Which Route and Transport Is Best for Danang Tours to Ha Long Bay?

How Far is Da Nang from Ha Long Bay?

Distance Overview:

• By road: Around 880-900 kilometers
• By air: About 540 kilometers (as the crow flies)

Travel Time Estimates:

Key Transit Stops Along the Way:

• Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) – 3 hours to Ha Long
• Hai Phong (Cat Bi Airport) – 1 hour to Ha Long
• Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) – Only 50-60 minutes to the bay

Noi Bai Airport (Source: wikipedia)

Travel Options from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay (Full Comparison)

Option 1: Flights – Fastest but Requires Transfer

Which Airports Serve Ha Long Bay?

To complete your journey from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay, you’ll first fly to one of three key airports:

Recommended: Van Don is the closest, but Cat Bi and Noi Bai both operate more daily flights with more schedule flexibility.

Flight Schedules and Realistic Prices (June 2025)

Note: There are currently no direct flights between Da Nang and Van Don. You will probably have a layover in Ho Chi Minh City, making the total travel time 6-8 hours.

Ground Transfers to Ha Long Bay (After Landing)

Once you land at any of the above airports, you’ll need a transfer to reach Ha Long Bay:

• From Van Don: Taxi or private car – 500,000 VND (~$20 USD), 1 hour
• From Cat Bi: Limousine van – 250,000 VND (~$10 USD), 1.5 hours
• From Hanoi (Noi Bai):
  • Limousine: 300,000-350,000 VND (~$12-15 USD)
  • Bus: 200,000 VND (~$8 USD)
  • Taxi/Private car: 1,500,000 VND (~$60 USD)

 Pros and Cons of Flying from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay

Vietnam Airlines (Source: wikipedia)

Option 2: Sleeper Bus – Budget-Friendly Overland Trip

Duration & Distance

• Travel time: ~16 to 18 hours
• Route: National Highway 1A – from central to northern Vietnam
• Departure points: Da Nang Central Bus Station or Cam Le Bus Station
• Arrival points: Ben Xe Bai Chay, Ha Long – or even further to Uong Bi, Cua Ong

Reputable Sleeper Bus Providers

What’s Onboard?

Don’t be surprised if you feel comfortable over long distances! Most buses include:

• Sleeper berths, including full reclining accommodation
• Air conditioning, reading lights.
• Wi-Fi, charging ports, bottled water, and blankets.
• Curtains for privacy, LCD TV screens (some buses)

 Who Should Choose This?

• Independent travellers, backpackers, and students
• Budget travelers looking to get from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay
• Travellers wanting to save time and money on overnight accommodation

No matter which way you’re going, Da Nang to Ha Long Bay or vice versa, sleeper buses are an economical and practical option, especially if you’re not short on time.

Remember to catch transport to Danang early if you’re flying into the city to meet your bus.

Van Luc Tung Bus (Source: anbinhbus)

Option 3: Train + Transfer – Scenic Yet Time-Consuming

Looking to relax on a slow journey while taking the scenic Vietnamese countryside in through your window? The train ride from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay is a peaceful, scenic way to travel north.

Train Route Overview

Popular Train Options

Trains from Da Nang to Hanoi include:

• SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8 has a daily service
• Soft sleeping berth, Soft seat, Hard seat.
• Leave from Ga Da Nang and get in at Ga Ha Noi.

Recommended: Reserve a soft sleeper for overnight comfort for roughly the same price. You can even sleep well and will feel refreshed!

Book on the official Vietnam Railways site: https://dsvn.vn, or via apps including Baolau.com

From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

After arriving in Hanoi:

• Limousine van: ~300,000 VND (about $12-13 USD), hotel/train station pickup
• Shuttle bus: ~200,000 VND ($8USD), but less freedom in timing
• Private car: ~1,200,000-1,500,000 VND ($50-60 USD) for door-to-door convenience

Why Take the Train?

Tip: Book early for a bottom bunk or 4-bed cabin. And of course, check out how to get to Da Nang in time for the Da Nang Station departure.

Train (Source: vietnam360)

Local Tips for a Smooth Journey

Choose the Right Season to Travel

Vietnam’s weather can vary massively from one part of the country to another, so timing is key!

• Best time to go:
  • April – June Sunny & cool sea breeze - perfect combination.
  • Late November to February – Quieter beaches, placid seas, and misty, romantic Ha Long Bay mornings.
• Avoid:
  • July-August: It’s peak domestic travel season = higher tariffs + potential typhoons.
  • Late September: Periods of stormy weather could be a jolting factor in long-distance travel plans.

Avoid Scams at Transit Hubs

While Vietnam is a very safe country for travelers, some common sense will help safeguard your wallet and peace of mind:

• Do not follow rogue “agents” at stations. Always make contact with well-signed counters or uniformed employees.
• Book with websites like Vexere.com, Baolau.com, or your hotel concierge.
• Double-check license plates and bus-company names – don’t get on a random bus, even if someone shouts your name!
• Negotiate or confirm the taxi fare before boarding and, even better, just have one wait for you on Grab or other reputable apps.

Must-Pack Items for the Road or Rails

However you journey from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay, long-distance travel in Vietnam goes more smoothly with these essential accoutrements:

• Neck pillow + light blanket (useful especially on sleeper buses and trains)
• Power bank +USB charger (some buses and trains have outlets, but not all of them function!)
• Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones – It can get rowdy on overnight travels.
• Snacks & bottled water – Not all routes break for meal periods.
• Slip-on shoes or sandals – Nice to have for easy bathroom runs
• Printed or screenshot ticket confirmations – Backup in case the app has issues

Conclusion

Registering everything from sun-drenched beaches to epic limestone bays, the journey from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay is well and truly worth the ride. Flights, trains, and sleeper buses: Every type of traveler has an ideal there’s an ideal option for every kind of traveler. Just be sure to organize your transport to Danang in advance, book early, and take it one step at a time. Let Vietnam amaze you, one stunning place at a time!