the Old Quarter to Gia Lam Bus Station typically ranges between 15 and 25 minutes by vehicle or taxi, contingent on the traffic flow.
• Giap Bat Bus Station : Positioned roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the south of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the journey time from the Old Quarter to Giap Bat Bus Station usually hovers around 15 to 20 minutes by vehicle or taxi, depending on traffic levels.

Private Transfer Options

For travelers desiring personal space, comfort, and adaptability, private transfers offer an optimal solution for commuting from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Engaging a private vehicle or van enables you to tailor your trip to your liking and timetable.

Benefits of Hiring a Private Car or Van :

• Flexibility : With a private transfer, you have the freedom to choose your departure time and make stops along the way. You can pause to capture scenic photographs or explore attractions that catch your interest.
• Comfort : Private transfers provide a comfortable and spacious environment, allowing you to relax throughout the journey. You can enjoy the views and travel in style, knowing that the vehicle is dedicated solely to you and your companions.
• Personalized Service : The drivers of private transfer services are often experienced and knowledgeable about the region. They can offer insights, recommendations, and local tips, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Reliable Transportation Services

When considering private transfers, it’s vital to choose a reliable transport service. Esteemed providers around Hanoi include the likes of Asia Car Service and Xuan Thanh Limousine. These companies have a demonstrated history of offering top-notch service, professional drivers, and well-kept vehicles.

In selecting a private transfer service , it’s wise to consider aspects such as customer feedback, safety history, and the variety of vehicles on offer. This guarantees a relaxing and hassle-free journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Whether you opt for the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of shuttle buses or the luxury and adaptability of private transfers, both alternatives serve as excellent means of travel between Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Motorbike

Are you ready for a thrilling escapade? 

Put on your helmet and embrace the liberty of traversing the spectacular landscapes between Hanoi and Halong Bay on two wheels.

The Charm of Motorbike Travel

The allure of the open road, the breeze in your hair, and the autonomy to follow your heart’s desires make motorbike travel a magical experience. Riding from Hanoi to Halong Bay offers an intimate connection with the surroundings, allowing you to take in the breathtaking sights and uncover hidden treasures along the way.

Renting a Motorbike

Securing a motorbike rental in Hanoi is a hassle-free process, with a variety of rental shops available throughout the city. Be sure to select a trustworthy rental company that provides well-maintained bikes and essential safety gear.

Always carry your driver’s license and wear a helmet.

Navigating the Route

To find your way, use a GPS device or mobile navigation applications, which will guide you and keep you on the right path.

Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand and organize your stops. Carrying a physical map as a backup is also advisable in case of technological issues.

Safety Tips

Prioritizing safety is essential when setting off on a motorbike journey. Here are several important pointers to keep in mind:

• Make certain you possess a valid driving license and sufficient insurance protection.
• Consistently wear a helmet and appropriate protective equipment.
• Abide by all traffic laws and standards.
• Remain vigilant about road conditions and adjust your velocity accordingly.
• Ensure you stay well-hydrated and take consistent breaks to avoid tiredness.

Local Points of Interest and Breaks

As you journey along, you’ll discover numerous sites and rest stops worth a visit. Some popular attractions include:

• Bat Trang Ceramic Village : Here, you can experience the age-old craft of ceramics and observe artisans at work, creating magnificent pottery pieces.
• Yen Duc Village : Soak in the pastoral allure of Yen Duc Village, where you can witness local agricultural practices, interact with the locals, and perhaps try your hand at traditional farming activities.
• Quang Ninh Museum : Situated in Halong City, the Quang Ninh Museum displays the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Wander through the exhibits to learn about the history, geology, and biodiversity of this area.

Packing Essentials

When setting out on a motorbike adventure, thoughtful packing is essential. Here are some items to consider for your packing list:

• Helmet and safety gear
• Comfortable and suitable attire for the weather
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Water and refreshments for the journey
• Embrace the Journey!

When it comes to exploring the enchanting landscapes between Hanoi and Halong Bay, there’s nothing like the thrill of a motorbike adventure. Enjoy the ride!

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Seaplane

This unique mode of transportation offers a thrilling and picturesque way to travel, providing breathtaking aerial views of the stunning landscapes below.

The Allure of Seaplane Travel

Imagine taking off from the waters of Hanoi and witnessing the beauty of Halong Bay from a bird’s-eye view. Seaplane travel offers a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to appreciate the sheer magnitude and splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Seaplane Operators

When it comes to seaplane travel, Hai Au Aviation is the leading operator in Vietnam, offering regular flights between Hanoi and Halong Bay. With a fleet of modern and well-maintained aircraft, they ensure a safe and comfortable journey. 

Hai Au Aviation is renowned for their professional crew and commitment to customer satisfaction, making them a trusted choice for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Here are the available flights:

Duration and Timing of Flights

Taking a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a quick and handy means of travel, taking about 45 minutes . 

The flight schedules are thoughtfully arranged, with several departures daily , offering flexibility in arranging your travel plans. It’s recommended to book your tickets ahead of time to guarantee your desired departure time and facilitate a smooth journey.

Breathtaking Aerial Views

As you take off from Hanoi, be prepared to be awe-struck by the breathtaking aerial views of the Vietnamese countryside. 

From the lush green fields and winding rivers of the Red River Delta to the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay , every moment of the journey offers a visual feast for the senses. 

Keep your camera ready to capture the panoramic beauty that unfolds beneath you.

Landing in Halong Bay

Upon arrival in Halong Bay, the seaplane lands gracefully on the water , providing a unique and memorable experience. 

You’ll be amazed at the smooth landing and the opportunity to disembark onto a floating platform. 

From there, you can continue your adventure by exploring Halong Bay’s iconic attractions, hopping on a cruise, or indulging in various activities that the region offers.

Environmental Consciousness

Seaplane operators, such as Hai Au Aviation, are committed to environmental sustainability . They adhere to strict guidelines and take measures to minimize their ecological impact. 

By choosing seaplane travel, you contribute to responsible tourism practices and can appreciate the beauty of Halong Bay while preserving its natural splendor for future generations.

Setting Sail from Hanoi to Halong Bay: The Overnight Cruise Tour Experience

Halong Bay’s breathtaking beauty makes it an irresistible destination. As one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it has captivated the hearts of both locals and international travelers. 

A popular and immersive way to explore this natural spectacle is through an overnight cruise tour from Hanoi. Let us shed light on why such cruise tours are a top choice among travelers, and what you can expect from different types of cruise tours.

The Overnight Cruise Tours Experience Defined

The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay via an overnight cruise tour promises a deep dive into the stunning allure of this famous bay. Imagine this: you’re on board a magnificent ship, sailing across glistening turquoise waters, with the backdrop of towering limestone karsts leaving you awe-struck. 

This mode of exploration is not just travel; it’s a blend of adventure, relaxation, and an exploration journey that leaves an unforgettable imprint in your memory.

Advantages of an Overnight Cruise Experience

Choosing an overnight cruise tour offers several advantages that contribute to a truly memorable journey:

• Immersive Experience : Overnight cruise tours allow you to spend ample time in Halong Bay, witnessing the changing landscapes and captivating scenery at different times of the day. This immersive experience lets you truly absorb the beauty and tranquility of the bay.
• Luxurious Amenities : Many cruise tours offer luxurious accommodations with high-end amenities, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of Halong Bay from the comfort of your well-appointed cabin.
• Variety of Activities : Overnight cruise tours provide a wide range of activities to enrich your experience. From cave exploration and kayaking or swimming in the bay to enjoying mesmerizing sunset views and participating in cooking classes, there’s something for everyone.
• Visit Floating Fishing Villages : One of the highlights of an overnight cruise tour is the opportunity to visit floating fishing villages. These unique communities offer insights into the traditional way of life and allow you to interact with the local residents, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the region.

Types of Cruise Tours Available

When it comes to overnight cruises, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Luxury Cruise Tours : Luxury cruise tours provide an opulent and pampering experience. They offer spacious cabins, top-notch facilities, gourmet dining, and a range of onboard activities. Indulge in spa treatments, enjoy fine dining experiences, and unwind in luxurious lounges while marveling at the beauty of Halong Bay.
• Mid-Range Cruise Tours : Mid-range cruise tours strike a balance between affordability and comfort. They offer comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and well-planned itineraries that showcase the best of Halong Bay. These cruises are suitable for travelers seeking a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
• Budget-Friendly Cruise Tours : Budget-friendly cruise tours provide basic accommodations and essential amenities, catering to travelers who are mindful of their expenses. While the accommodations may be simpler, these cruise tours still offer an opportunity to explore Halong Bay’s natural wonders and engage in exciting activities.

Activities and Attractions Included in the Cruise Tour Itinerary

During your overnight cruise tour, you’ll have the chance to partake in a variety of activities and explore the incredible attractions of Halong Bay:

• Cave Exploration : Discover the mesmerizing caves that dot Halong Bay, such as Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave). These stunning limestone formations house impressive stalactites and stalagmites, taking you on a journey through geological wonders.
• Kayaking or Swimming in the Bay : Paddle through the calm waters of Halong Bay on a kayak, immersing yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. Alternatively, take a refreshing dip in the bay, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes.
• Sunset Views and Cooking Classes : Watch the sun dip below the horizon and paint the sky.
• Visit to floating fishing villages .

Tips for a Smooth Journey

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience from Hanoi to Halong Bay, it’s important to consider a few essential tips. 

By following these recommendations, you can make the most of your trip and have a worry-free adventure.

Book in Advance to Secure Preferred Transportation or Cruise Tour Options

To avoid last-minute hassles and secure your preferred transportation or cruise tour options, it’s advisable to book in advance. 

Whether you’re opting for domestic flights, shuttle buses , or overnight cruise tours , early booking ensures availability and allows you to choose the best options that align with your preferences and schedule.

By planning ahead, you can avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Pack Appropriate Clothing and Essentials for the Journey

When packing for your trip, consider the weather conditions and activities you’ll be engaging in. 

• Halong Bay experiences a subtropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing, especially during the warmer months. 
• Don’t forget essentials such as sunscreen , a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. 
• If you plan on swimming or kayaking, pack a swimsuit and a towel. 
• Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring a small daypack for carrying your belongings during excursions.

Consider the Best Time to Visit Hanoi and Halong Bay

Hanoi and Halong Bay are year-round destinations, each offering a different experience depending on the season. The best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and what you wish to explore.

• Spring (March to May) : This season brings pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it an ideal time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay.
• Summer (June to August) : Summer in Vietnam can be hot and humid, but it’s a popular time for travelers due to school holidays. Expect higher tourist numbers during this season.
• Autumn (September to November) : Autumn brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a favorable time to explore Hanoi and Halong Bay.
• Winter (December to February) : Although it can get chilly, winter offers a unique charm with foggy landscapes and fewer tourists. It’s a great time to enjoy the tranquility of Halong Bay.

Consider your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities when choosing the best time for your visit.

Be Aware of Any Visa Requirements or Entry Regulations

Before traveling to Vietnam, make sure to research and understand the visa requirements and entry regulations for your nationality. Depending on your passport, you may need to obtain a visa in advance or be eligible for visa-free entry for a certain period. 

It’s important to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam.

Stay Informed about Weather Conditions and Potential Disruptions

Halong Bay’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay informed about weather conditions and potential disruptions, especially during the typhoon season (typically from July to October). Monitor weather forecasts and check for any travel advisories or warnings. 

In case of severe weather, your transportation or cruise tour may be affected, so it’s important to have contingency plans and maintain open communication with your service providers.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Stay organized, pack smart, and stay informed to make the most of your adventure in this mesmerizing part of Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to go from hanoi to ha long bay.

Aside from seaplane, there are multiple transportation options to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The common methods include domestic flights, shuttle buses or private transfers , and overnight cruise tours. Each option offers its own advantages in terms of convenience, speed, and experience.

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Air Travel: Usually, a one-way connecting flight ticket costs anywhere between $150 and $200 USD per person. Nonetheless, the ultimate price can shift based on factors such as demand, the time of booking, and the airline in use.

Bus or Shuttle Service : As a more budget-friendly choice, bus or shuttle services are typically around $14 to $20 USD per person for a one-way journey.

Private Transportation : If you’re considering private transport options like taxis or private cars, the costs can significantly vary, depending largely on the service provider and vehicle type. Prices can range from $75 to $150 USD.

Overnight Cruise Tours : As a luxury choice, overnight cruise tours are more expensive. The cost can range from $300 to well over $1000 USD per person, depending on the cruise tour’s duration and level of luxury.

Is it possible to take a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Indeed, a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is doable. Numerous tour operators offer day trip packages inclusive of transport, a cruise tour around the bay , and stops at popular attractions. The commute is approximately 2 – 3 hours. 

Is there a train from Hanoi to Halong City?

There is no direct train from Hanoi to Halong City. However, you can take a train to Hai Phong, which is the closest city to Halong Bay, and then continue by road or ferry to reach Halong City.

However, bear in mind that a day trip may not provide you with enough time to fully appreciate Halong Bay’s beauty. If you wish to have a more immersive experience with ample exploration time, an overnight trip might be a better fit.

Embarking on a journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay opens up a world of incredible experiences and natural beauty. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various transportation options, including domestic flights, shuttle buses , and overnight cruise tours, each offering its own advantages and unique charms.

Make sure to understand the distance and transportation options. Also, overnight cruise tours offer a unique way to indulge in the beauty of Halong Bay. 

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Your Ultimate 2023 Guide from Hanoi to Halong Bay: All You Need to Know

The Fastest and Most Affordable Way to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 2023

Looking to the cheapest and fastest option to get to Halong from Hanoi? You’re in luck! We’ve got the inside scoop on the most popular transport methods, including local bus (coach), shuttle bus, private car (or taxi), seaplane, train, and motorbike.

This 2023 guide offers the latest information to help you find the most popular choices, along with step-by-step booking instructions for each mode of transport. Here is some information to help you plan your trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

Table of Contents

Hanoi To Halong Bay Map

Halong Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, is a World Heritage Site. With the introduction of the Expressway, the distance between the two cities has reduced from 180km to just 130km, which has significantly reduced the travel time to only 2.5 hours. 

Distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Distance from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Halong Bay :

Noi Bai International Airport is located approximately 30 km (19 miles) northwest of Hanoi’s city center, and around 160 km from Halong Bay. This airport is the most popular option for international travelers heading to Halong Bay. You can get to Halong Bay directly from Noi Bai Airport by taking a quick shuttle bus or seaplane transfer. However, there are other options that may be more convenient for foreign visitors, such as Van Don International Airport (50 km away from Halong City) and Cat Bi International Airport (44 km away from the city).

Distance from Hanoi city center to Halong Bay:

The approximate distance between Hanoi city center and Halong Bay is around 130 km and it takes only around 2,5 hours to get to Halong from Hanoi city center with the help of the Expressway. So most travelers spend a day exploring Hanoi before traveling to Halong Bay on the next day.

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Disclaimer:

While every effort and care is taken in preparing the content of this site, Bhaya Cruises disclaim all warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information in any of the content. All prices listed in this blog post are collected from research on the internet and are meant as a reference only. Actual prices might change at any time. The information in this blog post in no way represents the official prices committed by Bhaya Cruises.

Local Bus (Coach) - The Budget Choice

Time: It takes around three hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus, thanks to the new highway. But it can take longer to go around bus stops to pick passengers.

Cost:  From approximately  120,000 to 250,000 VND/person (One way trip) . For those who travel on a budget, this might be the best option.

How to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus?

Local bus stations that run hanoi – halong city:.

• My Dinh Station: 

Adress: 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District, Ha Noi. (This bus station is around 11km from Hanoi city center and provide a large options of bus operators to Halong.)

• Gia Lam Station: 

Adress: 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi. (This is the nearest bus station from Hanoi city center (5.5km) but bus operators to Halong are very rare.)

* Useful Tips: It is not necessary to book online since the local bus ticket are available on site.

Some popular Hanoi - Halong local bus companies

Pros & cons of local bus.

• Affordability: Yes, this option is the cheap and convenient to find coach providers.

Yes, this option is cheap and convenient to find coach providers but it has many disadvantages.

• Language Barrier: The local stations’ staffs barely communicate in English, so it will be more practical if you have prepared some common Vietnamese phrases for tourists related to the travel journey.
• Time and Extra-cost Consuming: Local bus stations are located far from the Old Quarter so if you stay there, you may need to catch a transit vehicle to get to the bus station. Then, the traveling time is up to 4 hours since the bus goes around to fill up passengers.

If you don’t want to worry about all the hassle of buying ticket and take extra transport to go between stations, the shuttle bus option below might be a better choice.

Shuttle Bus- A Convenient Means Of Transportation

Time : Approximately 2.5 hours (including 15 minutes of rest stop)

Cost : The cost of a one-way shuttle bus ticket from the Old Quarter to Halong center or Tuan Chau harbour is from 180,000 to 300,000VND , depending on types of shuttle bus and operators.

Check out Bhaya’s best Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi .

How to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay by shuttle bus?

* Useful Tips : If you’re planning to book a cruise, you can inquire with the agent or cruise operator about their shuttle bus service, which is more affordable than booking shuttle bus separately. In general, it will be great because you don’t have to worry about pick-up and drop-off troubles. 

• From Hanoi to Halong: The bus will pick you up early at around 8 to 9 AM at your hotel in the Old Quarter on request and take you to the cruise center at Tuan Chau Harbour.
• From Halong to Hanoi: After your cruise trip, the shuttle bus will wait outside the cruise center and take you back to Hanoi.

Types of Shuttle Buses for Hanoi to Halong Bay Travel

• Standard Shuttle Buses: These shuttle buses come in various passenger capacities, including 16-seater minivans, 29-to-30-seater buses, 35-seaters, and 45-seaters. They offer a comfortable and budget-friendly travel option.
• Luxury Shuttle Buses: If you prefer a more upscale and private experience, you can opt for luxury shuttle buses. These often include 9-seater Limousines and 19-seater Fuso vehicles equipped with high-end amenities for a premium journey.
• Cruise Company Shuttle Services: Many cruise companies in Halong Bay provide their own shuttle services. These services are designed to conveniently pick up and drop off tourists at specific destinations, ensuring a seamless transition to your cruise adventure.

Popular shuttle bus companies

How to book an online shuttle bus to halong from hanoi.

• Visit the website https://vexere.com/en-US .
• Choose Hanoi as your departure city and Halong as your destination.
• Select your departure date for a one-way ticket or add your return date for a round-trip ticket.
• Click the “Search” button to view a list of shuttle bus providers, including departure times, coach stations, available seats, and ticket prices.
• Choose the schedule that suits your needs and click the “Book” button to proceed to the payment process.

Additional Information: Bhaya’s shuttle bus service operates daily, connecting Central Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay. The bus offers hotel pickup in Central Hanoi and drops you off conveniently at the Bhaya Center, which is located just a short walk from our cruise port.

>>> Don’t miss the opportunity to check out Bhaya’s Best Halong Bay Cruises From Hanoi for an exceptional experience for your Halong Bay adventure.

Pros & Cons of Shuttle Bus Options

• More Comfortable & Convenient: Shuttle buses offer a higher level of comfort and convenience compared to local bus with smaller seating capacities. They typically have more spacious seating and amenities like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and complimentary water bottles.
• Suitable for Families & Groups: Shuttle buses are an excellent choice for families and groups, as they provide more comfort and space for passengers to relax during the journey.
• All-Inclusive Service: Shuttle buses often include services like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging port and complimentary water, making the journey more pleasant. Additionally, you won't have to worry about purchasing separate vehicle tickets or arranging additional transportation to the port.
• English Communication: Shuttle bus drivers usually have basic English language skills, reducing potential language barriers and making it easier for travelers to communicate.
• More expensive compared with local bus or motorbike.
• Unable to fully enjoy the landscape like riding a motorbike.

Private Car - The Utmost Privacy

Time : Approximately 2.5 hours

When hiring a private taxi, prices range from 2,400,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for a round trip depending on the car capacity (4-seater to 16-seaters car).

However, if you opt for Grab car (taxi app), the fare is around  1,600,000 VND to 1,900,000 VND for a one-way trip.

Private car services to Ha Long Bay are an excellent choice for business travel or small group of travelers, including business professionals, families, and groups of friends seeking privacy and comfort during their journey.

You can book this service through travel service providers, travel agents, or opt for a private taxi.

Additionally, Grab car services offer a convenient and affordable on-demand transportation option. To book a Grab car, you simply need to download the Grab application on your phone and make a reservation when you’re ready to go. This makes it a great choice for those who value flexibility.

If you prefer traditional taxi services, there are several reputable taxi brands in Hanoi to choose from:

Seaplane - The Stunning Panorama of Halong Bay

Time : From 45 minutes to 1 hour

Cost : Hai Au Aviation is the first and only business in Vietnam that operates the commercial seaplane service in Vietnam. The cost for a one-way trip from Noi Bai Airport to Tuan Chau Marina is 9,000,000 VND , while the round-trip fare costs 16,000,000 VND . The child fare under 2 years old is 500,000 VND/one way ticket/child and 1,000,000VND/roundtrip/child.

Tired of spending half a day stuck in traffic on a shuttle bus?

Consider a delightful alternative – taking a seaplane directly from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay.

With just 45 minutes of flying time, you can embark on a quick, comfortable, and luxurious journey. It’s the perfect solution for travelers seeking an efficient and enjoyable experience.

Traveling by seaplane you will get an amazing view of Halong from above, which a normal transfer or cruise cannot provide.

To book seaplane, you can contact directly with Hai Au Aviation  – the company that operates the seaplane. 

Bhaya Cruises also does offer a combo package with seaplane transfer and cruise   at very affordable price. 

Train - For A Slow But Safe Ride (Update 2023: Hanoi-Halong Train service discontinued due to low ridership)

Time: It used to take about 7 hours to travel from Hanoi (Yen Vien Station) to Halong Bay (Halong City Station).

Cost: Approximately 90,000 VND

(Update: The Yen Vien – Pha Lai – Ha Long – Cai Lan railway project is currently on hold as per the Government’s Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued on February 24, 2011.)

Motorbike - The Adventurous Choice

Time: From 3.5 hours to 4 hours

Cost: From 120,000 VND /day for underbones and from 220,000 VND /day for moto scooters.

Renting a motorbike requires payment of a deposit and rental fee. The rental shop usually asks for a copy of your passport. If they ask for your original passport, it’s advisable to negotiate as you may need it for other purposes

For adventurous, budget travelers who wish to explore local life and scenery, there is no better way than driving a motorbike from Hanoi to Halong.

How To Rent A Motorbike in Hanoi?

Renting a motorbike in Hanoi is a simple process. There are many rental stores in the Old Quarter and West Lake area that offer English-speaking staff and owners.

Duration: Depending on the duration of your stay in Vietnam, you can choose from monthly, weekly, or daily rental services.

Types of motobike: These shops provide a wide range of motorbikes, including automatic, semi-automatic, manual, and touring bikes from well-known brands such as Honda, Yamaha or Suzuki.

Recommended motorbike rental shops in Hanoi:

• 13535 Motorbike Rental
• Happy Zip Motorbikes Rental & Sale
• Phung Motorbike
• Tigit Motorbikes

Motobike routes from Hanoi to Halong

Option 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Halong Bay (155km)

To get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, follow these directions: Take 1A Highway and then exit onto Hanoi – Hai Phong Highway. Continue on this highway until you see the exit for Bach Dang Bridge. Take this exit and then continue on Halong – Hai Phong Highway until you reach Halong Bay.

Option 2: New Highway: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Halong (170km)

To get to Halong Bay using the new highway, follow these directions: From Hanoi – Hai Phong/QL5B/ĐCT04 Highway, take the Noi Bai – Halong/Dai Yen/QL18 Highway and continue on it until you reach Halong Bay.

If your cruise departs from Tuan Chau Island (where most Halong Bay cruises start), turn onto Tuan Chau at the roundabout on QL18 Highway.

Pros & Cons of Motorbike Option

• Affordability: If you're looking for an affordable way to explore Vietnam and enjoy its stunning landscapes, then driving a motorbike might be a great option for you. The daily rental and gasoline costs are quite reasonable, and you can start your journey whenever you want.
• Flexibility: It provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and on your own terms, no matter where you are. For free spirits who love to travel, this is a cheap and convenient choice.
• Safety Precautions: Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam can pose safety risks, so it's crucial to be well-prepared and have good riding skills.
• Navigational Hurdles: Getting lost is common, especially if you're new to Vietnam, which can make navigation a bit tricky.
• Weather-Related Uncertainties: Sudden heavy rain or unexpected breakdowns can disrupt your journey, even if you've diligently checked the weather forecast.
• Time and Fatigue: A 3-hour drive can be time-consuming and tiring, which may not be ideal for all travelers.

*Useful Tips :

• If you choose to travel by motorbike, it’s essential to select a reliable bike and wear proper protective gear. While local traffic officers usually don’t impose strict regulations, wearing a helmet and obeying traffic signals is essential to avoid any potential issues.
• A map and an internet-connected phone for navigation are valuable tools.
• Traveling with a friend is advisable for support in case of emergencies.
• Please be aware that, as a foreign visitor, you lack a Vietnamese driving license, making it technically illegal to operate a motorbike.

Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay: Your Travel Options Summary

Select the best option that suits your travel style and budget when heading from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay

For Independent Travelers and Backpackers:

If you’re a solo traveler or on a tight budget, the most cost-effective way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi is by taking a shuttle bus. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours one way. 

Alternatively, you can choose to ride a motorbike, which offers a scenic route but takes around 4 hours.

For Small Groups and Families:

Traveling with a group or family prioritizes safety, especially for children. In this case, it’s recommended to rent a private car, accommodating different group sizes.

For Wealthy Travelers and Couples:

For those with no budget constraints, the ultimate way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi is by seaplane to admire the stunning panoramic beauty of Halong from the sky.

FAQs for Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Q: What’s the best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

A: The ideal way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay depends on your preferences and budget. Options include public buses, shuttle buses, private cars, motorbikes, and seaplanes. Shuttle buses are popular for convenience and affordability.

Q: What’s the fastest way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi?

A: The quickest road travel options are shuttle buses and private cars, offering direct routes with no stops. For a luxurious experience, consider a seaplane journey from Noi Bai International Airport.

Q: Should I take train from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

A: Train service between Hanoi and Halong Bay is currently suspended due to low ridership. Explore other transportation alternatives.

Q: How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

A: Round-trip public transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay costs approximately 360,000 VND. Private transportation options are pricier, with round-trip costs around 1,600,000 VND.

Q: Should I book my transfer directly with car companies or through travel agencies?

A: It’s recommended to book through travel agencies. This often provides better pricing, schedules, and guaranteed seats. Additionally, it simplifies communication during emergencies.

Q: How long should I spend at Halong Bay?

A: The duration of your stay in Halong Bay depends on your preferences and budget in Vietnam. A 2-3 day stay in Halong Bay is recommended for a relaxed and immersive experience with time to explore attractions and activities.

Q: Can a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay be possible?

A: Yes, you can enjoy a day trip to Halong Bay. Purchase a round-trip ticket via shuttle bus, luxury limousine, or a travel agency’s car for easy access. Explore various routes and outstanding attractions in just 3 hours.

We hope that you can find the best way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi after reading this post.

More Halong Bay Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide For First Time Travelers

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Halong Bay Weather: Best time to visit

This post will give you pros and cons for each season of weather in Halong Bay, so you can easily to choose the best time to visit that most suitable with your schedule, budget, etc. Also, there will be instructions what you can do in case of your cruise tour get canceled due to bad weather.

Halong Bay vs. Ninh Binh: Which one is better?

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Explore Halong Bay’s Best Time to Visit

2023’s Complete Halong Bay Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Off The Beaten Path
• Special Event
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DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi, Daily Operated – 2025

Set out on a journey that is akin to unwrapping a treasure chest of natural wonders with the ‘DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi.’ This meticulously crafted tour promises to unveil the secrets of Halong Bay in a way that captivates the senses and leaves visitors in awe of its beauty.

As the sun sets on the horizon, a world of adventure and tranquility awaits those who seek to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a blend of excitement and serenity, this tour invites travelers to step into a realm where every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of unforgettable memories.

• Deluxe day tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay with varied activities and lunch onboard
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide included for a seamless experience
• Comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off options
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Hanoi: Food, Culture, Sightseeing and Fun – Army Jeep Tour
• Ha Long Bay 3 Days 2 Nights 5-Star Cruise
• From Hanoi: 3-Day Sapa Trek With Guide, Homestay and Meals
• From Hanoi: Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise With Cooking Class

Tour Highlights

Set out on a mesmerizing Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi to explore stunning karst cliffs, sea caves , and crystal-clear waters.

The tour offers a chance to explore the captivating beauty of sea caves , where visitors can witness the wonders of nature up close.

Swimming in the pristine waters of Halong Bay is a refreshing experience, allowing guests to enjoy the natural splendor of the surroundings.

Whether it’s admiring the unique formations of sea caves or enjoying a leisurely swim in the bay’s waters, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

With each dive into the cool waters and exploration of hidden caves, visitors are sure to create lasting memories of this enchanting journey.

Pricing and Inclusions

The pricing for the Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi varies based on the group size and includes a range of inclusions to ensure a memorable experience for all participants.

Here are some key points regarding the price options and group size benefits :

Price Options :

• Prices vary depending on the group size, with discounts available for larger groups.
• Child tickets are offered at a reduced rate, making it a family-friendly option.

Group Size Benefits :

• Smaller groups allow for a more personalized experience with the tour guide.
• Larger groups may benefit from cost savings and a more social atmosphere onboard.

These pricing options and group size benefits cater to the diverse needs of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable journey through Halong Bay.

Booking Process

Upon selecting the desired date and number of travelers, visitors can seamlessly navigate through the user-friendly booking process for the Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi. The booking process offers payment options and reservation flexibility, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Plus, pickup arrangements are convenient, with the flexibility to select pickup points, especially for hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter Area. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing peace of mind. Below is a table summarizing the key aspects of the booking process:

Customer Feedback

Visitors have shared insightful feedback on their experiences during the Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi, offering valuable insights for prospective travelers.

The cruise experience was breathtaking, with passengers enjoying the stunning views of karst cliffs and sea caves.

Tour guide performance was exceptional, with guides being praised for their knowledge, friendliness , and professionalism.

Guests appreciated the opportunity to swim at Ti Top Island and partake in kayaking or bamboo boat excursions.

Lunch onboard received high marks for its delicious seafood and vegetarian buffet options.

Company Overview

Praising the exceptional cruise experience and knowledgeable tour guides, visitors have highlighted the company’s commitment to providing a memorable Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi.

Viator , the company behind this operation, started offering tours in 2024 and continued through 2025. Known for their attention to detail and customer satisfaction, Viator has built a strong reputation in the industry.

Looking ahead, the company is considering future expansion opportunities to enhance their services and reach a wider audience. With a focus on quality experiences and customer care, Viator aims to maintain its position as a leading provider of Halong Bay day tours, ensuring travelers have unforgettable moments exploring this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Comfort and Facilities

Curious about the comfort and facilities offered on the Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi? Here’s what you can expect:

Cabin Amenities :

• Well-equipped cabins with comfortable bedding
• Private bathrooms with hot showers
• Air conditioning for a pleasant stay
• Ample storage space for your belongings

Tour Guide Services :

• Experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking tour guides
• Punctual and professional guidance throughout the day
• Ready to assist with any queries or concerns
• Enhancing your overall experience with insightful information

These features ensure a cozy and informative journey, making your day tour of Halong Bay a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Itinerary Details

The Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi offers an exciting and immersive itinerary that showcases the beauty and highlights of this stunning natural wonder.

Exploration options include cruising around karst cliffs and sea caves, visiting Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, swimming at Ti Top Island, and enjoying a kayaking or bamboo boat excursion.

Sightseeing activities are abundant, providing opportunities to witness the breathtaking landscapes and unique rock formations that make Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour ensures a well-rounded experience with a mix of adventure and relaxation, allowing travelers to enjoy the charm of this iconic destination.

From exploring mystical caves to soaking in the serene waters, this itinerary promises an unforgettable day of discovery and wonder.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• 4-star Halong Paloma Cruise 3D2N Trip
• 2-Day Royal Palace Ha Long Bay & Ti Top Island Cruise
• Discover Halong Bay – Titop Island – Surprise Cave 1 Day With Lunch From Hanoi
• Hanoi Full Day A Private Tour With Mix of History and Activities
• Skip the Line: Water Puppet Tickets
• Vegan Street Food & Stories of Hanoi

Common questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour?

The maximum group size for the deluxe Halong Bay day tour is flexible based on your booking. Enjoy a delicious lunch with various dietary options onboard. Experience the beauty of Halong Bay with a personalized touch.

Are There Any Special Dietary Options Available for Lunch Onboard the Cruise?

Yes, there are special dietary options available for lunch onboard the cruise. Vegetarian options are offered, and guests can make special requests for dietary preferences or allergies. The tour ensures a satisfying dining experience.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Guests cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. However, the tour provides lunch onboard with special dietary options available upon request. Beverage options include bottled water. Enjoy the included amenities and services during the journey.

Is There a Restroom Available on the Cruise for Guest Use?

Guests can rest assured as restrooms are available on the cruise, enhancing guest comfort during the tour. This facility ensures convenience for travelers, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience without any concerns about basic amenities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommendations for Participating in the Activities on the Tour?

For safety reasons, age recommendations are in place for certain activities on the tour. Safety guidelines ensure a secure experience for all participants. Detailed information on age restrictions can be obtained during the booking process.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Private Crowd Free Hanoi: Morning Highlights of the City Experience
• Sena Cruises: Lan Ha Bay 2 Days 1 Night (Kayaking)
• From Hanoi: Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Small Group Tour
• Halong Bay Day Cruise With Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking and Lunch
• [Hi-end] Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Real Foodie
• From Hanoi: Halong Bay, Titop Island, Sung Sot & Luon Caves
• Hanoi: Halong Bay 5-Star Day Cruise With Jacuzzi & Kayaking
• Hanoi Highlights: Half-day City Tour
• Noi Bai Airport Pick-up (Private Ride Airport to Hanoi Hotels)
• Full-Day Halong Bay 5 Stars Luxury Cruise Tour With Buffet Lunch
• Trang an Grottoes – Bai Dinh Pagoda Day Tours

Embark on the ‘DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi’ for an unforgettable adventure in 2024 – 2025. With stunning landscapes, thrilling activities , and comfortable accommodations , this tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Book with Viator for a seamless experience and flexible cancellation policies.

Dive into the natural splendor of Halong Bay and create lasting memories on this exceptional day tour.

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How to get from Hanoi to Halong bay? Ultimate Guide – Maps, Tips, Route

Located more than 163 kilometers from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a place not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. The excursion to Halong Bay from Hanoi will enable you to take in breathtaking natural beauty and engage in many intriguing experiences.

As you prepare for this trip, it is necessary to find out how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Whether you’re looking for a trip with convenience, affordability, or a unique experience, let’s check out the following for the best ways to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi.

Have a look at:

• Best time to visit Halong Bay?
• Top Best Things to do in Halong Bay

How long to spend in Halong Bay? How Many Days is Enough?

• Halong Bay Cruise Price: How Much Does a Cruise Trip Cost?

Table of Contents

The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay

How far is Halong Bay from Hanoi? To answer this question, let’s see the distance from Hanoi city center and Noi Bai international airport to Halong Bay:

• From Hanoi City Center to Halong Bay : The approximate distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is about 170 kilometers.
• From Noi Bai International Airport to Halong Bay : For those traveling by plane, the airport is located about 190 kilometers from Halong Bay.

Some other trip information:

How long does it take to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

The Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway (also known as National Highway 5B), and National Highway 18 are the two main routes to choose when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The trip takes an average of 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road.

You may like to read more about:

• How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
• How to get from Noi Bai airport to Ninh Binh?
• Best Advice: Transport, Tips, Price, Travel Map – How to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

The route you take and the method of transportation you select can have an impact on how long your trip takes. Compared to buses and trains, which normally move more slowly, traveling by a private vehicle or limousine can be faster. In addition, driving via Hai Phong city on the new National Highway 5B takes approximately 2.5 hours, while traveling through Bac Ninh province on National Highway 18 takes longer (about 3.5 hours).

How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

There are numerous ways to get from Hanoi city center to Halong Bay, including private car, local bus, limousine, motorbike and train. Here is an overview of these options:

Traveling by shuttle bus

• Distance: about 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours via new expressway
• Ticket price: From 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person for a one-way trip with the pick-up and drop-off points in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If your location is outside of this area, additional costs can be charged.

Shuttle buses are considered an effective travel option between Hanoi and Halong Bay. It is especially suitable for those who want to control their spending while saving travel time.

Types of shuttle bus

Shuttle buses or tourist buses from Hanoi to Ha Long are popular with both locals and foreigners. There are many shuttle bus options available, ranging from budget to luxury. Almost all shuttle buses run via the new National Highway 5B. The departure time is about 8 a.m to 9 a.m at pick-up points in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and the trip takes only two to three hours.

There are two main types of shuttle buses: standard buses, and shuttle buses run by travel companies.

• Standard shuttle buses have different passenger capacities, from 25 to 30-seat buses, 35-seat buses, and 45-seat buses.
• Many travel companies also have their own shuttle services to pick up and drop off tourists at certain locations.

Here are some recommended shuttle bus service providers you can consider:

Some popular Hanoi – Halong local bus companies:

How to Book a Shuttble bus from Hanoi to Halong?

Although tickets can be purchased directly through the bus company’s website, it is recommended to book tickets through the cruise companies or tour operators for better deals.

Traveling by local bus

• Travel time: It takes about 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus via the new highway. However, it may take longer as buses can pick up more passengers at bus stops.
• Ticket price: From about 150,000 to 250,000 VND/person for a one-way trip. For those traveling on a budget, traveling by local bus may be the best option. Travel distance: about 170 kilometers

If you are looking for an economical way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, taking the local bus is an option worth considering. There are three main bus stations where you can catch the Hanoi bus to Halong Bay, including:

• My Dinh Bus Station: Address: No.20 Pham Hung street, My Dinh 2 ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi. (This bus station is about 11 kilometers from Hanoi city center and offers many different bus operators to Ha Long). Open on Google Map
• Gia Lam Bus Station: Address: No.9 Ngo Gia Kham street, Long Bien District, Hanoi. (This is the nearest bus station from Hanoi city center, which is 5.5 kilometers, but bus operators to Ha Long are very rare.)
• Giap Bat Bus Station: Address: No.6 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District. The distance from Giap Bat bus station to Hanoi Old Quarter is 7km, about 17 minutes drive. This bus station is the busy and chaotic gateway from Hanoi to the central and southern provinces of Vietnam such as Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City. There are also several buses running the Hanoi – Ha Long route.

Tickets can be purchased straight from the ticket offices located in bus stations without making a reservation in advance.

Traveling by private car

• Travel distance: about 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: About 2 – 2.5 hours via new expressway
• Cost: from 2,300,000 – 4,500,000 VND for a round trip, depending on vehicle type (4, 7 or 16 seats), tour length (1, 2 or 3 days) or your pick-up/drop-off location.

If you are looking for flexibility and privacy, renting a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a great idea. This option allows you to plan your own itinerary freely.

You can book this service through reputable travel companies and travel agents in Hanoi or directly contact Hanoi Explore Travel Team for advice.

Limousine Bus – The best means of transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay

• Travel distance: About 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: About 2.5 hours via the new highway
• Cost: About 575,000 VND per person for a one-way ticket
• Limousines usually have 9 seats and Fuso has 19 seats with full luxury amenities.

The limousine is a great option for individuals looking for comfort when traveling. Top-notch features offered in these vehicles include massaging chairs, LCD screens, radio systems, complimentary Wi-Fi, and automated doors. A time-saving trip experience is also guaranteed by limousine transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay, particularly when it utilizes the new highway.

Some popular Hanoi – Halong limousine bus companies

By Motorbike

For adventurous, budget-minded travelers wanting to explore local life and landscapes, there’s no better way than driving a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Long. There are two popular ways to move from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

• Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long (155 kilometers): From Hanoi, drive along Highway 5 for about 10 kilometers to Sai Dong intersection and then continue driving another 23 kilometers along Highway 1 to Bac Ninh province. Follow Highway 18 for about 122 kilometers to reach Ha Long city.
• Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long (170 kilometers): This route is a bit longer but more convenient. From Hanoi, you go to Nam Sach town, Hai Duong province and then drive along Highway 183 to Ha Long city.

Traveling by train

• Travel distance: About 164 kilometers
• Average travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Cost: About 92,000 VND per person for a one-way trip
• Information about booking tickets:
• Supplier: Vietnam Railways
• Website: dsvn.vn
• Phone: 1900 0109

For an experience like a real Vietnamese, you might consider taking a train to Halong Bay and leisurely watching the scenery pass by. This option not only offers a gentle pace to enjoy the scenery, but is also the most budget-friendly way to get to Halong Bay.

To start this train experience, take train number 50501, which departs once a day from Yen Vien station in northeast Hanoi at 4:55 a.m. and arrives at HaLong station in the east of Bai Chay city at 11:41 am.

By seaplane – To enjoy a beautiful panorama of Halong Bay

Taking a seaplane is a special and fastest way to get to Halong Bay. In addition, taking use of this air service will allow you to have an amazing seaplane flight with aerial views of the bay. Each flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay should take 45 minutes on average.

• Travel time: 45 minutes
• Price: 4,100,000 VND – 9,000,000 VND ~ 175 – 385 USD/person
• Port of departure: Noi Bai International Airport: Counter E09, Hall E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
• Port of arrival: Tuan Chau Marina: Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

How to book seaplane tickets

Seaplane tickets can be booked through Hai Au Aviation’s website: seaplanes.vn

Alternatively, you can contact travel providers to find out whether any packages include a seaplane flight. The aircrafts depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and arrive at Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi to your final destination.

How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi airport ?

There are several options available to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Quang Ninh, including bus, 9-seat limousine and taxi.

Buses offer a budget-friendly option compared to taxis or limousines. Buses are among the greatest choices if you’re traveling in a group because they’re less expensive and can accommodate a lot of luggage.

Take the public bus then a private bus company: first take bus number 17, operating from 5:10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. everyday and get off at the stop near Gia Lam Bus Station. Then, walk to Gia Lam Bus Station to buy tickets to Halong Bay from many bus companies such as Dai Phat, Quy Ngoc, Hai Phuong. Ticket prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person.

Note: Most buses operate during the day. Traveling after 7 p.m can make it difficult to find a bus, so you should consider choosing a taxi or private car after this time.

Choosing a taxi gives you the freedom to go wherever you choose and go at any time of day or night. So how much is the taxi price from Hanoi to Halong Bay? Typically, a four-person cab ride costs between 1.9 and 2.3 million VND. A 7-seat cab, which costs roughly 2.6 million VND each journey, can be a more cost-effective choice if you are traveling in a larger party.

By limousine

Limousines with 9 seats are a common option because of their smaller size, quick travel, and comfortable seatings. Co To Limousine and Tam Bao Anh Limousine are a couple of recommended travel services you might check out. Both companies depart from Pillar 9, Floor 1, Terminal A, T1, Noi Bai Airport. Limousine ticket prices usually range from 400,000 – 450,000 VND/trip.

When coming to Halong Bay, you definitely cannot miss exploring many spectacular places such as Tuan Chau island, Ti Top beach, Thien Cung cave, Dau Di cave, Cua Van floating village, Thien Canh Son cave, night market etc.

In order to guarantee a smooth trip, it is crucial to know how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. With the help of this in-depth information, we hope you can choose the ideal travel option to fit your schedule and budget. Thus, get started on your travel arrangements right away for an unforgettable trip to Halong Bay!

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Sunquest Cruise 2 Days Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi

• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup

One of the largest boats in Halong Bay, the Sunquest Cruise, offers an unforgettable experience for young travelers. It offers a breathtaking tour of Halong Bay in addition to fun activities like swimming, boat jumping, beach volleyball, football, kayaking, and water trampolines. This package of activities and parties is perfect for anyone seeking excitement, beautiful surroundings, and new friends. With its state-of-the-art equipment, The Cruise, which made its debut in September 2017, is sure to make your trip to Vietnam an unforgettable experience.

Activity location

• 100000, Hanoi, Vietnam

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Wed, Apr 17 -
• Thu, Apr 18 -
• Fri, Apr 19 -
• Sat, Apr 20 $228
• Sun, Apr 21 $228
• Mon, Apr 22 $228
• Tue, Apr 23 $228
• Wed, Apr 24 $228
• Thu, Apr 25 $228
• Fri, Apr 26 $228
• Sat, Apr 27 $228
• Sun, Apr 28 $228
• Mon, Apr 29 $228
• Tue, Apr 30 $228
• Wed, May 1 $228

Deluxe Bayview Share

• Activity duration is 2 days 2d 2d

Deluxe Bayview Share: Share cabin: Double/Twin or Triple Deluxe Pickup included

Suite Bayview

Suite Bayview: Private cabin for group up to 4 VIP Pickup included

Suite Jacuzzi

Private cabin for group up to VIP with big Jacuzzi Pickup included

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Entrance and sightseeing fees
• What's included What's included Sunset Party (Fresh fruits and Happy hour)
• What's included What's included Dinner
• What's included What's included Breakfast
• What's included What's included Shuttle bus round trip (within Hanoi Old quater area)
• What's included What's included Full furnished Luxury En-Suite cabin with A/C, hot water
• What's excluded What's excluded Beverages (from $5-10)
• What's excluded What's excluded Personal expenses
• What's excluded What's excluded Surcharge for public holidays (+$20)

Know before you book

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Day 1: hanoi - halong bay - kayak/trampolines - sunset/night party.

• Meals: lunch, snacks
• Accommodation: Overnight on board

Old Quarter

Tuan chau island.

• Admission ticket included

Cat Ba Island

Day 2: halong bay - hanoi.

• Meals: breakfast, lunch
• Accommodation: Not included

Best Deals on Things to Do

Top experiences in hanoi.

• Airport Transfer

Things to Do

Halong bay day tour by reina cruise.

What You'll Experience

Get the most out of your Halong Bay escape with a day trip with Reina Cruise

See the best of Vietnam has to offer at the heart of the beach destination where paradise is a place on earth. Down to Luon Cave and Titop island, experience a real tropical summer as you move away from the buzzing crowds of Hanoi to your ultimate destination in Halong Bay. 

Discover the island's many natural wonders in Tuan Chau island aboard a cruise towards Sung Sot grotto, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage site, with just enough trees and foliage covering the limestone rock formations. 

Titov Island and Luon Cave

Moving onto another gem is a visit to Luon Cave, one of the most appealing nature sites in Halong Bay. It is famous for its mystery, and once you're inside, get to be enchanted by its ragged cliffs, elderly ancient trees, and gorgeous orchids. 

Enjoy a slow boat ride underneath and capture the spectacular sights of the island along the way

Marvel at the wonderful natural rock formations of Luon Cave

Have fun with water activities available on site, whether it's kayaking or a bamboo boat ride. Your final stop is at Titop island. A true Vietnamese treasure, the island is among country's tourist destinations thanks to its breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay. Don't miss a chance to trek a few hundred steps to the observation deck on the Titop summit for a mild thrill-seeking adventure on this tour. 

Enjoy decadent lunch and snacks on board in between stops

Complete with hotel transfers from ha Noi, an English speaking tour guide, and sumptious lunch and snacks, this tour package is worth every penny if you're looking to experience Vietnam's tropics and paradise-like lowlands for a quick reality escape.

Hop in the tour cruise and get ready for an exploration of a lifetime

Be greeted by the cruise's lavish wooden interiors as soon as you step in

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Is it better to book a Halong bay cruise in advance? - Vietnam Forum

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Is it better to book a Halong bay cruise in advance?

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2 replies to this topic

However, the down side of doing it my way is that one may probably pay a bit more for an excursion. Are there more options when you arrive? On that I'm not sure. Maybe? I've pre-booked (with the hotel) a day trip to Ninh Binh . Some call it 'Halong Bay on land'. I'm looking forward to it.

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