1. Ha Long top tourist destination for travelers departing from Hanoi
If you are looking for a destination that is both close, beautiful, and offers a complete sense of relaxation, then Ha Long is the ideal choice. It only takes over 2 hours to drive from the capital's center, and this journey is always on the favorite list of many Northern Vietnamese travel enthusiasts.
Ha Long, a heritage city located on the coast of the Bac Bo Gulf, has long been known as a 'natural wonder of the world'. It boasts majestic natural scenery with thousands of limestone islands, large and small, an azure sea surface, along with the most luxurious yacht system in Vietnam.
Ha Long is a top tourist destination for visitors departing from Hanoi. (Source: Ba Ria Vung Tau Newspaper)
In Ha Long, you can swim at Bai Chay beach, watch the sunset over the Bay, play at Sun World Ha Long amusement park, or simply enjoy fresh seafood in the salty air of the sea breeze. Its proximity, convenience, and beautiful scenery have made the Hanoi – Ha Long route one of the most beloved routes in the North.
2. How many km from Hanoi to Ha Long?
2.1 Distance and travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long
When planning a trip, the first question most tourists ask is “ How many km from Hanoi to Ha Long? ”. According to the latest updated figures, the average distance ranges from 150 – 170 km, depending on the route you choose. Thanks to the new highway system and modernly invested infrastructure, travel time is now only about 2 – 2.5 hours by car or limousine.
The distance from Hanoi to Ha Long ranges from 150 - 170 km. (Source: Collected)
If you choose the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway, this is considered the fastest, most modern, and easiest route. This route is only about 150 km long, with a wide, flat road surface, many convenient rest stops, suitable for both private cars and tour buses. Meanwhile, the old National Highway 18, although about 15 km longer, is attractive to those who want to admire the Northern Vietnamese countryside and enjoy the feeling of passing through small towns like Bac Ninh, Chi Linh, Dong Trieu, or Uong Bi.
2.2 Most Popular Routes from Hanoi to Ha Long
Currently, there are two popular routes for you to choose from when traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long. Depending on your needs, you can choose the fastest route or one with beautiful scenery along the way.
The first route is the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway, with a total length of about 150 km. This is a new, high-quality route, taking only about 2 - 2.5 hours to travel. The biggest advantage is the good road surface, few intersections, and limited heavy trucks.
The second route is the old National Highway 18, about 165 km long, passing through Bac Ninh – Uong Bi – Ha Long. The advantage of this route is its beautiful scenery, roads along mountains, and peaceful residential areas, very suitable for backpackers or those who enjoy exploration journeys. However, the disadvantage is the narrow road surface and heavy traffic.
3. Transportation from Hanoi to Ha Long
After knowing the distance from Hanoi to Ha Long and the popular routes, you are probably wondering which mode of transport to choose for the most convenient and economical trip. Depending on your needs, time, and preferences, you can choose to travel by private car, bus, limousine, train, or even motorbike to fully enjoy the journey of exploring this famous marine heritage region.
Private cars are the most popular mode of transport currently. You can take the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway, with a total round-trip cost of about 1 million VND (including fuel and expressway tolls). The biggest advantage is flexibility; you can comfortably stop to rest, eat, or take photos along the journey. If traveling with family or friends, this is a convenient and economical choice.
Buses and limousines are perfect solutions for those without their own vehicles. From Hanoi, you can depart from My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam, or Giap Bat bus stations with many daily trips to Ha Long. Some reputable companies like Phuc Xuyen, Hoang Phu, Duy Khanh offer high-quality buses, with travel times of only about 2.5 – 3 hours, and ticket prices ranging from 150,000 – 380,000 VND/trip. Among these, the 9-seater limousine is a premium option with wide reclining seats, Wi-Fi, drinking water, and door-to-door pick-up/drop-off service.
Trains and group tours are options for those who love new experiences. The Hanoi – Ha Long tourist train route currently departs from Yen Vien station, with a travel time of about 6 – 7 hours. Although it takes more time, in return, you will enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Northern Vietnamese delta through the window. Additionally, same-day group tours organized by travel companies are also very convenient, with package prices ranging from 700,000 – 1,500,000 VND, including transportation, cruise, lunch, and entrance tickets.
Traveling by train is an option chosen by many tourists. (Source: Collected)
Finally, motorbikes are an ideal choice for those who love the feeling of freedom to explore. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, but you can stop at famous check-in spots like Bach Dang Bridge, Tuan Chau Beach, or the Bai Chay coastal road. If you choose to travel by motorbike, start early, prepare protective gear, drinks, and avoid traveling in bad weather to ensure safety.
4. Must-visit Destinations When Traveling to Ha Long 2025
After completing the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long, you will be welcomed by a series of attractive attractions, possessing both magnificent natural beauty and the most modern entertainment areas in Vietnam. Here are three must-visit destinations when you set foot in this world heritage city.
4.1. Sun World Ha Long
Sun World Ha Long Complex is the leading entertainment complex in the North, located right in the vibrant center of Bai Chay. This complex consists of three main areas: Ba Deo Hill area, Dragon Park, and Water Park, offering a complete experience from entertainment, sightseeing to relaxation.
The most impressive highlight is the Queen Cable Car, a unique two-story cable car crossing the bay, taking visitors up to an altitude of nearly 200m to admire the majestic panorama of Ha Long from above. Next to it is the Sun Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, where you can watch the sunset and the sparkling city as night falls.
Dragon Park is the 'heart' of Sun World Ha Long, gathering dozens of international-standard thrill rides. From the Phi Long Than Toc roller coaster, Drop Tower to the Te Giac Cuong No carousel, all offer an exhilarating experience. Additionally, the park features a children's play area, an outdoor performance stage, and a beautiful chain of seaside restaurants, making it an ideal destination for the whole family to fully enjoy a joyful day together.
Meanwhile, the Water Park is the 'cooling paradise' of Sun World Ha Long. The park covers over 20 hectares and is divided into three zones: family, children, and adventure. Visitors can challenge themselves with a series of giant water slides, wave pools, or relax floating on the cool lazy river. On summer days, this is an ideal destination to enjoy the cool water, beat the heat, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ha Long Bay.
4.2. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is considered the soul of Quang Ninh tourism, a place honored by UNESCO three times as a World Natural Heritage site. After conquering the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long, you must spend at least one day exploring this magnificent natural wonder.
The majestic and captivating beauty of Ha Long Bay. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can choose a day cruise or an overnight cruise to fully enjoy the bay's beauty amidst countless waves. The itinerary often includes famous landmarks such as Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Thien Cung Cave, or Trong Mai Islet. These are all icons that have made Ha Long famous.
If you love freedom, kayaking is a great choice to explore small caves on your own, watching the sunset over the sparkling water. A moment of tranquility in nature, listening to the waves and feeling the salty sea breeze, is an experience that makes anyone want to return to this place again.
4.3. Bai Chay Old Town, Ha Long Night Market
Evenings in Ha Long are the ideal time to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Bai Chay Old Town and Ha Long Night Market. The old town is designed with an intermingling style of Hoi An, ancient Hanoi, and classic European style, featuring warm yellow houses, bougainvillea balconies, and sea-view cafes. This is an ideal place for a stroll, taking photos, or enjoying a cup of salt coffee with melodious music.
Nearby, Ha Long Night Market is the city's most bustling shopping destination. Hundreds of stalls sell souvenirs, t-shirts with bay motifs, dried seafood, and countless local snacks like grilled squid, hand-pounded squid cake, clam steamed with lemongrass, or rice rolls with mantis shrimp. Prices here are affordable, and vendors are friendly, making it perfect for shopping while experiencing the nightlife of this coastal city.
As night falls, golden lights reflect on the water, the gentle sound of waves mixes with street music. All this creates a youthful, modern Ha Long that still retains the rich essence of the sea.
5. Tips and Notes for Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long
Although the distance from Hanoi to Ha Long is not too far, only about over 150 km, thorough preparation before the trip is essential for a smooth and comfortable journey. First, pack your luggage neatly, prioritizing essential items for a beach trip such as light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. For those driving themselves, don't forget to bring all personal identification, vehicle documents, driver's license, and some cash to pay for highway tolls or parking. Having small change ready will help you easily pass toll stations without wasting time exchanging money.
Before departing, checking the vehicle's condition is a must. If traveling by car, you should check tires, oil, brakes, and fuel level; for motorcycles, ensure brakes and lights are working well, and bring a raincoat and gloves in case of bad weather.
Additionally, monitor the weather forecast in Hanoi and Quang Ninh to prepare accordingly. In summer, Ha Long often experiences sudden rain showers or intense heat, so bringing an umbrella, hat, and drinking water is essential for maintaining health during travel. If a storm or heavy rain is forecast, it is best to postpone your departure date to ensure the safety of the entire trip.
Follow and update weather forecasts in Hanoi and Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
During peak tourist seasons, especially during the holidays of April 30 - May 1, National Day, or summer vacation, the route from Hanoi to Ha Long is often very crowded with vehicles, and tourist services such as hotels, limousines, or boat tours also quickly run out of space. Therefore, you should book your tickets or tours 5-7 days in advance to choose a suitable departure time and get better prices.
A small tip to make the trip more enjoyable is to choose a reasonable departure time. Usually, departing early in the morning from 6-7 AM is ideal. At that time, traffic in Hanoi is not too heavy, you can quickly get out of the center and enjoy the fresh air of the suburbs. Departing early also helps you arrive in Ha Long by noon, giving you more time to check into your hotel, rest, and start exploring on the same day.
Additionally, prepare some light snacks and drinks to bring in the car. For a journey of over 150 km, having a few bottles of cool water, biscuits, or fruit will save you time, especially if traveling with young children. If driving yourself, you should take short breaks of about 10-15 minutes after every 90 minutes of continuous driving to relax your body and maintain focus. For motorcyclists, pay attention to maintaining a stable speed, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and absolutely do not travel in the rain or at night.
Now you know how many kilometers the route from Hanoi to Ha Long is, so what are you waiting for to start exploring this beautiful heritage region? In just over two hours of travel, you will leave the noisy city behind for the fresh sea air, admire the majestic Ha Long Bay, have fun at Sun World, and enjoy fresh seafood by the white sandy beach. Whether for a weekend getaway or a long vacation, Ha Long is always an ideal destination for you to recharge and enjoy peaceful moments with loved ones and friends.
