1. Tourism Overview of Hai Phong - Ha Long
2025 is a prominent development milestone for Hai Phong - Ha Long tourism , as the two destinations become increasingly connected and convenient to travel between. The recognition of Ha Long Bay complex and Cat Ba Archipelago as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2023 has created strong appeal, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors.
Hai Phong Ha Long tourism attracts domestic and international tourists. (Source: Collected)
The new inter-regional transportation system has significantly changed the way of traveling between Hai Phong and Ha Long. From May 2025, the sea route serving Hai Phong - Ha Long tourism will officially operate, allowing travelers to move directly from Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay by high-speed boat and modern cruise ship. The Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway also reduces travel time by car to about 1 hour.
The appeal of this combined journey comes from the diversity of experiences for tourists. You will enjoy magnificent natural landscapes, explore rich maritime cultural nuances, along with attractive cuisine. Hai Phong aims to welcome 14.4 million visitors in 2025, with great expectations from regional linkage programs and the application of digital technology in tourism promotion.
2. Convenient 1-hour travel guide from Hai Phong to Ha Long
2.1. Latest travel routes 2025
Currently, traveling by road is the most chosen option for the Hai Phong - Ha Long tourism journey. The Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway is built to modern standards, reducing travel time to only about 1 hour. Travelers can choose high-quality passenger buses, private cars, or public buses according to their preferences and budget.
High-speed ferry transfer connecting Cat Ba and Tuan Chau, Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
The sea route has become an attractive highlight since modern high-speed ferries and cruises began connecting Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and the center of Ha Long. The journey on the water is not just a mode of transport, but also a poetic experience amidst the vast natural scenery, where visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of the Northern Bay.
Group tour services and shuttle routes are also increasingly developing, flexibly serving all needs. Many travel agencies have built all-inclusive service packages combining transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing, which are very suitable for families, groups of friends, or tour groups.
2.2. Ticket prices and actual travel time
Transportation ticket prices are flexible, depending on the type of vehicle chosen by visitors. High-quality bus tickets range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per trip, accompanied by convenient services such as comfortable seats, air conditioning, and free wifi.
High-speed ferry tickets range from 200,000 to 350,000 VND per trip, depending on the type of ferry and additional amenities. Ferries run multiple trips daily, accommodating flexible schedules, allowing you to proactively arrange your sightseeing time. Travel time by high-speed ferry is usually about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the route and weather conditions.
If you choose personal vehicles such as motorcycles or cars, the cost mainly focuses on highway tolls, which is quite suitable and economical for large groups. Public buses are an economical option for solo travelers or those prioritizing budget. Pick-up and drop-off points in Hai Phong are concentrated in the city center, bus stations, or Cat Ba port, while in Ha Long, the stops are Tuan Chau port, Ha Long port, or major tourist attractions.
2.3. Tips for booking tickets and notes for travel
To get good ticket prices and secure your desired seats, it is advisable to book tickets in advance on reputable platforms or use travel applications, especially during holidays and weekends. Many promotional offers apply to the Hai Phong - Ha Long travel route, helping to save costs.
Choosing the right mode of transport for your group will make the trip more convenient and comfortable. Families with young children should prioritize private cars or all-inclusive tours, while young groups may prefer traveling by high-speed ferry or bus to socialize and explore. Couples can choose cruises or high-quality high-speed ferries, with private spaces suitable for a romantic getaway.
During peak travel seasons, transportation providers often add more trips and adjust schedules to better serve tourists. Visitors should follow announcements from travel agencies or transportation centers to proactively arrange suitable travel plans.
3. Outstanding experiences when traveling from Hai Phong to Ha Long
3.1. Exploring Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, where thousands of limestone karsts stand majestically amidst the blue sea, captivates everyone who visits. Cruise tours are designed with various options, from half-day to 2 or 3 days, taking visitors to admire the entire bay and attractive destinations such as Titop Island with its beautiful beach, or Sung Sot Cave with its impressive stalactite formations.
Discover Ha Long Bay with thousands of majestic limestone karsts amidst the blue sea. (Source: Lao Dong Newspaper)
Kayaking on Ha Long Bay is an activity that attracts many explorers, allowing access to small caves and coves that large ships cannot reach. Additionally, visitors can swim at natural beaches, watch the sunset from the deck, and enjoy moments of relaxation amidst the vast sea and sky. The newly opened Lan Ha – Ha Long inter-connected route offers novel experiences, diverse landscapes, and is less affected by weather.
3.2. Visiting Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba National Park is an ideal destination for those passionate about hiking and experiencing pristine nature. With its diverse tropical forest ecosystem, it is home to many rare flora and fauna. The trekking routes are reasonably designed from easy to advanced, suitable for different age groups and fitness levels.
Lan Ha Bay, located south of Cat Ba Island, impresses with its peaceful beauty, largely untouched by large-scale tourism. Activities like kayaking to explore sea caves, experiencing traditional fishing villages, or learning about the lives of local fishermen are unique aspects. Coastal eco-tours are developing strongly, with many activities such as fishing, snorkeling to see coral, and learning to cook delicious dishes from fresh seafood.
3.3. Outstanding Entertainment and Recreation Spots
Sun World Ha Long stands out with its modern cable car system and international-standard amusement park. The Sun Wheel, at 215m above sea level, is an ideal stop to admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. The Queen Cable Car, with the first double-decker cabins in Asia, takes visitors across the bay, offering impressive high-altitude views of the wonder. At Dragon Park and Water Park, thrilling rides like roller coasters and the "Cyclone Vortex" water slide always provide exciting and exhilarating experiences for all ages.
Tuan Chau area is famous for its Dolphin Palace and captivating art performance programs, suitable for all ages. At night, Ha Long Night Market becomes bustling, an ideal place to enjoy street food and hunt for unique souvenirs. Major festivals and events in Ha Long often take place in the summer and at the end of the year, further enhancing the appeal of Hai Phong - Ha Long tourism.
The Sun World Cat Ba cable car is a new, modern experience, with a unique route across the sea surface, allowing for a complete observation of the Cat Ba archipelago from above. This route conveniently connects the mainland with the main attractions on the island.
3.4. Specialty Cuisine of Hai Phong and Ha Long
The coastal cuisine of Hai Phong and Ha Long is distinguished by the unique flavors of the northern coast. Banh da cua (crab noodle soup) is a dish that embodies the soul of Hai Phong with its sweet crab broth, chewy banh da noodles, and fresh herbs. Nem cua be (crab spring rolls) have a crispy shell and a filling packed with sweet, fragrant crab meat, making it one of the must-try dishes when visiting this region.
Ha Long is famous for its fresh horseshoe crabs, prepared in various ways such as grilled with scallion oil, or steamed with lemongrass. Cha muc Ha Long (Ha Long grilled chopped squid) has a distinct chewy texture and natural sweetness, often chosen as a gift for family and friends. Stir-fried razor clams dipped in tamarind fish sauce also leaves an unforgettable impression.
For a traditional culinary experience, visit local seafood markets like Cat Ba Market, Ha Long Market, and Hai Phong Night Market, which offer fresh seafood at reasonable prices. You can buy seafood here and ask nearby restaurants to prepare it according to your personal preference.
Some eateries like Hien Nhung Grilled Chopped Squid Restaurant and Ba Cu Banh Da Cua shop are always included in recommendations from many travel sites, not only for their delicious food but also for their spaces that deeply reflect the regional culture.
4. Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Hai Phong Ha Long Travel Itinerary
The first day of the Hai Phong - Ha Long tourism trip usually begins on Cat Ba Island, where you can experience the Sun World Cat Ba cable car crossing nearly 4 km of sea surface, fully admiring the majestic beauty of the archipelago and capturing beautiful photos. In the afternoon and evening, visit Cat Ba National Park to immerse yourself in the fresh air, then stay overnight at resorts or beachfront hotels on the island.
Suggested itinerary for a complete Hai Phong Ha Long trip. (Source: Collected)
The next day is for leaving Cat Ba, traveling by speedboat to Ha Long. The sea journey of about 45 minutes is a great opportunity to admire the different perspectives of the islands. In Ha Long, joining a cruise tour with activities such as kayaking to explore caves, swimming at a natural beach, and watching the sunset on the bay will leave many memorable emotions.
The last day should be spent enjoying time at Sun World Ha Long, which gathers thrilling games, the Sun Wheel, and a rich culinary space. Before ending the journey and returning to Hai Phong, don't forget to take the time to buy some characteristic souvenirs.
5. Important experiences and notes when traveling to Hai Phong Ha Long
5.1. Ideal time to travel to Hai Phong - Ha Long
The summer period from May to August is considered the most beautiful for traveling to Hai Phong - Ha Long with sunny weather, blue seas, and little rain, suitable for swimming, boating, walking, or watching the sunset. The average temperature of 28-32°C creates ideal conditions, and it is also the time when many attractive festivals and events take place.
In autumn, from September to November, the climate becomes milder, with temperatures around 22-28°C, calm seas, and clear skies, suitable for long cruises and outdoor activities in Cat Ba National Park. This period offers a relaxing experience with a moderate number of tourists and a pristine landscape.
According to the weather forecast for 2025, the weather trend is stable, with heavy rain concentrated in the summer but mostly short showers, which do not significantly impact outdoor activities.
5.2. Preparing your travel luggage
Packing for a Hai Phong - Ha Long trip should focus on being lightweight and sufficient for continuous movement between locations. A medium-sized backpack or a small suitcase with wheels will be more suitable for speedboats and cruises.
Prioritize lightweight, sweat-absorbent clothing, bring swimwear, and non-slip shoes to assist with sports activities or nature exploration. A light jacket is necessary for evenings by the sea, where the wind is often cool.
Haiphong Halong travel experience with many beautiful memories. (Source: Collected)
Essential items to bring include sunscreen, motion sickness medication, face masks, and hand sanitizer. Camera equipment should be waterproof or equipped with a protective bag, especially when participating in sea activities.
5.3. Notes on environmental protection and safety when traveling
Personal safety when traveling is always a top priority. Remember to wear a seatbelt when taking a cable car, wear a life jacket when rowing a boat or participating in water activities, and only swim in designated areas under the supervision of lifeguards.
Developing sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism is a strongly encouraged trend. Choose products and services that prioritize nature conservation, minimize plastic waste, and always adhere to the rule of not littering. If possible, participate in community activities such as beach cleanups to contribute to protecting each destination.
Respecting the culture and customs of the local people, and not affecting community life or the local ecosystem are also important notes to remember. Prioritize green and responsible tourism products to move towards sustainable development together.
6. Recommended Hotels and Homestays in Hai Phong and Halong
6.1. Top Hotels and Resorts
The Hai Phong and Halong areas boast a diverse system of hotels and resorts, ranging from high-end to mid-range. Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort is ideally located, overlooking the sea and fully equipped with a spa, infinity pool, and luxurious seafood restaurant. Vinpearl Halong Bay Resort is highly rated for its amenities, services, and modern design harmoniously blended with nature.
Many luxurious resort options in Ha Long and Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Wyndham Legend Halong Bay is a destination for those who love luxury, with many room options from standard to private villas for families and groups of friends. Mid-range hotels such as Muong Thanh Grand Ha Long, Boss Legend Hotel also offer good services, convenient locations near tourist attractions, meeting diverse accommodation needs.
6.2. Unique homestays and local experiences
For those who want to find closeness to local life, homestays on Cat Ba Island are an unmissable choice. Many traditional wooden houses, spacious sea-view rooms, open and airy spaces, with local hosts who are often willing to introduce fishing practices and guide the preparation of fresh seafood.
The Tuan Chau area, around Lan Ha Bay, also has many homestays built in an ecological style, harmonizing modern amenities with the traditional charm of the Northern coastal region. Here, you can enjoy family meals and savor specialties made from local ingredients.
Some homestays also organize experiential activities such as visiting the morning fish market, learning to make crab cakes and crab spring rolls with the hosts. In the evening, visiting the night market is an opportunity to experience the local culinary culture and find unique handicrafts to bring back for loved ones.
The Hai Phong - Ha Long travel itinerary promises to bring each tourist a blend of special natural scenery, diverse cultural experiences, and modern services. With convenient transportation systems and continuously innovating tourism products, this place will be an ideal stop for a vacation this year.
