Famous for its charming beauty, spectacular scenery and a wide variety of interesting activities, Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for travelers coming to Vietnam. And travellers should want to find information about how to get to Halong Bay. Let’s see some useful tips to make your journey to Halong Bay faster and easier. Alova Gold cruises
By bus
Even though there are currently 4 main means of transportation to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi, the best way to transfer to Halong Bay is thought to be bus. There are many tour operators offering a daily shuttle bus service between Hanoi capital city and Halong Bay. Normally, the Halong Bay shuttle bus departs daily from the center of Hanoi (often Hanoi Old Quarter) to the Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay.
- Distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay: 165 Km
- Travel time (approximately): 3.5 hours
- Rest stop: A short stop of around 15 minutes (2 hours after departure)
Otherwise, travelers coming from Hanoi can catch a high quality bus at My Dinh, Gia Lam or Luong Yen bus station to go to Mien Tay bus station in Bai Chay (Halong city). High quality does not mean expensive but reasonable and comfortable. Most of the buses going to Halong are new and fully equipped with air condition and come with a careful driver. Currently, a bus ride costs you about USD3. However, it may be a disadvantage as in the bus, no one can speak English or other foreign languages. But don’t worry, let’s use your body language. Also, as USD is not accepted, bring with you VND (Vietnam’s currency).
By train
Train is one other way to travel to Halong from the capital city. Tourists will take Korea – invested train from Hanoi center to Yen Vien (Gia Lam) Railway Station and finally reach Quang Ninh province. Normally, the train journey starts at 4.30am and ends at 11am. Near the Bai Chay bus station, the terminal at Halong City is about 5km far away from the harbor. However, travelers may have to deal with train delays or even cancellations without notice. It costs $20/single for own way ticket for hard sleeper only. Indochina travel Cambodia
By car or taxi
For travelers who arrive at Noi Bai Airport and want to travel directly to Halong city, it is advisable to rent a taxi or a private car with a driver. For private car from Noi Bai- Halong City, there are several companies providing this service at a little less than USD $100/one way. Note that driver, petrol, tolls and parking fee are included in this rate. For pick-up/drop-off service at the airport or your hotel, there may be an English speaking driver or English speaking guide accompanying with you. Thanks to its valuable rates, quality, safety and flexibility, travelling by private car is considered as the better choice than taxi. In spite of the taxi collection (it is indeed unsafe enough because of non-competitive price, the risk of careless drivers and old age), to reach Halong from Noi Bai airport, it also seems to be a unique way.
See more:
Asia Travel Lover
