Region in Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Getting around Ha Long Bay
How to get around Ha Long Bay
Most visitors take an expressway bus or private transfer from Hanoi, then board a cruise at Tuan Chau or Bai Chay. Grab and taxis cover Ha Long city.
Ways to get around Ha Long Bay
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise or day boat | From about 800,000 VND day trip; overnight 2.5–6 million VND | Book a licensed operator; prices rise with ship class |
| Grab or taxi in Ha Long city | About 30,000–100,000 VND | Short rides between Bai Chay, Tuan Chau and the pier |
| Expressway bus from Hanoi | About 120,000–250,000 VND | 2.5–3.5 hours from My Dinh or Giap Bat; shuttle buses to hotels |
Ride-hailing apps in Ha Long Bay
A 5 km ride costs about ₫50,000–100,000 ($1.9–3.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Works in Ha Long city; limited drivers elsewhere |
- Taxis are scarce outside Bai Chay. Arrange hotel or cruise transfers in advance; metered taxis exist in Ha Long city.
Arriving in Ha Long Bay
Via Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Van Don (HAN)
Hanoi Noi Bai then 2.5–3.5 h by bus or private car to Ha Long; Van Don (VDO) is closer but has few flights.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Possible on Cat Ba for about 120,000–200,000 VND a day; roads are quiet. A Vietnamese licence or 1968 IDP is required.
- Driving: on the right. Only 1968-Convention IDPs are valid (US ones aren't); unlicensed scooter riding is common but voids most insurance.
- Onward travel in Vietnam: Cheap flights (Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines) link Hanoi, Da Nang and Saigon; the coastal North–South railway and sleeper buses are slower, scenic alternatives.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Ha Long Bay?
No. Use Grab instead.
What's the best way to get around Ha Long Bay?
Most visitors take an expressway bus or private transfer from Hanoi, then board a cruise at Tuan Chau or Bai Chay. Grab and taxis cover Ha Long city.
How do I get from the airport to Ha Long Bay?
Hanoi Noi Bai then 2.5–3.5 h by bus or private car to Ha Long; Van Don (VDO) is closer but has few flights.
Is Ha Long Bay walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Ha Long Bay
Going to Ha Long Bay solo?
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Sources
- Vietnam Railways
- Vietnam Airlines
- Vietjet Air
- Ha Long Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)
- Noi Bai International Airport (ACV)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.