How to travel Ha Giang from Halong Bay ?

Ha Giang became one of the most favorite destinations for those who want to getaway from hustle of bustle. Now VietnamTour Travel will share with you the way to travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang conveniently - the fastest and cheapest way. It gives you chances to enjoy the contrast between Vietnam's famed coastal beauty and its unspoiled mountainous north. While this route is not highly recommended due to its long duration, this guide provides you with necessary information should you choose to take it.

The Beautiful Attractions of Ha Giang Loop


Ha Giang serves as the launch point for the iconic Ha Giang Loop, a breathtaking journey through some of Vietnam’s most visually stunning landscapes. The town itself is quite small for a provincial capital and lacks both an airport and a train station. The loop generally takes about 3 to 5 days to complete, depending on your itinerary and speed. After you finish this scenic loop, you will return to Ha Giang, which is typically followed by a trip back to Hanoi as you continue exploring Vietnam.

How to Travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang


If you’re traveling from Halong Bay to Ha Giang, you’ll find that most routes go through Hanoi, which offers better and faster travel connections. The distance between Halong Bay and Ha Giang is approximately 470 km, and the travel time is usually around 12 hours. The initial part of the trip is a comfortable highway ride to Hanoi.

The journey becomes more complex and winding as you leave Hanoi and make your way to Ha Giang through mountainous terrains and small villages. While not as winding as the Ha Giang Loop itself, it does contribute to the trip’s extended duration. Fortunately, a high-speed highway is under construction, which should cut down on the travel time in the future.

Transfer Options Between Halong Bay and Ha Giang
Sleeper Bus: Though available, the sleeper bus from Halong Bay to Ha Giang is not generally recommended due to the lengthy and less-than-comfortable ride. The cost of a standard sleeper bus ticket is around 500,000 VND.

Traveling First to Hanoi: An alternative approach is to first head to Hanoi, which is about 170 km from Halong Bay and can be reached in approximately 4 hours. From there, you’ll have more options for your onward journey to Ha Giang.

Your Options from Hanoi:
Option 1: Standard sleeper bus (night) for around 250,000 VND.
Option 2: VIP sleeper bus (night) for a more comfortable journey at about 350,000 VND.
Option 3: Limousine bus (day) costing around 300,000 VND.
Option 4: Private car (day), the most flexible but also the most expensive option.

Tips for Traveling Between Halong Bay and Ha Giang

  • It’s advised to break your journey by stopping over in Hanoi due to the discomfort of the direct sleeper bus from Halong Bay.
  • Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons.
  • Daytime travel is preferable if you find it difficult to sleep on sleeper buses.
  • A motorbike ride directly from Halong Bay to Ha Giang is not advisable due to the long distance and the busy highways.

Hassle-free combination tour Halong Bay & Ha Giang

Take the journey of a lifetime from the world-renowned Halong Bay to the lesser-traveled roads of Ha Giang. Enjoy a 2- or 3-day cruise, kayaking, exploring caves, and swimming in the magnificent Halong or quieter Lan Ha Bay. Then head straight to the unparalleled beauty of Ha Giang. Contact us to customize your experience, making the journey between these two stunning locations completely hassle-free.