Planning Your Route: Hue to Halong Bay Travel Essentials

Transportation to Halong

 Easy route planning from Hue to Halong Bay: Your go-to for insider travel tips.

Vietnam boasts a stunning mix of landscapes, vibrant culture, and captivating history. One of the most sought-after journeys for those eager to explore Vietnam's beauty is the route from Hue to Halong Bay. This scenic adventure takes you through some of the country's most picturesque and historic sites. 

But planning this journey can be a bit tricky, considering factors like transportation, lodging, attractions, your budget, and the time you have available. We understand these challenges, and our team is here to offer you essential tips and information on how to plan your Hue to Halong Bay route, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.

What is the distance between Hue and Halong Bay?

The distance from Hue to Halong Bay in Vietnam is around 800 kilometers if you're traveling by train or bus, but by flying, it's only about 497.5 kilometers. 

The distance from Hue to Halong Bay in Vietnam is around 800 kilometers.

The time it takes to get from one place to the other can vary based on your chosen mode of transport and road conditions. 

• On average, driving by car or bus between Hue and Halong Bay usually takes about 16 to 20 hours.

• If you opt for a flight from Hue to Halong Bay, you'll first need to catch a flight to Hanoi, as there isn't an airport right in Halong Bay. The flight from Phu Bai International Airport in Hue to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi generally lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Once you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, travelers must arrange ground transportation to Halong Bay, approximately 198 kilometers (about 123 miles). This drive can take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Read more: Travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay

What is the optimal method for traveling from Hue to Halong Bay?

Hue and Halong Bay are alluring destinations in Vietnam, but the 800 kilometers of land distance (500 kilometers by air) separating them means you have choices. Factors like time, cost, convenience, and personal preference must be considered to determine the best way to get from Hue to Halong Bay.

Four main transportation methods are from Hue to Halong Bay: bus, plane, train, and private transfer. Each method has its pros and cons, tailored to your specific needs and expectations. Here's a detailed comparison of these methods regarding the route, time, and price:

1. Hue to Halong Bay by Bus

• Route: Buses generally pass through Hanoi or Hai Phong, where passengers may need to switch buses or take a ferry to reach Halong Bay.

• Travel time: Bus travel time can vary, depending on traffic and the number of stops, ranging from 16 to 20 hours in total, including waiting and the ferry ride.

• Price: Bus tickets from Hue to Halong Bay range from $25 to $80 per person. And the ferry ticket from Hai Phong or Hanoi to Halong Bay is approximately $5 to $15 per person.

Bus tickets from Hue to Halong Bay range from $25 to $80 per person.

2. Hue to Halong Bay by plane

• Route: Flying involves taking a flight from Hue Airport (HUI) to either Hanoi Airport (HAN) or Hai Phong Airport (HPH), followed by a private transfer or shuttle bus to Halong Bay. Airlines like Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways operate flights on this route.

• Travel time: Flight duration varies based on schedules and transfer availability, taking between 6 to 10 hours in total.

• Price: Plane ticket prices from Hue to Halong Bay range from $60 to $110 per person. Private transfer or shuttle bus prices from Hanoi or Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay are approximately $20 to $100 per person or per vehicle.

Hue Airport (HUI) to Ha Noi Airport (HAN) plane ticket pricing

Hue Airport (HUI) to Hai Phong Airport (HPH) plane ticket pricing

Read more: Halong Bay private charter with Paradise Vietnam – Experience Luxury

3. Hue to Halong Bay by Train

• Route: Train travel requires a journey from Hue Station to either Hanoi Station or Ninh Binh Station. From there, a bus or ferry takes you to Halong Bay. Train operators such as Vietnam Railways, Lotus Train, Violette Train, and Livitrans Express provide this service.

• Travel time: Train travel time varies based on schedules and transfer availability, ranging from 16 to 24 hours in total, including train travel and the ferry ride.

• Price: Train ticket prices from Hue to Halong Bay range from $25 to $90 per person, depending on the operator and the type of seat or cabin. Bus or ferry tickets from Hanoi or Ninh Binh Station to Halong Bay are approximately $5 to $15/person.

Hue to Halong Bay by Train

Discover: Taking A Train From Hanoi To Ha Long Bay: Experience The Authentic Route

4. Hue to Halong Bay by Private Transfer

Route: Private transfer means hiring a car or van with a driver to go directly from your Hue hotel to Halong Bay.

Travel time: Travel time by private transfer is influenced by traffic and driver speed, typically taking 13 to 15 hours without stops.

Price: Private transfer prices range from $200 to $400 per vehicle. This option provides a convenient and personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Journey from Hue to Halong Bay

1. What is the cheapest way of getting from Hue to Halong Bay?

The most budget-friendly way to go from Hue to Halong Bay is by combining train and bus travel. 

Here's how it works:

• Take a train from Hue to Ninh Binh, which lasts about 12 hours and costs $10–$25 per person.

• From Ninh Binh, hop on a bus to Halong Bay, about a 4-hour ride costing $5–$15 per person.

Alternatively, you can:

• Catch a bus from Hue to Hanoi, which takes approximately 14 hours and costs $10–$20 per person.

• From Hanoi, take another bus to Halong Bay, which is about a 4-hour journey and costs $5–$15 per person.

2. What is the quickest way to travel from Hue to Halong Bay?

The fastest way from Hue to Halong Bay is to take a plane and a private car.

• Fly from Hue to Hanoi, a journey of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• After landing in Hanoi, hire a private car for a 3-hour drive to Halong Bay, costing approximately 100 USD per vehicle.

Or you can choose to:

• Take a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which takes about 4 hours and costs around 20 USD per person.

Explore further: Hoi An to Halong Bay - Fastest and most convenient move

3. Is visiting Hue in Vietnam worthwhile?

Yes, visiting Hue in Vietnam can be a worthwhile experience for many travelers interested in this former imperial city's history, culture, and nature. Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, under the Nguyen dynasty, and it still preserves many relics and monuments of its glorious past.

4. What other attractions can be explored nearby Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. 

While a cruise is undoubtedly the best way to experience the grandeur of Halong Bay, there are numerous attractions and famous landmarks to explore during your journey, especially if you choose to cruise with Paradise Vietnam.

On the Paradise Elegance, Paradise Sails, or Paradise Peak cruise, you can visit this amazing cave, which offers a 2-day or 3-day itinerary that includes other highlights of Halong Bay, such as Sung Sot Cave, Tung Sau Pearl Farm, Titop Island, and Tien Ong Cave.

The next destination is Lan Ha Bay, which is adjacent to Halong Bay and also belongs to the world natural heritage of Cat Ba Archipelago - Halong Bay. This place is also famous for its scenic landscape of mountains and water...

Lan Ha Bay

Adjacent to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is less crowded and more pristine. With numerous islands, sandy beaches, lagoons, fishing villages, and coral reefs, it's a paradise for activities like swimming, kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing.

To explore this tranquil bay, you can opt for a package tour with Paradise Grand Cruise. This is the latest and most modern addition to Paradise Vietnam, a renowned cruise and hotel operator in Vietnam. We also offer 2-day or 3-day itineraries, including visits to the Ao Ech area, Dark and Bright Cave, Viet Hai Village, and Ba Trai Dao Beach. 

One of the most wonderful views of Lan Ha Bay

On top of that, you can relish the delectable cuisine recommended by a renowned chef, revel in a private balcony with a bay view in your room, and bask in the ample sundeck space offered by this cruise.

Expansive sundeck area aboard Paradise Elegance by Paradise Vietnam Group

Paradise Grand - One of the best cruises on Lan Ha Bay

Recommended reading: Halong Bay Day Cruise: How to have a memorable Halong Cruise?

Tuan Chau Island

You'll have the chance to explore Tuan Chau Island, which is a popular spot to pause and unwind. It's a place where you can dive into various activities like water sports, catch a dolphin and sea lion show, or simply kick back on the pristine Tuan Chau Beach. 

Tuan Chau Island

Additionally, you have the option to stay at the lovely Paradise Suites Hotel, a charming boutique hotel on the island. It prides itself on delivering top-notch service and amenities, a distinction confirmed by the reputable travel platform TripAdvisor. 

Paradise Suites Hotel - a distinction confirmed by the reputable travel platform TripAdvisor. 

Discover: What to do in Halong Bay - Best experience ever!

Staying here means you get to relish a relaxing and luxurious resort atmosphere, your own beach, the most authentic local cuisine, and a myriad of engaging activities that Paradise Suites offers.

Thank you for considering our guidance in planning your Hue to Halong Bay route. We hope the information provided has been helpful in preparing for your upcoming journey. 

If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to contact Paradise Vietnam. We are here to assist you with any additional details, travel tips, or recommendations to ensure your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Happy traveling!