Located in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a stunning natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists every year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its limestone karsts and islets in various shapes and sizes, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. However, getting to Ha Long Bay from the airport can be a bit challenging, especially for first-time visitors.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get from the airport to Ha Long Bay, including the different modes of transportation available, their costs, and travel times. We will also provide some tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
Airport Options
The nearest airport to Ha Long Bay is the Van Don International Airport (VDO), which is located about 50 kilometers from Ha Long Bay. However, this airport is relatively new and has limited flights, so many tourists prefer to fly into Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is about 160 kilometers from Ha Long Bay.
Van Don International Airport (VDO)
Van Don International Airport is the closest airport to Ha Long Bay, and it's a great option if you can find a flight that suits your schedule. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a private car to Ha Long Bay, which takes about 1 hour and costs around VND 800,000 (USD 35).
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Noi Bai International Airport is the most popular airport for tourists visiting Ha Long Bay. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private car, or a bus to Ha Long Bay, which takes about 3-4 hours and costs around VND 1,200,000 (USD 50) to VND 2,000,000 (USD 85).
Transportation Options
There are several transportation options available from the airport to Ha Long Bay, including taxis, private cars, buses, and shuttle services. Here are some of the most popular options:
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient and relatively affordable option from the airport to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes about 1 hour from Van Don International Airport and 3-4 hours from Noi Bai International Airport. The cost is around VND 800,000 (USD 35) from Van Don International Airport and VND 1,200,000 (USD 50) to VND 2,000,000 (USD 85) from Noi Bai International Airport.
Private Car
Private cars are a more comfortable and convenient option from the airport to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes about 1 hour from Van Don International Airport and 3-4 hours from Noi Bai International Airport. The cost is around VND 1,200,000 (USD 50) to VND 2,500,000 (USD 110) from Van Don International Airport and VND 2,500,000 (USD 110) to VND 4,000,000 (USD 170) from Noi Bai International Airport.
Bus
Buses are a more affordable option from the airport to Ha Long Bay, but the journey takes longer. The journey takes about 4-5 hours from Noi Bai International Airport, and the cost is around VND 200,000 (USD 9) to VND 500,000 (USD 22).
Shuttle Service
Shuttle services are a convenient option from the airport to Ha Long Bay, and they can be booked in advance. The journey takes about 1 hour from Van Don International Airport and 3-4 hours from Noi Bai International Airport. The cost is around VND 1,000,000 (USD 43) to VND 2,000,000 (USD 85) from Van Don International Airport and VND 2,000,000 (USD 85) to VND 3,500,000 (USD 150) from Noi Bai International Airport.
Tips and Recommendations
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip from the airport to Ha Long Bay:
- Book your transportation in advance to avoid the hassle and stress of finding a taxi or bus at the airport.
- Consider private car or shuttle service for a more comfortable and convenient journey.
- Be prepared for the long journey from Noi Bai International Airport, and bring snacks and water to keep you hydrated.
- Check the weather forecast before you travel, and plan your trip accordingly.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
How far is Ha Long Bay from the airport?
+Ha Long Bay is about 50 kilometers from Van Don International Airport and 160 kilometers from Noi Bai International Airport.
What is the best way to get to Ha Long Bay from the airport?
+The best way to get to Ha Long Bay from the airport is by private car or shuttle service, which takes about 1 hour from Van Don International Airport and 3-4 hours from Noi Bai International Airport.
How much does it cost to get to Ha Long Bay from the airport?
+The cost of getting to Ha Long Bay from the airport depends on the mode of transportation, but it ranges from VND 200,000 (USD 9) to VND 4,000,000 (USD 170).
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip from the airport to Ha Long Bay. Remember to book your transportation in advance, consider private car or shuttle service, and be prepared for the long journey from Noi Bai International Airport. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay.