One of the places in Vietnam that absolutely cannot be missed, Halong Bay is known for its breathtaking limestone islands and islets. If you are thinking of taking a vacation from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the information in this transportation guide as well as the travel advice that follows should help you organize an excellent excursion.

A private car from Hanoi to HaLong Bay 

If you don't mind spending a significant amount of money, the most expedient and pleasant method to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay is by private automobile, which is also the most expensive mode of transportation when compared to other common modes of transportation such as local buses or limousine cars.

The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is around 165 kilometers, and the travel time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. There are many different companies that provide private automobile rental services between Hanoi and Halong Bay, and there is also a wide variety of alternatives for the vehicles themselves.

This mode of transportation is ideal for large families with young children, elderly people, or small groups of people who value their privacy and want to reduce the amount of time spent commuting. You won't have to deal with any hassles resulting from random people, and you'll be able to stop for a break whenever you choose along the road. Renting a private automobile may enable groups of at least three persons achieve reduced transportation expenses as compared to using individual forms of transportation. You have the option of renting the car for a day trip, a vacation lasting two days and one night, or a vacation lasting three days and two nights.

Contact to book a private car to Ha Long from Hanoi: 

• Hotline:  +84.934.189.301 - Whasapp
• Website: https://vietnamtrustcarrentals.com/

Besides, You can book a private car with:

• Mai Linh - Hotline: (+84-8) 3825 8888 - 3825 7777
• Green taxi Vinfast - Hotline: 1900 2088
• Vina sun - Hotline: 0766312077

Bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay

• Cost: 10,5$/1 way/person
• Duration: 3 hours

Taking a bus to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the trip. The travel time might range anywhere from two and a half to three hours, depending on where you start.

This route is serviced by a large number of different bus companies, some of which are Phuc Xuyen, Hung Duc Bus and Ka Long Bus.

Hanoi to Halong Bay by train + bus

• Duration: 1.8 hours (train) + 1.2 hours (bus)

• Cost: 164,000 VND 

• Address:
  • Hanoi train station: 120 Lê Duẩn, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
  • Hai Phong train station: 75 Lương Khánh Thiện, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng
  • Hai Phong bus station Niem Nghia:   275 Trần Nguyên Hãn, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng

One other option is to take a train from Hanoi to the railway station in Hai Phong, and then transfer to a bus at Hai Phong to continue on to Halong Bay. This choice takes around 1.8 hours if you use the train and 1.2 hours if you take the bus. 

There is just one departure of the train every day at 4:55 am from the Yen Vien station in Hanoi. The train arrives at the Halong station at 11:41 am, making the entire trip duration 6 hours and 45 minutes. After the train pulls into Halong City station, you will need to make further transportation arrangements in order to go to either your hotel or the cruise port. It will take the same amount of time, 6 hours and 46 minutes, for the train to return to Hanoi; it will depart the Halong station at 1.50 pm and arrive in Hanoi at 8.31 pm.

Hanoi to Halong Bay by motorbike

Renting a motorcycle and driving to Halong Bay is an option that should be considered if you value having flexibility in your schedule, your journey path, and exciting new experiences. In Hanoi, there are several locations where one may hire a motorcycle at a low rate, often ranging from 120,000 VND - 180,000 VND per day. You may ask for assistance from the staff at your hotel, or you can call the motorcycle rental outlets directly.

It should come as no surprise that traveling by car from Hanoi to Halong Bay affords you several opportunities to take in the breathtaking views along the way. However, only those with a decent level of physical strength should consider selecting this choice. The following are the two most common methods of travel between Hanoi and Halong Bay:

• Option 1:  Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Halong (155km)
• Option 2:  Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong (170km)

The following are some well-known brands:

Kim’s Motorbike

• Hotline: 0338 023 344
• Address ngõ 86 Vườn Đào, P. Bãi Cháy, TP.Hạ Long
• Cost: 80.000đ – 180.000đ/day

Sun World Quảng Ninh

• Hotline: 0944 697 555
• Address: Sun World, Hạ Long, Bãi Cháy, Thành phố Hạ Long
• Cost: 130.000đ/day - 180.000 VND/day

Ruby’s Motorbike Rentals

• Hotline:  0833 628 336
• Address: 54 Bãi Cháy, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh
• Cost: 100.000đ/day - 150.000 VND/day

Some travel advice for getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Once you have arrived at the Tuan Chau Marina, it will not be difficult for you to discover a selection of day cruises that will take you to Halong Bay. The majority of cruises include excursions that let passengers go kayaking, see floating fishing towns, and explore caverns. To avoid disappointment and guarantee that you get a spot on the cruise of your choice, you should make reservations well in advance. This is particularly important during high travel seasons.

You have the option of booking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay if you would want to stay in the area for an extended period of time. This will allow you to explore more of the harbor and its attractions, such as Cat Ba Island and the district located on Van Don Island, which are also accessible by boat.

When going on a trip to Halong Bay, it is essential to keep in mind the ecosystem and the effects that tourism has on the surrounding region. Please do not trash in this bay and appreciate the natural beauty that it has. Consider going with a travel agency that places a premium on responsible vacationing since there are a growing number of tour operators that are dedicated to responsible tourism practices.

There are a number of tour operators operating out of Hanoi that provide ship excursions to Halong Bay for those who would rather not go there alone.

A day vacation would often include bus transit from Hanoi to Halong and vice versa, as well as a Halong boat excursion visiting Thien Cung grotto and activities like as kayaking.

If you sign up for a trip that lasts for two days and one night or three days and two nights, you will have the opportunity to participate in additional activities, such as visiting a fishing village and caverns, taking part in a culinary lesson, seeing the sunrise, fishing for squids at night, and many more.

Tour Halong Bay

There are a number of tour operators operating out of Hanoi that provide ship excursions to Halong Bay for those who would rather not go there alone.

A day vacation would often include bus transit from Hanoi to Halong and vice versa, as well as a Halong boat excursion visiting Thien Cung grotto and activities like as kayaking.

If you sign up for a trip that lasts for two days and one night or three days and two nights, you will have the opportunity to participate in additional activities, such as visiting a fishing village and caverns, taking part in a culinary lesson, seeing the sunrise, fishing for squids at night, and many more.

Here some travel companies you can refer to:

Khat Vong Viet Travel Company

• Address: No. 18, Lot 4B, Trung Yen 10A street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay, Hanoi
• Hotline: 0962.70.5533 * 0934.507.489 * 0915.225.291
• Website: https://dulichkhatvongviet.com

Hanoitourist company

• Address: 18 Ly Thuong Kiet, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Hotline: 0965 934 518
• Website: https://hanoitourist.com.vn/

BestPrice Travel

• Address: 57 Tran Quoc Toan street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Hotline:  0904 699 428
• Website: https://www.bestprice.vn/

It is not an easy task to choose the most appropriate mode of transportation to go from Hanoi to Halong since there are a lot of aspects to think about, such as the cost, the amount of time, and the weather.

All of the aforementioned methods of transportation have their advantages and disadvantages, so please give serious consideration to both before making your choice.