Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay: 4 Best Transportations

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay presents adventurers with a plethora of transportation options, each offering its own unique blend of experiences, comfort, and scenic beauty. This journey, spanning the length of Vietnam, showcases the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of the country. Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of air travel, the scenic routes of train journeys, the adventure of cruising, or the affordability of bus rides, the journey from Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay is as memorable as the destination itself. 

In this exploration, we delve into the various modes of transportation available for travelers making their way from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waters of Halong Bay, highlighting the advantages and considerations of each to help you choose the best fit for your travel style and preferences.

Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay Distance

Quang Ninh is a northern Vietnamese province that is home to Halong Bay. It is in the far south, Ho Chi Minh City. The distance of 1,700 kilometers, or roughly the distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, separates these two attractions.

• By Air: The quickest way to travel between the two locations is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then take a bus, car, or shuttle to Halong Bay. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi typically takes about 2 hours, and the journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay can take approximately 2 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic and the mode of transport. The total air and road travel distance is roughly 1,700 kilometers.

• By Road: The direct distance by road from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay is approximately 1,600 to 1,800 kilometers, depending on the route taken. This journey could take upwards of 30 hours of continuous driving, traversing the length of Vietnam, and is generally not recommended as a single stretch due to the distance and varying road conditions.
• By Train: There is no direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay, but you can take a train to Hanoi and then continue by road to Halong Bay. The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi can take about 30 to 35 hours, and you would then need to account for additional travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay as mentioned above.

How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay

Traveling the considerable distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay offers multiple options, such as flying, taking the train, hopping on a bus, or embarking on a cruise. Drawing from our firsthand experience with Vietnam’s transportation options, we present this guide to assist you in choosing the top four methods for reaching Halong Bay from Ho Chi Minh City.

By Air

For travelers looking to journey from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay, opting for a flight is a favored choice due to its efficiency and convenience. Multiple airlines provide service from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to airports in close proximity to Halong Bay, completing the journey in just 2 hours. 

Notable carriers servicing this route include Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietjet Air. If your priority is reaching Halong Bay swiftly and with ease from Ho Chi Minh City, flying is a highly recommended option to consider.

Fly from HCMC to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh)

If your travel plans include flying from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay, Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province serves as the nearest airport to your final destination. The journey from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay covers about 50 kilometers. The aerial distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don Airport spans roughly 1,560 kilometers, with the flight duration estimated at approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Expect to pay around 1,000,000 VND for a one-way ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay.

Upon landing at Van Don Airport, you have several ground transportation options to choose from:

• Bus: Just outside the airport, you can locate the bus station where buses 14A and 14B await passengers.
• Taxi: Reputable taxi services such as Mai Linh, Halong, Thanh Hung, Sao Mai, Van Loc, and Hong Gai are readily available.

Additionally, shuttle services, car rentals, and motorbike taxis offer alternative ways to reach Halong Bay from Van Don Airport.

Fly from HCMC to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong)

Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong Province is a favored entry point for travelers flying from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay. Situated around 53 kilometers from Halong Bay, it offers a practical choice for those visiting the area. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Bi Airport covers an approximate distance of 1,500 kilometers, with a journey time of about 2 hours. Flight prices from Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay fluctuate based on the carrier and season, generally falling between 1,000,000 VND and 2,500,000 VND.

Upon arrival at Cat Bi Airport, travelers have a variety of ground transportation options to reach Halong Bay:

• Bus: You can catch bus route 07 towards Uong Bi City, and then switch to a bus headed for Ha Long City.
• Taxi: Taxi services available include Goi La Co, 84, Mai Linh, Dat Cang, among others.
• Limousine Bus: For a more comfortable ride, consider the Minh Hieu Limousine or Phuong Huy Limousine.
• Private Car Rental: For flexibility and convenience, renting a private car is also an option.

Fly from HCMC to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)

For individuals looking to journey from Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay, choosing Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi as your destination offers a strategic gateway. The flight covers an approximate distance of 1,800 kilometers and takes just over 2 hours. Flight prices for this leg tend to vary, usually falling between 1,000,000 VND and 2,500,000 VND.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, there are a variety of transport methods available to reach Halong Bay, including buses that run from Hanoi:

• Bus: Anbasco Noibai Services stands out as the leading bus operator for the route from Noi Bai Airport to Halong, offering tickets at an economical price of 290,000 VND.
• Limousine bus: For a more comfortable journey, Co To Limousine and Tam Bao Anh Limousine provide limousine bus services from Noi Bai to Halong.
• Taxi/Private car: For those preferring a private journey, services like Taxi Noi Bai Pro, Family Car, and Taxi Noi Bai 365 are available, although costs are higher, ranging from 1,200,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND.

Pros

• Air travel is the quickest method to move from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay, with a direct flight duration of only 2 hours, followed by an additional 1 to 2 hours for the transfer from the airport to the bay.
• Booking a flight offers a seamless, hassle-free experience with a high level of comfort and a range of services.

Cons

• The cost of flying may be prohibitive for those on a tight budget or for backpackers, though more affordable options are available through low-cost carriers like VietJet Air and Pacific Airlines.
• Arranging for onward transportation from the airport to Halong Bay can be a challenge, especially for those who are new to traveling.

Read More: Explore Closest Airport to Ha Long Bay

By Train

Currently, there’s no direct train route from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay. The most viable approach involves taking a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, followed by a transfer to Halong Bay.

To embark on this train journey, head to the Saigon Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh. Daily, there are approximately 6 trains departing for Hanoi, with the trip lasting about 35-37 hours and spanning a distance of around 1,700 kilometers. Ticket prices vary based on the class of service, with fares ranging from 690,000 VND to 1,600,000 VND.

Upon reaching Hanoi, travelers have the option to explore the city and arrange a Halong Bay tour from there, or they can continue their journey by train to Hai Phong, where tours to Halong Bay are also available for booking.

Pros

• Train travel offers a scenic route that allows passengers to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. It also provides an opportunity to experience the daily life on a local Vietnamese train.
• Opting for the railway is significantly more cost-effective compared to flying.
• Trains come equipped with comprehensive services, including meal delivery to your compartment, a selection of drinks and snacks, and air-conditioned cabins.

Cons

• The absence of a direct train service and the lengthy duration of the trip make the option of traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Halong by train less appealing.
• Being a favored mode of transportation among locals, trains are public spaces where one should be vigilant about scammers and potential troublemakers.

By Cruise

For those eager to embark on a cruise adventure, booking a cruise is undoubtedly the optimal travel method. Many might wonder about the duration of a cruise from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay. Interestingly, certain international cruises departing from Saigon to other Asian destinations may include a stop at Halong Bay in their itinerary. Yet, it’s worth noting that these cruises typically allot just one day to explore the karst landscapes of Halong Bay, which might leave you longing for more.

Instead, consider opting for an overnight Halong Bay cruise. These shorter trips, lasting 2 to 3 days, offer ample opportunity to explore all the essential sights, participate in onboard and aquatic activities, and engage with local communities. Doesn’t that sound more appealing? The first step is to fly to Halong Bay, conserving your time and energy for the cruise. Flying to Hanoi is highly recommended, as most Halong Bay cruise packages from Hanoi include a convenient transfer to the cruise terminal for an additional fee. 

Pros

• Cruising offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover Halong Bay, complete with inclusive services such as complimentary transfers from Hanoi to Halong.
• A wide range of cruises, catering to various budget levels, ensures that there is a cruise option for everyone, allowing an immersive experience into this world-renowned natural heritage site.

Cons

• Cruise tours typically last 2 to 3 days, which may not be ideal for those with limited time. For a shorter visit, consider opting for Halong Bay day cruises that offer half-day or full-day itineraries.

By Bus 

Opting for a bus journey from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay is an alternative travel method. The distance covered is roughly 1,900 kilometers, with the bus ride taking around 35 hours. The cost of bus tickets fluctuates based on the bus type and the service provider, with prices usually falling between 590,000 VND and 1,050,000 VND.

Pros

• The journey by bus offers the opportunity to see the diverse landscapes of Vietnam, from bustling cities to rural areas, providing a richer travel experience.
• Buses run frequently between Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay, offering flexible scheduling options for travelers.

Cons

• At approximately 35 hours, the bus journey is significantly longer than flying, which can be a major drawback for those with limited time.
• Long-distance buses can vary in comfort levels. While some may offer more luxurious amenities, others might be basic, making such a long journey potentially uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay is an adventure that offers more than just a destination; it provides a journey filled with discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether you soar through the skies, traverse the country by rail, navigate the roads, or sail the seas, each mode of transportation offers a unique perspective on Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures. 

By understanding the pros and cons of each option, travelers can tailor their journey to match their expectations, budget, and time constraints, ensuring that the trip from Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay becomes a highlight of their Vietnamese adventure.

FAQs

What are the best options for budget travelers?

For budget travelers looking to journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay, buses and trains emerge as the most cost-effective options. While these modes of transport take longer, they offer significant savings compared to flights or cruises. Buses provide an affordable and direct route, albeit with a lengthy travel time of around 35 hours. Trains, on the other hand, offer a scenic voyage through Vietnam’s countryside, presenting an enriching travel experience beyond mere cost savings.

Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay?

No, there is no direct train service from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay. Travelers wishing to use rail services must first take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, which is a journey of approximately 35-37 hours covering around 1,700 kilometers. Upon arriving in Hanoi, one must then transfer to a bus, shuttle, or private vehicle to continue the journey to Halong Bay. This multi-step process allows travelers to experience the scenic beauty of Vietnam’s countryside and cities, but requires careful planning and consideration of transit times and connections.

What is the cost range for transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay?

The cost of transportation from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Long Bay varies widely depending on the mode of travel. For air travel, ticket prices typically range from 1,000,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND, depending on the airline and booking period. Bus fares are more economical, with prices ranging from 590,000 VND to 1,050,000 VND for the lengthy journey. Train tickets to Hanoi, followed by a transfer to Halong Bay, can cost between 690,000 VND and 1,600,000 VND, based on the class of service. 

Can I take a cruise directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay?

Direct cruises from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay are not available. However, travelers interested in a cruise experience can opt for international cruise lines that include Vietnam in their itinerary, with stops at both Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay. Alternatively, after arriving in Hanoi or Hai Phong via flight or other land transport, visitors can book a Halong Bay cruise. These cruises, ranging from day trips to multiple nights, offer an immersive way to explore the bay’s stunning karst landscapes and emerald waters.