Searching for the best way to get from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay? You’re going to have fast, 3 miles under your belt before you know it, and a swift flurry down the course! This brief but beautiful route links Vietnam’s biggest port city with the most famous bay of limestone karsts and emerald water in the world. Less than 1.5 hours away and easy to get to, either by bus, taxi, private car, or even a cruise, traveling from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay is often the choice of worldly-wise travelers. Already in Hanoi? Explore your choices from Hanoi to Ha Long and read all about why this coast in connection is the best complement to your Northern Vietnam journey!
It’s just 63 kilometers from the heart of Hai Phong city to the entrance of the enigmatic limestone world of Ha Long Bay. The distance is slightly shorter if you’re flying into Cat Bi International Airport, just about 62 kilometers. Today, thanks to the new Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway, you can drive (or take the bus) to Ha Long Bay from Hai Phong in anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours. No winding mountain roads or long waits to be found, just blue skies ahead (literally).
Here’s a brief look at some of the travel options:
|
Departure Point |
Distance to Ha Long Bay |
Average Travel Time |
Notes |
|
Hai Phong City Center |
63 km |
1h 15m – 1h 30m |
Most common starting point |
|
Cat Bi Airport |
62 km |
~1h 15m |
Ideal for air travelers |
|
Via Highway 18 |
70+ km (longer) |
1h 30m – 2h |
More scenic, but slightly slower |
|
Ha Long – Hai Phong Expressway |
60–68 km |
1h – 1h 20m |
Fastest and most comfortable route |
Hai Phong Expressway (Source: tophaiphongaz)
Highway 18 to Ha Long (Source: binhdoan12)
Hanoi to Hai Phong via National Road 5B (Source: wikipedia)
Estimated Cost:
Key Benefits:
Trusted Private Car Providers from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay:
Insider tip: Some private drivers wait for you in Ha Long, and you can negotiate for a cheap return journey. It’s an excellent choice for day trips or cruise check-ins.
Hai Phong Private Transfer (HPT) (Source: hoianprivatecar)
For a hassle-free and swift ride without having to book in advance, a taxi from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay is an excellent choice. Taxis are easily found in Hai Phong city and at Cat Bi Airport, and most trips last between 40 to 50 minutes along the expressway.
Estimated Cost: $30 to USD 45 (700,000 – 1,100,000 VND) per trip
Travel Time: Around 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic and pickup location
Key Advantages:
Recommended Taxi Companies in Hai Phong:
Safety & Fare Tips:
Mai Linh Taxi (Source: vovgiaothong)
Traveling by limousine bus from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay is the perfect compromise: comfortable, stylish, and budget-friendly! If you don’t want to drive or splurge on a private car, this option provides convenience and affordability, without sacrificing quality.
Fare:$6 to USD 10 (150,000–250,000 VND) per person
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours, depending on pick-up location and traffic
Perks:
Top Operators:
Hoang Phu Limousine (Source: azgotravel)
Prefer to get the wind in your hair and view the scenery up close? Traveling by motorbike from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay might be the ultimate backpacker dream.
Rental Cost:
Travel Time Estimate: About 2 to 3 hours with traffic and stops
Popular Route:
Motorbike Rental Providers in Hai Phong:
Safety Checklist:
If you’re planning to push on from Hanoi to Ha Long, this route via Hai Phong enables you to add a bike leg that is as thrilling as it is fulfilling.
Mr. Dung Motorbike Rental (Source: mia)
If you would like to have your transfer be a luxury one to remember, why not cruise straight from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay — or even better, via Lan Ha Bay? From Got Pier in Hai Phong, several luxury cruise lines have 2-day-1-night or 3-day-2-night cruises that include transport and travel experience all packaged up in one.
Cruise Fare:
Travel Time:
Top Cruise Lines Departing from Hai Phong:
Why Choose a Cruise from Hai Phong?
Mon Cheri Cruise (Source: monchericruises)
This route isn’t the shortest, but it’s the most thrilling — perfect for island lovers and thrill-seekers! In case you’d like to incorporate Cat Ba Island into your trip from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay, then this is an excellent scenic route.
Typical Route:
Total Estimated Duration: About 4 hours, including transfers and waiting
Ticket Outlets:
Who Is This Route For?
Cat Ba Island Ferry (Source: tcdulichtphcm)
Whether traveling in comfort or seeking adventure, the journey from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay possesses the perfect mix of ease, scenery, and versatility. It’s more than a road trip — it’s a warm-up to unforgettable seascapes. Still not convinced? Don’t leave without perusing our Hanoi to Ha Long page for even more travel inspiration. Where you begin is irrelevant; Ha Long is always a must-see!
Q: How many kilometers from Hai Phong airport to Ha Long?
A: The Hai Phong – Cat Bi International Airport to Ha Long Bay distance is approximately 62 kilometers. Thanks to the Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway, travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes by taxi or car.
Q: How many kilometers from Ha Long to Hai Phong?
A: The travelling distance from Ha Long to Hai Phong is about 63 kilometers by expressway. This is the shortest road employed for rapid transfers between the two cities and one of the finest scenic routes in Northern Vietnam.
Q: How many kilometers from Hai Phong to Bai Chay?
A: Hai Phong to Bai Chay (Ha Long Bay’s principal tourist center), it’s some 60 to 65 kilometers, depending on your departure point in Hai Phong. Travel time is between 1 and 1.5 hours, and it’s an easy and fast coastal trip.
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Tour from Hanoi to Halong bay is one of the most amazing package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours bring you to explore the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, sumptuous sea food and excellent service with 6 hours cruise tour among the bay that is also a great option for travelers to discover the nature wonder. We ensure you will have memorable trip to visit one of seven World nature wonder.
Tour explores the most magnificent beauty of nature in the world ( Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay). You will not only see many fantastically shaped islands, beautiful beaches, and great natural caves, but you will also learn more about its history and local people and join to ocean activities.
This tour is 3 days and 2 nights staying on cruises. To explore further paths to hidden corner of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay. To take part in marine activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing or swimming at the pristine and untouched beaches.
This tour with 4 days/3 nights on boat/cruises to explore Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long bay off the beaten track where is not touristic area, the feeling so tranquil of the fresh atmosphere. And discover the local people where you can see and learn about negative fishermen and floating fishing village around Tonkin Gulf.
