As you plan your dream holiday to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, one of the first and most important practical questions you will ask is, “Which airport should I fly into?” It is very important to know that Ha Long Bay does not have its own airport. To reach this natural wonder, our Indian travelers must choose from one of three main international airports in Northern Vietnam. From these airports, you will then take a final, beautiful road journey to the main cruise ports of Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, or Got Pier. At Vietnamstory, we specialize in making your journey completely seamless and comfortable. We know that choosing the right airport is all about balancing your flight origin (whether you are arriving internationally or domestically), your budget, and your desired road transfer time. This guide will break down all your options to ensure a stress-free and perfect start to your incredible Ha Long Bay cruise.
Van Don International Airport (VDO): The closest and newest gateway
What is the closest airport to Ha Long Bay? The answer is the modern and convenient Van Don International Airport (VDO). Located in Quang Ninh Province (the same province as Ha Long Bay), this is the newest airport in the region and is the perfect choice for travelers who prioritize speed and the shortest possible road transfer time. For those who want to get to the bay as quickly as possible after landing, Van Don is the undisputed champion.
| Detail | Information | The benefit for you |
| Location | It is located in the Van Don District of Quang Ninh Province. | This makes it the closest airport to Ha Long City. |
| Distance to port | The airport is approximately 50 – 65 km from the main Tuan Chau cruise port. | This is the shortest total transfer distance of all the airports. |
| Transfer time | The journey takes only about 45 – 50 minutes via the new and very smooth Ha Long – Van Don Expressway. | This is the fastest road transfer time, getting you to your cruise check-in with minimal delay. |
| Flight focus | The airport primarily serves domestic routes from major Vietnamese cities like Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Đà Nẵng, as well as a limited number of other Asian international flights. | This makes it the ideal choice if you are on a multi-city itinerary within Vietnam. For example, if you are traveling from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay. |
| A wonderful cost saver! | The airport often offers free shuttle bus tickets on the VDO-Ha Long route for passengers on certain flights. | This can significantly reduce or even eliminate your transfer costs, making it an incredible value. |
| Pros & cons | Pros: Minimal travel time, very modern and clean facilities, and direct expressway access. Cons: A limited international flight network. | |
READ MORE: Tuan Chau International Port: Ha Long Bay’s Cruise Gateway
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH): The excellent regional hub
Is Cat Bi Airport a better choice than Noi Bai for a Ha Long trip? For many travelers, especially those connecting from other Asian cities, it offers a fantastic balance between a reasonable distance and a good variety of flight options. Located in the nearby city of Hai Phong, Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) is a very strong and popular choice.
| Detail | Information | The benefit for you |
| Location | It is located in Hải Phòng City, to the southwest of Ha Long Bay. | It is very conveniently positioned for exploring the entire region. |
| Distance to port | The airport is approximately 60 – 75 km from the Tuan Chau cruise port. | This is the second shortest distance, still very convenient. |
| Transfer time | The journey takes about 60 – 90 minutes via the modern Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway. | This is a very direct and efficient road transfer. |
| Flight focus | The airport has a strong domestic network and a growing number of Asian international routes from places like Seoul, Bangkok, and Siem Reap. | This is a great choice if you are making a regional connection before coming to Vietnam. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Excellent domestic connectivity and is the ideal airport if your cruise departs from Got Pier to explore Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island (as it is only a 30-40 minute drive to that pier). Cons: The facilities are slightly older than Van Don, and the transfer is a little bit longer. | |
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): The main global gateway
What is the best airport for international travelers to Ha Long Bay? For most travelers flying directly from India or other global hubs, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in our capital city of Hanoi is the main and most practical entry point. It offers the maximum number of flight connections, despite being the farthest from the bay. This is the largest airport in Northern Vietnam and your most likely port of entry. Here is what you need to know.
| Detail | Information | The benefit for you |
| Location | It is located in Ha Noi, the capital of Vietnam. | It is the main airport for the entire northern region. |
| Distance to port | The airport is approximately 160 – 190 km from the Tuan Chau cruise port. | This is the farthest distance of the three airports. |
| Transfer time | How long does it take from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay? Thanks to the new expressways, the road transfer time has been significantly reduced. It now takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. In perfect traffic conditions, it can be just under 2 hours. | This is a huge improvement from the 4+ hours it used to take! |
| Flight focus | HAN has the largest network of international flights, including the most direct or one-stop connecting routes from major cities in India like Delhi and Mumbai. | This makes it the best and most practical choice for travelers who are flying directly from India or other global hubs. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Maximum international flight availability, it is the best choice if you plan to spend a day or two exploring Ha Noi first, and most cruise operators commonly include transfers from HAN in their packages. Cons: It has the longest road journey, and the transfer costs are the highest. | |
A comparison of your transfer options and their costs
At Vietnamstory, we always recommend pre-booking your transfer for the best comfort, safety, and reliability. Here is a comparison of the typical costs for a private car or shuttle from each airport.
| Transfer type | From Van Don (VDO) | From Cat Bi (HPH) | From Noi Bai(HAN) |
| Private Car / Luxury Van | 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND (~ 35 – 50 USD) | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 VND (~40 – 60 USD) | 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND (~60 – 100 USD) |
| Limousine Bus / Shuttle | Often Free (Shuttle) | 200,000 – 400,000 VND | 200,000 – 400,000 VND |
| Taxi / Grab | Metered/Negotiated | Approx. 550,000–750,000 VND | Metered/Fixed Rate |
- Private Car: This is the most comfortable, private, and convenient door-to-door service that takes you directly to your cruise pier or hotel.
- Limousine Bus: This is a very popular and cost-effective option, especially for the longer route from Hanoi. These are comfortable, shared vans that usually drop you off at a central point in Ha Long City or Tuan Chau.
- Taxi/Grab: This is an economical choice for small groups, but for long distances, it is always best to confirm a fixed rate before you start your journey.
READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller
Vietnamstory recommended strategy for you
To make it simple, here is our personal recommendation based on your travel plans.
- If you are arriving on an International Flight (directly from India): Your best choice is to fly into Noi BaiInternational Airport (HAN) because it has the most flight options. From there, I highly recommend you book a comfortable Luxury Limousine Shuttle for an efficient and relaxing 2.5–3 hour transfer to Ha Long.
- If you are on a multi-city trip within Vietnam (e.g., coming from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City): To save hours of driving time and ensure you have a relaxed and early cruise check-in, I recommend you fly domestically into either Van Don (VDO) or Cát Bi (HPH).
- A crucial tip: No matter which airport you choose, you should always book your ground transfer at least 48 hours in advance, especially if you are traveling during our peak season (summer holidays or national holidays), to secure your preferred vehicle and the best rate.
Conclusion
By understanding the unique advantages of each of Northern Vietnam’s three main airports, you are no longer just a tourist; you are a smart and informed traveler. You can now make a strategic choice that perfectly aligns with your flight plans, your budget, and your precious holiday time. This knowledge empowers you to optimize your itinerary, minimize unnecessary travel time, and invest your energy where it matters most: enjoying the breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime beauty of Ha Long Bay. Your travel story deserves a beautiful and effortless beginning. Allow Vietnam Story to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India where every logistical detail is thoughtfully arranged to enhance your travel narrative. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing the perfect first chapter of your Ha Long Bay story together.
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