Halong Bay or Halong Bay offers one of the most picturesque landscapes in Asia, which is why it is often ranked among the natural wonders of the world. This impressive bay with karst formations that make up the imposing islands was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. If you are visiting the capital of Vietnam, we recommend taking a trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay to see it for yourself. Ha Long Bay is located 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Hanoi and covers a large area of 1,500 square kilometers. In this guide, we will tell you about the travel options from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Travel options from Hanoi to Halong Bay
As we mentioned, there are several different ways to travel between these two places. The option you choose will depend on your budget and time available as some alternatives are faster than others and prices can vary greatly. Organized tours are a surefire way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, but they also have their downsides (we’ll talk about them below). If you want to save money and are not in a hurry, the bus is a much cheaper option. Minibuses, shuttle buses and private cars are other alternatives, and even the train, although we do not recommend this option for various reasons.
Organized tours from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island © thi / Shutterstock.com
If you’re a traveler who prefers someone else to drive so you can enjoy the views while relaxing, an organized tour might be a good option. While it is more expensive than other alternatives, the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of Vietnam while traveling can make the cost worth it. However, there are significant differences between companies, so do your research before booking a tour. A trip that seems affordable can turn out to be expensive because extra fees are charged or the company persuades tourists to purchase other tours along the way.
Most of these package tours will take you to Cat Ba Island via Bai Chay Tourist Harbor, where companies are trying to market tours more aggressively. But if you do some research and take advantage of the opinions of other travelers, you will find a good trip with a reliable tour operator.
Minibus from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Minibus tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket office and should cost around €5, so it’s an inexpensive option. The minibus will take you to the city of Halong, specifically to the tourist area of the city known as Bai Chay. It is a tourist port for boats passing through Ha Long Bay and is used almost exclusively by tour operators offering tours from Hanoi. That being said, if you haven’t already organized a boat trip, lots of people will approach you trying to sell you very expensive tickets. It is better to buy tickets on your own at the ticket offices located in the port building, as they will offer more realistic prices. From here you can buy a ticket for Route 1 to Cat Ba.
If you choose the minibus option from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the minibus journey will take 4-5 hours, depending on the number of stops along the way. Take the bus at Gia Lam but don’t leave later than 10am otherwise it will be difficult to get to Bai Chay in time to catch the last ferry to Cat Ba which leaves at 3pm.
Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Shuttle buses from Hanoi to Halong Bay offer similar services as minibuses, and you can probably arrange pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel. The duration of the journey will be between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the number of stops, and the cost of the journey will be around €10 one way.
Cheap bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay
My bus station in Dinh © Vietnam Stock Images / Shutterstock.com
Minibuses are often more comfortable than public buses, but on routes from Hanoi to Halong Bay this is not necessarily the case. If you are near Hanoi’s My Dinh bus station, consider taking a bus from there. It is cheaper than a minibus and, oddly enough, it is also said to be more comfortable and faster than a minibus.
Private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Car with Halong Bay in the background © Ovu0ng / Shutterstock.com
If you want more flexibility, more space and more comfort, the best way to travel is by private car. This way you can take your time and stop by if you want to visit along the way. Or, if you want to get there in the shortest possible time, you can drive directly from Hanoi to Halong Bay without having to stop. If you are traveling with friends or family, renting a car is also an economical option if you split the cost between everyone.
If a private car seems like a good option, but you don’t feel safe driving on unfamiliar roads, there is another option. A private car with a local driver costs around €85, so if you split the price between several travelers, it’s a pretty affordable alternative. One or two day trips can be arranged and a car for two days can cost around €150. Private cars can be driven directly into Hanoi, and for convenience, they’ll likely pick you up directly from your hotel.