1. Overview of Ha Long Van Don Expressway
1.1. Where is the Ha Long Van Don Expressway? Scale and strategic location
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway is located in Quang Ninh province with an extremely important geographical position. The starting point of the route originates from the Dai Yen intersection in Ha Long city, ending at the Van Don International Airport intersection. This route is part of the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic growth triangle, forming a strategic connection axis for the Northeast region.
In terms of regional connectivity, the Ha Long Van Don Expressway plays a key role in the national transportation system. This route directly connects with National Highway 18 and other major expressways such as Ha Long – Hai Phong, forming a complete transportation network from the capital to the coastal region. Notably, the terminus at Van Don connects directly to the international airport, opening up opportunities for international tourism and trade development.
This strategic location helps Quang Ninh become an important gateway, not only serving domestic trade but also facilitating connections with China and other countries in the region.
1.2. Reasons why the Ha Long Van Don Expressway is attractive and important in 2025
The appeal of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway stems from its ability to revolutionize travel time in the region. The journey from Hanoi to Van Don now takes only 2.5 – 3 hours, a significant reduction compared to the old National Highway 18. This is not only convenient for tourists but also creates ideal conditions for freight transport and logistics development.
This expressway is strongly promoting three key sectors: tourism, real estate, and logistics. Tourists can now easily access destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Van Don, and Co To within a single trip. Investors are also flocking to invest in this area, from high-end resorts and new urban areas to modern logistics centers.
The economic impact of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway is predicted to be profound. This route is a crucial lever helping Quang Ninh shift its economic structure, increase GDP, and elevate the tourism ecosystem of the entire region. The formation of resort complexes and convention centers along the route has been and is creating a new wave of investment.
Highways now make it easier for tourists to access tourist destinations. (Source: VTV.vn)
2. Technical Information and Latest Implementation Progress
2.1. Scale and Technical Specifications of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway was built to Type A expressway standards with a length of 59.45 km. The entire route has 4 lanes, 2 lanes on each side, with a cross-section width of 24.5 m, ensuring large traffic volume and high safety. The average design speed reaches 100 km/h, suitable for mountainous terrain and modern expressway technical requirements.
Along the route, there are many impressive large bridges such as Dien Vong Bridge, Cai Lan Bridge, and the bridge across Tien Yen River. These bridges are not only technically significant but also create a unique landscape for the road. Interchanges are designed modernly, flexibly connecting with the local road system.
Ancillary items of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway are invested synchronously with intelligent surveillance camera systems, electronic signs, and convenient rest stops. These are important factors ensuring traffic safety and enhancing user experience.
2.2. Progress Updates and Commissioning Milestones
The construction progress of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway is being accelerated with many important items completed. Structures such as Dien Vong Bridge and some connecting ramps are ready for use. The main roadbed is expected to be fully connected by the end of 2025, with many sections already asphalted and undergoing trial operation.
Some complex ramps, especially ramp number 2 at the QL279 – QL18 interchange, are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 at the latest. The reasons for the delay are mainly due to large structural works and complex terrain. However, this does not affect the operation of the main route.
Investors are intensifying site clearance and adjusting designs to suit local realities. It is expected that the Ha Long Van Don Expressway will be fully completed before 2026, while upgrading accompanying services to better serve the needs of residents and tourists.
2.3. Toll Stations and Travel Fees on the Expressway
The toll collection system on the Ha Long Van Don Expressway is scientifically arranged with a main toll station at the starting point in Ha Long (Dai Yen) and the endpoint in Van Don. Additionally, there are several auxiliary stations along the route to support interchanges and optimize toll collection based on actual distance traveled.
Travel fees are calculated based on vehicle type and distance, ranging from 45,000 to 509,000 VND for cars and higher for buses and large trucks. These fees are considered reasonable compared to the road quality and the time saved. Tourists can refer to the detailed price list at the stations or the official website.
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway applies the most modern non-stop automatic toll collection technology (ETC). This system helps increase traffic speed, reduce congestion, and provide maximum convenience for users. Payment via card or mobile application is also encouraged to improve operational efficiency.
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway applies the most modern ETC non-stop automatic toll collection technology. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
3. Role and significance of the Ha Long Van Don Expressway for Quang Ninh and the region
3.1. Strategic transportation connection for the Northeast region
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway plays a key bridging role in the Dong Bac transportation network, forming a continuous axis from Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long – Van Don – International Airport. This is an important step in completing the region's synchronous and modern transportation system.
This expressway significantly reduces the load on National Highway 18, a road that has long been overloaded and prone to congestion. Proper traffic diversion not only increases transportation efficiency but also ensures safety for road users. Goods from Quang Ninh's seaports can now travel quickly to the capital and other provinces.
This strategic location also facilitates trade with China and countries in the region. The Ha Long Van Don Expressway connects with border routes, opening up opportunities for international trade development and cross-border logistics.
3.2. A lever for tourism development and real estate investment
The Ha Long Van Don Expressway is creating a true revolution in Quang Ninh's tourism industry. This route directly connects high-class tourist destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Van Don, Co To, Binh Lieu, and Cai Chien Island, forming a complete 
Van Don International Airport is fully exploiting its potential thanks to direct connection with the expressway system. (Source: Collected)
4. Practical Travel Guide on the Ha Long Van Don Expressway
4.1. Travel Route, Entry/Exit Points & Expressway Connections
The main entry point of the Ha Long Van Don expressway is the Dai Yen intersection in Ha Long city, which conveniently connects to the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway. From here, visitors can travel directly to the main exit point in Van Don, near the international airport and major resorts. The route is designed with many auxiliary intersections for convenient access.
The connection system of this route is diverse and flexible. The Ha Long Van Don expressway directly connects to National Highway 18 leading to Tien Yen and Mong Cai. It also has branches to Co To, Binh Lieu, and Tra Co beach. This allows visitors to easily choose multiple destinations within a single trip.
Permitted vehicles include cars, buses, limousines, and trucks. Motorbikes are only allowed on certain special connecting sections. This clear regulation ensures safety and traffic efficiency along the entire route.
Tourists can easily travel directly to the main drop-off point in Van Don, near the airport. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Actual travel time from Hanoi and surrounding provinces
Travel time from Hanoi to Van Don via the Ha Long Van Don Expressway is now only about 2.5 – 3 hours, a reduction of over 45 minutes compared to the old route via National Highway 18. This is particularly meaningful for day trips or weekend getaways, allowing tourists more time to experience.
Regarding travel costs, if traveling by taxi or private car in groups, the cost ranges from 250,000 – 400,000 VND per person per way. Tourists can also opt for 5-star bus or limousine services for a more comfortable experience at competitive prices.
To optimize the trip, tourists should depart early to avoid peak hours. Booking bus tickets or services in advance also helps secure seats and get better prices. Additionally, pre-downloading navigation apps will facilitate smooth travel and provide real-time traffic updates.
4.3. Experience and notes when traveling on the Ha Long Van Don Expressway
When traveling on the Ha Long Van Don Expressway, adhering to a speed limit of 100 km/h is mandatory.
Tourists should pay special attention to reducing speed at sections near interchanges or toll stations to ensure safety.
The surveillance camera system along the route operates 24/7, so compliance with traffic laws is very important.
Rest stops located midway along the route are fully equipped with clean restrooms, 24-hour food stalls, and convenient gas stations.
This is an ideal place to rest, eat, and refuel. Some stops also have scenic check-in areas for tourists to take souvenir photos.
The support services on the Ha Long Van Don Expressway are highly professional with a 24/7 rescue team ready to assist in case of technical or medical emergencies.
During holidays, summer, or peak seasons, tourists should book services in advance and note that travel time may be extended at certain interchanges in Ha Long and Van Don. Using an ETC toll card will make the journey smoother and save time.
4.4. Suggested itinerary combining sightseeing with prominent tourist attractions
Day 1
Morning: Travel via the Ha Long Van Don Expressway, arrive at Sun World Ha Long. Experience thrilling games and admire the modern landscape within the park.
Noon: Have lunch at a buffet restaurant within Sun World Ha Long, enjoying a variety of attractive seafood and local specialties.
Afternoon: Continue enjoying the park or check in at Bai Chay Bridge.
Evening: Return to Van Don to rest at a beachfront resort or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Day 2
Morning: Choose to explore Co To Island with its pristine beauty or Binh Lieu of Quang Ninh with its year-round cool climate.
Noon: Have a meal at a local restaurant with seafood and mountain specialties depending on the destination.
Afternoon: Continue sightseeing and taking photos at prominent landmarks before returning to the mainland.
Evening: Travel back to Van Don Airport or return to Ha Long, concluding the journey.
Regarding cuisine, the Van Don food area, Cai Rong seafood restaurants, and buffet restaurants on Ha Long Bay cruises are must-visit destinations. The Ha Long Van Don Expressway allows tourists to easily travel between these points, enjoying the distinctive flavors of the Northeast coastal region.
Have lunch at a buffet restaurant in Sun World Ha Long, enjoy many attractive seafood dishes and local specialties.
Ha Long Van Don Expressway is the most modern transportation route in the Northeast, shortening the journey, opening up investment opportunities and high-class tourism experiences. This route is creating strong momentum for the socio-economic development of Quang Ninh and its coastal areas, promising many development opportunities in the future. Please share this article to spread this useful information!
