1. Train + Bus to Ha Long
2. Flight to Ha Long Bay
3. FAQ + Travel Tips + Info
🎫 Book a Tour Online
🎫 Book Tickets Online
From Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay you can travel by train+bus or plane.
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- Halong Bay is one of the most visited places in Vietnam, written in UNESCO heritage list, located in Quang Ninh province in northern Vietnam. Thousands of tourists come every day to visit this unique place. It is a famous and well-known place for various boat cruises and trips. There are about 2000 various small and big islands, beaches and also a lot of travelers from all the world. From Ha Long (Tuan Chau Island) you can also travel to the biggest island in northern Vietnam – Cat Ba Island. It is easy to get there from Hanoi, there are various tourist buses or private taxi/minivan, but from Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam it is a bit different. Traveling by train from Saigon to Hanoi is a good and cheap way if you want to visit also another places in central Vietnam. From Ha Long you can also travel to Hanoi or you can travel to Sapa in the north of Vietnam.
Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long is about 1900 km by land.
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- The most fastest and comfortable way how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay is to take a direct flight. There are flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong and Van Don in Cai Rong. Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong takes only about 2 hours and it costs about $50-150/pp. From Hai Phong you can travel by boat/ferry to Cat Ba Island or you can take a bus to Ha Long City or Tuan Chau Island. Van Don in Cai Rong is a good airport if you want to continue to Quan Lan Island or Co To Island. If you want to travel by land, you can take a sleeper train to Hanoi (or Ninh Binh) and from Hanoi/Ninh Binh you can take a bus to Ha Long or Cat Ba Island. Travel time by train from Saigon to Hanoi is about 35-37 hours and travel time by bus from Hanoi to Ha Long is about 2-3 hours. From Ha Long city (Bai Chay bus station) you can travel by local public bus to Cai Rong and Van Don, it takes about 1 hours. Book your train and bus tickets or flights from Saigon to Ha Long Bay (Hai Phong, Van Don) online.
| Transfer Mode – Saigon to Ha Long: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus via Hanoi | 40 hours | $40-90/pp |
| Flight | 2-2.5 hours | $50-150/pp |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay
1.step – Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
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- travel distance by train is about 1900 km (about 6 trains every day)
- travel by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes about 35-37 hours
- 1st class+2nd class trains of Vietnam Railways, seats or comfortable berths
- train ticket price is about $30-70/pp (hard or soft seats, 4-6 berth sleeper cabin)
- book and buy train e-tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- you will receive your train e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present when boarding the train in Saigon Railway Station
2.step – Bus or Limousine/Van from Hanoi to Halong Bay
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- a fast and comfortable way how to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long
- travel by bus/limousine from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 2.5-4 hours
- various bus companies and also cheap bus tickets
- bus ticket costs about $5-23/pp (depends on company and type of bus)
- you can also travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (tickets on Baolau, 12go.asia)
- read this article: How to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
2. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong / Van Don
Travel by plane is the most fastest and comfortable way how to travel from Saigon to Ha Long Bay in the north of Vietnam. From Hai Phong you can continue to Cat Ba Island and from Van Don (Cai Rong) you can travel by ferry to Quan Lan Island and Co To Island. From Hai Phong you can also travel by bus or limousine to Ha Long City.
1. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong
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- Hai Phong is about 50 km from Ha Long
- flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong takes about 2 hours
- flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong costs about $50-150/pp
- between Hai Phong and Ha Long you can travel by various buses and limousines
- from Hai Phong you can also travel by bus + ferry to Cat Ba Island
- book your flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
2. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don (about 60 km from Ha Long)
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- there was opened a new international airport at the Van Don Island (Cai Rong)
- a good airport if you want to travel to Quan Lan Island and Co To Island
- flight from Saigon to Van Don takes about 2-2.5 hour
- flight from Saigon to Van Don costs about $100/pp
- book your flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don online on Baolau ➜
📍 Halong Bay / Cat Ba Island / Quan Lan – Tourist map:
Baolau – book and buy tickets and flights online
– at Baolau you can search and book train, boat/ferry, bus tickets and flights
– tickets for the ferries and boats in Vietnam (eg. ferry to Phu Quoc, Con Dao to Saigon, ferry to Nam Du, ferry to Cat Ba..)
– tickets for Malaysia (eg. Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, Malacca to Penang, Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu…)
– the price of tickets or flights is from the official price of transport company or airlines
– you can use your online train e-ticket in mobile phone in Vietnam (Recommended – print your ticket)
– read other information about ticket before you order, read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
12go.asia – book and buy tickets and flights online
– at 12go.asia you can book the train, boat/ferry, bus tickets and flights for various countries in Asia
– boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos eg. ferry to Mui Ne, Koh Rong, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao…
– tickets for the main routes in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to Krabi, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Surat Thani…
– from 2018 you can book train tickets for China online (Beijing to Shanghai, Shanghai to Suzhou, Shanghai to Hangzhou..)
– you can use an online train ticket in Vietnam and Thailand in your mobile phone
– if you book a ticket of private train in Vietnam to Lao Cai on 12go.asia or Baolau (Orient Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay:
1. How to book tickets or flights from Saigon to Halong Bay?
2. How long does it take from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
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- Travel by train+bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi or Ninh Binh) takes about 40 hours.
- Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong or Van Don takes about 2-2.5 hours.
3. How much does it cost from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
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- Travel by train+bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay (via Hanoi) costs about $34-90/pp.
- Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong or Van Don costs about $50-150/pp.
4. What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
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- Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay is about 1900 km by train+bus or about 1200 km by plane.
5. What is the most cheapest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long is to travel by train or bus. But it is good to know – travel by train and bus takes a lot of time and it is not so comfortable for this long trip in Vietnam. If you want to skip central Vietnam, it is better to travel by plane.
6. We would like to travel by train, where to stop?
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- If you want to travel by train it is a good idea to visit central Vietnam and make a stop on this long journey. You can visit e.g. Da Nang or Hue, read this: Saigon to Da Nang – Schedule. In northern Vietnam you should definitely visit Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh to Ha Long you can travel by tourist bus or minivan (about 4 hours).
7. What is the best and fast way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
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- The best and fastest way how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay is to travel by plane. There are direct flights to Hai Phong and Van Don, it takes only about 2 hours. Hai Phong is about 70 km from Ha Long town and Van Don is about 10 km from Cai Rong Port. There are boats/ferries to Co To Island or Quan Lan Island from Cai Rong port. Direct flights is also the fastest way how to reach Halong Bay from southern Vietnam.
8. How to get from Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay to Hanoi?
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- From Cat Ba Island to Hanoi you can travel by bus (+boat transfer to Hai Phong or Tuan Chau). Check the current updated bus schedule – Cat Ba to Hanoi. Cat Ba Island is the most visited and biggest tourist island in Ha Long Bay.
9. Where to go from Halong Bay?
10. How to go to Halong Bay from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi?
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- 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.
11. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
12. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?
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- 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.
13. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?
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- 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.
14. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?
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- 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.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Halong Bay ➜
| ⭐ 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 |
2 Ways of Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long:
| 1. TRAIN + BUS from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long | |
|---|---|
| A) Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi | |
| Travel Distance | About 1900 km |
| Travel Time | About 35-37 hours |
| Train Options | 1st class+2nd class trains of Vietnam Railways, seats or comfortable berths |
| Train Ticket Price | About $30-70/pp (seats, 4-6 berth sleeper cabin) |
| B) Bus or Van from Hanoi to Ha Long | |
| Travel Time | About 2.5-4 hours |
| Transport Options | Various bus companies and cheap bus tickets |
| Bus Ticket Price | About $5-23/pp (depends on company and type of bus) |
| 2. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong / Van Don | |
| A) Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong | |
| Hai Phong Distance | About 50 km from Ha Long |
| Flight Time | About 2 hours |
| Flight Ticket Price | About $50-150/pp |
| Transport Options in Hai Phong | Various buses and limousines |
| Transport to Cat Ba Island | Bus + ferry from Hai Phong |
| B) Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don | |
| Van Don Airport | New international airport at Van Don Island (Cai Rong) |
| Flight Time | About 2-2.5 hours |
| Flight Ticket Price | About $100/pp |
🎫 Book your train / bus tickets or flight from Saigon to Ha Long:
(You can change your departure and arrival place, eg. Saigon > Hanoi, Hanoi > Ha Long Bay, Hanoi > Cat Ba Island…)
Sapa to Cat Ba｜Mu Cang Chai｜Nha Trang to Hoi An｜Nha Trang to Ha Long｜Danang to Ninh Binh｜Hue to N.Binh｜Dong Van｜Nguom Ngao Cave