Ha Giang Tours to Ha Long Bay: Best Travel Options

How Far Is It from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay?

By road, Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay is approximately 470 kilometers. As the crow flies, it’s just a distance of around 300 km, but the mountain roads of northern Vietnam stretch it out. 

• By car or bus: approximately 9–12 hours
• Through Hanoi (by bus or train): 13–15 hours
• By motorbike: 2 days usually including time to rest and explore.

The common trail is: Ha Giang → QL34 → QL2 → QL18 → Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh. Be prepared for curves and hills; it is a pretty drive.

All Travel Options Compared

Bus (Most Budget-Friendly)

Traveling by bus is the most popular option for travelers who want to get from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay on a budget. It’s cheap, straightforward,  and reliable.

Departure & Arrival:  Most buses leave from Ha Giang Bus Station in the late morning or the evening. They pull into Ha Long City or Bai Chay Station in Quang Ninh, close enough to transfer to Ha Long Bay cruises or continue to Cat Ba Island. 

Pros:

• Very affordable (₫300k–₫500k)
• Lots of night departure dates, save on a night’s stay
• Straight route- do not need to go to Hanoi first

Cons:

• Long duration of travel (~9–11hrs.)
• Fixed schedules, minimal comfort. Less comfortable than private shuttles
• Quality varies – some buses don’t have toilets on board

Ha Long Bus Travel (Source: 12go)

Private Car / Taxi (Best for Comfort)

Reliable Car & Taxi Services with Accurate Prices

Below are reputable companies that provide direct transfers from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay with instant confirmation and English-speaking staff:

1. Hoi An Private Taxi
   • Sedan (2 pax): ₫4,400,000 (~US$187)
   • SUV (4–5 pax): ₫4,900,000 (~US$208)
   • Minivan (6–10 pax): ₫6,300,000 (~US$268)
   • Includes: door-to-door service, flexible stops, fuel & driver
   • How to book: via WhatsApp or website: hoianprivatetaxi.com
2. Phong Nha Locals
   • Fixed price: US$187 (~₫4,400,000) for sedan
   • Custom itinerary available: can stop in Hanoi, or connect to Cat Ba Island
   • Professional drivers, comfortable fleet
   • Booking: phongnhalocals.com or email support
3. ThueXeHaGiang.com (Ha Giang Car Rental Local Service)
   • Self-drive or chauffeur-driven options
   • Sedan: From ₫1,600,000/day (without driver)
   • With driver: From ₫2,800,000–₫3,000,000 for inner-city, or ₫4,000,000+ to Quang Ninh
   • Ideal for: custom routes, flexible detours
   • Booking: via hotline or online booking form (Vietnamese support available)

Travel Time & Route

• Approximate driving time: 8 to 10 hours
• Common route: QL34 → QL2 → CT05 → QL18, finishing in Ha Long Bay or in Bai Chay
• And with smoothly paved roads once you are out of the mountains, rest stops can be timed to suit.

Why Choose This Option?

• Flexible schedule: Get up late, take photo stops, detour to a water park, or detour to Hanoi
• Better still: Air-con, places to recline, a bit of privacy
• Great for groups: Split the fare, and it’s a deal
• Professional drivers: Safer in snow and ice on mountain passes

Ha Giang Car Rental Local Service (Source: BEGroup)

Motorbike Adventure (For the Brave)

Time Needed & Stopover Suggestions

You’ll need a minimum of 2-3 days to cover the entire span of the route from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay, particularly if you intend to take breaks, rest, and explore.

Recommended stopovers:

• Bac Me: Quiet riverside town and great first rest stop.
• Cao Bang: Known for Ban Gioc Waterfall and local culture.
• Mong Cai: A coastal town on the border with routes to Cat Ba Island, or further south toward Quang Ninh.

Best Route Options

Take a couple of days to push through from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay:

• Mountain Route (QL4C→ QL34→ QL18): Suggested for adventurers. You’ll travel over dramatic valleys, mountain ridges, and through remote villages. The roads will be curvy, and the vistas will be breathtaking.
• Coastal Route (via Cao Bang → Lang Son → Quang Ninh): Easier on the body, for those who want to include beach time, seafood stops, or even a drop at a local water park, before finishing your trip at Ha Long Bay. 

Motorbike Rental Shops in Ha Giang (With Real Prices)

Here are some reliable rental services that hundreds of travelers use each year:

• QT Motorbikes & Tours:  From scooters to semi-automatic and off-road bikes
  • Honda XR 150cc: ₫550,000/day
  • Helmets, maps, and local route advice included
  • Family-run, English-speaking management
• Ha Giang Motorbike Rental (40 Lam Dong Street)
  • Honda Blade 110cc: ₫250,000/day
  • Honda XR 150cc: ₫650,000/day
  • Reliable bikes and negotiable rental durations
• Giang Son Motorbike Rental
  • Price range: ₫150,000–₫200,000/day
  • Location near Cau Me – Km3
  • With rain gear, basic maintenance, and 24/7 hotlines
• Bong Backpacker Hostel
  • Blade 110cc: ₫180,000/day
  • Future 125cc: ₫250,000/day
  • YB 125cc: ₫350,000/day
  • Comes with helmets and roadside assistance

Giang Son Motorbike Rental (Source: thuexemaytaiHaGiang)

Train + Bus Hybrid (For Scenic Enthusiasts)

Route Overview

This is a three-leg travel option:

1. Ha Giang → Hanoi (limousine van or bus)
2. Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (train or expressway bus)
3. Final transfer to Ha Long City, Cat Ba Island, or your hotel near the Ha Long Bay cruise terminal

Time Breakdown & Transfer Logistics

• Ha Giang to Hanoi:
  • • Sleeper bus or limousine van
    • Travel time: 6–7 hours
    • Reservations with local agents or online websites
    • Tip: Leave Ha Giang in the evening and be in Hanoi by morning

• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay:

• • By train (Gia Lam Station – Ha Long Station): 6.5 hours, scenic but not as direct
  • By bus (My Dinh or Gia Lam – Ha Long City): 2.5–3.5 hours, more direct and often more frequent
  • Both drop you close to Quang Ninh’s coastline and main attractions

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay By Train (Source: mia)

Best Routes: Scenic vs. Fastest

Travel Tips from Real Travelers

What to Pack 

The trip from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay is a question of expecting sudden weather changes and uneven road conditions.

• Warm clothing: Summers are chilly in the mornings, even in Ha Giang, particularly by motorbike.
• Rain gear: A poncho or rain jacket is essential in the highlands.
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a big hat are handy as you motor south down to Ha Long Bay’s sunny beaches.
• Shoes: Suitable for walking, sturdy enough for motorcycling, in your head traction and support, especially on dirt back roads.

Timing Is Everything (Seasonal Travel Advice)

• Ha Giang: September to November (clear skies, golden rice terraces) or March to April (t-shirt weather, cool in peach blossoms). Winter will probably be foggy and cold.
• Ha Long Bay: October to April is high season—sunny, clear weather, best for cruises and Cat Ba Island visitation. Summers are hot and humid, with short showers.

Safety on the Road

Between North Vietnam’s mountain roads and coastal roads, the contrast is enormous—and so are the risks.

• Rural roads: Gravel bits, steep hills, trucks on curvy roads. Slow down and don’t drive at night.
• Coastal routes: Better paved, but can get busy with buses and local traffic. Stick to speed limits and watch for sudden stops.

Local Quirks & Things You’ll Love (or Be Surprised By)

• Locals are incredibly helpful—even if they don’t speak English, gestures and smiles go a long way.
• Fuel up often: Gas stations are rare in mountain stretches. Top off in every major town.
• Cash is king: ATMs are available in Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Quang Ninh, although less commonly in remote areas.
• You may spot buffalo along the road, karaoke in the hills, or motorbike processions off to Hanoi—yes, all part of the fun.

Conclusion

However you intend to make the trip from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay, the ride will be one you’ll never forget. If you crave speed, scenery, or comfort, there’s a route to suit your every need. For the latest transport tips, rental details, and suggested routes across northern Vietnam, remember to check out Ha Giang Transportation, your one-stop source for intelligent, safe travel. Now, buckle up—the trip to Ha Long Bay is on!