How To Get To Halong Bay - The Complete Guide

No longer strange to international and domestic travelers, Halong Bay is more and more invested in infrastructure and services. That makes the trip from both Vietnam destinations and other nations much easier than ever.

Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, and belongs to Quang Ninh province, in the Northeastern region of Vietnam. Halong was recognized by UNESCO as the World’s Natural Heritage Site twice thanks to the unique formation of limestone mountains and its aesthetic value. Coming to Halong Bay, travelers have a chance to witness the magnificent beauty of nearly 2,000 islands and islets dotting the bay, discover the ancient caves and grottoes, and immerse in nature.

In this article, you will find the ways to get from the most typical domestic and international locations to Halong Bay.

From Sapa

Sapa is about 480km far from Halong Bay. It takes travelers from 7 hours to up to 12 hours to get from Sapa to Halong based on the vehicles. The three most popular ways to travel from Sapa to Halong are by bus, by train & bus, and by car.

By bus

If you want a direct but cost-saving way, traveling by bus is the top option. It takes you 10 hours from Sapa to Halong and just costs around $20 per person. Since they are overnight buses, you can save a lot of time traveling while sleeping on the bus. You will be provided with a blanket, drinking water, free wifi, or an LCD screen on Sapa - Halong buses.

By train + bus

Although traveling by train takes longer time than by bus, train is more well-equipped with cabins, berths and restrooms, and especially safer than bus. Almost travelers choose a train from Sapa to Hanoi which takes around 9 hours, then choose a shuttle bus from Hanoi to get to Halong Bay in just 2.5 hours. Some of the tourist trains you can consider are King Express ($33), Sapaly Express ($39), Chapa Express ($42), and Livitrans Express ($32).

You can book a Hanoi - Sapa train via: https://www.hanoisapatrain.com/ 

By taxi/private car

Only takes 7 to 8 hours, taxi or private car is the most time-saving way to get from Sapa to Halong Bay. However, the utmost privacy and comfort make this way the most expensive to travel. If your budget can cover the cost of around $300/car/way, you will be picked up and go directly to Halong and stop at any place you want.

From Hanoi

Hanoi is not only a favorite hotspot of Vietnam but also an important tourist transmission center to many other destinations in Northern Vietnam, including Halong Bay. It is around 165km from Hanoi to the world’s heritage site. The most popular ways to get there are by cruise shuttle bus, local bus, private car, and seaplane.

By cruise shuttle bus

There are many cruise companies and travel agents offering cruise packages including shuttle services. It could be a minivan or limousine bus which costs only $20 - 40/person/round trip. Travelers are picked up and dropped off in the Hanoi Old Quarter area. This could be the easiest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

By local bus

Budget-minded travelers or local-experience seekers may like traveling by a local bus. Find the nearest station from your location such as Luong Yen station, Giap Bat, or My Dinh Station, then you will have a variety of local buses to Halong with the cost of $7 - 10/person. Local buses take you around 3 - 3.5 hours. Although this is the most economical way, it is not recommended for international tourists to avoid scams or overpriced tickets.

By private car

Instead of waiting for other guests to be picked up and dropped off on a bus, private car is the most comfortable, private, and time-saving way. That explains why the price is much higher (around $90/car/way). You can contact a travel agent and book this service with ease. The time from Hanoi to Halong is around 2.5 hours.

By seaplane

The most expensive but worth-trying way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay is seaplane. It takes you only 45 minutes for transfer and 15 minutes more to witness the overview of Halong bay from the bird’s eye. The only service provider is Hai Au Aviation, and you can book through their official website: https://www.seaplanes.vn/en/ 

From Hai Phong

Thanks to the new highway, moving from Hai Phong to Halong Bay takes a much shorter time than before. Hai Phong is nowadays 60km from Halong Bay, taking travelers only 1 hour by car.

By local bus

If you have time and want to save cost, getting to Halong by local bus is recommended. It takes you around 1.5 hours and costs from $2/ticket. Lac Long Bus Station is located at ​​No.22, Cu Chinh Lan Street, Hai Phong City where you can find a bus every 20 minutes. The bus brings you to Bai Chay station in Quang Ninh and you need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to get to your hotel/cruise port there.

By ferry

Getting from Hai Phong to Cat Ba by ferry is nice to try but it takes up to 4 hours. Travelers need to go to Ben Binh station at No.1, Ben Binh, Hong Bang, Hai Phong city to get to Cat Ba island by speed boat, then take a ferry from there to Tuan Chau Marina in Halong. You can buy the ticket at the station, but it is better to book in advance, especially when you travel in groups.

Speed boat	Ben Binh - Cat Ba	Cat Ba - Ben Binh	Price (VND/ticket)	Contact
Cat Ba Island	7h, 9h, 10h, 13h, 15h, 16h	8h, 10h, 11h, 12h, 14h, 16h	180,000 - 250,000	0225 3 588999
Mekong Hoang Yen	9h, 11h, 13h, 15h	10h, 12h, 14h, 16h30	200,000	0242 2 422226

The ferry from Cat Ba to Tuan Chau departs at 09h00, 13h00 and 16h00 and the price is VND 80,000/ticket.

By taxi/private car

Since it is not a long distance, a taxi or private car is highly recommended when traveling from Haiphong to Halong, especially for small groups or families preferring privacy. The price ranges from $35 - 80/car/way and you do not have to find ways to bus stations or ferry ports. You can easily ask your hotel or book the service with a travel agent. Make sure you check the price and any incurred fees on the way.

From Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh is around 230km from Halong Bay. Since airway and railway are unavailable, roadway is the only way to get to Halong from Hoa Binh. Sleeping bus and taxi/private car are the most common ways to get to Halong from Hoa Binh.

By local bus

Traveling by coach takes travelers 8 to 10 hours from Hoa Binh to Halong based on different locations. You need to go to Hoa Binh bus station at No. 22 Tran Hung Dao, Hoa Binh city and catch the sleeping buses to Quang Ninh.

Coach	Route	Price (VND/ticket)	Contact
Thanh Son	Hoa Binh - Mong Cai	280,000	02033856244
Hoa Tien	Hoa Binh - Mong Cai	250,000	19006786

By taxi/private car

More private and faster than local bus, taxi and private car are highly recommended if you have a loose budget. Although the price is much higher, it saves a lot of time for you. It takes you around 5 hours from Hoa Binh to Halong by private car/taxi. Some local taxis in Hoa Binh:

• Taxi Mai Linh Hoa Binh: 0218.3.82.82.82
• Taxi Mai Chau: 0218.3.86.87.88
• Taxi Phuong Hoang: 0218.3.93.93.93
• Taxi Song Da: 0218.3.89.89.89
• Taxi Ha Tam: 0218 3 888 222

From Ninh Binh

To travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, travelers can choose a local bus, private car or motorbike. However, motorbike is not as safe as others and only suitable for backpackers. Hen, local bus or private car is mostly favored by travelers. It is around 200k from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.

By coach

Coach is ideal for budget-minded travelers. You can catch a coach right from some famous attractions such as Hoa Lu or Tam Coc. The price is cheap at around $7 -12/ticket/way. However, be noticed that the way lasts for up to 4.5 hours to get to Halong Bay. Plus, it is also not suitable for families or small groups due to the lack of privacy. 

Some popular buses are The Long, Discovery Travel, Viet Son Anh, etc.

By limousine bus

More comfortable than local coach, limousine bus should not be underestimated. The time is shortened to around 3.5 hours but the price is a bit higher at $15-20. Furthermore, there are bottles of water, cold towels, wifi for guests. A limousine bus normally carries around 9 - 16 passengers so it is best for small groups. Some suggestions for limousine buses from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay:

• Quang Muoi - Contact: 1900 0287
• Cua Ong - Contact: 0983.22.77.88 – 0898.25.77.88
• Ha Vy - Contact: 0969.255.255 – 0963.385.385
• An Phat - Contact: 1900.989.857 – 0358.989.857

By private car/taxi

The most expensive but most recommended way is by private car/taxi. You will save much time in this way and have a nice experience with privacy and comfort. Direct pickup and dropoff are big advantages. You just need 3 hours to get to Halong Bay. The cost ranges from $170 - 230/car.

From Da Nang

Located in the Central region of Vietnam, Danang is the beautiful coastal city that every traveler must go to once visiting Vietnam. Danang is around 900km from Halong bay by roadway which takes travelers up to 16 hours. For airway, you can shorten the time to only 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By airplane

Direct flights from Danang to Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh, the nearest airport to Halong, is unavailable. Hence, you have to book a flight to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) or Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi). Cat Bi is closer to Halong but there are only 4-5 flights per day while Noi Bai includes around 15 flights per day. The price starts from $50/ticket depending on each carrier. If you prefer budget flights, VietJet Air or Pacific is the two recommended carriers.

By bus

Bus from Danang to Halong bay costs from $20/person/way. You can book a sleeper bus at Danang Bus Station in the afternoon and reach Bai Chay Bus Station in Halong Bay in the morning. It is an 18- to 19-hour drive from Danang. This is the most cost-saving way but not suitable for those who have carsick.

Van Luc Tung, An Binh, and Viet Son Anh bus have a Danang - Halong route that you may refer to.

By train

Since there is no direct train from Danang to Halong, you will stop at Hanoi Railway station and transfer to another transport to get to Halong bay. Although the train fare varies on seat types, it is highly recommended for travelers to book a soft sleeping berth in a 4 or 6-berth cabin for the most comfort. It costs around $45/ticket and you will get to Hanoi in around 20 hours. Then, a shuttle bus, taxi, or private car will be selected to get to Halong depending on your budget and preference.

Danang - Hanoi Train	Departure - Arrival time	Price
SE2	13:42 - 5:40	from VND704,000
SE4	12:28 - 5:00	from VND630,000
SE6	10:51 - 4:17	from VND657,000
SE8	0:57 - 19:12	from VND623,000

Booking train Danang to Hanoi via: https://dsvn.vn/#/ 

From Hoi An

If Halong Bay is the World’s Natural Heritage Site, Hoi An is World’s Cultural Heritage Site, an unmissable attraction when traveling to Vietnam. Belonging to Quang Nam Province, Hoi An is around 925 km from Halong Bay on land. If you choose the airway, the distance is just around 551 km, making it the favorite way to get from Hoi An to Halong Bay.

By airplane

Since Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam is much farther than Danang Airport, travelers are recommended to fly from Danang to get to Halong bay. It is around 28 km away and takes you around 45 minutes by car. You can ask the hotel to call you a taxi or book a private car for the airport dropoff service.

From Danang airport, there are a bunch of flights that cost from $52/ticket to $82/ticket. Direct flight from Danang to Halong is unavailable, hence you can fly to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) or Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and then continue to move to Halong.

By coach

If you have a tight budget, traveling by coach is a good option. You just need to spend around $30/ticket to get from Hoi An to Halong bay. However, it takes you up to 18 hours on the coach.

There is no direct coach from Hoi An to Halong. Travelers will take a taxi from Hoi An to Danang bus station and catch the bus from here.

By taxi/private car

Taxi or private car gives you a direct route from Hoi An to Halong Bay. However, it also takes a long time and is much more costly compared with other means of transportation. However, if you want a flexible itinerary from Hoi An to Halong where you can stop at any attractions such as Hue, Da Nang, Quang Binh,...and stay for a few days, this way is suitable. Taxis from Hoi An you may need:

• Taxi Vinasun - 0235 368 6868
• Taxi Faifoo - 0235 391 9191
• Taxi Mai Linh - 0210 368 8688
• Taxi Tien Sa - 0235 359 5959
• Sun Taxi - 0235 379 7979

By train

Getting from Hoi An to Halong Bay by train is possible. However, it takes a long time and is not very convenient since there is no direct train from Hoi An to Halong. You have to get a taxi from Hoi An to Danang, catch the train to Hanoi, then another bus from Hanoi to Halong.

The train ticket costs around $45/ticket upward. The way takes around 16 hours. This way is only suitable for those who love a local experience and have a lot of time.

From Nha Trang

Nha Trang stands out with its charming long coastal line, white sandy beaches, and beautiful islands. Nha Trang is 1,395 km away from Halong. There are 3 best ways for you to get from Nha Trang to Halong Bay which are by plane, by train, and by bus.

By airplane

Thanks to the availability of different airlines, flying from Nha Trang to Halong is not as expensive as before but saves a lot of time for travelers. With a budget airline like VietJet Air, you just have to spend from $35/ticket to fly from Nha Trang to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) and take a 60-km road trip to Halong Bay. You may choose to fly to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) where you can have more flight options, then get to Halong bay by shuttle bus included in a cruise package or by taxi/private car.

By train

Nha Trang Railway Station is located at No. 17 Thai Nguyen, Phuoc Tan, Nha Trang. You can book the ticket directly at the station or online via https://dsvn.vn/#/ for the Nha Trang - Hanoi trip. The train ticket starts from $41/person. From Hanoi, you can choose a cruise mini bus, taxi/private car, or local bus to get to Halong.

By bus

Traveling by bus is a direct trip from Nha Trang to Halong. It cost around $35/ticket and takes around 29 hours. Compared with other vehicles, bus is the least comfortable but most cost-saving.

There are 2 popular buses you can refer to:

Bus	Route	Time	Price (VND)	Contact
Hoang Long	Nha Trang - Cua Ong	32hrs 43mins	760,000	0292 3783 378
Quoc Hung	Nha Trang - Mong Cai	29h	750,000	0913 142 421

From Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon, is around 1,848 km from Halong Bay by roadway. Travelers can choose to get to Halong Bay by airplane, train, or bus. However, the most popular way is by airplane. HCMC is just 1,145km far from Halong Bay by airway and takes you only 2 hours.

By airplane

From HCMC, you can fly to one of three airports which are Van Don (Quang Ninh), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), and Noi Bai (Hanoi). While Van Don is the nearest airport with limited HCMC-Halong flights, Noi Bai is the furthest one but with a myriad of flight options. Cat Bi is not as modern and large as Noi Bai but is the second nearest you can consider.

The airfare is about $60-100/ticket. For Van Don and Cat Bi, you can book a taxi or local bus from the airport to get to Halong Bay. For Noi Bai, there are a bunch of vehicles but the most favorite and convenient way is to book a cruise bus from a travel agent or a private car.

By train

There is no direct train from HCMC to Halong, hence you need to get to Hanoi by train and choose another vehicle to get to Halong. Train takes up to 37 hours but it is quite comfortable with sharing cabins with berths and public restrooms. Some HCMC - Hanoi trains are SE2, SE4, SE6, and SE8 and you can book via the website of Vietnam railway https://dsvn.vn/#/.

By bus

Another option for a local experience is getting from HCMC to Halong by bus. Bus takes a short time (35 hours), costs less money ($30/ticket) but is not as comfortable as train. Sleeping buses depart at the Eastern or Western Bus Station in HCMC.

You can refer to some buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong below:

• Hoang Long - Contact: 0225 392 0920
• An Binh - Contact: 0907 866 530
• Cong Nhat - Contact: 0976 427 996
• Thanh Son - Contact: 0243 9036 036

From Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam with gorgeous scenery, a blue jaded ocean, and a variety of resorts and entertainment centers. Phu Quoc is located in the South while Halong Bay is in the Northeastern region. Therefore, the most common way to get to Halong Bay from Phu Quoc is by plane.

There are no direct flights from Phu Quoc to Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh. The most convenient way is to fly from Phu Quoc to Hai Phong or Hanoi and take a bus from there to Halong. The cost of a flight ranges from $50 to $90/ticket. It takes you only 2 hours on the plane plus a 1-hour drive from Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) or a 2.5-hour drive from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to Halong Bay.

Besides, if you want to travel by bus or train, you need to get to Ho Chi Minh City by ferry or plane, book a bus or train from there to Hanoi, and then get to Halong bay by bus or private car. However, these ways are time-consuming and inconvenient, so the airway is the best to get to Halong Bay from Phu Quoc.

From Thailand

Thai Lan is around 1441 km far from Ha Long Bay. Travelers can choose an airway or roadway to get to Vietnam. However, the airway is the most convenient and fastest way since the roadway requires you to transfer to Lao or Cambodia before entering Vietnam.

Visa requirement?

Thai citizens do not need a visa if staying in Vietnam for under 30 days. For other passport holders coming from Thailand, you can apply an e-visa via the official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ or register for a visa at the Vietnam embassy in Bangkok.

Vietnam embassy in Bangkok:

• Address: 83 1 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Contact: +66 2 251 7202
• Fee: US$25 (single entry visa)

From Thailand to Halong Bay

• From Bangkok

There are no direct flights from Bangkok to Halong but a bunch of them to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. You can fly from either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport. The airfare starts from $61/ticket/way.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price from (US/way)
Thai AirAsia	18:30 DMK - 20:20 HAN	1h50	No	$61
Thai AirAsia	06:55 DMK - 08:50 HAN	1h55	No	$76
VietJet Air	13:05 BKK - 15:05 HAN	2h	No	$78
Vietnam Airlines	12:35 BKK - 14:35 HAN	2h	No	$88

• From Chiang Mai

Currently, a direct flight from Chiang Mai is unavailable. There are 3 airlines operating Chiang Mai - Hanoi Route which are Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Smile.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price from (US/way)
Thai AirAsia	13:40 CNX - 20:20 HAN	6h40m	3h40m DMK	$100
Thai AirAsia	15:15 CNX - 20:20 HAN	5h5m	2h5m DMK	$105
Nok Air + Thai AirAsia	15:55 CNX - 20:20 HAN	4h25m	1h30m DMK	$133
Thai Smile	12:15 CNX - 19:40 HAN	7h25m	4h15m BKK	$206

• From Phuket

Similar to Chiang Mai, Phuket also does not provide a direct flight to Vietnam. You still need to transit to Bangkok before flying to Hanoi and choose another vehicle to get to Halong Bay.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price from (US/way)
Nok Air + Thai AirAsia	15:30 HKT - 20:20 HAN	4h50m	1h40m DMK	$104
Thai AirAsia	15:35 HKT - 20:20 HAN	4h45m	1h25m DMK	$107

From Malaysia

It is around 2,100 kilometers from Malaysia to Halong Bay by airway. There are no direct flights from Malaysia to Halong. You can fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and spend some days here before flying to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh). Otherwise, you can choose direct flights from Malaysia to Hanoi, then choose a shuttle bus from there to get to Halong Bay.

Visa requirement?

Vietnam does not require a visa for Malaysian for traveling to Vietnam under 30 days. For other nationalities, you still need a visa on arrival if coming from Malaysia. E-visa can be applied on the website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.

For direct support, come to Vietnam Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• Address: No. 4 Stonor Promenade, Kuala Lumpur 50450
• Contact: +60 3-2148 4858/+60 3-2148 4036

From Malaysia to Halong Bay

• From Kuala Lumpur

Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) and Noi Bai Airport (HAN) are most popular for flying directly from Kuala Lumpur to Vietnam. From Tan Son Nhat, you can fly to the nearest airport to Halong Bay which is Van Don Airport.

To Tan Son Nhat:

Airlines	Kuala Lumpur - Tan Son Nhat	Flight time	Stop	Price from (US/way)
AirAsia	11:10 KUL - 12:10 SGN	2h	No	$47
AirAsia	14:40 KUL - 15:50 SGN	2h10m	No	$47
VietJet Air	13:10 KUL - 14:05 SGN	1h55m	No	$61

Tan Son Nhat to Van Don:

Airlines	Tan Son Nhat - Van Don	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	6:50 SGN - 9:10 VDO	2h20m	No	$30
Vietnam Airlines	16:40 SGN - 18:45 VDO	2h5m	No	$38
Bamboo Airways	8:50 SGN - 11:10 VDO	2h20m	No	$48

Meanwhile, you have a wide selection of means of transportation after flying to Hanoi Airport such as a cruise bus, taxi, local bus, or private car.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Malaysia Airlines	9:40 KUL - 12:10 HAN	3h30m	No	$93
AirAsia	12:45 KUL - 15:00 HAN	3h15m	No	$135

• From Penang

You can fly from Penang to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and then book another flight from there to Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
AirAsia	12:15 PEN - 13:05 SGN	1h50m	No	$53

• From Langkawi/Malacca

Since there is no direct flight from Langkawi or Malacca, travelers have to get to Kuala Lumpur, fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and continue to transfer to Halong Bay.

From Singapore

Flight distance from Singapore to Hanoi is around 2,207 km and to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is 1,050 km. Depending on your travel plan, you can fly to HCMC to start your Vietnam trip from the South or Hanoi if you want to visit Halong Bay first.

Visa requirement?

Singapore passport holders are not required to submit a visa on arrival when visiting Vietnam for under 30 days. If you have other nationalities, apply for a visa online or directly at Vietnam Embassy in Singapore at No. 10 Leedon Park, Singapore 267887 (Phone: +65 64625994).

From Singapore to Halong Bay

Currently, there is only one airport for international flights from/to Singapore which is Changi Airport. There are no direct flights from Singapore to Halong. As a result, the best way is to fly from there to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to get to Halong Bay.

• To Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)

It takes you around 3 hours to get from Singapore to Hanoi. Then, you can stay in the Hanoi center for a night and use a shuttle bus the next day or move to Halong Bay immediately by a local bus, taxi, private car, or seaplane.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	14:55 SIN - 17:25 HAN	3h30m	No	$72
Vietnam Airlines	13:25 SIN - 15:20 HAN	3h5m	No	$122
Scoot	8:00 SIN - 10:30 HAN	3h30m	No	$154
Singapore Airlines	9:15 SIN - 11:30 HAN	3h15m	No	$381
Singapore Airlines	15:10 SIN - 17:30 HAN	3h20m	No	$381

• To Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

Flying from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City just takes you almost 2 hours. After reaching Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can choose a local bus, train or flight from there to Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Jetstar	14:00 SIN - 15:10 SGN	2h10m	No	$52
VietJet Air	13:05 SIN - 13:55 SGN	1h50m	No	$54
Bamboo Airways	14:25 SIN - 15:30 SGN	2h5m	No	$59
Scoot	13:05 SIN - 14:10 SGN	2h5m	No	$59
Vietnam Airlines	13:15 SIN - 14:35 SGN	2h20m	No	$98

From Japan

The distance from Japan to Halong Bay is around 3,454 km by airway. The best way to get to Halong bay is to fly from Japan to Hanoi and then choose another transport. The two most popular cities you can fly from in Japan are Tokyo and Osaka. After that, if you are planning a cruise tour from Hanoi, a shuttle bus from the cruise package is highly recommended. Otherwise, a taxi, private car, limousine bus, or local coach is available in an abundance for your convenience.

Visa requirement?

Japanese tourists are exempted from visas when traveling to Vietnam within 15 days. In case, you are having other passports, want a multiple-entry visa or stay longer, you can apply for a visa online or offline.

Vietnam Embassy in Japan:

• Address: Tokyo, 151-0062, Shibuya-ku, Motoyoyogi-cho, 50-11.
• Tel: (813) 3466-3313; 3466-3311; 3466-3314.

From Japan to Halong Bay

• From Tokyo

You can choose Tokyo or Narita Airport to fly to Hanoi. However, since there is no direct flight from Tokyo Airport, you are recommended to move to Narita Airport and book a direct flight to save time and money. The airfare for flights starting from Narita Airport ranges from $178 - 363/way. It also takes only 6.5 hours to get to Hanoi.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	09:30 NRT – 14:00 HAN	6h30m	No	$178
Bamboo Airways	09:15 NRT – 13:50 HAN	6h35m	No	$220
Vietnam Airlines	10:00 NRT - 14:20 HAN	6h20m	No	$363
Thai Smile	10:35 HND – 19:40 HAN	11h5m	2h5m BKK	$476
Malaysia Airlines	00:30 HND – 12:00 HAN	13h30m	2h20m KUL	$495

• From Osaka

If you travel from Osaka city, you can book a direct flight from Kansai to Hanoi via VietJet Air. It costs you $142/way.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	09:20 KIX – 13:05 HAN	5h45m	No	$142

From South Korea

South Korea is around 2,602 km far from Halong Bay by flight. To get to Halong Bay, you can book a direct flight from Seoul, or Busan to Hanoi or Hai Phong city in Vietnam.

Visa requirement?

South Korean citizens are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam for trips up to 45 days. For other cases, apply e-visa or come to Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea for support.

The address is 28-58, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-ku, Seoul, Korea 110-230 - Tel: +82-2-7392065/+82-116652065.

From South Korea to Halong Bay

• From Seoul

If you start from Seoul, there are 2 airports which are Incheon and Gimpo. However, Incheon is recommended since there are a variety of non-stop flights from here. Especially, you can also fly to Cat Bi Airport (HPH), the second nearest airport to Halong Bay, around more than 1 hour from there.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	7:15 ICN - 10:40 HPH	5h25m	No	$105
VietJet Air	11:05 ICN - 14:10 HAN	5h5m	No	$114
Bamboo Airways	11:20 ICN - 14:30 HAN	5h10m	No	$132
Vietnam Airlines	18:05 ICN - 20:55 HAN	4h50m	No	$149

• From Busan

Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi has direct flights from Busan. The airfare starts only from US$76/way.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	8:00 PUS - 10:50 HAN	4h50m	No	$76
Vietnam Airlines	10:30 PUS- 13:25  HAN	4h55m	No	$138

From India

To travel from India to Halong bay, all travelers need to fly to Vietnam via some big international airports such as Noi Bai, Danang, or Tan Son Nhat. The fastest way to get to Halong Bay is to fly to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. The flight distance from India to Hanoi is around 3,000 km.

There are no direct flights from India to Halong Bay. You can book a flight from New Delhi capital or Mumbai city to get to Hanoi, and then move to Halong Bay. Currently, only Vietjet Air offers direct flights from India to Hanoi. Please refer to the table below:

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
VietJet Air	11:05 BOM - 17:05 HAN	4h30m	No	$91
VietJet Air	23:50 DEL - 5:20 HAN>	4h	No	$91

Visa requirement?

Yes. India is not among the countries on the visa-exemption list when entering Vietnam. A single-entry visa which is valid for 30 days costs you US$25. For multiple-entry one, it costs from US$50 - 155 depending on the time.

To get a visa for Vietnam from India, there are 2 ways:

• Apply for an e-visa via official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ 
•  Register at Embassy of Vietnam in India at the address: 20 Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021 - Phone: (91-11) 2687.9852

From Australia

The air distance from Australia to Halong Bay. The only way to get to Halong is by airway. Since there is no direct flight from Australia to Hanoi, travelers can book a flight from Sydney or Melbourne to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). From here, you can book another direct flight to Van Don Airport, the closest airport to Halong Bay (1-hour drive away).

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Bamboo Airways	11:30 SYD - 16:15 SGN	8h45m	No	$346
Jetstar	16:40 MEL - 21:05 SGN	8h25m	No	$293 - 459
VietJet Air	11:25 MEL - 15:35 SGN	8h10m	No	$434

Visa requirement?

All Australian citizens need a visa when entering Vietnam. Before the pandemic, you can get a visa at Vietnam Embassy in Australia, register a visa on arrival, or e-visa. However, there is currently only one way to get a visa for Vietnam which is to apply for an e-visa via the website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.

From the UK

It takes you around 12 hours on the flight from Uk to Vietnam. Travelers can fly from London or Manchester City. However, if you want a non-stop flight, London should be your departure place. London operates direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with a low frequency of 1-2 flights per week.

Visa requirement?

UK passport holders are exempted from a single-entry visa for Vietnam if staying within 45 days. For a longer stay or multiple entries, you need to apply for a visa online or offline at the embassy.

Embassy of Vietnam in United Kingdom:

• Add: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD
• Tel: +44-2079371912/2075652214/+44-2079375628

From the UK to Halong Bay

• From London

Currently, you can book a direct flight from 2 airports in London which are Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) Airport.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Vietnam Airlines	11:00 LHR – 6:55 SGN	12h55m	No	$991
Vietnam Airlines	11:00 LHR – 5:40 HAN	11h40m	No	$1330
Bamboo Airways	11:10 LGW – 6:15 HAN	12h5m	No	$1191

• From Manchester

There are only indirect flights from Manchester to Vietnam with at least 1 stop at Dubai, Hongkong, Qatar, or Singapore, etc.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Qatar Airways/ British Airways	15:15 MAN - 14:05 HAN	16h50m	2h50m DOH	$635
Emirates/ Qantas	14:05 MAN - 13:15 HAN	17h10m	3h10m DXB	$1028
Turkish Airlines	16:55 MAN - 15:20 HAN	16h25m	2h55m IST	$1325

From the US

Since it is a very long distance from the United States to Vietnam, the only way for travelers is by airway. Vietnam Airlines is the only airline exploiting direct flights from the US to Vietnam. However, the flight departs from San Francisco and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City only. If you fly from different places in the US such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles,... then indirect flights are also available for you.

Visa requirements?

All US passport holders need to get a visa for the Vietnam trip. Since the visa on arrival or getting a visa from the Embassy of Vietnam in United States is currently unavailable, you need to apply for an e-visa via the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department at: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.

From the US to Halong Bay

• From San Francisco

Vietnam Airlines currently operates 4 non-stop flights per week from San Francisco to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. It takes you almost 17 hours on the way. The airfare starts from US$913 and varies based on the time.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Vietnam Airlines	23:00 SFO – 6:35 SGN	16h35m	No	$913

• From New York / Los Angeles

You have a wide selection of indirect flights from New York or Los Angeles to Vietnam. The transit stops could be in Hong Kong, Incheon, Taipei, Narita, etc.

Airlines	Schedule	Flight time	Stop	Price (US/way)
Korean Air/ Delta	12:00 JFK – 21:40 HAN	21h40m	1h5m ICN	$478
JAL/ American	11:30 JFK – 22:25 HAN	22h55m	2h NRT	$823
Cathay Pacific/ American	9:00 JFK – 18:45 HAN	21h45m	3h15m HKG	$852
United, ANA	10:35 LAX – 23:05 HAN	21h30m	2h50m NRT	$467
Asiana	11:00 LAX – 22:25 HAN	20h25m	2h ICN	$684
China Airlines	22:45 LAX – 10:35 HAN	20h50m	3h TPE	$691