There’s no shortage of sites to see in Vietnam, and the beautiful coastal city of Halong is one of the most impressive. Traveling to Halong Bay, you will have a chance to see for yourself the beauty of an UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring limestone islands with dramatic sea caves and picturesque mountain peaks. If you’re already in Hanoi and planning to visit this beautiful spot, read on for the Halong Bay tips.

Where is Halong bay located? Halong Bay Vietnam is a popular tourist destination 156km northeast of Hanoi, consisting of 1600 small islands and islets produced by intense geological fluctuations. Many tour operators offer day tours for traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi, which include transportation but if you want to get there by car or motorbike: read the Halong Bay travel guide below!

1 - By train

Halong Bay is well connected with Hanoi by train, and there are multiple trains per day so you can easily plan your trip. There are different types of Express trains with various price ranges, taking 2 - 3 hours traveling to Halong Bay. The express trains offer clean and comfortable carriages with modern amenities. The soft-sleeper option is costly but still very affordable compared to other means of transportations. The train ride to Halong is one of the most scenic train rides in Vietnam. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also consider taking the slower trains, which take more than 6 hours. These are cheap but not recommended for short trips to Halong Bay.

2 - By bus

There are daily buses traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi, departing from 6am with a frequency of every 15 minutes / trip. These buses have very cheap tickets, offering comfort and reliability, which is also a great way to experience the landscapes of Vietnam. The trips to Halong often take about 3 - 4 hours and depart from the Kim Ma Bus Station on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. There are two types of buses, luxurious with amenities or local; you can choose any of them depending on your budget. There is also another option traveling to Halong Bay, which is a coach departing from Hanoi’s bus stations, and stopping at Bai Chay bus station. The first bus departs at 6am and the last one at 5pm every day, with an average travel time of 2.5 - 4 hours.

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3 - By boat

Halong Bay cruises have been famous for many years, which is a great way to experience this natural wonder in a completely different way. The trips to Halong Bay by boat start from the city dock and take around 6 hours each. There are two kinds of boats traveling to Halong Bay, a big cruise which is around $30 / person and a smaller one which is $15 - $20 / person. The former has many facilities like a restaurant and a bar, while the smaller boat doesn’t have any of these but has a much more adventurous experience. Both types offer amazing views of the bay and the limestone islands.

4 - By car

Halong is easily accessible by car and you can drive there all by yourself, but be careful while driving as the roads are narrow, congested and deserted. Traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi by car takes around 3 hour, passing lush green landscapes and small villages on the way. Traveling by private car or renting a car will help you have a private space and be more proactive in your departure time.

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5 - By motorbike

If you love traveling to Halong Bay by your own vehicle, you can easily ride your motorbike to Halong, which can be an adventurous experience but not for everyone. You will have to drive on the right side of the road, be very careful while driving and follow the traffic rules as well. You can find the directions to Halong Bay on Google Maps and can easily navigate your way.

Halong Bay is an incredible place to visit. If you’re in Vietnam, specifically in Hanoi, and have the intention of traveling to Halong Bay, there are many ways to get there. You can take a train, bus, boat, drive a car, or even ride a motorbike, but it’s best to choose the one that best suits your style and schedule. When planning your trip, make sure to account for travel time and check the different schedules for departure times to avoid being late. Whichever way you choose, visiting Halong Bay Vietnam is an incredible experience and you should visit this amazing place while in Vietnam.