Flight + transfer
Fastest and easiest way via Hai Phong or Van Don
Train + bus
Scenic overland route via Hanoi or Ninh Binh
Train + bus
Cheaper option for travelers with more time
Private car
Too long and expensive for the full journey
Quick answer: The fastest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay is to fly to Hai Phong or Van Don and continue by road. Train + bus via Hanoi or Ninh Binh is much slower but useful if you want to travel overland and visit other places in Vietnam.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 1,900 km by train + bus | about 1,200 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train + bus about 40 hours | Flight about 2–2.5 hours
- 💰 Price: Train + bus about US$35–90 | Flight about US$50–150 per person
- 🚆 Train + bus: Best for slow travel, scenery and stops along the way
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest option via Hai Phong or Van Don
- 🚕 Private car: Not recommended for the full distance because of the long journey
Last updated: August 2026
Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight + transfer | 4–6 h total | $50–150 / person | ★★★★★ | Most travelers |
| 🚆 Train + Bus | ~40 h | $35–90 / person | ★★★★☆ | Scenic travel |
| 🚕 Private car | Very long | High cost | ★★★★★ | Not recommended |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good.
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay is possible by flight or train + bus. Flying is clearly the fastest option, while the train is better for travelers who want to explore Vietnam on the way north.
1. Train + Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay
👉 Train + bus is a slow but useful option if you want to travel overland and visit other destinations in Vietnam.
- ✔️ Best for: slow travel and multi-stop itineraries
- ✔️ Duration: about 40 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$35–90 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to good with a sleeper berth
- 💡 Tip: Consider stopping in Da Nang, Hue or Ninh Binh.
The train + bus route has two main stages. First, take the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, then continue by bus or limousine from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes about 35–37 hours. Vietnam Railways offers seats and sleeping berths, with tickets generally around US$30–70 per person.
From Hanoi, buses and limousine vans to Ha Long take about 2.5–4 hours and cost around US$5–23 per person. See also How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
This route is much longer than flying, but it can make sense if you want to visit central Vietnam or Ninh Binh during the journey rather than traveling directly to Ha Long.
2. Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay
👉 Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to northern Vietnam.
- ✔️ Best for: most travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Flight time: about 2–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$50–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: very high
- 💡 Tip: Choose the airport according to your final destination.
Flying is the fastest way to reach Ha Long Bay from Ho Chi Minh City. You can fly to Hai Phong or Van Don and then continue by road to Ha Long.
1. Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong
- Hai Phong is about 50 km from Ha Long.
- The flight takes about 2 hours.
- Tickets cost about US$50–150 per person.
- Bus and limousine services connect Hai Phong with Ha Long.
- From Hai Phong you can also travel by bus + ferry to Cat Ba Island.
Hai Phong is a convenient choice if your main destination is Ha Long or Cat Ba. You can continue by road directly after arriving at the airport.
2. Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don
- Van Don Airport is about 60 km from Ha Long.
- The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 2–2.5 hours.
- Tickets cost around US$100 per person according to the original guide.
- Van Don is useful for travelers continuing to Quan Lan Island or Co To Island.
Van Don is particularly useful if you plan to continue toward the islands of Quang Ninh rather than staying only in Ha Long.
❓ FAQ: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay
How can I book tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
How long does it take from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
Flight + transfer takes several hours, while train + bus takes about 40 hours.
How much does it cost from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
Train + bus costs about US$35–90 per person, while flights cost about US$50–150 per person.
How far is Ho Chi Minh City from Ha Long Bay?
The distance is about 1,900 km by land and approximately 1,200 km by air.
What is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long?
Flying to Hai Phong or Van Don is the fastest option.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Ha Long Bay?
Train + bus is generally the cheapest practical option, but it takes much longer than flying.
Where should I stop if I travel by train?
Da Nang, Hue and Ninh Binh are useful stops on a long journey from south to north. From Ninh Binh you can continue to Ha Long by bus or minivan.
How can I get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
You can continue by bus and ferry. See the guide to Hai Phong to Cat Ba.
Where can I travel from Ha Long Bay?
From Ha Long you can travel to Hanoi, to Sapa or to Ninh Binh.
How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?
The most convenient option is a private transfer by minivan, minibus or car. See Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay.
Can I travel solo in Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam is well suited to independent travelers using trains, buses, flights and local transfers. See the guide to solo travel in Vietnam.
How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay?
Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay are about 1,900 km apart by land, making this one of the longest domestic journeys in Vietnam. The easiest option is to fly north and continue by road, while the train + bus route is better suited to travelers who want to explore Vietnam along the way.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous destinations, known for its limestone islands, beaches and boat cruises. From Ha Long you can continue to Hanoi, travel to Sapa or continue to Cat Ba Island.
If you prefer to travel overland, taking the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi or Ninh Binh allows you to visit central and northern Vietnam before continuing to Ha Long.
Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay Transport Options
The most practical choice is a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong or Van Don, followed by a bus, limousine or private transfer to Ha Long. The train + bus route takes around 40 hours but can be useful if you want to stop in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue or Da Nang.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay takes time, so choosing the right connection can make the journey much easier and more comfortable. Flying is the fastest option, while the train is better if you want to explore Vietnam along the way.
- Best Option: Fly to Hai Phong or Van Don and continue by road.
- Train Travel: Use a sleeper berth if traveling overland via Hanoi.
- Choose Your Airport: Hai Phong is convenient for Ha Long and Cat Ba, while Van Don is useful for the eastern islands.
- Break the Journey: Consider stopping in Hue, Da Nang or Ninh Binh if traveling by train.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains may sell out during busy periods.
- Allow Extra Time: Leave enough time for airport transfers and connections to Ha Long.
Tip: Flight, train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.