Byway
Start a trip
Vietnam

Hanoi
to Ha Long Bay

To the bay of the descending dragon

Plan this trip No account needed to start

Distance

170 km (105 miles)

Duration

3-4 hours direct

Best Time

October to April

Route

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

About this drive

The long way there

The drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes you from Vietnam's charming capital to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Watch the landscape transform from rice paddies to karst mountains before reaching the UNESCO-listed bay with its 1,600 limestone islands.

Stops along the way

Where to pull over

1

Red River Delta

50 km in

Rice paddies and traditional villages

2

Bai Tu Long Bay

170 km in

Less crowded alternative to Ha Long proper

3

Ha Long Bay

170 km in

Emerald waters with thousands of limestone karsts

4

Sung Sot Cave

175 km in

Stunning grotto known as 'Surprise Cave'

5

Titop Island

175 km in

Viewpoint over the limestone formations

Field notes

Driving tips

  • 1

    Most visitors take organized tours rather than self-driving

  • 2

    Book an overnight junk boat cruise for the full experience

  • 3

    Avoid weekends and Vietnamese holidays—extremely crowded

  • 4

    Bai Tu Long Bay is quieter and equally beautiful

  • 5

    Kayaking through caves and lagoons is a must-do activity

Alternate routes

Other ways through

  • Highway 18 direct route

  • Via Cat Ba Island for ferry adventure

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