Flight + bus (via Hanoi)
Fastest, most efficient connection
Train + bus (via Ninh Binh)
Cheaper, good balance, possible stopover
Sleeper bus (via Hanoi)
Lowest price, long journey
Private car/taxi
High cost, multi-step transfer
Quick answer: Travelling from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay offers several options: train + bus, flight + bus, tourist bus/minivan, or private car. The flight + bus route is the fastest; train + bus or bus/minivan are more budget-friendly. You can book tickets from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 700 km by land via Hanoi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train + Bus ~12–17 hours | Flight + Bus ~7–8 hours | Tourist Bus/Minivan ~12–16 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train + Bus US$ 25–70 pp | Flight + Bus US$ 65–100 pp | Tourist Bus/Minivan US$ 25–40 pp
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Train from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh or Hanoi + bus/minivan to Ha Long.
- ✈️ Flight + Bus: Flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi + bus/minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long.
- 🚍 Tourist Bus/Minivan: Direct bus or minivan via Hanoi to Ha Long.
- 🚕 Private Car: Direct door-to-door car/taxi transfer via Ninh Binh.
Last updated in March 2026
From Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay you can travel by plane, train, bus or private car.
The distance from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay is about 700 km. The fastest option is to travel by plane to Hanoi and then continue by bus or limousine to Ha Long. This route takes about 7–8 hours in total. There are no direct flights to Ha Long Bay.
Another popular option is to travel by train from Dong Hoi to Hanoi and then continue by bus, limousine or train. You can also travel via Ninh Binh and continue to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island.
The cheapest way to get to Ha Long Bay is by train or bus via Hanoi. Travel time is around 14–16 hours, depending on connections. There is no direct train from Dong Hoi to Ha Long, so a transfer in Hanoi is necessary.
From Ha Long Bay you can also travel to Cao Bang, Sapa or Hanoi. Train, bus and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
| Transfer Mode – Dong Hoi to Ha Long | Travel Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (via Ninh Binh or Hanoi) | 12–17 hours | $25–70/pp |
| Plane + Bus / Car (via Hanoi) | 7–8 hours | $65–100/pp |
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Hanoi) | 12–16 hours | $25–40/pp |
| Private Taxi / Car (via Ninh Binh) | about 10 hours | $300-500/car |
How do I get from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Dong Hoi to Ha Long (via Ninh Binh)
👉 Train + bus via Ninh Binh is the best low-cost way from Dong Hoi to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who want to visit Ninh Binh
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–14 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $20–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (train with seats/sleepers + bus/minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Vietnam Railways sleeper train to Ninh Binh + minivan or bus to Ha Long / Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth for the train and book both train and bus tickets online in advance.
A popular and affordable way to travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay is by train and bus via Ninh Binh. This route is usually faster than traveling via Hanoi and also gives you the chance to visit one of northern Vietnam’s most popular destinations.
First, take a Vietnam Railways train from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh. The journey takes about 8–9.5 hours and trains offer seats as well as sleeper berths. For better comfort, a sleeper berth is recommended.
Train tickets cost about $14–30/pp for regular trains and up to $60–75/pp for tourist sleeper trains. Trains arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, see the Vietnam railway map.
From Ninh Binh, continue by bus or minivan to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. The journey takes about 2.5–4.5 hours and tickets cost around $5–20/pp. Train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Dong Hoi to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Flight + bus via Hanoi is the fastest and most efficient way from Dong Hoi to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–7 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $65–130 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + comfortable minivan/bus)
- ✅ Best option: Flight with Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi + minivan or bus from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and bus tickets online in advance due to limited flight schedule from Dong Hoi.
The fastest way to travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay is by plane and bus via Hanoi. This option can save several hours compared to traveling by train and is the most convenient choice for travelers with limited time.
The first step is a direct flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi. The flight takes about 1 hour and is operated by Vietnam Airlines from Dong Hoi Airport to Noi Bai Airport. Flight prices usually range from $50–100/pp and tickets can be booked online in advance.
From Noi Bai Airport, continue by bus, limousine or minivan to Ha Long Bay. Several companies operate this route, offering comfortable transfers directly from the airport.
The journey from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long takes about 3–3.5 hours and tickets cost around $13–27/pp. Combined flight and bus transport is the fastest and most practical way to reach Ha Long Bay from Dong Hoi.
3. BUS from Dong Hoi to Halong Bay (via Hanoi)
👉 Bus via Hanoi is the cheapest way from Dong Hoi to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–16 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $16–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to moderate (long sleeper bus + minivan/bus)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper bus to Hanoi + minivan or bus to Ha Long / Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and consider stopping in Hanoi or Ninh Binh to break up the journey.
Another affordable way to travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay is by bus or minivan via Hanoi. This option requires one transfer and takes about 12–16 hours in total.
The first step is a sleeper bus from Dong Hoi to Hanoi, with a travel time of about 8–10 hours. Tickets usually cost around $12–17/pp and several companies operate this route.
From Hanoi, you can continue by bus or minivan to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. This journey takes about 2–4.5 hours and tickets cost between $4–20/pp, depending on the type of vehicle.
Bus transport is one of the cheapest ways to reach Ha Long Bay. Tickets for both routes can be searched and booked online in advance.
4. TAXI / CAR from Dong Hoi to Ha Long (via Ninh Binh)
👉 Private taxi/car via Ninh Binh is the most comfortable and flexible way from Dong Hoi to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~10 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $300–500 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Mango Travel + Ouros Travel or Saigon DMC (via Ninh Binh)
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and book both legs online in advance for a smooth transfer.
The most comfortable, but also most expensive option, is a private car with a driver via Ninh Binh. This route requires 2 transfers: Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh and then Ninh Binh to Ha Long.
The total travel time is about 10 hours, while private car prices range from $300–500/car. Companies offer modern sedans, SUVs and minivans for small groups.
The main advantage is a door-to-door service with flexible departure times. If traveling with several people, the cost can be shared, making this option more attractive.
Private cars from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh and from Ninh Binh to Ha Long can be searched and booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay:
How to book tickets or flights from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
How long does it take to travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
The journey takes about 7–17 hours, depending on the transport option and route.
How much does it cost to travel from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
Travel costs range from about $25–100 per person, or $300–500 per private car.
What is the travel distance from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
The distance is approximately 700 km via Hanoi.
What is the best way to get from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
A flight to Hanoi followed by a bus or limousine is the fastest and most comfortable option.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus via Hanoi.
Is there a direct train from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
No, you need to travel via Hanoi or Hai Phong.
Can you travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by bus?
Yes, there are regular bus and ferry transfers from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.
Are there alternative routes from Dong Hoi to Ha Long Bay?
Yes, many travelers stop in Ninh Binh before continuing north.
Where can you travel from Ha Long Bay?
You can continue to Hanoi, Ninh Binh or from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi.
How do you get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?
From Noi Bai Airport, the easiest option is a direct limousine or private transfer.
Looking for cruise in Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island?
Choose from this selection and book the best boat cruise:
| ⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐ | |
|---|---|
| ➡️ Signature Halong Cruise | ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong |
| ➡️ Victory Star Cruise | ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise |
| ➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise | ➡️ Era Cruises Halong |
| ➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | ➡️ Victory Cruise |
| ➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise | ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise |
| ➡️ Royal Palace Cruise | ➡️ Peony Cruise |