It is the magnificent landscapes, 2000 limestone islands and islets and hospitable locals that explain the fascination of international travelers to come visit Halong Bay. Halong Bay, which is 170km away from Hanoi capital city, is easily accessible by bus, shuttle bus, by tour, motorbike and private car.
Travelling Halong Bay By Bus From Hanoi
Take a bus from Hanoi to Halong can be a good thrill if you are travelling on your own and want to save cost. Departing every 15 minute from Kim Ma bus station on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoang Long express is the bus takes you to Halong. To reach the pier, it will take about 3-4 hours and cost about VND 60,000 ($2.6). Once reaching this charming bay, you can choose to hop on one of plenty of cruise operators. Partly since you get to be part of the daily commune of the locals, who come and go to Hanoi, this way of transport is exciting. Additionally, taking the bus is very convenient for someone who has no fix schedule. However, for those who are more familiar with Vietnam conditions or have adventurous streak, this type is more suitable; it is not recommended for first time tourists. Violet cruises Halong bay
By Tour
Of course, booking a tour, which cheap and available every day, is the most popular way to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay. You will have the tour operators take care of everything, your accommodation, cruise and transportation. You will be accompanied with a tour guide who will explain all things along the way. In spite of the different itineraries, all of the tours operators will provide shuttle bus from the Old Quarter. If you do not want to join 20 others on a shuttle bus, some will also have private car option for you. Although this will increase the cost, it is also comfort. For family, group of friends and anybody who wants to have a fuss free trip, it is highly recommended to go on tours. For a 2-day tour, an average cost is about VND 3million ($130). Scout around the old quarters to book a tour operator. Depending on your budget and types of add ons, there are plenty of choices.
By Motorcycle
Even at the most remote places, Vietnam can basically be reached by motorcycle, which is the utmost thrilling and adventurous of all. It is possible to rent a good bike from the Old quarter, a map and good riding skill to make the 170km trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay on the quite straight forward road. To support each other on the way, particularly in case a bike brakes down, it is advisable to embark on this with a small group of friends. To ensure a safest trip, careful inspection of bike before the trip is really crucial. About $20/day is an average price for bike rental. However, to reach Halong, it will take slightly longer than car or bus and is considerably more tiring. Thus, riding the bike to Halong is not very worth unless you plan to stay long in the area.
Shuttle Bus
For 1-way ticket, it costs you about $15 per person. You will have the 29 seat shuttle bus pick you up from your hotel and also be transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi after the trip. The departure time will be anywhere from 8am – to 9am as you will share the bus with other people from different hotels. However, it is important to get ready at your hotel lobby at 8.am. When a single person is traveling, it is more economic. adventure Indochina travel
Private Car
It is more convenient and more flexible to use a private car. As you do not have to wait for others, the travel time is shorter allowing you some breaks for photograph opportunities, refreshments or a toilet stop along the way. For one day trip (2-way), it costs from $79 to $220 and for a 2-day trip, it costs from $120 to $150. All prices include fees for driver, parking fees and fuel.
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