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Hoi An's lantern-lit old town and Halong Bay's limestone karsts sit at opposite ends of central and northern Vietnam. The two are far apart, so this is a long day or a night on the road.
Hoi An to Halong Bay by Flight
Hoi An has no airport, so you first travel to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) by taxi or shuttle. From there Vietjet Air flies non-stop to Hanoi (HAN) in 1 hour 20 minutes, with 13 flights per day.[1] From Hanoi you continue to Halong Bay by road. Flying and transferring is the fastest way to get there, and it leaves you a full day for the bay.
Hoi An to Halong Bay by Bus
Direct sleeper buses run from Hoi An to Halong Bay and Quang Ninh, mostly departing in the afternoon and evening and arriving the next morning. The bus takes from about 15 hours, longer with traffic or weather. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $27 (November 2026).[2]
Sleeper and Cabin Options
The buses use lie-flat sleeper seats. Vip cabins give you more space and a private curtain, while standard sleepers pack the beds closer together. Arriving in the morning saves a night's accommodation, which makes the overnight bus a good fit for backpackers.
Hoi An to Halong Bay by Private Transfer
A private car with a driver collects you at your hotel in Hoi An and takes you straight to Quang Ninh, with room for your luggage and stops for photos and meals. The drive takes from about 12 hours. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $500 (November 2026).[2] Cars for 2, SUVs for 4 and vans for 10 passengers are available.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration |
|---|---|
| Flight to Hanoi, then road | Flight 1h 20m[1] |
| Sleeper bus | From about 15h[2] |
| Private transfer | From about 12h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Hoi An to Halong Bay
- Book in advance: Around Tet and other Vietnamese holidays, flights and vip buses sell out weeks ahead.
- Pack for the night bus: Bring an eye mask, earplugs and a light jacket, because the air conditioning can be cold.
- Leave time for the airport: Allow plenty of time for the road from Hoi An to Da Nang airport, as traffic can slow it down.
- Know your pier: Have your cruise port name ready so a taxi can take you to the right pier when you arrive.
- Bring snacks and water: Buses stop for meals, but the stretches between stops are long.
Timetable
| Flight Da Nang - Quang Ninh $ 28.43–89.61 9h – 1days 2h 5m | |
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| Bus Hoi An - Quang Ninh $ 25.18–56.35 14h 55m – 20h | |
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| Taxi Hoi An - Quang Ninh $ 409.39–572.27 12h | |
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| Bus Hoi An - Halong Bay $ 25.18 19h | |
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| Bus Quang Nam - Quang Ninh $ 40.68–45.96 18h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hoi An to Halong Bay, including current prices and schedules.
The sleeper bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $27 on booking platforms (November 2026). It also saves you a night of accommodation.
Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi, which takes 1 hour 20 minutes, and continue to Halong Bay by road.
The sleeper bus takes from about 15 hours and a private transfer from about 12 hours. Flying from Da Nang to Hanoi takes 1 hour 20 minutes, plus the transfers on either side.
Sleeper beds are built for average heights. If you are tall, choose a vip cabin, which usually has more space than a standard sleeper.
From Da Nang, the non-stop flights go to Hanoi, so you fly there and finish the trip by road.
Most operators store one large bag in the undercarriage and let you keep a small bag at your seat. Keep your passport, valuables and electronics with you.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietjet Air: Da Nang (DAD) - Ha Noi (HAN), 1 hour 20 minutes, 13 flights per day. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hoi An - Halong Bay and Quang Ninh. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.