From Hoi An to Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets.
You can experience the beauty of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat cruise and explore hidden caves and grottoes.
It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, try local seafood, and meet friendly locals along the way.
There are a few options for traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay:
- Flight: You can fly from Da Nang (the nearest airport to Hoi An) to Hanoi, and then take a bus or private car from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
- Bus: You can take a bus directly from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, which takes around 18-20 hours.
- Private car: You can also hire a private car or taxi to take you from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, which is a more comfortable but expensive option.
Bus
Flight
Flight
How to get From Hoi An to Halong Bay
Your options for traveling From Hoi An to Halong Bay
Flights
There are no direct flights from Hoi An to Halong Bay, as there is no airport in Halong Bay. However, you can fly from Da Nang International Airport, which is the closest airport to Hoi An, to either Noi Bai International Airport or Van Don International Airport, both of which are near Halong Bay.
From Noi Bai International Airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or private car to Halong Bay, which is approximately a 4-hour drive. From Van Don International Airport, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Halong Bay, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, and then take a shuttle bus or private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which is approximately a 3.5-hour drive.
- Fastest option, with direct flights available.
- Comfortable and convenient, with no need to worry about traffic or road conditions.
- Flights may be cheaper than hiring a private car or taking a taxi.
- Limited flight options and schedules may not fit your preferred travel itinerary.
- Airport transfers to/from Halong Bay may be expensive and time-consuming.
- You may miss out on the scenic views and cultural experiences of traveling by land.
Bus
To get from Hoi An to Halong Bay by bus, you would need to take a bus from Hoi An to Hanoi, then transfer to another bus to Halong Bay.
The bus from Hoi An to Hanoi takes around 16-18 hours and costs around 300,000-500,000 VND (depending on the type of bus and time of year). From Hanoi, the bus to Halong Bay takes around 3-4 hours and costs around 100,000-200,000 VND.
There are also overnight sleeper buses available from Hoi An to Hanoi, which can make the journey more comfortable.
- Cheaper than flying or driving.
- Opportunity to see more of the countryside and local life.
- Direct bus services are available between Hoi An and Ha Long Bay.
- Longer travel time than flying or driving.
- Potential for discomfort during the journey.
- Possible language barriers or confusion with the bus schedule.
Private car
To travel from Hoi An to Halong Bay by private car, you can either rent a car and drive yourself or hire a private driver. The distance is approximately 1,200 kilometers and the journey takes around 22-24 hours, so it is recommended to split the journey over two days with a stopover in Hanoi.
- More comfortable and flexible than taking a bus or train.
- You can make stops along the way and visit other destinations or attractions.
- You have control over the schedule and can set your own pace for the trip.
- The cost of renting a private car can be higher than taking a bus or train.
- Driving in Vietnam can be challenging, especially for foreign visitors who are not familiar with the traffic and road conditions.
- It can be a long and tiring journey, depending on the route and traffic.
