Halong Bay, in northern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its beautiful limestone karsts and green seas. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world come to visit Halong Bay to enjoy the one-of-a-kind and amazing experience. As a major tourist location, passengers must have easy access to Halong Bay to ensure a pleasant and pleasurable experience.
Access to suitable airports is critical for anyone considering a trip to Halong Bay. Tourists may reach this natural beauty and begin their Halong Bay cruise journey thanks to well-connected airports. In this post, we will look at the three airports that serve as entrances to Halong Bay. Each airport has its own set of benefits and transportation alternatives, providing a smooth trip to Halong Bay.
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Can you fly to Halong Bay?
Yes, embarking on a journey to this destination has never been easier, thanks to convenient airway access.
You can choose among these 3 airports near Halong Bay: Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, or Van Don International Airport near Quang Ninh.
From any of these airports, you can easily access Halong Bay by road or boat, promising a seamless journey to this iconic destination.
It’s essential to consider your budget, schedule, and personal preferences to determine the most convenient airport when planning your trip to Halong Bay.
3 Airports Near Halong Bay
Let’s explore these 3 airports near Halong Bay and discover the best options for your unforgettable adventure!
1. Cat Bi International Airport
Cat Bi International Airport, situated approximately 60 kilometers from Halong Bay, provides a convenient gateway for both local and global travelers. Located in Hai Phong City, Cat Bi International Airport presents an ideal choice for individuals looking to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Year of launch: 2016
- Serves: Hai Phong, Halong City
- Location: Le Hong Phong Street, Thanh To Ward, Hai An District, Hai Phong City
Airlines and Destinations
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air operate flights to and from Cat Bi Airport, connecting it to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international destinations.
- Bamboo Airways: Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Con Dao, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Pleiku, and Quy Nhon.
- Pacific Airlines: Ho Chi Minh City
- Ruili Airlines: Kunming
- VietJet Air: Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Da Lat, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Seoul-Incheon
- Vietnam Airlines: Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Da Lat, Da Nang, Dien Bien Phu, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc
How do you get from Cat Bi International Airport to Halong Bay?
To reach Halong Bay from Cat Bi International Airport, travelers can opt for various transportation modes, including private cars, taxis, and shuttle buses. Additionally, private car hire services offer a convenient and comfortable option for direct transfer to Halong Bay, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by road. The costs for these services vary between 35 and 50 USD.
2. Van Don International Airport: The nearest airport to Halong Bay
Van Don International Airport, also known as Ha Long Airport, is Vietnam’s first privately operated airport, serving both domestic and international flights. Nestled in the scenic Van Don District and being the closest airport to Halong Bay at just 50 kilometers, it’s your express ticket to Halong Bay’s wonders.
- Year of launch: 2018
- Serves: Ha Long, Van Don Economic Zone
- Location: Doan Ket, Van Don, Quang Ninh Province
Airlines and Destinations
Van Don International Airport serves as a home base for Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. It offers regional routes to cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.
- Bamboo Airways: Ho Chi Minh City
- VietJet Air: Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam Airlines: Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City; Charter: Seoul-Incheon
How do you get from Van Don International Airport to Halong Bay?
Visitors receive free bus tickets to Ha Long City and Yen Tu, valid for 30 days from the flight date. Additionally, there are public shuttle buses operating every 90 minutes from Van Don International Airport to Halong City.
There are rental vehicles, taxis, and shuttle buses with seating capacities available if you prefer alternative modes of transportation. These services range in price from 45 to 55 USD for a one-way transfer. Thanks to the new Ha Long – Van Don Expressway, getting to Halong Bay is now much faster and easier.
3. Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai International Airport, located in Hanoi, may not seem like a nearby airport to Halong Bay, considering it is approximately 190 kilometers away. However, being the second-largest transport hub in Vietnam, it remains the most popular choice among visitors to Halong Bay.
- Year of launch: 2001
- Serves: Hanoi & Northern Vietnam
- Location: Phu Minh, Soc Son District, Hanoi City
Airlines and Destinations
Noi Bai International Airport is an important international gateway, linking Hanoi to several places across the world. Travelers can fly to international cities such as Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Busan, Siem Reap, and many more.
Furthermore, it provides regular internal flights to renowned Vietnamese destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and others. Noi Bai Airport, with its large airline network, offers easy alternatives for both domestic and international flights.
How do you get from Noi Bai International Airport To Halong Bay?
From the airport, you can choose either buses or taxis (but keep in mind that the distance is 190 km in total).
Visitors can choose from private car hire, shuttle bus service, or pre-booked tours for convenient transfers. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road, and the costs of these transportation options vary.
Which airports near Halong Bay suit you the best?
All three airports have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to carefully consider them before making a decision. To assist you in making an informed choice, we will outline the pros and cons of each airport in proximity to Halong Bay.
Pros & Cons Of Cat Bi International Airport
Pros:
- Excellent ranks for its great services and superior customer experience
- Close to many attractive tourist places, such as Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay
- Direct flights to various international airports, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and others.
Cons:
- Limited scale and aircraft connections compared to Noi Bai Airport
- Not modern compared to Van Don Airport
Overall, while Cat Bi Airport offers proximity and convenience for those in the Hai Phong region, its limitations in terms of international connectivity and facilities may hinder its attractiveness compared to larger airports in Vietnam.
Pros & Cons Of Van Don International Airport
Pros:
- The closest airport to Halong Bay city.
- Free bus tickets to Ha Long City and Yen Tu are valid for 30 days from the flight date.
- The newest and most technologically advanced airport, with cutting-edge amenities and superior infrastructure.
Cons:
- Airfares may be more expensive
- Fewer departure options.
Overall, Van Don Airport holds a unique advantage due to its proximity to tourist attractions such as Ha Long Bay, but its limited connectivity and moderate capacity may pose challenges to its growth and competitiveness in the region.
Pros & Cons Of Noi Bai International Airport
Pros:
- Easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, and private vehicles.
- Modern amenities and facilities, including shopping centers, restaurants, lounges, and business facilities
- Various options for airlines.
Cons:
- Long distance to Halong Bay.
- Become crowded during peak hours, leading to longer travel time
Overall, while Noi Bai Airport offers extensive connectivity and modern facilities, it also faces challenges such as traffic congestion and limited expansion opportunities.
Ready for Your Memorable Halong Bay Trip?
Finally, while arranging a trip to the gorgeous Halong Bay, it is important to examine the airports that allow access to this natural marvel. Cat Bi Airport is close by, Van Don Airport has contemporary facilities, and Noi Bai Airport has a wide range of airline possibilities.
Each airport has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. So, it should be carefully considered depending on personal tastes and priorities.
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