Travel Guide, Ha Long Bay
Closest Airport to Ha Long Bay for Your Convenient Travel
Feb
Ha Long Bay, a jewel in the crown of Vietnam’s natural wonders, draws travelers from all over the world with its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty. However, the journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be a bit of a puzzle, especially when it comes to finding the most convenient airport. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mystery and provide you with all the essential information about the closest airport to Ha Long Bay you need to make your trip to Ha Long Bay as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Our guide is designed to help you choose the best airport for your travel needs, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure in this enchanting region.
Which airports offer flights to Halong Bay?
Nestled in northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay stands as a globally renowned tourist spot, conveniently accessible by air from various locations. While Ha Long Bay itself doesn’t have an airport, there are three nearby airports where you can land: Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh, Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, and Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. Once you arrive, there are multiple transportation options available to reach the bay. Continue reading for a detailed overview of these three nearest airports and the transfer methods available.
3 Closest Airport to Ha Long Bay
Up to date, there are 3 airports nearest to Halong that you can travel back and forth without hassle. In this guide, we will take you from the closest to the furthest one.
Van Don International Airport, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
- Location: Doan Ket, Van Don, Quang Ninh Province
- Year of launch: 2018
Van Don Airport, situated in Quang Ninh and a mere 70 kilometers from Halong Bay via the expressway, made its debut in December 2018 as Vietnam’s latest commercial airport. This airport stands out with its substantial, high-quality infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities, earning the title of Vietnam’s most modern airport. It is equipped with a 3.6-kilometer runway to ensure smooth aircraft landings and provides reduced service fees for all airline carriers.
Ways To Get From Van Don To Halong Bay?
It takes approximately one hour to travel from Van Don Airport to Ha Long. Passengers flying to Van Don receive complimentary bus tickets to Halong, valid for 30 days post-flight. The bus routes include Halong City to Van Don via National Route QL18A and the SunWorld Complex to Van Don along the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway.
For those seeking different transportation options, there are rental vehicles, taxis, and shuttle buses with seating for 4 to 50 passengers. Prices for these services range from 45 to 55 USD for a one-way journey. While more expensive, these alternatives offer greater convenience and privacy compared to bus transfers.
Pros: Closest airport to Halong bay, less travel time. (53 km, 40 minute transfer)
Cons: Not many international flight options.
Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
- Location: Cat Bi, Hai An, Hai Phong city
- Year of launch: 2016
Cat Bi Airport, a moderately sized air hub, is situated in the southeast of Hai Phong city. This relatively new airport provides a comfortable waiting area and innovative facilities for enhanced travel experiences. Capable of accommodating 3 to 4 million passengers annually, it offers a variety of popular domestic and international flight paths. To date, the airport has 85 flights covering 14 different routes, linking Hai Phong with major cities in six countries. Popular destinations include Bangkok, Seoul, Shenzhen, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Lat, among others.
Ways To Get From Cat Bi To Halong Bay?
From Cat Bi Airport, you have several options to reach Halong Bay: bus, private car, shared car, or taxi.
- Bus: First, take a taxi to Lac Long Station, then board a bus to Hon Gai, Halong. From there, take another taxi to Halong Bay. This journey takes almost 2 hours and costs between $10 and $13.
- Taxi: A direct taxi ride to Halong Bay takes less than an hour and costs between $35 and $50.
- Shared car: Numerous shared car services are available at the airport. These services wait to fill up a car before departing, allowing passengers to split the cost. This option takes about an hour and costs between $15 and $20.
Pros: Cat Bi offers many direct international flights from cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Its location is also convenient for those planning to visit Cat Bat Island and Lan Ha Bay, which are only 27 km away, with a 30-minute transfer.
Cons: Compared to Noi Bai Airport, Cat Bi has fewer international flight options.
Read More: How to Get From Cat Ba to Ha Long Bay
Noi Bai International Airport
- Location: Phu Minh, Soc Son, Hanoi City
- Year of launch: 2001
Although Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi is about 170 kilometers from Halong Bay, it is still the preferred choice for many travelers heading there due to its status as Vietnam’s second-largest transportation hub.
Located in the Soc Son district, around 27 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport spans an area of approximately 140,000 square meters and handles a remarkable yearly passenger volume of 15 million. The airport offers connections to various international destinations worldwide, including Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Busan, Siem Reap, and others. It also facilitates frequent domestic flights to major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and more.
Ways To Get From Noi Bai To Halong Bay?
You can travel directly from Hanoi to Halong Bay, starting from Noi Bai Airport, with options including buses and taxis, but remember the distance is about 150 km.
- Bus: From the airport, first travel to Bac Thang Long toll station via taxi, motorbike taxi, or bus to catch a bus to Halong Bay. This is the most budget-friendly method.
- Shuttle Bus: A direct shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel is a time-saving and hassle-free choice, though it costs a bit more. It’s a viable option if it fits within your budget.
- Taxi: The most convenient yet expensive choice, a taxi ride will cost around $70 – $80 for the journey.
Pros: Noi Bai Airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Cons: The transfer time is longer compared to flying into Cat Bi Airport or Van Don Airport, which are 193 km away and require a transfer time of 2-2.5 hours.
Conclusion
We hope that you now feel well-equipped with the knowledge to choose the closest airport to Ha Long Bay for a convenient trip. Whether you opt for the bustling Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, the convenient Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, or the modern Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh, each offers its unique advantages and experiences. Choosing the right airport is the first step in creating unforgettable memories in Ha Long Bay. May your trip be filled with stunning scenery, cultural richness, and the adventure of a lifetime!
FAQs
Are there any shuttle services available from Van Don International Airport to Ha Long Bay?
Yes, shuttle services are available from Van Don International Airport to Ha Long Bay. These shuttle buses provide a convenient and cost-effective way for travelers to reach the bay. The journey typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The shuttle services are known for their comfort and reliability, and they often align their schedules with the arrival times of flights to ensure minimal waiting times for passengers. Additionally, some services may offer direct drop-offs at specific hotels or popular destinations in Ha Long Bay, adding to the ease of travel for visitors.
Is it better to fly into Hanoi or Hai Phong when visiting Ha Long Bay?
The decision to fly into Hanoi or Hai Phong when visiting Ha Long Bay largely depends on your travel itinerary and preferences. Flying into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is often preferred by travelers who wish to explore Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage before heading to Ha Long Bay. Hanoi also offers more international flight options and is about a 3-4 hour drive from Ha Long Bay.
On the other hand, Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong is closer to Ha Long Bay, approximately a 1-2 hour drive, making it a more convenient option if you want to reach the bay more quickly. Hai Phong also serves as a good starting point for exploring other nearby attractions.
Are there any visa requirements for international travelers arriving at these airports?
International travelers arriving at Vietnamese airports, including those near Ha Long Bay like Van Don International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, must adhere to Vietnam’s visa requirements. These requirements vary based on the traveler’s country of origin. Many nationalities are eligible for visa exemptions for short stays, while others may need to apply for a visa before arrival or can avail of a visa-on-arrival with a pre-approval letter. It’s crucial to check the latest visa policies and procedures from the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or through their official online platforms, before planning your trip.
