Da Nang to Halong Bay tickets
Da Nang to Halong Bay Trip Overview
Halong Bay to Da NangDistance 558 km (348.8 miles) | |
Price range US$ 22-US$ 48 | |
Ride Duration Range 14h 15m-19h 45m | |
Earliest Departure 07:30 | |
Latest Departure 22:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
About the ride from Da Nang to Halong Bay
Long-distance road trips in Vietnam are a rite of passage. They're something you need to do if you're traveling in Southeast Asia. It’s practically the law. So, grab your backpack, clamber aboard a tourist sleeper bus, and set your alarm clock to wake you in about 17 hours because here we go!
If you’re on a budget, the best way to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay is by bus.
If money ain’t no thing, you can fly. But it’s not a direct route.
You can also take the train to Halong via Hanoi. It’s a scenic route and one that takes you on board the Reunification Express.
Making the 560-kilometer (347 miles) distance from Da Nang to Halong Bay by bus is straightforward, but it is a very long trip. The good news is that buses are very affordable and there are usually five different departures every day.
Although the sleeper bus is the best way to get from Da Nang to Halong Bay, be prepared. These types of bus journeys can be rather noisy, especially if you get on a bus that's packed in with young and excited backpackers. But then perhaps, I’m just old and grouchy!
Pack an eye mask, neck support and earplugs to guarantee the best night's sleep possible. Also, make sure you keep a sweater, thick socks and even a hat on hand because the air-conditioning will be on all the time. And bring at least one large bottle of water just in case there isn’t enough on the bus.
What to see when traveling from Da Nang to Halong Bay
There will be plenty of opportunities to see the warm waves of the South China Sea. However, you'll mainly follow the coastal highway as it skirts historic towns like Hue and Dong Hoi.
This stretch of central Vietnam is well-known for its long white sandy beaches. Catching a glimpse can be a real treat, although it can be quite frustrating too, especially if you've not had much time to feel the sand between your toes. If you've got time to break up your journey, then take it.
As your bus transports you from Da Nang to Halong Bay, you'll get to see the lights starting to glow along the roadside. Night markets, street stalls, brightly lit pagodas and shrines all begin to appear as the sun goes down and look very cool against a multi-colored sunset.
Riding through the night means you won't see much. Best advice is just to get your head down and try to sleep. At least until you make Ninh Binh, which is approximately 300 kilometers (124 miles) from Halong Bay.
When you reach Ninh Binh, you'll be due an extended hour-long food break at the service station. This can be quite a memorable moment on your trip as you rise bleary-eyed and attempt to order something vaguely edible from the breakfast menu.
From Ninh Binh, it's under four hours to Halong Bay. You can watch the sunrise and see all the people waking up to face the day. It might well surprise you to see how people live in Vietnam. The towns are often filled with workers living in pretty impoverished conditions.
How to get from Da Nang to Halong Bay
Taking a sleeper bus from Da Nang to Halong Bay
The two bus companies organizing the trips on this route are Viet Son Anh and Van Luc Tung. Both bus providers are well established and well respected for their safety and cleanliness records. They supply around five buses a day for travelers and tourists.
Both types of buses are air-conditioned and feature reclining seats, so you can at least attempt to get a good night's sleep. Buses also feature Wifi access and USB charge points, but there won't be a bathroom on board.
Tickets for bus transport from Da Nang to Halong Bay via Viet Son Anh's sleeper bus cost US$24. It's a very comfortable option, with seats reclining to practically horizontal. You also get a blanket thrown in to keep you warm and cozy through the night.
Viet Son Anh's sleeping buses leave Da Nang bus station around 2 pm and arrive at Le Thanh Tong Street, Halong Bay, just before 9 am. Although most passengers bring their own or buy supplies at the service stations, food and drinks are usually provided.
The local sleeping bus operated by Van Luc Tung also has very comfortable seating that reclines into a near-bed position. Blankets are supplied, but there isn't any complimentary food and drink.
The local sleeping bus leaves a little later than the Son Anh sleeping bus, about 3 pm, and arrives just before 8 am. Tickets, per person, are also a little bit cheaper. Prices start from US$20 per person. So basically, both buses are pretty similar in costs and comfort levels.
The entire journey, including rest stops, is approximately 17 hours. It will go fairly quickly, but make sure you've got plenty of provisions and entertainment before you set off.
Taking a train from Da Nang to Halong Bay
Although there isn't a direct Da Nang to Halong Bay train, you can ride the rails to Hanoi and then change. It takes about 18 hours to get to the capital and then a further six hours to Halong.
If you want to continue riding the rails, it’s a very early start. It gets you into Halong mid-morning – just in time for brunch. Be sure to sync up your train trips so you don’t have to spend hours in Hanoi waiting for your next train.
The trains take around 24 hours to complete the journey.
Ticket prices vary depending on which class of cabin you opt for. It’s a scenic route and very sociable, although it does take a big chunk of traveling time.
Taking a flight from Da Nang to Halong Bay
You can’t fly directly from Da Nang. However, you can get as far as Van Don International Airport which is 54 kilometers (33 miles) from Halong.
One-way flights cost around US$84. But you’ll also need to factor in the cost of a public bus (cheap) or a taxi (expensive) to complete the journey to Halong Bay.
Companies Operating from Da Nang to Halong Bay
Popular stations and stops in Da Nang and Halong Bay
Arrival stations in Halong Bay
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BUS: The New Way Travel | Van Luc Tung | Duy Khanh Limousine | Sapa Discovery Travel
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