How to get to Ha Long

Ha Long is a famous resort city in the north of Vietnam, serving as the main gateway to the legendary bay of the same name with its thousands of islands. Travellers come here for the unique karst landscapes and cruises, and you can reach Ha Long in various ways: from a quick flight to a scenic train ride to neighbouring hubs or by car along modern highways.

The fastest way to reach the coast is by air. The city is served by its own international airport, Van Don (VDO), which receives flights from various regions and is conveniently located relative to the resort area.

Alternatively, many tourists choose to fly into neighbouring major cities followed by a transfer. The nearest airport is located in the city of Hai Phong (HPH), just 40 km from the resort, while the capital's airport in Hanoi (HAN), located 126 km away, offers the widest selection of international flights.

Although Ha Long formally has a railway connection, direct trains here run rarely and are quite slow, so tourists practically never use this option as their main method of travel. It is much more convenient and faster to travel by rail to major transport hubs nearby, and complete the journey by road.

The optimal solution would be a train journey to the city of Hai Phong (about 40 km to the resort) or to the capital city of Hanoi (126 km). From the railway stations of these cities, there are regular connections to the coast, allowing you to combine the charm of rail travel with a comfortable transfer.

The bus remains one of the most affordable ways to get to the resort of Ha Long from other regions of the country. Regular services and tourist shuttles connect the coast with major cities, offering budget-friendly tickets and an acceptable level of comfort.

Routes from the capital and neighbouring provinces are particularly popular, where comfortable sleeper buses frequently operate. Travel time depends on the departure point, but modern roads make the trip comfortable and picturesque.

Travelling by car is an excellent choice for those who value speed and independence from schedules. The shortest route leads from the city of Hai Phong: the distance is about 46.5 km, which usually takes less than an hour (approximately 0.9 hours) to drive.

A trip from the capital, Hanoi, will take a little longer, as you will have to cover about 157 km. Thanks to high-quality expressways, the travel time will be approximately 2.2 hours, making a taxi or rental car a very attractive option.

To ensure your journey to the famous bay goes perfectly, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations that take into account the specifics of the Vietnam region.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate is humid, so bring light clothing, but be sure to take a windbreaker for sea excursions, as it can be breezy on the water.
2. Transport: For getting around the city, it is most convenient to use ride-hailing apps (such as Grab) — this will eliminate language barriers and the need to bargain.
3. Finances: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong; cards are accepted in hotels, but for markets and small cafes, be sure to carry cash.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and use sunscreen even in cloudy weather.
5. Communication: In the tourist zone, staff speak basic English, but an offline translator on your phone will be useful for communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: When entering Buddhist temples, you must remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
7. What to Avoid: Do not buy tours from dubious street touts at low prices — the quality of service may not meet expectations.
8. Extra Tip: Try fresh seafood in one of the coastal restaurants of Ha Long — this is the hallmark of the local cuisine.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on contemplating the natural wonders of this unique place.