How to go → HUE to HA LONG BAY?

how-to-go-hue-ha-long-bay
How do you get from Hue to Ha Long Bay? You can travel by combination of train, sleeper bus / minivan or plane.

1. Train + Bus to Ha Long
2. Flight + Bus to Ha Long
3. Bus – Hue to Ha Long
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Travel distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay is about 850 km by land.

    • The fastest way to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay is by taking a plane to Hanoi and then a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (either Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, or Cat Ba Island). Alternatively, you can opt for a train journey from Hue to Ninh Binh, followed by a bus ride from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. There’s also a train option from from Hue to Hai Phong via Hanoi, which offers an economical route to Ha Long. Please note that there’s no direct train route from Hue to Ha Long, necessitating a transfer in Hanoi. Another convenient option is to catch a direct flight from Da Nang (approximately 100 km from Hue) to Hai Phong (around 45 km from Ha Long). Once in Ha Long, you can further explore destinations such as Cao Bang province via Hanoi, or venture to Sapa town. Secure your train/bus tickets or flights from Hue to Ha Long in norhtern Vietnam easily online.

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    • Hue to Ha Long Bay – Embark on a journey from central to northern Vietnam, with Hue being a prominent destination in central Vietnam and Ha Long Bay a renowned attraction in the north. Ha Long Bay attracts a multitude of tourists from around the globe. Traveling from Hue to Ha Long Bay offers numerous options, including various combinations of trains, buses, or flights, depending on your preferences and intended destinations within Ha Long Bay, given its vast expanse.
    • The closest airports to Ha Long are Hai Phong and Van Don. Explore the detailed instructions on how to reach Ha Long Bay from Hue below and immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting locale. Before setting off for Ha Long Bay, familiarize yourself with the weather conditions by reading this informative article: Weather in Ha Long Bay.
Transfer Mode – Hue to Ha Long Bay: Travel Time Cost Range
Train + Bus (via Ninh Binh) to Ha Long 15-20 hours $30+/pp
Sleeper Bus to Ha Long 15-17 hours $23-40/pp
Plane + Bus (via Hanoi) to Ha Long 7-10 hours $70-130/pp

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How do I get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?


1. TRAIN + BUS from Hue to Ha Long (via Ninh Binh)

A popular low-cost transportation option from Hue to Ha Long is by train and bus/minivan via Ninh Binh city. You can also go by train and bus via Hanoi, so why should you go via Ninh Binh? It takes a little less time to travel through Ninh Binh city and this place is very attractive with many historical monuments and scenic karst area. Ninh Binh is approximately 200 km east of Ha Long and there are buses and various minivans between these cities.

So the first step is to travel by Vietnam Railways train from Hue to Ninh Binh. These trains also include tourist sleeper trains, which offer you better comfort, but at higher ticket prices. Regular trains offer you comfortable seats or sleeping beds in cabins for 4-6 passengers. Seats are always the cheaper option, while sleepers are the more expensive option.

On average, ticket prices from Hue to Ninh Binh for regular trains range from $15-45/pp and for tourist sleeper trains such as Violette Train, Livitrans Express, Laman Express, Lotus Train from $60-85/pp. For this longer journey, it is advisable that you choose a sleeper bed, because the train journey time to Ninh Binh is 11-12.5 hours.

Trains arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station (see the Vietnam Train Map) and from there it is only about 5 km to the popular tourist area of ​​Tam Coc. It is definitely advisable if you stay in Ninh Binh for at least 2 days and from there you can continue by bus to Ha Long.

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The second step is to travel by bus or minivan from Ninh Binh to the city of Ha Long, or you can also go to Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay. Between Ninh Binh and Ha Long you can use a number of bus companies such as Duc Duong, Duy Khanh, Luxury Van Limousine, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, Ninh Binh Footprint, Ha Long Bus Travel, Ninh Binh Excursion, Sapa Discovery Travel, Quang Muoi and next.

The bus ride time from Ninh Binh to Ha Long is approximately 2.5-4 hours, depending on where you want to go and where exactly you want to go. Buses leave from different places and arrive at different places in Ha Long. You will always see this transfer information when searching for tickets online.

A bus transfer from Ninh Binh to Ha Long costs about $5-20/pp, depending on the type of bus you choose. Again, you can book bus tickets to Ha Long from Ninh Binh easily online.

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train-bus-van-hue-to-ha-long
From Hue to Ha Long you can travel by train + bus/van via Hanoi.


2. FLIGHT + BUS from Hue to Ha Long (via Hanoi)

The fastest and most convenient, but at the same time more expensive transfer option from Hue to Ha Long is to travel by direct flight and bus via the city of Hanoi. This option has 2 steps: an air transfer to Noi Bai airport and a bus trip either directly from the airport or from the city of Hanoi to Ha Long or Cat Ba island.

The first step is a direct flight to Hanoi from Hue, from Phu Bai Airport to Noi Bai Airport (look at the airport map of Vietnam). Direct flights to Hanoi are operated by well-known Vietnamese airlines VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Hanh Air Systems, Bamboo Airways.

VietJet Air usually offers the cheapest flights between Hue and Hanoi, but it’s a good idea to do some preliminary price research first. The flight time from Hue to Hanoi is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and tickets are in the price range of $60-140/pp, depending on the flight class, most flights are Economy class.

Arrive at Phu Bai Airport at least 2 hours before your flight to Hanoi. The total time of the transfer by plane will be approximately 4 hours, even with the wait at the airport. If you would like to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the center of Hanoi, you can use various shuttle buses, private taxis or bus No. 86.

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The second step is to travel by bus or minivan from Hanoi or directly from Noi Bai airport to Ha Long city, or even to Cat Ba island. There are many different buses or minivans between Hanoi and Ha Long from companies such as Phuc Xuyen, Kumho Viet Thanh, Techbus VN, Hung Duc, GreenLion, Grouptour, Duy Khanh Transport, Van Donh Xanh, Co To Limousine, Daichi Travel or Cat Ba Express and many others.

The bus transfer to Ha Long from Hanoi takes approximately 2.5-4 hours, depending on where you are coming from and where you are going. Buses depart from many different locations including Noi Bai Airport and also arrive at various locations in Ha Long such as Tuan Chau, Hon Gai or Bai Chay.

You will see all this information about transfer, tickets and stations when ordering tickets online. You can again easily find and buy tickets from Hanoi to Ha Long online, even in advance.

BOOK BUS TICKETS to Ha Long

flight-bus-hue-to-halong
From Hue to Halong Bay you can also travel by plane + bus via Hanoi.


3. SLEEPER BUS from Hue to Halong Bay

Another low-cost transportation option from Hue to Ha Long is a sleeper intercity bus. It is used a little less than the train journey, because the bus transfer may not be suitable for everyone. Sleeper buses of several companies run on this route, such as New Way Travel, Grouptour, Duy Khanh or Vietnam Luxury Travel.

Some companies also have transfers with a changeover in another city, so for example you will travel by sleeper bus and then the next part of the route by a smaller bus or minivan. Buses also depart from and arrive at various locations in Ha Long, you will see all this transfer and ticket information when ordering tickets.

BOOK BUS TICKETS to Ha Long

The bus travel from Hue to Ha Long takes approximately 15-17 hours and fares range from $23-40/pp. These buses also make other stops along the way to Ha Long, or pick up other travelers, depending on the company. Again, you can easily find and buy bus tickets to Ha Long online in advance.

Sleeper buses are mainly suitable for solo travelers who do not have a very large travel budget. On the other hand, there are already some very modern and comfortable buses in Vietnam with LCD televisions or toilets in the vehicle. The advantage can also be that you do not have to use another type of transfer, such as in the case of a train transfer.

bus-hue-to-halong-bay
From Hue to Ha Long you can also travel by sleeper bus (photo: 12go.asia).


FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Hue to Ha Long Bay:

1. How to book tickets + flights from Hue to Halong Bay?

2. What is the travel time from Hue to Ha Long Bay?

    • Travel by train + bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) takes about 15-20 hours.
    • Travel by plane + bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) takes about 7-10 hour.
    • Travel by sleeper bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay takes about 15-17 hours.

3. How much does it cost to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?

    • Travel by train + bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) costs about $30+/pp.
    • Travel by plane + bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) costs about $70-130/pp.
    • Travel by sleeper bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay costs about $23-40/pp.

4. How far is Ha Long Bay from Hue?

    • Travel distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) is about 850 km by train + bus.

5. What is the best way to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?

    • The best way how to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay is to travel by plane from Hue to Hanoi + bus from Hanoi to Ha Long. It is the most fastest way of getting from Hue in central Vietnam to Ha Long in northern Vietnam.

6. What is the cheapest way of getting from Hue to Ha Long Bay?

    • The most cheapest way how to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay is to travel by tourist bus. You can travel by sleeper bus to Hanoi and bus from Hanoi to Ha Long (Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau…).

7. What are another ways how to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?

    • There are also another ways how to get from Hue to Ha Long. You can travel by train to Ninh Binh and take a bus to Cat Ba Island. There are also various buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.
    • Another way is to travel by train/bus to Da Nang (only about 100km) and from Da Nang you can take a direct flight to Hai Phong. Hai Phong is about 45 km from Ha Long and from Hai Phong you can take a ferry to Cat Ba Island.

8. What you can also visit in Ha Long Bay?

    • You can also travel by bus from Hanoi to Cai Rong/Van Don and take a ferry to Quan Lan Island or Co To Island. These islands are not so visited by foreing tourists and it takes some time to get there.

9. How to go to Halong Bay from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi?

    • Travel from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay – the most convenient option is a private transfer via minivan / minibus or taxi / car, offering direct and comfortable transportation. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a combination of train and bus, with the train journey starting from Hanoi Railway Station to Hai Phong City, followed by a bus or ferry to Halong Bay. Choose the option that best suits your preferences, budget, and schedule.

10. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?

    • Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.

11. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?

    • Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam, characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

12. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?

    • Weather in Vietnam varies with a tropical climate featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. In the north, the dry season (October to April) brings cooler temperatures, while the wet season (May to September) is marked by higher humidity and heavy rainfall. Central Vietnam experiences a dry period (January to August) with lower humidity and a wet season (September to December) characterized by increased rainfall. In southern Vietnam, the dry season (December to April) offers warm temperatures, while the wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. For accurate information, check local forecasts.

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Do you want to choose and book a cruise in Ha Long Bay?
Take a look on these best reviewed Ha Long Bay cruises:

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🎫 Book your train + bus tickets or flights from Hue to Ha Long Bay:

(You can book another tickets, e.g. Hue > Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh > Cat Ba, Hue to Hanoi…)

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