How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi

The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is about 160km. Here are 2 main transportation options when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Long bus

  • Travel time: 2 - 4 hours

  • Travel cost: 8 - 10 USD/person/trip

This is the most popular choice for people going from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It is fast, convenient, and comfortable. Some long bus service appliers for you here:

  • Xuan Truong - 0962635888

  • Van Don Xanh - 0964240240

  • Hoang Cong - 0987111112

  • Ha Thanh Limousine - 0978901901

  • Trung Thanh Limousine - 0966896896

Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary

Transport options for Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary

Motorbike

  • Travel time: 5 - 6 hours

  • Travel cost: 

  • Motorbike rental fee: 4 - 6 USD/day

  • Gasoline cost: 1.2 USD/liter

Traveling by motorbike is always a flexible choice. You can utilize Google Maps' motorcycle directions feature, or seek assistance from locals for guidance. Besides, the motorbike driver must have a driver's license, be healthy, and comply with Vietnam traffic laws. Some  motorbike rental contacts in Hanoi for you: 

  • Motorgo: 0338 023 344 (1081 Hong Ha, Chuong Duong, Hoan Kiem)

  • Nguyen Tu: 0942 467 674 (2D Ta Hien, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem)

  • Son Motor: 0928 290 000 (119/37, 167 Tay Son, Dong Da, Hanoi)

Suggested Itineraries

In this section, let's find out how many days you should spend on the Hanoi and Halong Itinerary and what you can experience during that time.

Hanoi City & Halong Bay 4 days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

  • Noi Bai International Airport arrival

  • Lunch

  • Hotel check-in

  • Hanoi Sword Lake & The Old Quarter

  • Hanoi Street food

  • Water Puppet Show

  • Cyclo/ Electric car/ Double decker bus

  • Nighttime: Bar or Ta Hien beer street

Recommended bars:

  1. 1900s Le Theater: 8B Ta Hien, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem

  2. Polite & Co: 5B Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem

  3. Ne Cocktail Bar: 3B Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem

  4. Terraco Sky Bar: 35 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem

  5. Moonlight Sky Bar: 94 Ma May, Hoan Kiem

Day 2: Hanoi City

  • Hanoi city tour by motorbike: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, etc

  • Hanoi Train Street & Egg coffee

  • Nighttime: Shopping & Massage

Recommended shopping spots:

  1. Downtown Old Quarter

  2. Dong Xuan Market: Dong Xuan, Hanoi

  3. Vincom Ba Trieu: 191 Ba Trieu, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung

Recommended massage spots:

  1. Orient Spa: 26 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

  2. MF Spa: 11 Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem

  3. Estheva Spa: 75 Lo Su, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem

Day 3 - 4: Halong Bay

  • Hotel check-out

  • Transfer Hanoi - Halong Bay (usually 2-day 1-night cruises provide pick-up service from Old Quarter Hanoi for passengers)

  • Get on board & cruise check-in

  • Enjoy 2 days 1-night cruise trip:

  • Depending on the boat you choose, there will be different itineraries. Typically, with a 2-day itinerary, you will visit caves, islands, beaches, kayak, or visit fishing villages.

  • In addition, on the cruise, there are many activities such as morning tai chi, squid fishing, cooking class, afternoon tea & sunset cocktail, massage, meals on board, karaoke, golf, etc. (these amenities also vary between cruises, so you should read the itinerary and check the services you can use in advance)

  • Halong - Hanoi transfer

  • Hanoi Departure
 

This itinerary is short but leisurely and comfortable. You have time in Hanoi to explore the capital of Vietnam and also time to relax in Halong Bay for the last two days.

Hanoi City & Halong Bay 5 days

Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary

Visit Hanoi and Halong Bay

Day 1 - 2

Hanoi Capital

Day 3 - 5

Halong Bay Cruise 3 days 2 nights. For your visualization, here is an example plan:

First day:

  • Transfer Hanoi - Halong Bay

  • Get on board and check-in

  • Lunch on board while the cruise slides amidst the emerging islets

  • Visit Sung Sot Cave (the most popular cave in Halong Bay)

  • Afternoon tea time & cocktail

  • Nighttime have fun on board (cooking class, massage, squid fishing, cocktail, etc)

2nd day:

  • Morning taichi or watch the sunrise in the bay

  • Breakfast 

  • Kayak or bamboo boat time

  • Lunch

  • Visit the fishing village and pearl factory  in the bay

  • Afternoon and Nighttime on board

3rd day:

  • Morning on board

  • Visit Ti Top Island - hiking and swimming

  • Transfer Halong Bay - Hanoi
 

This Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary is similar to the one above, the difference is that you will spend 3 days in Halong Bay. 3-day itinerary cruises are also popular. A 3-day 2-night cruise itinerary will give you more time to enjoy, relax, and also help you explore more deeply the areas in the bay.

Hanoi City & Halong City 5 days

Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary

Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary for 5 days

Day 1 - 2

Hanoi City Tour

Day 3

Get on board and start your Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night journey

Day 4

  • Morning on board

  • On the afternoon, after getting ashore, you check in at the hotel

  • Afternoon city tour: Quang Ninh Museum, Bai Chay Old Town. Or you can have fun at Sunworld Complex and then visit the city the next day.

  • Nighttime: Beach Club, enjoy Halong tapioca yogurt, eat Halong seafood

Halong bars suggestions:

  1. H Club Halong: Group 7, Zone 4, Bai Chay, Halong

  2. Valley Beach Club (Beach Club): Sungroup Beach, Tuan Chau, Halong

  3. 198X Beer Club: Block D, Tropical Garden, Ky Quan Street, Bai Chay, Halong

Halong yogurt shop suggestions:

  1. Base 00: C107 - 108 - 109, Zone C, Sungroup Halong walking street, Bai Chay, Halong City, Quang Ninh

  2. Ms. Nghi: No 10, Van Lang street, Hong Gai, Halong

  3. Ms. Cuong: No 29, Minh Khai Street, Ha Lam, Halong

Recommended good seafood restaurants in Halong:

  1. Dai Duong Vang: A126, Sun World Old Quarter, Bai Chay, Halong

  2. Phuong Nam restaurant: Do Si Hoa, Bai Chay, Halong

  3. Hong Hanh 3: 50 Halong, Bai Chay

  4. Cua Vang: 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay

  5. Vuon Dao sidewalk seafood: Anh Dao Street, Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay, Halong

Day 5

  • In the morning, watch the sunrise over the sea

  • Visit the morning market and shop at Halong 1 market

  • Halong Street food

Suggestions for some local street food spots:

  1. Steamed roll rice cake with quid patty: 34 Doan Thi Diem, Bach Dang, Halong

  2. Sam - Ms. Ty's shop: Alley 6 Cao Thang, Hon Gai, Halong

  3. Seafood noodle soup: End of Tran Nhat Duat Street, Hon Gai, Halong

  4. Squid patty with sticky rice - Quang Phong's shop: C11A, Sun World Old Quarter, Bai Chay, Halong

  5. Hotel check-out

  6. Transfer Halong - Hanoi

  7. Hanoi departure
 

This 5-day itinerary includes exploring Hanoi Capital, Halong Bay World Wonder Area, and the bustling coastal city of Halong. You can visit Halong City first before heading to Halong Bay if you want to relax more on the final days.

Budget Breakdown

Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary

Budget to travel to Hanoi and Halong Bay

Let's check the budget for each expense for the Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary:

Visa fee

  • 25 USD for single entry

Transportation costs within the city

  • Bus: 0.2 - 0.8 USD/ticket/one-way

  • Motorbike rental: 4 - 6 USD/day, 1 USD/liter of gasoline

  • Taxi: 0.44 USD/km

  • Motorbike taxi: 0.2 USD/km

Hotel rate

  • 3-star hotel: From 12 USD/room/night

  • 4-star hotel: From 40 USD/room/night

  • 5-star hotel: From 80 USD/room/night

Cruise tour

  • 2-day 1-night tour: About 100 - 160 USD/room

  • 3-day 2-night tour: About 120 - 240 USD/room

Tickets

  • Entrance tickets: 0.8 - 4 USD/entry

  • Amusement park: 12 - 24 USD/turn/day

  • Massage service: About 6 USD/hour

Transportation cost Hanoi - Halong Bay

About 20 USD/round trip

Dining

  • About 6 USD/meal

  • Drink prices at bars: from 2 USD

Local Guide

12 - 20 USD/day
 

Overall, the cost for a day with the Hanoi and Halong Bay Itinerary ranges from 280 - 400 USD per person with 4-star services in Vietnam. You may need to consider additional expenses for shopping and personal spending.

Travel Tips

To be more prepared for the Hanoi and Halong Bay Itinerary, let's check out some tips and things to prepare for your trip:

  • If you want to join a city tour in Hanoi more conveniently, consider staying in the Old Quarter Hoan Kiem area. If staying in a hotel in Halong, you may consider staying in the Bai Chay area for easy sightseeing.

  • The ideal time to travel to Hanoi and Halong Bay is from September to April. The summer months from May to August are normally hot and humid. Sometimes, there are unfavorable sea conditions for entering the bay. 

  • You may consider reading Tripadvisor or Google reviews before using services if you are traveling independently.

  • Recommend things to pack: Sunscreen, swimwear, waterproof clothing.

  • The phone signal in the Bay Area is not strong.

  • When you board the cruise, the staff on board will guide you during the rest of the ship and visits to the destinations.

  • Always keep personal documents carefully to complete check-in procedures even when boarding the cruise.

  • Always keep contact information for the cruise, hotels, and transportation services for necessary communication.

To complete your understanding, read our article on Vietnam travel guide!

Overall, following a Hanoi and Halong Bay itinerary is an exciting, satisfying, and easy-to-follow experience. These two destinations almost always have many tourists visiting. Do you want to explore Hanoi and Halong now? Leave us a message if you need dedicated advice.