Halong Bay from Saigon: Best Travel Routes & Ideas from Local Experts

Separated by 1800km across Vietnam South to North, Saigon and Halong Bay are two of the most popular places to visit for Vietnam tours. Although direct public transport is not available between Saigon and Halong Bay, there are several convenient travel routes to choose from.

The easiest way from Saigon to Halong Bay is to fly to Hanoi, and then take a taxi or bus to Halong Bay. If you prefer more flexibility, you can also travel from south to north by private cars. Here are top 3 options and 3 not recommended ways from our local experts, helping you plan your perfect Saigon to Halong Bay trip.

1. Top 1: Flights from Saigon to Halong Bay - Best & Fastest Way

Flying is unquestionably the fastest way to reach Halong Bay from Saigon. Halong Bay does not have a local airport, but several northern Vietnamese cities can be reached from Saigon within easy reach of the UNESCO World Heritage Site by car.

The most recommended one is to fly to from Saigon is Hanoi, as there are many direct flights every day, and the prices are usually affordable. It gives you the flexibility to plan your Halong Bay trip based on your own schedule.

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) -- Recommended
Hanoi is the easiest city to reach from Ho Chi Minh City. There are dozens of daily direct flights offered by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. The flight to Noi Bai International Airport takes 2 hours and 40 minutes with tickets starting from 30 USD.

Buses and taxis go directly from the airport to Halong Bay. Taxis and private cars are the fastest choice. It takes around three hours and costs 110-140 USD. Bus tickets start from around 11 USD, and it takes roughly four hours.

If you want to learn more about Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi tour itinerary plan, please read: How to plan 8-10 days tours from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh)
Van Don International Airport in Van Don District of Quang Ninh Province is a smaller airport only 50 km from Halong Bay. Daily connections are available from Ho Chi Minh City on VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines on flights that take 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Taxis and buses can take you from the airport to Halong Bay in 1 hour. Bus tickets cost between 2-4 USD, and taxis are around 30-40 USD.

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong)
Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong is a similar distance from Ho Chi Minh City, with more daily non-stop flights. The 2-hour and 25-minute route is operated by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. Tickets start from 44 USD, with flights available all day.

A taxi from the airport takes around 45 minutes to reach Halong Bay for 35-45 USD. A longer but more scenic route is available by taking a ferry first to Cat Ba Island and then on to Halong Bay. The ferry route takes 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs 27 USD.

Map of traveling to Halong bay from Saigon.

2. Top 2: Trains from Saigon to Halong Bay: Cost-effective Scenic Journey

Taking luxury train in Vietnam is an authentic local experience. The trains are not the fastest way to travel, but they offer comfortable sleeper cabins for a leisurely journey through Vietnam’s countryside. Hard and soft sleeper cabins with air conditioning are the best ways to make longer train journeys. Clean, comfortable bedding is provided, and hot meals are available on the train.

There are no direct trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay. The best train route is to travel from Saigon Railway Station to Hanoi. Six trains depart every day, taking 35-37 hours to cross the 1,700 km to Hanoi. Depending on the seat class, tickets cost between 27 and 63 USD.

Soft sleeper of Vietnamese train.

3. Top 3: Private Car from Saigon to Halong Bay - Flexible Way to Travel from South to North

Private cars are a flexible way to travel that lets you stop and rest whenever needed. The route from Saigon to Halong Bay takes around 33 hours, passing through the central highlands and north central coast. With door-to-door service and a professional driver, it’s a convenient and safe way to travel with many sightseeing opportunities along the way.

A popular and unhurried route makes its first stop in the coastal resort city of Nha Trang. After a six-hour drive, you can unwind on Hon Noi Beach or tour the Po Nagar Cham Towers.

Hoi An, in Central Vietnam, is the next destination. It’s a longer stretch of driving, around 9.5 hours, but the charming Ancient Town is a perfect place to rest with plenty of things to do in Hoi An, like visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and colorful lanterns of the Night Market.

Only an hour from Hoi An is Da Nang, where you can visit the Marble Mountains and Golden Hand Bridge. A little further north, 2 hours away, is the former capital of Hue, with its unique cuisine and sprawling Imperial City. The final stretch is a half-day drive up the coast to your final destination, Halong Bay.

6 Days Vietnam Tour from Saigon to Hanoi

Saigon- Hanoi- Halong Bay

4. 3 Not Recommended Travel Ways from Saigon to Halong Bay

Flights, trains, and driving cover the fastest, most scenic, and most flexible ways to get to Halong Bay from Saigon. Other options are available, but generally, the drawbacks outweigh any advantages.

Bus from Saigon to Halong Bay: Cheapest but Uncomfortable
Buses are the cheapest transportation option in Vietnam, but on such a long journey, they are not a very comfortable way to travel. There are no direct buses from Saigon to Halong Bay. Traveling by bus requires connecting through Hanoi and takes around 35 hours. Tickets can be less than 30 USD, but even on luxury buses, the cramped space for a long time is a challenge.

Cruise from Saigon to Halong Bay: Only Long International Cruise Available
Cruises departing from Saigon to Halong Bay are not a readily available option. There are not direct routes offered by domestic tour operators. The best choice for a cruise is to fly and then book a one or two-night Halong Bay cruise touring the emerald waters and limestone karsts.

Motorbike from Saigon to Halong Bay: Adventurous but Tiring Journey
Vietnam has some excellent motorcycle tour routes offering incredible adventure and freedom, but the ride from Saigon to Halong Bay is very long. Even experienced riders will find the trip tiring. With over 30 hours of driving, not including stops, the trip takes considerable endurance. A better choice is to travel to Halong Bay and take a motorcycle tour in Vietnam North region. Half-day to three-day tours can travel famous routes like the Ha Giang Loop while leaving enough time to take a cruise of the bay.

9 Days Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour

Hanoi - Thac Ba Lake - Vu Linh - Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac Town - Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

5. Best Time to Visit Halong Bay from Saigon: October to April

The best time to visit Saigon is during the dry season, from December to April. The cooler weather and clear skies offer comfortable conditions for experiencing the city and the Mekong River cruise. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C, and humidity is generally low.

Saigon’s dry season overlaps with optimum conditions in Halong Bay during March and April. The cooler winter season in Northern Vietnam can limit visibility with increased fog, but by spring, the skies above Halong Bay start to clear, and temperatures warm up to a comfortable average of around 23°C.

Fine weather of Halong Bay in December.

6. Most Recommended Tour Itineraries from Saigon to Halong Bay

Enjoy Saigon and Halong Bay together with Hanoi and Central Vietnam on an 8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package.

The trip takes you from north to south, starting in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is a hub for history and culture with sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The overnight Halong bay cruise stay on the emerald waters will take you to famous islands and let you enjoy exciting water activities like swimming and kayaking around the towering limestone karsts.

Then, fly to Da Nang and transfer to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. It preserved the architecture and atmosphere of an ancient trading port town. A short flight will take you to Saigon to experience the bustling southern hub. Discover the Mekong Delta traveling by boat to visit floating markets and see local cottage industries.

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

7. Insider Tips for traveling from Saigon to Halong Bay

- Both Saigon and Halong Bay are popular destinations for Vietnam tours, book early to secure the dates you want.
- Bring cash in local currency when traveling by train or car. ATMs are not always available, and credit cards may not be accepted in rural locations.
- Early spring in Halong Bay still sees some light rain and cooler evening temperatures, bring a jacket and portable travel umbrella, and check the forecast before booking your cruise.
- English can be limited outside of tourist areas. Download a translation app and learn some basic phrases in Vietnamese to help you get by.
- Our tour packages take care of all transfer arrangements, so you don’t have to worry about getting from place to place.

Tourists have a high trip in Saigon.

Conclusion

Between flights, trains, and road travel, there are convenient options for getting to Halong Bay from Saigon. Domestic flights in Vietnam are frequent and inexpensive and will get you to your destination quickly. Trains and car travel offer scenic experiences with opportunities for sightseeing in central and northern Vietnam.

Let us help you create a perfect and custom itinerary for touring two of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. The rich history, culture, and natural experience in Saigon and Halong Bay are excellent immersive experiences that showcase some of the best of what Vietnam has to offer.