How to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by Bus Safely and Comfortably

If you need to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the bus is the best option. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by bus, to make your journey as seamless as possible.

Limestone islets, temples in caves, underwater passageways that lead into secluded cloves – these are just glimpses of Halong Bay. If you’re based in Hanoi during your Vietnam trip, a trip out to see the Bay is a must! 

Most people sign up for a day tour or overnight stay for convenience, but if you’d like to keep the costs down, then you can easily travel by bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay yourself. Here’s how…

This post is in collaboration with Bookaway.com – helping you travel to the world’s best locations via bus.

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by bus

Thanks to the well-travelled road, the journey between Hanoi and Halong Bay takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on where you’re getting picked up, and the number of stops along the way. Your mode of transport will decide your schedule as well.

Types of bus in Vietnam 

There are a few different types of buses available in Vietnam for the Hanoi to Halong Bay journey.

Economy buses

Economy buses aren’t a traveler favourite for a reason; conductors often overcharge foreigners on local lines. Often jam-packed with people, infrequent and making countless stops, they make for an incredibly slow journey.