Traveling from the modern skyline of Singapore to the emerald karsts of Ha Long Bay has never been easier. With 2025’s improved infrastructure – including the shortened 130km expressway – a long weekend in Northern Vietnam is now a seamless reality for Singapore-based travelers. At Vietnam Story, we specialize in transforming this logistics-heavy journey into a personalized “story,” specifically tailored for our Indian expat community in Singapore and local travelers who value comfort and efficiency.
First things first: Your pre-departure entry requirements (2026 update)
Before you book your flight, the very first step is to understand the entry requirements, which depend entirely on the passport you are traveling with. Vietnamstory.in wants to correct some older guides you might have read: for Singaporean citizens, there is no paperwork required for a short holiday trip. Here is a clear breakdown for you.
| Your passport type | Visa requirement | Stay duration allowed | Cost |
| Singapore Citizens | Visa-Exempt | You can stay for up to 30 Days without a visa. | Free |
| Indian Expats (holding an Indian passport with an EP/PR/DP) | E-Visa Required | You can get an E-Visa for a stay of up to 90 Days. | $25 (Single Entry) / $50 (Multiple Entry) |
| Other ASEAN Citizens | Visa-Exempt | You can stay for 14 to 30 Days, depending on your nationality. | Free |
Pro-tip for Indian expats: Vietnamstory.in highly recommends you apply for your E-Visa at least 7 working days before your flight from Changi Airport. When you fill out the form, make sure you list your entry port correctly as “Noi Bai Int Airport – Hanoi” if you are flying to Hanoi, or “Cat Bi Int Airport – Hai Phong” if you choose that route.
The air bridge: Flying from Changi (SIN) to Northern Vietnam
Your journey will begin at Singapore’s world-class Changi Airport. While there are currently no direct flights to the closest airport (Van Don), you have two excellent and strategic gateways to choose from. Most of your flights will depart from Changi Terminal 3. Let’s look at your best options.
READ MORE: Choosing the Best Airport Near HaLong Bay for Indian Travelers
Gateway 1: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (HAN) – The Main Hub
- Airlines: You have a fantastic choice of airlines on this route. For a full-service experience, you can choose Singapore Airlines or our national carrier, Vietnam Airlines. For more budget-friendly options, Scoot and Vietjet are excellent.
- Frequency: This is a very busy route, with over 14 direct flights every week, giving you a lot of flexibility in your travel schedule.
- Flight Time: The direct flight is a comfortable 3.5 to 4 hours.
Gateway 2: Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong (HPH) – The “Clever Hack”
While direct flights from Singapore to Hai Phong (SIN-HPH) can be seasonal, a smart traveler can sometimes find a connecting flight via Ho Chi Minh City. The advantage? Landing at HPH can put you just a 45-minute drive away from the cruise ports for Lan Hạ Bay, which is a huge time-saver.
The final mile: Your ground transfer to the Bay
This is where the new 2025 infrastructure has made a world of difference. The new expressway has reduced the old 180km journey from Hanoi to Ha Long to just 130km, cutting the travel time in half! Here are the best ways to cover that final, beautiful stretch of road.
Private Car (Recommendation for Families & Groups)
You can expect to pay around $65 – $85 USD (1.5M – 2M VND) for a comfortable, private SUV for a one-way transfer. The journey is a smooth and easy 2.5 hours via the new 5B Expressway.
Luxury Limousine Van (The “Business Class” on the Road)
This is a fantastic and very popular option, costing around 400,000 – 600,000 VND per seat (approximately $16-24 USD). These are not regular buses. They are luxurious vans with comfortable, spacious seats (often with massage functions), Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports.
The “Sky Entrance” (The Ultimate Luxury – A Seaplane!)
For a once-in-a-lifetime arrival, you can take a 45-minute seaplane flight from Hanoi’s airport. This incredible journey includes a 15-minute scenic loop over the 1,600 islands of Ha Long Bay before making a spectacular water landing at the Tuan Chau Marina.
Knowing your port: Tuan Chau vs Sun World
This is a very important practical tip! Please don’t let your driver drop you at the wrong pier. Ha Long has two main international cruise ports. Knowing your departure port is crucial for a smooth check-in.
- Tuan Chau Marina: This is the primary and most famous hub for the majority of overnight luxury cruises (like Bhaya, Paradise, and many others). It is located on Tuan Chau Island.
- Halong International Cruise Port (Sun World Port): This is a newer, very modern port located in the heart of the Bai Chay tourist area, right near the Sun World Theme Park. It is used by many of the newest luxury cruise fleets and large international liners.
Your estimated 2026 budget per person
To help you plan, here is a realistic budget breakdown for a fantastic 3-Day / 2-Night luxury escape from Singapore, based on different comfort levels.
| Category | Economy Style (e.g., Scoot flight / 3-Star hotel) | Comfort & Luxury Style (e.g., SQ flight / 5-Star cruise) |
| Return Flights (SIN-HAN) | $220 – $300 SGD | $450 – $650 SGD |
| Expressway Transfers (Round Trip) | $40 SGD (Shared Limousine) | $120 SGD (Private SUV) |
| 5-Star Overnight Cruise | $280 SGD | $450+ SGD |
| Total (Approximate) | $540 – $620 SGD | $1,020+ SGD |
READ MORE: Is Ha Long Bay Worth Visiting in 2026? The Honest Truth for Indian Travelers
The “flight-to-cruise” transition kit: Our personal packing tips
Because Changi Airport is famously chilly, but Ha Long Bay is wonderfully warm and humid! A little bit of smart packing will make your arrival so much more comfortable.
- The art of layering: Wear a light jacket or sweater for the flight, but pack a small “port bag” in your carry-on with your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a pair of flip-flops. This way, you can quickly change and feel comfortable the moment you land in our warm climate.
- VND cash is a must: While your cruise will accept credit cards, you will need some small Vietnamese Dong (VND) notes for small expenses like the “Airport Tolls” for your car (your driver will pay this, but it’s part of the cost) and for tipping your transfer driver.
- Power up: Vietnam uses the Type A, C, and F power sockets. Most modern cruises and hotels have universal sockets, but we always recommend bringing a small, universal travel adapter just in case, especially if you are staying in older hotels in Hanoi.
The “Vietnamstory” signature experience for you
We understand that for the Singapore-based Indian community, travel is about more than just a ticket; it is about comfort, authenticity, and peace of mind. We don’t just “request” vegetarian food. We work closely with our cruise partners to pre-arrange authentic Veg, Jain, and Halal meals, moving far beyond the simple “boiled vegetables” that you might get elsewhere. If you are staying overnight in Ha Long city, we highly recommend the Monbay area. It is not only home to the beautiful Quang Ninh Museum but also to Curry Junction, the city’s best and most authentic Indian kitchen. Our Hanoi-based team will monitor your flight’s departure from Changi in real-time. This means we can inform your private driver of any delays, ensuring that they are waiting for you at the airport exactly when you land, with no stress or confusion for you.
A recommended “Singapore Weekend” itinerary
- Friday: Take a morning 9:00 AM flight from Singapore to Hanoi. Our private transfer will meet you at 1:00 PM for the scenic 2.5-hour drive. By 3:30 PM, you will be checked into your beautiful Ha Long hotel, ready for a stunning sunset dinner in the Bai Chay area.
- Saturday: Enjoy a relaxed morning before boarding your luxury cruise at 11:30 AM. Spend the afternoon kayaking at the beautiful Luon Cave, followed by a fun Vietnamese cooking class and a chance to try squid fishing on the deck at night.
- Sunday: Wake up for a peaceful 6:00 AM Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, visit the magnificent Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. You will disembark around 11:00 AM, where your private transfer will be waiting to take you directly back to the Hanoi airport for your evening 6:30 PM flight back to Singapore.
Conclusion
The story of your journey from Singapore to Ha Long Bay is a beautiful and dramatic tale of two contrasting worlds. It is a story that begins amidst the futuristic, man-made marvels of the Lion City and culminates in the ancient, natural wonder of a 500-million-year-old seascape. In just a few short hours, you can trade the bustling energy of the CBD for the profound peace and serenity of a hidden lagoon. It is this incredible and swift transition that makes this journey one of the most unique and rewarding short breaks you can take in all of Asia. Your travel story deserves to be an epic one, even if it’s just for a weekend. Allow Vietnam Story to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages for our Indian friends in Singapore, ensuring every chapter of your journey is as breathtaking as the destination itself. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your incredible travel story together.
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