How do I get from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay?

Hai Phong is actually closer to Ha Long Bay than Hanoi is — but transport connections are less developed. Here’s how to make the journey.

Distance and travel time

• Distance: 80km from Hai Phong to Ha Long City.
• Travel time: 1.5-2 hours by car via coastal highway.
• Road condition: Good — mostly highway and well-maintained roads.
• Scenery: Coastal views, passing through Quang Ninh province.

Transport options

Private car (recommended)

The most flexible and comfortable option.

• Cost: 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND one way (4-seater).
• 7-seater: 1,500,000-2,200,000 VND one way.
• Round trip with waiting: 2,500,000-3,500,000 VND.
• Booking: Through hotel, travel agency, or Grab app (long-distance feature).
• Advantages: Door-to-door, flexible departure time, air conditioning.

Ha Long cruise with Hai Phong pickup

Many cruise operators now offer Hai Phong pickup as an alternative to Hanoi.

• Pickup locations: Hai Phong hotels, Cat Bi Airport, or Cat Ba Island.
• Transfer: Minibus or van to cruise port (Hon Gai or Tuan Chau).
• Cost: Often included in cruise package; sometimes small supplement (100,000-200,000 VND).
• Advantages: Seamless transfer, no need to arrange separate transport.
• Booking: Specify Hai Phong pickup when reserving cruise.

Tourist bus (via Hanoi)

Not recommended but exists as a fallback option.

• Route: Hai Phong → Hanoi → Ha Long (backtracking).
• Duration: 4-5 hours total (vs 1.5 hours direct).
• Cost: 200,000-300,000 VND.
• Why not recommended: Adds 2-3 hours, uncomfortable, multiple stops.
• Only consider: If on extremely tight budget.

Motorbike (for experienced riders)

Possible but not recommended for most travelers.

• Route: Follow Highway 10 or coastal road.
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
• Challenges: Traffic, navigation, fatigue.
• Only for: Experienced riders comfortable with Vietnamese traffic.

Practical considerations

Border crossing

No border formalities — both Hai Phong and Ha Long are within Vietnam.

Best time to travel

• Morning departure: Avoid traffic, arrive in Ha Long by lunch.
• Afternoon departure: Possible but may hit evening traffic.
• Avoid: Rush hour 7-8:30am and 5-6:30pm in Hai Phong.

Combining with Cat Ba Island

A popular itinerary is:

1. Hanoi → Hai Phong (half day sightseeing).
2. Hai Phong → Cat Ba Island (2-3 days).
3. Cat Ba Island → Ha Long Bay (cruise pickup).
4. Ha Long Bay → Hanoi (cruise return).

This avoids backtracking and maximizes time in the region.

The short version

Distance: 80km, 1.5-2 hours by car. Best option: Private car (1.2M-1.8M VND) or cruise with Hai Phong pickup. Avoid: Public bus via Hanoi (adds 2-3 hours). Tip: Many cruises offer Hai Phong pickup — ask when booking.