Halong Bay is known for its breathtaking landscapes and is recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the New World. If you are traveling to Vietnam, there are 3 popular routes to reach this bay. Let’s explore the instructions for each route below!
Hanoi to Halong Bay
The journey from Hanoi to Halong is not so distant (165 km), therefore, you can choose from various transportation options depending on your budget, time, and personal preferences, from buses to private cars and motorbikes. Amongst, shuttle bus, seaplane, and private car are the best three ways to travel this route or from Halong Bay to Hanoi.
Shuttle bus
- Travel duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
- Price: US $20 – $25/ one-way /pax
Shuttle buses are a popular choice among many foreign tourists traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, thanks to their reasonable prices and comfortable spaces filled with amenities like free WiFi, USB charging ports, and sleeping bed seats. This service provides direct transportation from Hanoi Old Quarter to the cruise port in Ha Long Bay, making it very convenient for cruise passengers or those who want a seamless journey without worrying about transfers between different modes of transport.
Besides the prominent advantages of good prices, convenient facilities, and frequent service, shuttle buses also have some disadvantages. Firstly, some public buses may take longer to reach their destination, especially when there are many stops to pick up or drop off passengers along the way. Secondly, since the route starts from Hanoi, a busy city, if traveling during peak hours or holidays, passengers may encounter traffic congestion, which can extend travel time.
Seaplane
- Travel duration: 60 minutes (including a 15-minute sightseeing flight)
- Price: US $350 – $450/ one-way /pax
Traveling by seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is the fastest and most luxurious way. As the most extravagant vehicle, the seaplane of course has several pros and cons. On the plus side, seaplanes on the route to Ha Long ensure the fastest travel time with a high level of safety. Additionally, they provide the most professional service with modern amenities and a team of English-speaking staff. Most interestingly, traveling on seaplanes allows visitors to enjoy the best views as well as the unique experience of taking off and landing on water, which no other mode of transport can offer.
Regarding the cons of seaplanes, firstly, they have a far higher price compared to other kinds of transportation, making them unpopular for most travelers. Secondly, seaplanes to Halong Bay only serve a small number of passengers (max 12 people) with low frequency due to their small size and limited number of flights. Thirdly, seaplanes only operate during the day and are heavily dependent on weather conditions. Flights may be canceled or delayed if the weather is bad, causing inconvenience for passengers.
Private car
- Travel duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
- Price: US $50 – $110/ one-way/ pax
Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by private car is an ideal choice for those seeking flexibility and comfort. It is especially suitable for couples, families with elderly members or young children, and groups of friends who want privacy and a flexible itinerary. With this mode of transport, you can freely adjust your schedule, pick up and drop off passengers at your convenience, and comfortably stop to rest along the way, providing a pleasant, unrestrained, and enjoyable journey.
Although private cars offer a more private and comfortable experience and greater flexibility in scheduling, they also have some drawbacks. The most noticeable one is that their cost is 3 – 4 times higher than that of shuttle buses, which is not suitable for a single traveler on a limited budget. Additionally, you will have to incur extra toll fees on certain highways.
Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
Ninh Binh is also a famous natural destination in Vietnam, located a bit farther from Halong Bay compared to the distance from Hanoi to the bay. With this route, travelers will have a better chance to immerse in the poetic scenery along the road between the two scenic spots. However, there are only two popular ways to travel 200 km from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
Shuttle bus
- Travel duration: 4 – 5 hours
- Price: US $15 – 30/ one-way/ pax
Traveling by shuttle bus is a popular and economical option to reach Ha Long Bay from Ninh Binh. In particular, some sleeper bus lines are equipped with comfortable beds, providing passengers with comfort and the opportunity to rest and relax, especially convenient for overnight trips.
With many outstanding benefits of reasonable prices, essential amenities provision, and fast and smooth rides owing to direct transfers without many stops, shuttle buses are the most preferred means of transportation by not only the locals but also foreign tourists. However, there is a small downside that you need to consider. Besides the similar drawbacks of shuttle buses from Hanoi to Halong Bay, those from Ninh Binh may have inconsistent quality of service. The quality of the shuttle bus depends on each bus company, and sometimes you may encounter old buses, a lack of amenities, or subpar service.
Private car
- Travel duration: 3.5 hours
- Price: US $85 – 130/ one-way
A private car is also a quick, flexible, and convenient option for groups of friends or families traveling from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. You can choose to drive yourself to explore at your speed or hire a professional driver to enjoy the trip most comfortably.
Along with privacy and flexibility, the main advantage of hiring a private car with a driver from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is that you are more likely to book experienced drivers who can speak English, as the locals in the tourist area of Ninh Binh generally know basic English for their business. However, they are pretty expensive and you may get scammed if you deal with less trustworthy booking sites.
Sapa to Halong Bay
This is the longest route (450 km) to Halong Bay because the starting point is Sapa, a mountainous region in Northwest Vietnam. However, you will be captivated by the magnificent and dreamy landscapes along the mountain passes to Halong Bay. There are three most popular ways to travel to the bay from Sapa.
Shuttle bus
- Travel duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Price: US $25/ one-way/ pax
This is the most cost-effective way for travelers but still offers decent amenities and comfortable seats. In particular, because of the long distance, shuttle buses from Sapa to Halong are usually sleeper buses, equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, blankets, and bottled water, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
However, there are a few notes you should keep in mind before choosing this transportation method. Long bus rides can make passengers feel tired and prone to motion sickness, especially for those who are sensitive. Additionally, be careful to book a night shuttle bus because driving at night can pose safety risks due to limited visibility and an increased risk of drowsiness.
Train & shuttle bus
- Travel duration: 12 hours
- Price: US $40/ one-way/ pax
The train is possible to travel on the route from Sapa to Halong but you need to catch a train to Hanoi and then go on a shuttle bus to Ha Long. This sounds a bit complicated, therefore, the biggest disadvantage of this way is inconvenient and time-consuming. However, its outstanding advantage is the romantic and peaceful scenery through the window of the train, bringing you a delightful journey.
Generally, shuttle buses and private cars are the most common and convenient modes of transportation for any route from Northern Vietnam to Halong Bay. However, if you want a premium experience with swift speed and panoramic views, a seaplane from Hanoi to the bay will be a unique option. For those who enjoy the scenery outside the train window, a combination of train and shuttle bus will provide an interesting experience.