Visiting Halong Bay from Australia: Recommendations about flights, travel tips, and best routes

Nearest international airport from Australia to Halong Bay

Why Hanoi is the closest gateway to Halong Bay

To travel from Australia to Halong Bay, one of the most convenient departure points is Hanoi. Hanoi is the closest gateway to Halong Bay, with a journey time of just 3 to 4 hours.

It offers diverse transportation options, including buses, private cars, luxury cruises, and even seaplanes, all making it convenient for international tourists to reach the bay.

Distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay and transport options

Starting from Hanoi is a wise choice for travelers journeying from Australia to Halong Bay. The center of Hanoi is only about 165 km (102 miles) from Halong Bay. From Hanoi, passengers can travel to Halong Bay by various means. Depending on personal needs, tourists can choose the appropriate mode of transportation. 

For passengers who want to travel to Halong Bay at a low cost and conveniently, with a travel time of 2 to 4 hours, they can consider bus routes from Hanoi directly to Halong. Some reputable bus companies that travelers can choose from:

• Ka Long Bus
  • Price: 200.000 VND/person.
  • Phone number: (+84) 981 413 413

• KumHo Viet Thanh
  • Price: 60.000 VND/person.
  • Phone number: (+84) 948 890 033

• Hung Duc Bus
  • Price: from 240.000 VND/person.
  • Phone number: (+84) 968 06 16 86

For passengers with a lot of luggage and who need a more private journey, a private car will be a suitable choice.

Some reputable websites and car rental companies offering private car services that travelers should consider:

• TravelCar
  • Price: from 2.400.000 VND
  • Phone number: (+84) 989 567 299

• VIP Sedan
  • Price: From 1.100.000VND
  • Phone number: (+84) 388 155 155

• Duc Vinh Car
  • Price: 5.800.000VND
  • Phone number: (+84) 913 296 155

For travelers who need to move quickly from Hanoi to Halong Bay and want the opportunity to enjoy nature while traveling, a seaplane will be a truly unique choice.

Currently in Vietnam, Hai Au Aviation is the only company offering seaplane services, with ticket prices ranging from 7,000,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND each.

Other nearby airport: Noi Bai 

If travelers from Australia go to Halong Bay without choosing to move from the center of Hanoi, the areas near the center have international airports to serve people flying directly to Halong Bay by air from Hanoi. The international airport serves flights to Halong, including Noi Bai.

Noi Bai International Airport

• Location: Phu Minh, Soc Son, Ha Noi.
• The distance to Halong Bay: 170km.
• The distance to the center of Hanoi: about 28 km from the north.

How to book cheap flights from Australia to Halong Bay

To travel from Australia to Halong Bay, tourists currently cannot take a direct flight as there are no non-stop routes between Australia and Van Don International Airport – the closest airport to Halong Bay.

Instead, travelers have two main options:

• Flying to Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) first – This is the most common and budget-friendly option. After arriving in Hanoi, travelers can take a bus, private car, or shuttle service to Halong Bay, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. While this option requires additional travel time, airfare to Hanoi is generally cheaper and more widely available.
• Flying with a layover to Van Don International Airport – While there are no direct flights from Australia, some airlines offer connecting flights to Van Don via major transit hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,…). This option is more convenient as it brings travelers closer to Halong Bay, but it is usually more expensive and may involve long layovers.

To get the best airfare deals, it is advisable to book flights a few weeks in advance and check for airline promotions.

Some websites can help travelers choose flights for their trips more conveniently:

Website	Link	Pros
Traveloka	https://www.traveloka.com/en-au	Offer many discounts. Allows quick price comparisons across airlines.
Skyscanner	https://www.skyscanner.com.au/	Flexible flight searches. Competitive pricing support.
Webjet	https://www.webjet.com.au/	Many domestic and international flights.  There is after payment support.

Find Best Halong Bay cruises for Australia Travellers

Exploring Halong Bay on a cruise is one of the activities that define the brand of this bay. Travelers from Australia to Halong Bay should try this luxurious and wonderful experience at least once.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty from the crystal-clear waters to the majestic limestone mountains on a fully-equipped cruise ship, which will provide an unforgettable experience.

For travelers looking for a cruise tour to explore Halong for 2 days and 1 night, here are the top cruise companies that everyone should consider:

Cruise for 2 days and 1 night
Cruise service	Price	Phone number
Bhaya Cruise	From 2.950.000 VND/person	(+84) 933 446 542
La Casta Cruise	From 3.420.000 VND/person	(+84) 961 398 066
Camellia Cruise	2.200.000 VND/person	(+84) 981 213 915

For tours longer than 3 days, travelers can refer to the services of the following cruise companies:

Cruise for 3 days
Cruise service	Price	Phone number
Paradise Cruise	From 9.000.000 VND/person	(+84) 243 991 6666
Orchid Cruise	From 8.000.000 VND/person	(+84) 243 759 3098
Mon Cheri Cruise	From 7.000.000 VND/person	(+84) 98 474 9958

Things to know before your trip from Australia to Halong Bay

Visa requirements for Australians traveling to Vietnam

To travel from Australia to Halong Bay, tourists are required to have a visa to enter Vietnam. Both tourist visas and business visas will be accepted when tourists enter Vietnam.

However, in order to use the entry visa to Vietnam and travel to Halong Bay, there are some points that travelers should consider to thoroughly check and avoid any oversights during the trip preparation process: 

• The tourist’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages. 
• It is necessary to have a soft copy of the full personal information on the passport in JPEG format. 
• A personal email is required to receive the OTP. 
• You need to have a credit card or debit card to make the payment.

Currency exchange and travel insurance tips

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), though some tourist spots accept USD.

It’s recommended to carry VND, which can be exchanged from AUD at airports, banks, or exchange services in cities like Hanoi.

Travel insurance is also crucial, covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and activities such as kayaking or cruising in Halong Bay.

Conclusion

Halong Bay is a must-visit for Australians, with stunning landscapes and exciting activities.

Easily accessible from Hanoi by bus, private car, or seaplane, a cruise is highly recommended.

Be sure to prepare your documents, exchange currency, and plan ahead for a smooth trip.