From Hanoi to Halong

Overview

Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site and genuine natural wonder, is made up of over 3000 limestone karsts that rise dramatically out of serene emerald waters so it is not an exaggeration to suppose that Halong Bay is a must when you have an intention to travel to Vietnam. Below is the collection of all information about how to travel from Hanoi to Halong, including vehicles operating and some tips.

How to get from Hanoi to Halong

From Hanoi to Halong by motorbike

Using this technique, you can travel for only $5 to $2,000,000 VND. If you're an adventurous, thrifty traveler, there is no better way to observe local life and landscape than by taking a motorcycle from Hanoi to Halong.

There are several advantages to riding a motorcycle from Hanoi to Halong. You can enjoy the scenery whenever and wherever you like because of this. For explorers who wish to discover Vietnam at their own leisure, riding a motorbike is surely a convenient and economical option. The daily rental and gas costs are quite affordable, and you may begin your adventure whenever you like. However, you must also consider this vehicle's shortcomings. This is a dangerous path that demands good health and attention, especially if you intend to drive for extended periods of time. Motorcycle riding is much faster than other forms of transportation. Moreover, the prolonged motorbike riding may wear you out physically and have a bad effect on your trip to Halong Bay. Additionally, it is easy to get lost in Vietnam, especially if this is your first visit. 

Choose a dependable motorcycle, safety gear, a map, and a phone with internet access so you may use Google to find your way if you decide to go this route. if Tuan Chau Island—where the majority of Halong cruise operators sail from—is the port for your journey. At the intersection with the QL18 Highway, take the first exit towards Tun Châu. When you travel with a companion, you have someone to turn to in case of emergency.  Additionally, keep in mind that riding a motorcycle is prohibited because you are a foreign guest and do not have a Vietnamese driver's license.  In general, local traffic officers won't make your life tough, but to avoid difficulties, you should always wear a helmet and always abide by the signs.

There are several routers from which to choose:

Find Highway 1A, then take the Hanoi-Haiphong exit if you want to travel between Hanoi, Bac Ninh, and Halong. Follow Highway Hà Ni - Hi Phng/QL5B/CT04 until it comes to an exit for the Bach Dang Bridge. Then, keep driving along Highway Halong - Haiphong.

From the Hanoi - Hai Phong /QL5B/CT04 Highway to the Noi Bai - Halong/Dai Yên/QL18 Highway is the new Hanoi-Hai Duong-Halong highway.

From Hanoi to Halong by shuttle bus

The shuttle bus is the most popular means of transportation because of its low cost. If you're a solo traveler or a traveler on a tight budget, this is a terrific alternative. Taking a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay can take you 2.5 hours and cost you around US $13 each way, including free pickup and drop-off in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Pickup outside of the quarter will incur an additional fee. From Hanoi to Halong Bay, there are numerous shuttle bus types that offer between 9 and 45 seats as well as the usual comforts like air conditioning and bottled water. 

This is one of the most cost-effective ways to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Additionally, because it is well-equipped with facilities and provides quality services, utilizing a shuttle bus is more convenient than using a motorcycle. This technology also offers immediate transfer and a short travel time as advantages. However, you should be aware that this strategy has some disadvantages. The timetable and timing are strict. The pick-up window is just between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning, so be sure to keep an eye on the clock.

The most frequent pick-up location that every shuttle bus will pass through is Hanoi Old Quarter. Additionally, the bulk of local buses depart from one of three significant bus stops:

Giap Bat Station: 06 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi My Dinh Station: 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District

Gia Lam Station is located in Hanoi at 09 Ngo Gia Kham Street.

Here are a few shuttle bus providers we recommend for you. Even if the typical price for one-way travel is between US $11 and $15, there is property attached to it. In case the station staff is unable to speak English, you should learn a few fundamental Vietnamese phrases. 

From Hanoi to Halong by train

This is a different form of public transit that the locals use. The slowest but safest means of transportation is traveling the train because of the authentic experience it offers. If you're a culture vulture, a frugal tourist, a lone explorer, or a backpacker, it might be a superb opportunity for you to watch and take in the gorgeous scenery on both sides of the railway.A railway ticket costs between 70 000 and 80 000 VND, or roughly $3. However, the anticipated travel time—6 hours and 46 minutes—is excessively long for a relaxing outing. You must get up early in order to reach the station. Long-term travel can also make you lose interest in hanging out. But if you want to see the attractions on the route, take the train from Hanoi to Halong. The direct Vietnam Railways train from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the least expensive option. Travelers may only reserve hard seats for this journey.

Every day at 4:55 am, the train leaves from Yen Vien Railway Station (approximately 11 kilometers from Hoan Kiem Lake) and takes 6 hours, 46 minutes to reach Halong Train Station.

From Hanoi to Halong by Private Car/ Taxi

The most pleasant mode of transportation between Hanoi and Ha Long is this one. Traveling in a private vehicle will be the best option for people who value privacy and have a large party, young children, or a lot of luggage. The travel time is between 2.30 and 3 hours, which is a sufficient amount of time. From 2.200.000 VND (sedan) to 2.500.000 VND (SUV), the price ranges.

You can take advantage of these advantages by scheduling a personalized tour. You can be proactive in advance and the route and safety are guaranteed with more private space without having to wait. However, because driving a private vehicle will give you extra benefits, the cost is more than that of other public transportation options.

From Hanoi to Halong by seaplane

If you wish to see the unmistakable limestone islands from above, you may also get to Halong Bay by seaplane from Hanoi. This will give you a bird's-eye view of the stunning karst landscape. This approach may be useful for those who don't want to spend a lot of time in their car.The trip just takes one hour. However, the cost—roughly $410 (9,700,000 VND)—can be exorbitant. Travelers who utilize this service must also take a taxi to Noi Bai Airport. The flight may be canceled if there is bad weather.

Best cruises to Halong Bay

Booking a cruise to Halong Bay is also a wise choice if you don’t want to feel ill at ease just because of not knowing how to choose a suitable vehicle to get to Halong from Hanoi. When you book one, the best Vietnam tour operator will arrange everything for you from which cruise to book, which time to go, which vehicle to pick you up, where to wait for the vehicle, etc. In short, booking a cruise everything is done for you. You can refer to the top Halong Cruise below to choose in your upcoming Halong trip.

The Crown Legend Cruise

The Crown Legend Cruise is one of the newest luxury cruises in Halong Bay, was just launched in 2023. In its 26 elegant cabins, each with a neo-classical design, you will receive the best services from a skilled crew that is always ready to help. Modern furnishings and a private patio are featured in each accommodation. It also features a wide menu that offers both Western and Asian food options. Join a Crown Legend Cruise as they sail through Ha Long Bay, the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam, and they'll offer you a real sense of the nation.

Doris Cruise

The Doris Cruise, one of the newest cruises in Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, offers a trip without crowds and introduces passengers to the untainted and seductive beauty of nature. For everyone who wants to experience the pristine splendor of the World Heritage Site, Doris Cruise is the best choice. Visitors can observe the limestone mountains, go swimming, try kayaking, or simply unwind on a bamboo boat anchored in the middle of the bay.

The Doris Cruise is yet another family-friendly cruise at Lan Ha Bay of Halong Bay. 24 opulent rooms on the cruise include all the newest amenities. Along with their own cabin, tourists will enjoy the maximum amount of relaxation while sailing around the stunning Lan Ha Bay. Doris Cruise guarantees that every second of your trip will be enjoyable and unforgettable and that you'll go home with the most romantic recollections. When you embark on our opulent Lan Ha Bay Cruise, you will realize that this is just what you've been seeking for in a terrific holiday.

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

The classy pearl is a symbol of luxury and distinction that is widely recognized. Halong Bay has a long history of successful business with pearls. This history and grandeur are reflected in the Scarlet Pearl Cruise, which features a ship with modern amenities and 5-star service. This lavish Lan Ha Bay cruise offers a unique experience that subtly deviates from the norm. The route takes you across Lan Ha Bay, a close neighbor of Halong with a topography comparable to Halong's but a location far removed from the tourist hotspot. Lan Ha Bay is lovely and serene. Passengers get access to the museum and pearl shop on board as well as magnificent, unrivaled elegant staterooms. Whether you sail around Lan Ha Bay for two or three days, the staff will treat you like a king or queen and our chefs will provide delectable meals for you. You can feel the pleasant atmosphere of Lan Ha and the breathtaking limestone mountains while on our cruise.

M’gloria Cruise

The M'gloria Cruise, which offers 20 opulent rooms on a strong steel ship, is one of the best Halong Bay cruises. The M'gloria Cruise was carefully designed to accommodate all high-end customers. Every stateroom gets an own balcony while on a cruise. The M'Gloria Cruise Halong Bay provides luxurious lodging and an outdoor pool so that visitors may take advantage of everything that one of the best places in the world has to offer. The planned itinerary will make sure that visitors have the best recollections of every minute spent in Halong Bay since M'gloria Cruise is aware that Halong Bay is the most important element of your Vietnam vacation packages. There is internet in every cabin to make sure you can take pleasure in the voyage and share the wonderful moments with your loved ones and on social media.

Elite Of The Seas Cruise

The magnificent 6-star cruise "Elite Of The Seas Cruise" will begin sailing Halong Bay cruises for the first time at the end of 2022. You can experience the most opulent services (Kayaking, Massage, Fishing, or Tai Chi) along with the distinctive culinary delicacies of Vietnam while on vacation with Elite Yacht. Every room on the Elite Yacht has an own balcony, which will make your trip extraordinary. Maritime Elite The Halong Bay Cruise will remain the finest cruise in the bay till 2023. The highlight of your vacation to Vietnam will be a luxury ship with a 60M2 swimming pool and a mini golf course, where visitors will have the best experience.   having a wide capacity sundeck with a panoramic view of the bay. We have a few choices for Halong Bay cruises. Please review them and select the relevant ones.

Conclusion

Above is all the useful information that you need for a complete trip, depaturing from Hanoi to Halong. You should take them into account carefully and spend a great time in this famous World’s Heritage of Nature in Vietnam. Thanks for reading!