Ha Long Bay to Hoi An: A Detailed Transportation Guide

Thinking of heading from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An? You're in for a treat! Hoi An is full of charm, with beautiful views, rich culture, and so much to discover. This guide will help you make the most of your trip and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer.

1. Distance from Halong Bay to Hoi An and Best Way to Travel

Ha Long Bay is in Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam, about 165 km from Hanoi. Hoi An, on the other hand, sits along the coast in Central Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province. The distance between Ha Long Bay and Hoi An is around 917 km by air, and how long it takes to travel depends on which transport option you choose.

→ The distance from Halong Bay to Hoi An is approximately 925 km via National Highway 1A, taking nearly 17 hours to travel by car.

Alternatively, a flight from Cat Bi International Airport (60 km from Halong Bay) to Da Nang International Airport (30 km from Hoi An) takes only 1 hour and 10 minutes. So, the best way to travel from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An is by air.

The distance from Halong Bay to Hoi An is approximately 925 km by road via National Highway 1A

The distance from Halong Bay to Hoi An is approximately 925 km by road via National Highway 1A

2. 3 Ways to Travel from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An

To travel from Halong Bay to Hoi An, there are three common transportation options you can consider, summarized in the table below:

Brief Comparisons on How to Get From Ha Long Bay to Hoi An

Criteria

By Sleep Bus

By Trains

By Planes

Route

Ha Long - Hanoi - Hoi An or Ha Long Bay - Da Nang - Hoi An

Ha Long - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An

Cat Bi/Noi Bai - Da Nang - Hoi An

Duration

16 - 19 hours

30 - 31 hours

2.5 - 3 hours

Average Cost

540,000 - 850,000 VND

440,000 - 1,225,000 VND

From 860,000 VND per flight

Frequency

1-2 trips/day

5-6 trains/day

About 57 flights/day (5 airlines)

Comfort

Budget-friendly, scenic views.

Budget-friendly, scenic views and comfortable.

Fast, time-saving and comfortable.

Scenery

Hai Van Pass, coastal beaches, etc.

Hai Van Pass,  Truong Son mountains, rice fields, etc.

Aerial view of Vietnam’s landscapes.

>> Our guide on how to get from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An will help you find the best travel options. Before you leave, though, you may also need recommendations on accommodations. Check out our article on Ha Long Bay where to stay for the top hotels, resorts, and cruises in the area.

2.1. By Planes

The distance as the crow flies from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An is 550km long, equivalent to 1 hour and 15 minutes traveling by plane. However, there are no direct flights from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An, so visitors can choose to travel by the following 2 routes:

Flight Routes

Flights

Duration

Average Cost

Booking Links

Noi Bai Airport - Da Nang Airport

About 1 hour 20 minutes

From 860,000 VND/way

Book tickets 

Cat Bi Airport - Da Nang Airport

About 1 hour 10 minutes

From 936,000 VND/way

Book tickets 

**Note: The above prices are for reference only, depending on flight time and airline, prices will vary.

Visitors can catch a flight from Noi Bai/Cat Bi airport to Da Nang airport to travel to Hoi An

Visitors can catch a flight from Noi Bai/Cat Bi airport to Da Nang airport to travel to Hoi An. - Image source: Joytime 

2.2. By Sleep Bus

Traveling by Sleep Bus from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An via National Highway 1A covers a distance of approximately 925 km. However, there are no direct buses or car services between Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. Instead, travelers can opt for one of the following two routes:

  • Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hoi An.

  • Ha Long Bay - Da Nang - Hoi An

Sleep Bus Schedule Routes

Route 1: Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Hoi An

Operator

Average Cost

The Route from Ha Long to Hanoi

Hai Phong Travel

270,000 VND

Duy Khanh Limousine

230,000 VND

Ha Long Travel Limousine

170,000 VND 

The Route from Hanoi to Hoi An

Tan Kim Chi Limousine 

500,000 VND

Trekking

450,000 VND

Duy Khanh Limousine

800,000 VND

Queen Cafe Bus Operator

550,000 VND

Route 2: Halong Bay - Da Nang - Hoi An

Operator

Duration Average Cost Booking Links

Cua Ong Bus Service

Approximately 16 hours 30 minutes Around 550,000 VND/one way Book tickets 

Duy Khanh Bus Service

Approximately 17 hours 30 minutes Around 850,000 VND/one way Book tickets

***Note: The price above is for reference only, and the actual price may vary depending on the time of booking and the departure time.

Traveling by bus with two route options helps you save more on costs

Traveling by bus with two route options helps you save more on costs - Image source: Joytime

>> If you’re starting your journey in Ha Long, you might also be interested in learning how to get to Vinpearl Ha Long, a popular resort destination before continuing your trip south

2.3. By Trains

The distance from Ha Long to Hoi An by train is approximately 790 km, which takes around 16 hours of travel. However, there is no direct train route from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An. Instead, travelers can take a train from Hanoi Station to Da Nang Station, followed by a short transfer to Hoi An.

Train Schedule Routes

Operator

Duration

Average Cost

Booking Links

SE7

Approximately 16 hours 30 minutes

From 440,000 VND - 860,000 VND/trip

Book Ticket

SE5

Approximately 16 hours 10 minutes

From 415,000 VND - 630,000 VND/trip

Book Ticket

SE3

Approximately 16 hours 40 minutes

From 580,000 VND - 1,220,000 VND/trip

Book Ticket

SE19

Approximately 16 hours 20 minutes

From 700,000 VND - 1,100,000 VND/trip

Book Ticket

SE1

Approximately 15 hours 10 minutes

From 620.000 VND - 1.250.000 VND/trip

Book Ticket 

**Note: The prices listed above are for reference only and may vary depending on the time of booking or departure schedule.

Travelers can opt for train travel to enjoy the opportunity to admire stunning landscapes along the journey

Travelers can opt for train travel to enjoy the opportunity to admire stunning landscapes along the journey - Image source: Facebook Vietnam Oh  

3. What to Consider When Getting from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An?

In addition to the above information, you can refer to some notes below to help make your trip more fulfilling:

  • Research and choose suitable means of transportation: Consider transportation options such as bus, train, and plane depending on your needs, preference, and financial ability. 

  • Book tickets early: You can book tickets in advance to get preferential prices and avoid running out of seats/tickets, especially during holidays or peak tourist seasons when tickets are easy to sell out.

  • Plan your trip in detail: Before you start moving, you should determine the itinerary, stops, and travel time between locations to ensure the trip goes smoothly.

  • Check the weather: Before your trip, you should check the weather forecast to carefully prepare clothes and belongings, and choose the safest and most convenient means of transportation.

  • Prepare all necessary items: Make sure to bring important personal items with you during the trip such as identification documents, cash, bank cards, phone, battery charger, and basic medical supplies...

During your time in Hoi An, be sure to explore highlights like the Ba Na Hills, Cham Museum, My Khe Beach, and more. Each place offers its own charm, from peaceful beaches to rich cultural heritage and unique local experiences.

See more: How many days to spend in Ha Long Bay to make the most of your visit before heading to Hoi An!

Preparing enough luggage and personal items is something to keep in mind during the trip

Preparing enough luggage and personal items is something to keep in mind during the trip - Image source: Joytime 

In conclusion, when traveling from Halong Bay to Hoi An, you have three transportation options: sleep bus, train, and plane. Each offers unique experiences and varying prices. Buses are budget-friendly but lengthy, trains provide scenic views with a longer travel time, and planes offer the quickest route at a higher cost. Choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences. For a more enjoyable experience in Hoi An, consider the travel services provided by Joytime.

Joytime - Your Vietnam Journey's Servant Expert

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