Hoi An to Ha Long Bay: Exploring Transportation Options

The journey from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is an adventure that takes you from the heart of Vietnamese culture to the pinnacle of its natural beauty. Hoi An, known for its enchanting Ancient Town and vibrant heritage, serves as a captivating starting point. From here, you embark on a journey to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.

This guide is dedicated to exploring the various modes of transportation available for this journey, ensuring you can find the best fit for your travel style, budget, and time constraints. Whether you prefer the scenic routes of train and bus travel, the efficiency of a flight, or the adventure of a road trip, we’ll cover all the options to make your journey from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Distance from Hoi An to Halong Bay

The journey from Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, to Halong Bay, famous for its stunning limestone karsts and islands, spans 909 km (565 miles). Traveling this distance can be an adventure in itself, as it traverses a diverse range of landscapes and offers a glimpse into the heart of Vietnam. Options for making this journey include a combination of road and rail travel, or a quicker but less scenic flight. There are several ways to get between these two locations due to their considerable distance, including bus or private transport, airline, and rail.

How to Travel from Hoi An to Halong bay

Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist route in Vietnam, connecting two of the country’s most iconic destinations. The journey covers approximately 1,000 kilometers and can be done by various means of transportation, including buses, trains, and flights.

Hoi An to Ha Long Bay plane

Flying from Da Nang International Airport is the quickest and most convenient way to go from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay. Compared to other modes of transportation, flying will save you a great deal of time and energy because the distance from Hoi An to Halong Bay is very large – about 909 kilometers. Da Nang International Airport, which is conveniently connected to other major airports in Vietnam, is just a short drive from Hoi An Ancient Town and serves as a transfer point to Ha Long Bay.

To Noi Bai International Airport

All things considered, the Hoi An to Ha Long Bay flight can be a fantastic option for people looking to travel in comfort and save time. Flying from Da Nang International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi allows you to travel 170 kilometers to Ha Long Bay, where you can take a shuttle bus or taxi. A one-way economy class ticket costs between 700,000 and 900,000 VND, and the journey from Da Nang to Hanoi takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.

To Van Don International Airport

You can also fly from Da Nang International Airport to Van Don International Airport to get from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay. The average ticket price ranges from 3,000,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND, and the flight lasts for around one hour and fifteen minutes. To get the cheapest prices, it is advised to purchase your tickets in advance.

The closest airport to Ha Long Bay is Van Don Airport, which is situated roughly 50 kilometers away. Taking a shuttle bus or taxi from Van Don Airport to Ha Long Bay is a convenient way to go there. The trip takes around forty-five minutes and provides breathtaking views of the water.

To Cat Bi International Airport

Flying from Da Nang International Airport to Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, roughly 53 kilometers from Ha Long Bay, is another viable option for getting from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay. Cat Bi International Airport is not the closest airport to the bay, but it frequently offers more flight options at a cheaper cost than Van Don International Airport, which is closer. From Da Nang International Airport, a one-way ticket to Cat Bi International Airport costs between 800,000 and 1,000,000 VND.

Pros and Cons when traveling by plane

Pros	Cons
Time-saving	Expensive
Savor breathtaking aerial views of Vietnam’s expansive rice paddies and towering mountains.

Hoi An to Ha Long Bay train

Travelers can also choose to go by rail from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay. You would have to take a bus or taxi to Da Nang Railway Station first before boarding a train to Ha Long Bay, though, as there are no direct trains from Hoi An. There are two choices to think about:

Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi → Ha Long: Travel from Hoi An to Da Nang, then board a train for Hanoi, and lastly arrive in Ha Long via bus or cab. Train tickets from Da Nang to Hanoi range from 300,000 to 900,000 VND, and bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Long cost between 120,000 and 260,000 VND.

Hoi An → Da Nang → Ninh Binh → Ha Long: Instead of going to Hanoi, take the train to Ninh Binh, and then take a bus or taxi to Ha Long. A bus ticket from Ninh Binh to Ha Long often costs between 200,000 and 250,000 VND, whereas a rail ticket from Da Nang to Ninh Binh costs between 300,000 and 850,000 VND.

Pros and Cons when traveling by train

Pros	Cons
Get to know some local Vietnamese folks and become fully immersed in their way of life	Time consuming
Discover a fresh way to take in Vietnam’s splendor	Backache if you choose hard seats
Cheaper price than traveling by plane
If opting for an overnight train, save your accommodation bill

Hoi An to Ha Long Bay bus

This is a well-liked option for travelers visiting Vietnam for an extended period of time. You must arrive at Danang first, where there are more busses available, in order to catch the bus. There aren’t any buses that go directly between Hoi An and Halong Bay right now. As a result, you should anticipate going through the next two steps:

Travel from Danang to Ninh Binh by sleeper bus:

It could take you fifteen hours or so. There will be stops throughout the route for lunch or dinner in various provinces. Following the QL1A Highway, the route will pass by the lovely Ke Go Lake, Vinh city, the center of Vietnamese culture and commerce, and Hue city, the country’s former capital. The final destination, Ninh Binh City, is a well-liked tourist destination in Vietnam, renowned for its enormous, verdant rice fields and limestone cliffs rising out of the earth. Another name for it is “Halong Bay on Land.” This could be a great area to stop before heading out to the actual Halong Bay.

Travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay:

It’s simpler to travel to Halong Bay from Ninh Binh City by minivan or tour bus. Depending on the kind of transportation you choose, it takes three to five hours. The bus ticket only costs between $10 and $18 USD. You can get to Halong Bay faster and receive superior service for a larger fee. 

Read More: Travel Guide from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay

Pros and Cons when traveling by bus/private transfer:

Pros	Cons
Explore more locations along Vietnam’s coastline	Time consuming
Ideal for anyone with sufficient time and money	Potential communication gap between stations
Appreciate the variations in culture between the Central and Northern	Unchangeable arrival and departure times

Tips for Travelling to Halong Bay from Hoi An

Here are some suggestions for you as visiting Halong Bay alone can be challenging for foreigners:

• Pay close attention to the bus and rail schedules. 
• Your bus may be delayed. But don’t forget to be at your bus stop at least fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.
• Select busses of a higher class for a more comfortable ride. These buses provide amenities including air conditioning, WiFi, soft seats, and restrooms.
• It is best to purchase airline tickets in advance to guarantee a decent seat for you.
• Consult the staff at your accommodation or the locals for advice.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the myriad of ways to traverse the distance from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, each offering a unique perspective of Vietnam. Whether you chose the slow-paced, scenic route absorbing the diverse Vietnamese landscape, or opted for the swiftness of air travel to maximize your time at the destinations, this journey is more than just a transition from point A to B; it’s a passage through the soul of Vietnam. As you prepare to embark on this memorable trip, remember that the journey is as integral to your travel experience as the stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay and the charming streets of Hoi An. 

FAQs

Are there direct flights from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?

No, there are no direct flights from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay. Travelers typically fly from Da Nang International Airport, the nearest major airport to Hoi An, to either Hanoi or Hai Phong. From there, they can then take ground transportation such as buses or private transfers to reach Ha Long Bay. While flying offers the quickest option, taking a train or bus combined with a scenic journey through the Vietnamese countryside can also be an enjoyable alternative for those seeking a more immersive travel experience.

What is the most convenient way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?

The most convenient way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay depends on personal preferences and budget. While there are no direct flights from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, travelers often opt to fly from Da Nang International Airport, the closest major airport to Hoi An, to either Hanoi or Hai Phong. From there, they can take ground transportation such as buses or private transfers to reach Ha Long Bay. Alternatively, some travelers choose to take a combination of trains and buses for a more scenic journey through the Vietnamese countryside. Ultimately, the most convenient option varies for each traveler based on their preferences for speed, comfort, and budget.

Can I book a tour from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?

Yes, travelers can book tours from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay through various tour operators. These tours typically include transportation from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, accommodation, and guided tours of the bay’s attractions. Depending on the tour package chosen, travelers may have the option to join group tours or opt for private tours for a more personalized experience. These tours offer convenience and peace of mind, as all arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, and itinerary planning, are taken care of by the tour operator. 

Is it worth visiting both Hoi An and Ha Long Bay during one trip to Vietnam?

Absolutely! Both Hoi An and Ha Long Bay are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Hoi An captivates visitors with its charming ancient town, adorned with colorful lanterns, historic architecture, and delectable cuisine. Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay enchants with its breathtaking limestone karsts, emerald waters, and picturesque landscapes. Combining visits to both destinations allows travelers to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, explore diverse landscapes, and create unforgettable memories.