Halong Bay's sister cities of Bai Chay and Hong Gai are about 165 kilometers northeast of Hanoi. The repaving of Highway 18 (and the redesign of Highway 5) has cut a full 90 minutes off what was formerly a 5-6 hour trip from Hanoi. Previously, the fastest way to Ha Long was via Haiphong along Highway 5. From this bustling port city, travelers then had to take a couple of ferries along Route 10. This is still the more interesting route but, again, more time-consuming. If you're really in a rush, skip the road and go by Russian-built MI-8 helicopter!
Minibus
The most expedient way of reaching Ha Long is to purchase an overnight trip from Hanoi-based Buffalo Tours. Better yet book one of their sea kayaking trips!
Car
Independent travelers can arrange their own transportation. For the round trip, expect to pay US$50-$100. You'll also have to book your own boat in Halong Bay.
Motorcycle
A more adventurous option is to hire a motorbike and cruise out to the bay yourself. Small motorbikes can be rented in Hanoi. Try the Memory Cafe (33b Tran Hung Dao Street; tel: 84-4-826-5854) or the Mai Linh Cafe (22 Cau Go; tel: 84-4-824-4554).
Helicopter
If you have more money than time, or prefer a double shot of adventure, go by helicopter. Helicopter service aboard Russian-built MI-8 or MI-17 helicopters is offered on Saturday only. You depart at 8 a.m. from Gialam heliport, about 15 km from center of Hanoi. Free transportation to Gialam heliport from the Metropole Hotel departs at 7:15 a.m. The return flight is at 3 p.m. the same day. A ticket will set you back US$175 round trip/US$90 one way. Children under 6 pay half.
A ground package to visit Halong Bay by boat is sold on behalf of Halong Tourist Company for US$20 per person. Package includes round-trip car transfer from Halong heliport to the boat, boat trip (4-5 hours), lunch, and guide.
Contact Northern Flight Services Company (182 Truong Chinh Road; tel: 84-4-852-3451 or at Gialam Airport, tel: 84-4-877-1410). There must be a minimum of 10 passengers to make the trip. Confirm your trip by the Wednesday prior.
Train
Train buffs can get to Haiphong by train in the morning, and then take the afternoon ferry to Bai Chay, or the ferry or hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island. From Haiphong, ferries depart for Hong Gai about three times a day. Schedules change constantly. The fare is about 15,000 dong one-way. Figure an entire day each way.
The most expedient way of reaching Ha Long is to purchase an overnight trip from Hanoi-based Buffalo Tours. Better yet book one of their sea kayaking trips!
Car
Independent travelers can arrange their own transportation. For the round trip, expect to pay US$50-$100. You'll also have to book your own boat in Halong Bay.
Motorcycle
A more adventurous option is to hire a motorbike and cruise out to the bay yourself. Small motorbikes can be rented in Hanoi. Try the Memory Cafe (33b Tran Hung Dao Street; tel: 84-4-826-5854) or the Mai Linh Cafe (22 Cau Go; tel: 84-4-824-4554).
Helicopter
If you have more money than time, or prefer a double shot of adventure, go by helicopter. Helicopter service aboard Russian-built MI-8 or MI-17 helicopters is offered on Saturday only. You depart at 8 a.m. from Gialam heliport, about 15 km from center of Hanoi. Free transportation to Gialam heliport from the Metropole Hotel departs at 7:15 a.m. The return flight is at 3 p.m. the same day. A ticket will set you back US$175 round trip/US$90 one way. Children under 6 pay half.
A ground package to visit Halong Bay by boat is sold on behalf of Halong Tourist Company for US$20 per person. Package includes round-trip car transfer from Halong heliport to the boat, boat trip (4-5 hours), lunch, and guide.
Contact Northern Flight Services Company (182 Truong Chinh Road; tel: 84-4-852-3451 or at Gialam Airport, tel: 84-4-877-1410). There must be a minimum of 10 passengers to make the trip. Confirm your trip by the Wednesday prior.
Train
Train buffs can get to Haiphong by train in the morning, and then take the afternoon ferry to Bai Chay, or the ferry or hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island. From Haiphong, ferries depart for Hong Gai about three times a day. Schedules change constantly. The fare is about 15,000 dong one-way. Figure an entire day each way.
Author: vietnamadventures
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