Hanoi to Halong Bay in 2025

Here’s a friendly, in-depth guide to help you plan your Hanoi to Halong Bay tour, covering transport, timing, costs, cruise options (day & overnight), entry fees, standout activities, hidden spots, sample itineraries and tips-all backed by up‑to‑date info from TripAdvisor, Reddit, official tour websites, local experts and my own experience. 

You’ll find the best ways to get there, recommended months, cruise prices , entry fees, plus lesser‑known gems like Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai village kayak loops-so you can enjoy Halong Bay like a local and avoid the tourist traps.

Getting to Halong from Hanoi

Shuttle Bus

Most travelers take a shuttle bus from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ha Long City. Seats on 40‑seat coaches run about 100,000 - 120,000 VND one-way, plus 50,000 - 70,000 VND for a minibus or taxi from the bus station to your hotel or cruise port-so plan on roughly 150,000 - 200,000 VND total per person. The trip to Halong bay now takes as little as 2.5 hours via the new expressway.

Hanoi to Halong Limousine Service Starts From Near Old Quarter of Hanoi

Private Car or Ride‑Share

If you’d rather set your own pace, a Grab or private car from Hanoi to Halong costs around USD 80 (≈ 2 M VND) one-way. 

Tour agencies often include shuttle transfers in cruise packages for about USD 30 round‑trip-just expect a slightly longer ride with multiple hotel pickups for other tourists who will go in a group with you.

Note - If you have just done a Phong Nha tour with Jungle Boss then you can just take a bus from Dong hoi to Hanoi and then onwards to Halong.

Seaplane

For a memorable aerial entry, Hai Au Aviation’s seaplane transfers take 45 minutes and start at around 11,700,000 VND per person (≈ USD 500) one‑way. If you’re after a shorter scenic hop, 25‑minute flights over the karsts run about 1,500,000 VND per person.

Best Time to Go

The dry season from April through September is ideal: you’ll get blue skies, calm seas and warm waters perfect for swimming and kayaking. Avoid the peak summer weekends if you can, as domestic crowds push up prices and numbers on the bay.

Want to save money? Go in off season then!

Cruise Options & Costs

Day Cruises

Group day tours (4-8 hours on the water, with hotel pickup from Hanoi) range from 950,000 VND for basic boats up to 2,550,000 VND for luxury options-including lunch, English guide, entrance ticket and activities. Most follow Route 2: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave (kayaking), Titop Island (swimming/viewpoint).

Overnight Cruises

Staying on board gives you quieter mornings and evenings on the water. Prices vary by class:

a 3 Star Cruise Ship Sailing in Halong Bay

• Superior (3★): USD 100-130 per person per night

• Deluxe (4★): USD 130-160 per night

• Luxury (5★): USD 160-400 per night.

Higher‑end boats come with spa treatments, evening squid‑fishing, cooking classes, Tai Chi at dawn, and private balconies. Oh and how I can forget - romantic sunset dinners on the ship deck although not all ships offer that. Check with the tour company first.
If you have the extra cash in Vietnam, I would say this is the place to splurge money on your Vietnam itinerary as you really do get real 5 star service on luxury tours. I felt like a king especially while dining on board the 5 star luxury boat, the best $200 I ever spent!

5 Star Luxury Cruise of Halong Bay Diamond Cruises

Entry Fees & Permits

Halong Bay’s entrance fee is set by the park authorities and differs by route: 260,000 - 310,000 VND per person, per day. One breakdown is 250,000 VND for bay entry plus 40,000 VND port/access fee﹘children under 1.2 m and those with severe disabilities enter free. Most cruise fares cover these fees, so you won’t pay extra on board.

Must‑Do Activities & Hidden Gems

a Map Showing Locations of Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay in Vietnam

• Lan Ha Bay: Less crowded sibling to Ha Long, with tranquil bays and cat‑boat villages; consider a luxury small‑ship cruise for a quieter experience.

• Viet Hai Village Kayak Loop: Paddle to this fishing village on Cat Ba Island for fresh coconut water, home‑cooked meals and village paths shaded by palms-locals say you’ll feel like you’ve got the place to yourself.

• Sung Sot Cave: The most spectacular cave in the bay-book early morning or late afternoon slots to dodge tour groups.

• Bai Tu Long Bay Extension: Many cruises visit this quieter corner east of Ha Long for dramatic limestone spires and small beaches.

Bai Tu Long Bay Is Perfect if You Want to Avoid the Touristy Feeling of Halong Bay in 2025

2‑Day Itinerary for Hanoi to Halong bay tour

Day 1:

• 7 AM shuttle departure from Hanoi

• 10 AM board cruise at Tuan Chau Marina

• Noon lunch on board

• 1 PM visit Sung Sot Cave; kayak in Luon Cave

• 4 PM swim at Titop Island; hike viewpoint

• 6 PM sunset drinks & squid fishing

• Dinner, Tai Chi session at dawn

Day 2:

• 8 AM breakfast & check‑out cruise

• 9 AM bamboo‑boat ride through floating village

• 11 AM return drive to Hanoi, arriving ~2 PM

Note: One day Itinerary is almost the same as two days except for the stay on the ship overnight. It is recommended if you are on a budget and don’t really love sleeping on the boat at night.
In fact, I would say 1 day is enough to explore Halong bay from my personal experience!

Traveler Tips

• Book early for the best cabins and pricing, especially if you want a Lan Ha Bay route.

• Pack light, as storage on traditional boats is limited. And would suck if you are doing a one day Halong tour since you basically have to keep the bags with you and it would be a hassle.

• Bring cash (VND) for snacks, tipping and any port taxes not covered.

• Stay hydrated-it’s hot on deck; reusable bottles are a good idea.

• Wear water shoes for rocky beaches and kayak landings.

Enjoy the view, slow down in those hidden corners and soak in why Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s crown jewel!