Halong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, known for its beautiful scenery and stunning limestone formations. Located in Quang Ninh Province, it’s easily accessible from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi, including prices and travel times.
1. By Bus
Taking a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the most popular and budget-friendly option. There are several bus companies that offer daily trips between the two destinations. The bus ride takes around 3.5 – 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
You can catch a bus from one of the many bus stations in Hanoi, such as My Dinh Bus Station, Gia Lam Bus Station, or Luong Yen Bus Station. Luong Yen Bus Station is the most popular departure point for buses heading to Halong Bay.
The price for a one-way bus ticket ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the type of bus and the bus company. Some popular bus companies that operate between Hanoi and Halong Bay include Hoang Long, Kumho, and Queen Cafe VIP Open Bus.
Hoang Long is a reputable bus company with modern and comfortable buses. The price for a one-way ticket is around $8. The Queen Cafe VIP Open Bus offers a more luxurious experience with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The price for a one-way ticket is around $10.
2. By Private Car
If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible mode of transportation, you can hire a private car to take you from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This option is more expensive than taking a bus, but it allows you to customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace.
The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You can book a private car through travel agencies or online platforms like Grab or GoViet.
The price for a one-way trip ranges from $60 to $80, depending on the type of car and the company.
3. By Train
Taking a train from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a less popular option, but it can be an interesting experience for train enthusiasts. However, there is no direct train from Hanoi to Halong Bay, so you’ll need to take a train to Haiphong and then take a taxi or bus to Halong Bay.
The train ride from Hanoi to Haiphong takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train and the class of ticket. You can book train tickets online or at the train station in Hanoi.
Once you arrive at Haiphong Train Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Halong Bay. The journey takes around 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
The cost for a one-way train ticket ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the type of train and the class of ticket.
4. By Seaplane
For those looking for a unique and luxurious way to get to Halong Bay, taking a seaplane is an option. This mode of transportation is offered by Hai Au Aviation, and it offers stunning aerial views of Halong Bay.
The seaplane ride takes around 45 minutes and departs from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The price for a one-way seaplane ticket ranges from $175 to $250, depending on the time of day and the season.
While this option is more expensive than other modes of transportation, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s also a great option for those with limited time in Vietnam who want to make the most of their trip.
