Halong Bay boasts to be a “must see” destination in Vietnam, especially those visits North of Vietnam. The World Natural Wonder located 170 km from the East of Hanoi with around 3,5 hours driving from Hanoi center and 4 hours from Noi Bai airport with 30 minutes short break on way. How to get HaLong Bay from Hanoi or Noi bai airport? There are multiple choices that can be suite any budget and traveling purpose.
Road map
By Shuttle Bus
This type of transfer is available for departing from Hanoi center only. The shuttle bus can be understood as “tourist bus”, leaving Hanoi around 08:00 and return at 12:00 from Halong Bay everyday. If your hotel located in Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be picking up from the hotel. Otherwise, you have to take a taxi to meeting point. There are maximum 14 people on shuttle bus – the Ford Transit minivan.
Meeting point in Hanoi: In front of Opera House, N0 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi
Ending point in Halong Bay: Bai Chay habour
Cost: 12US$/person/way.
By Public Bus
It is normally using by local people, departing from fix stations, which located outside Hanoi center. Traveling by public bus, you need to take taxi to the stations and buy the ticket. The buses depart hourly and arrival Halong station after more than 4hours driving.
Departing from Hanoi: Gia Lam or Luong Yen Stations
Arrival in Halong Bay: Halong Bus Station.
Cost: 100.000VND (5US$) per person/per way
Notes: Some years ago, there was a tourist express train from Hanoi to Halong Bay at rate 10US$/person/way. However, it was closed as ineffectiveness
By Private Car
Travelling by private car considers the best choice as its flexibility, safety, quality and valuable rates. It also seem be uniquely way to reach Halong Bay from Noi Bai airport despite the taxi collection as it is indeed unsafe enough because of old age, careless drivers and non-competitive price.
Almost the same taxi cost, you have your own quality car, be greeted by friendly & helpful driver, 24hours English Speaking assistance and useful consultancy… This means of transfer is really worth for your expense.
| Route | Transfer | Sedan | SUV | Van | Mercedes E Series | BMW 7 Series |
Noi Bai Airport – Halong Bay
| One way | 98 | 105 | 120 | 280 | 475 |
| Return | 115 | 125 | 135 | 345 | 685 | |
Hanoi Center – Halong Bay
| One way | 95 | 110 | 120 | 190 | 415 |
| Return | 105 | 120 | 130 | 248 | 430 | |
| Overnight/night | 50 | 60 | 70 | 170 | 135 | |
| Overtime/hours | 5 | 7 | 10 | 34 | 45 | |
Notes:
- Rate in US$ for per car, included driver, fuel, toll fees, mineral water & tissue on car.
- Working time from 8.00 to 17.00 everyday
- The rates may be changed without notice.
- Driver speaks mainly Vietnamese but on-phone assistance is available 24/7
- All luxury drivers can speak English
By Helicopter
What's the best way to see Halong Bay?! Surely, there is nothing greater than admire fabulous Halong Bay from helicopter!
In fact, there was “helicopter taxi” for route Hanoi to Halong Bay few years ago, however, due to inefficient operation, this service no longer remain. Thus, charter is the only way to be able to see Halong from above.
Because of not popular in Vietnam, the only way you can use this means of transportation is charter at rather expensive rate. So, this service is suitable for a group, big family or V.I.P. The helicopter takes off from Gia Lam airport – a domestic airport, flying about 1 hour from Hanoi and vice versa.
Charter helicopter pricelist
| Type of helicopter | Max capacity(N0 of seats) | Charter rates (US$/helicopter) | |
| One way | Return | ||
| Mi-17 | 24 | 7.150 | 7.330 |
| Mi-172 | 24 | 8.050 | 8.250 |
| EC 155 B1 | 12 | 11.940 | 12,250 |
Notes:
- The rates above included TAX, Insurance, Fuel
- The rates above excluded ground transfers. Ex: Car for transfer from hotel in Hanoi to Gia Lam airport….
- Overnight fees: 500US$/Heli/1st night & 1000US$/Heli/2ndnight
- The rates may be changed without notice.
- The booking will be confirmed by first come – first serve
