Vietnam Mountain Stay

The only guide you’ll need to travel from Ha Giang to Halong Bay

Ha Giang and Halong Bay are the two most awe-inspiring lands in north Vietnam for any first-time traveler. While Ha Giang is to the far north of Vietnam, Ha Long lies on the beautiful east coast, not too far from Hanoi.

Ha Giang has no airport, there’s no direct plane from Ha Giang to Halong Bay. Thus, you have to choose either to travel on road directly or transfer to Hanoi. 

The best comfortable option, I must say, is to take a private car trip to Ha Giang, return to Hanoi, and take Halong’s cruise free shuttle bus to visit the emerald bay. 

However, not every traveler shares the same exploring style and budget. So below are our best ways to travel Ha Giang to Halong Bay with detailed guides and suggestions.

Also, scroll down to the later sections of the article, you will find our suggested itinerary to travel from Ha Giang to Halong Bay, the best time to visit, how long to stay, etc. These are essential for your trip planning. 

How to get from Ha Giang to Halong Bay

Traveling directly from Ha Giang to Halong Bay

By public transport

Ha Giang is 457km from Halong Bay. If you want to travel directly from Ha Giang to Halong Bay, it takes about 10-11 hours. The only direct public transport available is a bus, which costs about 13$US.

• Takes Cuong Lan bus to Bai Chay ward, Quang Ninh city from Ha Giang city station. It’s a big sleeping bus with from 40 to 60 seats with wifi, AC and blanket equipped. The cost is about $13 (300.000 VND). Then, after arriving at Bai Chay ward, you need to catch a taxi to the piers. Depending on whether you choose to savor: Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, you need to head for different piers. 
• Another option is to take Good tour Good morning Cat Ba limousine bus to travel directly from Ha Giang to Cat Ba island. The ride costs about 26$US (600.000 VND). The limousine is comfy and there’s English support. 

By motorbike

You can also hit the dirt roads and make a great journey with your motorbike. But let’s be honest. This option is tiring to most travelers, only the most adventure enthusiasts and experienced riders are suitable. 

Traveling directly from Ha Giang to Halong Bay via Hanoi

However, traveling by bus is not ideal for all travelers. Even though it is a night bus with beds and blankets, you may not have a good sleep because of talkative passengers, and also the noisy bus transferring. 

Not to mention that 11 hours on a bus is a long time to stay inside a vehicle. Imagine that you have just completed your exciting yet physical-demanding Ha Giang trip. Lying inside a moving bed for more than half a day all the way from Ha Giang to Halong Bay is just not very comfy. 

Thus, we think the direct bus is most suited for budget travelers who are full of energy, and also need to save as much time as possible.

If you want a more private, or relaxing, or just simpling want to skim through more options, then you should consider returning to Hanoi before continuing to depart to Ha Long. 

SInce by staying one more night in Hanoi, you can enjoy your trip at a much more leisured pace. Also, from private cars to local buses, there are plenty of options. 

So what choices do I have? We will explore them below. Choose the one that suits your style and budget best. 

Cruise’s shuttle bus – free and easy

If Ha Long Bay is on your bucket list, I am sure you have dreamed about a night cruising amid the towering limestone islands. Cruise is a must when traveling to Ha Long Bay. 

And conveniently, most Ha Long Bay cruises offer direct transfer from Hanoi. It takes about 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours to travel there by shuttle bus. Why is there such a big difference? If the bus takes the newly-constructed Ha Long Hai Phong highway, the transporting time can be cut in half.

Normally, the price is included in the cruise package already. But you should ask your cruise operator in advance. Some cruises make take additional fees. 

Private car – best for privacy

This is obviously the priciest option, yet it’s the best in terms of privacy. By traveling on the Hai Phong Ha Long airway, it’s only two hours and a half to get to Halong Bay. Rental Car VN is the car company I trusted for private transfer, you can contact them for detailed fees.  

In case your cruise operator does not offer transfer, or you want to take a day trip or prefer a DIY trip, you may want to consider: 

Mini Van/ Limousine bus – another decent budget option

This is a very decent way to travel for budget travelers. The service company will pick you up at your hotel to a 2-3 hour drive to Halong Bay. Price ranges from 13$US with plenty of buses/vans departing at different times of the day.

Mini Van and limousine bus are well-equipped with A/C, wifi, charger, blanket and reclining seats for your cozy drive. 

Train – For unique discovery

Train is not the best option in terms of comfort, time-saving, or even budget. But it’s such a unique experience to hop on a railway in Vietnam. For a dreamy wanderer, you may find lots of interesting discoveries observing people and sights along the rail.

The only train available departs from Yen Vien stations at 4.55 am and arrives at Halong station at 11.45 am. It costs about 3.50 $US . Note: Trains from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is hard seat only

Local bus – the cheapest option

Buses depart from Gia Lam, My Dinh, Luong Yen every day with prices ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 Vietnamese Dong (US$5 -10). However, I would not highly recommend taking the local bus. Because of the lack of English support, risks of being overcrowded and pickpocketers.

How long should I stay in Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay?

In a nutshell, to enjoy the most amazing sights at a reasonable place, you should spend from 6 to 8 days at these two wonderful destinations.

The summer months from May to August can be hot, humid with a risk of flooding. Aside from the period, it’s beautiful to visit Ha Giang and Ha Long all year around

How long should I stay in Ha Giang?

You should spend at least 4 days in Ha Giang to savor the amazing nature and culture that the north Vietnam mountains have to offer. During 4 days, get ready to experience:

• Scenic majestic mountains with clouds, rivers and jungles in Dong Van karst plateau and Ma Pi Leng pass
• Explore indigenous villages of H’mong people in Thien Huong villages, who still live in their earth-walled houses amid mountains.
• Visit the H’mong royal palace – probably the most luxurious monuments of an ethnic minority in Vietnam with interesting architecture and historical background. 
• Get lost in the Dong Van ancient market. The market serves as a chance for ethnic groups in Ha Giang to hang out, meet & greet. You will see lots of people in different vivid costumes in a happy festive vibe.
• Behold the great terrace rice of Hoang Su Phi in an exciting hiking trip that is all about nature and exotic cultures. 

How long should I stay in Halong?

Depending on your budget, you can choose two or three days cruising on Ha Long Bay. 

It depends on the cruise and the destinations you choose. But in general, the voyage will take you to stunning caves and beaches. Also, you will have a chance to explore local fishermen’s life, engaging in some outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, squid fishing. As for relaxation, there’s bars, taichi, spa, jacuzzi, etc 

Suggested itinerary from Ha Giang to Halong Bay

Below is our 6-day itinerary to travel from Ha Giang to Halong Bay. This is the classic itinerary that’s perfect for first-time travelers, honeymooners or families. 

• Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang city – explore Quan Ba heaven gate and visit the Red Dzao community in Nam Dan village
• Day 2: Discover Dong Van karst plateau with Ma Pi Leng pass and Nho Que river. Visit the H’mong palace and scenic Thien Huong village of the H’mong people
• Day 3: Experience Dong Van ancient market and its vivid color – travel to Hoang Su Phi to behold rice terraces and get more local learning. 
• Day 4: Coming back to Hanoi after a brief visit to Xin Man and Tien waterfall, well-rest
• Day 5: Transfer to Ha Long, embark on your Halong cruise trip
• Day 6: Coming back to Hanoi – ready for the next destination

Our everyone’s favorite Ha Giang tours

Where to go next after my trip from Ha Giang to Halong Bay?

Ninh Binh

As another must-do in Vietnam, Ninh Binh should be perfect for your next stop. From boat ride along rice paddies, ancient pagodas, royal temples, to unique Mua (dancing) cave, peaceful Thung Nham bird valleys, Ninh Binh offers different experiences from Halong and Ha Giang.

It takes only 2 hours to travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, and 4 hours from Ha Long Bay

South Vietnam

It’s convenient to travel from Ha Long Bay to Noi Bai airport with only a 2,5-drive, Ha Long Bay is your perfect final North Vietnam destination before heading south. 

Consider this option when you have already thought about Hanoi and Ninh Binh – two other must-visits in the north. 

FAQ

How to get from Ha Giang to Halong Bay?

Ha Giang is 457km far from Halong Bay, with the bus being the only direct means of transportation available. Traveling from Ha Giang to Halong Bay takes about 10 – 11 hours. Price is about 300.000 VND (13$US).

One more popular option is to come back to Ha Noi from Ha Giang, and from Hanoi, travel to Halong Bay by Ha Long’s cruise shuttle bus/ private car/ limousine bus/ minivans/ local bus/ train

Can I travel from Ha Giang to Halong Bay by air?

No. Because Ha Giang has no airport. You could not travel there by plane. Also, there is no direct train from Ha Giang

Where should I travel next after Ha Giang and Ha Long?

From Ha Long, it’s convenient to explore Ninh Binh, Hanoi – the two other must-visits in North Vietnam. You can also head south as it only takes 2.5 hours to drive from Halong to Noi Bai airport. 

How long shoud I stay from Ha Giang to Halong Bay?

You should take about 6-8 days, 4-5 days in Ha Giang, and 2-3 days in Ha Long. This is the best travel duration to behold the best highlights at a comfortable pace.