Hanoi - Halong: How to get to Halong from Hanoi?

With a reputation that precedes it, a world wonder listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Halong is promised as a dream excursion combining extraordinary sights and fantastic leisure. Essential for a trip to Vietnam, you may want to go alone but the information on routes and means remain imprecise. This notebook gives you the most clarity on how to get to Halong from Hanoi and tips for getting the most out of your stay in Halong Bay.

Halong’s location

Found west of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is 170 km from Hanoi or about 2.5 hours' drive. Covering an area of ​​1,553 km2, Halong is known for hosting another no less attractive bay, Bai Tu Long, located to the east. And in the South of Halong, a little jewel just as popular, the Lan Ha Bay of Cat Ba which we like to combine with the main tour without hesitation. Halong city centre is located by the sea, north of the bay.

Means to go to Halong

The options are varied for your preference: bus, motorcycle, train, helicopter and seaplane.

Bus Hanoi - Halong

Depart from Hanoi bus stations

Travellers have a wide choice of buses from Hanoi to Halong bus stations.

Reference companies: Phuc Xuyen, KumHo Viet Thanh, Daiichi Travel, Minh Anh Limousine, GreenLion Bus, Tam Bao Anh Limousine, Luxury, Hoang Long…

Address:

+ Bai Chay bus station: Section 1, Gieng Day district, Halong city

+ My Dinh bus station: 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi

Depart from Noi Bai Airport to Halong:

Bus: Co To Limousine, Tam Bao Anh Limousine

Price: between 400,000 - 450,000 VND

Depart from downtown Hanoi:

Luxury: at 28 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem

Luxury Van Limousine: at 16 Hang Chinh, Hoan Kiem

Daiichi Travel: at 96 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem

          >> More details toeasily book a Hanoi - Halong bus.

Train Hanoi - Halong

Travelling by train is an opportunity to calmly appreciate the landscapes along the way, the scenery of which is new for many passengers. Halong Express, the Hanoi - Halong train, is not, however, used by the majority of tourists because of its relative slowness.

Hanoi - Halong helicopter

The fastest way to get to Halong from Hanoi is by helicopter which lands at Bai Chay and Tuan Chau,

Given the high cost of a Hanoi - Halong helicopter flight, you can get a better price by choosing a tour organised by travel agencies.

Available for 7 people, the helicopter departs from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi to Halong. You can admire the rivers and rice fields of the northern countryside and of the whole bay at a stunning height of 300 metres.

Duration: 45 minutes

Price: 650 USD per person for a round trip, 350 USD per person for one way

Hanoi - Halong seaplane

A luxurious and fast way which offers a unique experience throughout the journey from Hanoi to Halong. This seaplane is conducted by Hai Au Aviation.

How to visit Halong?

Halong Bay Cruise

There are 5 typical Halong boat tours that last between 4 and 6 hours. This classic mode allows you to enjoy many attractions of the bay, the Thien Cung caves (Celestial Palace), Tam Cung (Three Palaces), Sung Sot (Surprises), Ti Top Island and more.

+ If you are going alone or in a small group, it is better to share the boat with others for a cost varying between 200,000 and 250,000 VND per person for a four-hour tour.

+ In a family or large group, a private boat is preferable for a price varying between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 VND per hour.

+ To make the most of your stay in Halong, book a tour lasting at least two days and one night for this waterfront getaway. On top of that, the Halong Bay overnight cruise is one of the best things to do in Halong.

A comfortable boat in traditional or modern style, whatever your expectations, there is a wide range of choices available, ranging from 3 to 5 stars for a price from 2,300,000 VND per person per night.

Reference Halong Cruises:

+ 5-star boats: Star Light, Paradise Luxury, Emeraude Classic

Price: from 3,500,000 VND per person per night

+ 4 star boats: Bhaya Classic, Glory Legend, Syrena

Price: from 2,950,000 VND per person per night

+ 3-star boats: Golden Lotus Garden, Oriental Sails, Aclass Legend

Price: from 2,300,000 VND per person per night

Seaplane

Admiring the sumptuous panorama of Halong Bay aboard a seaplane from a height between 150 - 3000 metres will certainly give you a unique and unforgettable experience.

Price: from 2,000,000 VND per person for 25 minutes.

Kayaking on Halong Bay

Found in the ranking of the 25 best kayaking destinations in the world established by the National Geographic Adventures magazine, Halong Bay awaits you for a fascinating excursion to enjoy your way and at your own pace.

Price: from 100,000 - 200,000 VND per hour, depending on the places available for two or three people.

Halong cable car

The Nu Hoang (Queen) cable car will take you on a different exploration of Halong from Bai Chay in Halong City to the top of Ba Deo Mountain via Cua Luc Bay.

Price: 300,000 VND per person

Transport capacity: 230 passengers per cabin

When to visit Halong Bay?

Two of the best times to enjoy the breath-taking Halong landscapes and outdoor activities are between April and May and between August and October. You will have great weather and the temperature is very comfortable, about 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, helping you to have a wonderful experience in Ha Long.

What to do and what to visit in Halong?

Fill up on great plans from the advice of our experts by following these articles:

>> Visit Halong Bay: Travel Guide 2020

>> Halong Bay Cruise: Top 10+ Boats in Halong 2020

>> Top 10 things to see and do in Halong Bay

>> The top 6 most beautiful caves to visit in Halong Bay

>> 3 fishing villages to visit in Halong Bay