Leaving behind the marble mountains and sandy shores of Da Nang for the industrial grit and colonial charm of Hai Phong marks a significant shift from central to northern Vietnam. While many travelers use Hai Phong merely as a gateway to the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, the city itself offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's maritime soul and a culinary scene that rivals its more famous neighbors. The journey north spans roughly 800 kilometers, cutting through the narrow waist of the country and bypassing the capital of Hanoi to reach the Red River Delta.
Choosing your path between these two coastal hubs depends entirely on whether you value your time or your budget. You can soar over the coastline in a little over an hour or settle in for an epic overland odyssey that showcases the changing Vietnamese landscape from the comfort of a sleeper berth. Both options are readily available and can be booked through GoAsia.cc to ensure your seat is secured before you arrive at the terminal.
Da Nang to Hai Phong by Flight
Flying is undoubtedly the most efficient way to bridge the gap between Central Vietnam and the northern port city. With a flight time of just 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, you can have breakfast in Da Nang and be sitting down for a bowl of Hai Phong's famous red noodle soup (banh da cua) by lunchtime. This route is well-serviced by domestic carriers, providing a high level of flexibility for your schedule.
Prices for economy class tickets typically range from $37 to $113. While the base fare can be surprisingly affordable, keep in mind that the lowest prices often do not include checked luggage. Flights depart from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is conveniently located near the city center, and land at Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong. From Cat Bi, it is a short and inexpensive taxi or ride-share trip into the heart of the city or to the ferry terminals serving the nearby islands.
Da Nang to Hai Phong by Bus
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground or are traveling on a tighter budget, the long-distance bus is a classic Vietnamese experience. The journey is significant, taking between 16 hours 45 minutes and 19 hours. However, the modern fleet of sleeper buses makes this much more manageable than it sounds. These buses are designed for long hauls, featuring reclining berths that allow you to lie flat, though taller travelers may find the legroom a bit snug.
Ticket prices for the bus to Hai Phong range from $29 to $43. You have several options for comfort levels:
- VIP Cabin 34: These offer more privacy than standard sleepers, often with curtains and individual charging ports.
- Sleeper 34 and 40: The standard workhorse of Vietnamese long-distance travel, featuring three rows of bunk-style beds.
- Tourist Bus + VIP 20: A premium option that often includes more spacious seating and better amenities.
Most buses depart in the afternoon, allowing you to spend the night on the road and arrive in Hai Phong the following morning. This also saves you the cost of one night's accommodation.
Da Nang to Dao Cat Ba by Bus
If your ultimate destination is not Hai Phong city itself but the rugged beauty of Cat Ba Island (Dao Cat Ba), there are dedicated combined bus and ferry services available. This is often the most convenient choice for backpackers and nature lovers, as it eliminates the need to navigate local transfers in Hai Phong. These journeys take between 15 hours 30 minutes and 18 hours 30 minutes.
Prices for this route range from $43 to $62, reflecting the inclusion of the ferry crossing and the higher tier of bus classes available. Travelers can choose from Single Cabins for solo privacy, Double Cabins for couples, or VIP 20, 21, and 22 configurations. These "cabin" buses are essentially rolling boutique hotels, providing a much higher level of comfort and personal space than a standard sleeper bus. Most of these services depart in the late afternoon or evening, arriving on the island the next day.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | $37 - $113 | 1h 20m | High |
| Bus (to Hai Phong) | $29 - $43 | 17 - 19h | Medium |
| Bus (to Cat Ba) | $43 - $62 | 16 - 18h | High |
Tips for Traveling from Da Nang to Hai Phong
- Book Flights Early: While bus prices remain relatively stable, flight prices fluctuate significantly. Booking a few weeks in advance can save you $50 or more.
- Pack Layers: Air conditioning on Vietnamese sleeper buses is notoriously powerful. Even if it is sweltering outside, you will likely want a light jacket or a hoodie for the overnight journey.
- Arrival Logistics: If taking the bus, you will likely arrive at a bus station on the outskirts of Hai Phong. Have a ride-hailing app like Grab ready to avoid overpaying for a taxi at the station.
- Snacks and Water: While buses make stops at rest areas for meals, the selection can be limited. Bring your own water and some light snacks for the 18 hour trip.
- Luggage Security: On sleeper buses, your large bags go in the hold. Keep your passport, money, and electronics in a small daypack that stays with you in your berth.
Timetable
| Flight Da Nang - Hai Phong $ 36.46–109.92 1h 15m – 1d 1h 20m | |
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| Bus Da Nang - Hai Phong $ 27.93–41.56 16h 45m – 19h | |
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| Bus Da Nang - Dao Cat Ba $ 41.37–60.18 15h 30m – 18h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Da Nang to Hai Phong directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by sleeper bus, with prices starting at approximately $29. This is significantly more affordable than flying when you factor in the saved cost of a night's accommodation.
Flying is the fastest option by far. The flight itself takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, compared to at least 16 hours on a bus.
A flight takes roughly 80 minutes, while the bus journey takes between 16 hours 45 minutes and 19 hours depending on traffic and the specific operator.
Yes, there are numerous direct flights daily between Da Nang International Airport and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, with departures spread throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening.
If your goal is to visit the island, the direct bus to Dao Cat Ba is much easier. It includes the ferry transfer and drops you off on the island, saving you the hassle of arranging separate transport from the Hai Phong bus station to the pier.
Vietnamese sleeper buses feature three rows of bunk beds. Modern VIP or Cabin classes offer private compartments with curtains, USB ports, and more padding, making the long journey to the north much more comfortable.