1. How to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
Hue is located in Central Vietnam, 665 kilometers south of Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay is situated much closer to Hanoi, only 177 kilometers away to the east. To reach Ha Long Bay from Hue, tourists need to travel approximately 800 kilometers by road or about 500 kilometers by ải.
Aside from the differences in distance, here are the specifics about each means of transport:
- By road: Travelers can opt for a sleeper bus to go directly from Hue to Ha Long Bay in about 15 hours, given the length of the trip.
- By air: The distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay can be covered by flying from Phu Bai Airport in Hue to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, followed by a journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by seaplane.
- By train: Although there are no trains that go straight from Hue to Ha Long Bay, tourists can still enjoy a scenic train ride to Hanoi, followed by a journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by limousine bus.
2. A detailed guide to traveling from Hue to Ha Long Bay
2.1. Sleeper buses from Hue to Ha Long Bay
Currently, there are two sleeper bus service providers that operate the route from Hue to Ha Long Bay. On average, there are about three trips per day.
Bus provider | Travel time | Place of departure | Place of arrival | Estimated fare |
The New Way | 15h40m | Phia Bac Hue Bus Station, 132 Ly Thai To | Tinh Gia Homestay - Coffee, Bai Chay | 650,000 VND |
Duy Khanh Limousine | 14h30m | 78 Tran Quang Khai | Tung Luxury Hotel, 24 Thuy Tung | 750,000 VND |
>>> Plan the things to do in Ha Long Bay for a hassle-free experience
2.2. Flights from Hue to Ha Long Bay
Traveling by plane involves two segments: first by airplane and then by seaplane. Travelers will fly from Phu Bai Airport in Hue to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The journey continues with a seaplane ride from Noi Bai to Ha Long Bay.
2.2.1. Direct flights from Hue to Noi Bai International Airport
To fly from Hue to Hanoi, tourists can choose Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s national carrier known for its 4-star service quality, while Vietjet Air is renowned for offering the lowest fares among Vietnamese airlines. On average, a direct flight from Hue to Hanoi takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A one-way ticket for a direct flight typically costs 1,500,000 VND for economy class.
Below are some tips for finding the best deal for your flight from Hue to Ha Long Bay:
- Find the cheapest day to fly: If your travel dates are flexible, checking the fares throughout the month can help you identify the most affordable day to fly.
- Find the cheapest month to fly: September typically offers the lowest fares for flights from Hue to Hanoi. You can plan your trip during this month if your schedule allows it.
- Stay updated with the airlines' official websites: Regularly checking these sites can provide access to special offers.
2.2.2. Seaplane tours from Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Long
Upon arrival in Hanoi, the journey continues with a seaplane ride from Noi Bai International Airport to Tuan Chau Port, taking approximately 45 minutes or 1 hour if a sightseeing experience is included. This option is popular for its short travel time and scenic views offered. Below are two seaplane options for your reference:
Number | ETD - ETA | Fare per pax |
601 | 9:20 am - 10:20 am |
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603 | 10 am - 11 am |
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The minimum requirement for a seaplane flight is 4 passengers. Also, note that the fares in the table are applicable as of now and may be subject to change over time. Besides scheduled flights, you can also opt for charter flights from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. In a chartered seaplane, travelers can customize their itinerary, avoid waiting time, and enjoy the experience with their companions. You can book these flights through the official website of Hai Au Aviation.
>>> Check out how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay!
2.3. Trains from Hue to Ha Long Bay
Taking the train from Hue to Ha Long Bay is another enjoyable way to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views as you go. However, the train will take you to as far as Hanoi, then you can get on a limousine bus to go from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. For those who would like to spend a brief vacation in Hanoi, this is also a viable option.
2.3.1. Trains from Hue to Hanoi
There are many trains running between Hue and Hanoi. For your convenience, we have included a list of the available trains along with their details.
Train number | ETD - ETA | Travel time | Fare per pax |
SE8 | 3:34 pm - 7:12 am | 15h38m | 617,000 - 1,229,000 VND |
SE10 | 12:42 pm - 4:55 am | 16h13m | 604,000 - 1,139,000 VND) |
SE6 | 1:43 pm - 4:35 am | 14h52m | 604,000 - 1,382,000 VND |
SE4 | 3:32 pm - 5:40 am | 14h8m | 667,000 - 1,395,000 VND |
SE2 | 4:24 pm - 6 am | 13h36m | 646,000 - 2,747,000 VND |
SE12 | 6:28 pm - 10:10 am | 15h42m | 593,000 - 1,211,000 VND |
SE20 | 8:41 pm - 11:40 am | 14h59m | 736,000 - 1,328,000 VND |
SE18 | 10:23 pm - 2:20 pm | 16h7m | 948,000 - 1,245,000 VND |
2.3.2. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by limousine bus
Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by limousine bus is straightforward with many operators available. Typically, you should make bookings in advance to see the pick-up point of the bus. From Hanoi Train Station, you can use the bus operator’s shuttle service to get to the designated pick-up point (if available) or just take a taxi ride there. Below are some notable Hanoi to Ha Long Bay bus providers for you to consider:
Bus provider | Travel time | Estimated fare |
Phuc Xuyen | 3h25m | From 260,000 VND |
Trung Thanh Limousine | 1h45m | From 260,000 VND (10,23 USD) |
Ha Long Travel | 2h30m | From 260,000 VND |
Hai Phong Travel | 2h30m | From 270,000 VND |
Luxury Trans Vietnam | 2h30m | From 250,000 VND |
>>> Read more: Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi: The BEST guide for an incredible excursion
3. Comparison between the 3 means of transport
For a quick overview of the three main transport options from Hue to Ha Long Bay, consider evaluating their advantages and disadvantages before making your decision.
Means of transport | Pros | Cons |
By sleeper bus |
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By plane |
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By train |
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4. Tips for traveling from Hue to Ha Long Bay
- Choose the bus for budget travel, the plane for speed, and the train for scenic views.
- Book tickets early, especially in peak seasons.
- Pack essentials: comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Be prepared for the somewhat unpredictable weather in Ha Long by checking the forecast.
*The details in this guide are for reference purposes only. Please contact the transport service providers for the most up-to-date information.
Whichever option you choose to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay, remember to enjoy the journey to keep yourself refreshed and ready for your adventure. For accommodation in Ha Long, consider staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Nestled luxuriously amidst the waters of the bay, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long offers breathtaking views, private beaches, lush gardens, expansive swimming pools, and even a rejuvenating spa.
