Planning a trip from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay should be easy, considering these are two major tourist destinations in Vietnam. Located around 900 kilometers apart from each other, Da Nang and Ha Long Bay offer their visitors a diverse array of options in terms of transportation.
1. How to travel from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay by plane?
To cover such a long Da Nang to Ha Long Bay distance, flights are surely the go-to option for convenience.
1.1. Airports for Da Nang to Ha Long Bay flights
Because Ha Long does not have an airport, you will need to depart from Da Nang International Airport and arrive at one of the airports near Ha Long Bay: Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh), Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong), and Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). Estimatedly, the average flight time from Da Nang to one of these three airports is about 1 hour and 15 minutes bar any interruption or delay.
Upon arrival, you can continue your journey to Ha Long by other means of transportation like taxis and buses.
- Van Don Airport (VDO): As the closest airport to Ha Long, this is the best option if you want to save some time. You can easily take a taxi or limousine bus ride to Ha Long Bay from here, with only about 50 minutes of travel time needed.
- Cat Bi Airport (HPH): This one is a bit further, so it will take 1 hour and 30 minutes for you to reach Ha Long Bay from the airport.
- Noi Bai Airport (HAN): When it comes to flight availability in the Northern region, few can compare to the second largest airport in the country. With that being said, the trade off is a longer journey from the airport to Ha Long, which is about 3 hours.
1.2. Airlines and airfares for Da Nang to Ha Long Bay flights
Many airlines in Vietnam offer flights from Da Nang. The most well-known names include:
- Vietjet Air: Known for being a low-cost carrier, Vietjet is best for tourists who are on a budget.
- Vietnam Airlines: As the flag carrier of Vietnam, this airline is the most credible choice for many tourists. However, its quality comes with a higher price tag.
- Bamboo Airways: Though newer than the other two, Bamboo Airways has established their brand by providing exquisite services on all flights. However, their flight selections may not be as diverse on certain routes.
The airfares vary depending on your choice of airline, departure date, and ticket class, typically starting from 50 USD.
1.3. Pros and cons of traveling by plane
For comfort, traveling by plane is surely the premier option, especially when Vietnamese airports have been polishing their services to give tourists the best possible experiences. However, Da Nang to Ha Long Bay flights are more expensive and you will have to use another means of transportation to continue to Ha Long Bay anyway.
2. Guide to getting from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay by sleeper bus
If you ask the locals what the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam is, chances are they will say sleeper bus. Here is everything you need to know if you plan to take a Da Nang to Ha Long Bay bus.
2.1. Sleeper buses from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay
Da Nang and Ha Long are 798 kilometers apart by road, which is the equivalent to a 17-hour trip. Since it is quite a long journey, finding good sleeper bus companies is of the utmost importance.
There are 3 reputable companies that provide transportation services on this route: Duy Khanh Limousine, The New Way, and Van Luc Tung. If you are finding out how to get to Ha Long Bay, these three are the best names to contact. The bus fare varies from 480,000 to 1,200,000 VND.
2.2. Pros and cons of traveling by sleeper bus
Affordability is one of the primary reasons why sleeper buses are one of the most picked transportation options for all travelers. It is also a straightforward journey, as these buses can take you from Da Nang to Ha Long without any major stops. However, for people that can easily feel carsick, long bus journeys will not be comfortable.
3. Is it possible to get from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay by train?
The third option is taking the train from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay. The Vietnamese railroad offers more than just comfortable transportation but also immense scenery along the way. The journey to Ha Long consists of two stages: a train ride to Hanoi first and a taxi/limousine bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Long.
3.1. From Da Nang to Hanoi
Going from Da Nang to Hanoi by train will take you about 16 – 20 hours. There are 7 trains: SE8, SE2, SE10, SE12, SE6, SE20, and SE4, all departing from Da Nang Train Station and arriving at Hanoi Train Station. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best seat on the train. Travelers can book tickets on the website of Vietnam Railways: https://dsvn.vn/.
3.2. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
You can continue your journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by taking a taxi or limousine bus ride. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even rent a motorbike or car and drive there yourself. Just make sure to research the route, learn the local traffic rules, and have a valid driving permit in advance.
3.3. Pros and cons of traveling by train
Similar to traveling by plane, upon arrival in Hanoi, you will need to find another means of transportation to continue to Ha Long. Aside from that, a train ride takes the most time out of the three options.
With that said, there are many reasons travelers opt for the railroad. Primarily, it is because of the spellbinding scenery along the way. The overall safety of Vietnamese trains is another notable plus.
*The information in this guide is only for reference purposes only. It is recommended that you contact the transportation service providers or check their websites for the most updated details.
Going from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay promises a great trip for all travelers. The journey between these two major destinations is by no means a short one, but many means of transportation are available to make the trip as comfortable as possible.
Another prominent factor to consider before your trip is none other than accommodation. When in Ha Long, spend your vacation with Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, where opulent services and all-inclusive amenities are tailor-made for your enjoyment.
Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
After your journey from Da Nang to Ha Long, take your chance to swing by other prominent Vietnamese destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, and many more to satisfy your wanderlust. These destinations highlight the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, which are home to various themed games and live performances. After a day full of fun, you can retreat to the lap of Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts.
Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for endlesa fun!