Hoi An to Ha Long Bay: An ultimate guide on transport

Contents

The mesmerizing beauty of Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

1. Hoi An to Ha Long Bay: Distance and travel time

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming town in central Vietnam celebrated for its well-preserved ancient architecture, colorful lanterns, and bustling markets. The town’s rich history as a major trading port is reflected in its diverse architectural styles, including Chinese temples, wooden houses, and French colonial buildings.

Ha Long, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam and is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts. The bay is a natural wonder with its dramatic seascapes, secluded beaches, and mysterious caves. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and exploring the fishing villages that dot the bay.

The distance from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is approximately 900 kilometers. Traveling by road typically takes over 14 hours, providing an opportunity to witness the diverse landscapes of Vietnam. 

Understanding the Hoi An to Ha Long Bay distance is essential for planning your trip (Source: Collected)

2. How to get to Ha Long Bay from Hoi An? – 2 popular ways

2.1. Hoi An to Ha Long Bay by sleeper bus

2.1.1. Pros and cons

Traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay by sleeper bus offers several advantages. On the positive side, it is suitable for those who have the time and budget to experience a leisurely journey. This means of transport allows travelers to see more of Vietnam’s stunning coastline and enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way. Additionally, taking a sleeper bus provides an opportunity to observe and appreciate the cultural differences between the northern and central regions of Vietnam, enriching the travel experience.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The journey is time-consuming, requiring more than 14 hours on the road, which might not be ideal for those on a tight schedule. Language barriers at bus stations can pose challenges, especially for travelers who do not speak Vietnamese, potentially leading to confusions and delays. Furthermore, sleeper buses often have inflexible points of departure and arrival, limiting the convenience and accessibility of this transport option. 

Hoi An to Ha Long Bay bus offers a convenient option (Source: Collected)

2.1.2. Bus route and operators

The sleeper bus journey will take you past many cities in Vietnam, most notably Hue (the former capital of Vietnam) and Ninh Binh (known as “Ha Long Bay on land”). Several bus operators offer services on this route, including Duy Khanh Limousine, Sapa Discovery Travel, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, etc. The travel time is around 19 hours. The fare starts from 1,200,000 VND.

2.2. Hoi An to Ha Long Bay by train

2.2.1. Pros and cons

Traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay by train offers a unique way to explore the beauty of Vietnam. This journey allows you to enjoy scenic landscapes and provides opportunities to meet the locals, immersing yourself in their culture. Train travel is generally more cost-effective than flying. Additionally, choosing an overnight train can save you on hotel expenses.

However, this option has its drawbacks. Train journeys are time-consuming, which can be a downside for those with limited time. In addition, neither Hoi An nor Ha Long has a train station. Thus, you will need to travel from Hoi An to Da Nang by other means, then take a train from Da Nang to Hanoi or Ninh Binh, get off, and finish the journey by going from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay.

The Hoi An to Ha Long Bay train route involves multiple transfers (Source: Collected)

2.2.2. Train route and fares

To start your journey, first travel from Hoi An to Da Nang. This can be done by motorbike, taxi, or bus, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers.

• Route 1: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

To get from Da Nang to Hanoi, you can take one of several trains, including train no. SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE12, SE18, and SE20. The travel time for this leg of the journey ranges from 16 to 20 hours. The fare generally ranges from 600,000 to 1,100,000 VND, depending on the seat class. Once in Hanoi, you can use another means of transport, such as taxis, coaches, or private cars, to reach Ha Long Bay.

• Route 2: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay

As Ninh Binh is a stop on the train route from Da Nang to Hanoi, you can follow the same instructions as mentioned above. This time, you will get off at Ninh Binh Train Station instead of Hanoi Train Station. The travel time ranges from 14 to 16 hours. The fare typically ranges from 600,000 to 900,000 VND. You will also need to arrange additional transport from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay.

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3. Is it possible to take Hoi An to Ha Long Bay flights?

3.1. Pros and cons

Flying from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is the most efficient travel option. However, it is also more expensive and involves additional legs since there is neither Hoi An Airport nor Ha Long Airport. Travelers must go from Hoi An to Da Nang, fly to Hanoi or Hai Phong, then continue the journey to Ha Long Bay by other means. Despite these extra steps, flying remains a convenient choice for those who value time and comfort.

Traveling by air is the most efficient way to go from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

3.2. Airports, airlines and airfares

Airport near Hoi An:

• Da Nang International Airport (DAD): Located about 30 kilometers away from Hoi An, this is the primary gateway for air travel to the ancient town.

Airports near Ha Long Bay:

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): Located in Hanoi, about 180 kilometers away from Ha Long Bay, this is the busiest airport in northern Vietnam
• Cat Bi International Airport (HPH): Located in Hai Phong, about 70 kilometers away from Ha Long Bay, this is the second busiest airport in northern Vietnam.
• Van Don International Airport (HPH): Located in Van Don, about 60 kilometers away from Ha Long Bay, this is the closest airport to the bay.

Airlines, flight time, and fares (according to Skyscanner):

• Da Nang to Hanoi: Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines offer direct flights on this route. The travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The fare starts from 1,880,000 VND.
• Da Nang to Hai Phong: Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines offer direct flights on this route. The travel time is just over 1 hour. The fare starts from 2,200,000 VND.
• Da Nang to Van Don: Vietnam Airlines offers connecting flights on this route, with a transit in Ho Chi Minh City. The travel time can take over 5 hours. The fare starts from 5,600,000 VND.

4. Extra tips for your trip from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay

Here are some tips to help you travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay with ease:

• Expect coach delays: Although delays are common for coaches, be sure to arrive at the pick-up point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time of departure.
• Book tickets in advance: Book your tickets well ahead of time to secure a good seat and better fare.
• Research the schedules: Carefully check the schedules for coaches and trains to plan your journey efficiently.

Book tickets in advance to ensure a good seat (Source: Collected)

Check out how to get to Ha Long Bay from other places also!

*Note: The information provided in this guide is for reference purposes and may be subject to change over time.

Traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay presents various transport options, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. By considering the tips provided and planning ahead, you can make informed choices to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable journey to this stunning destination in Vietnam.

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