How to get from Singapore to Halong Bay – A complete travel guide

Embarking on a journey from Singapore to Halong Bay is a perfect blend of convenience and adventure.

Whether you’re exploring scenic caves, kayaking through serene waters, or enjoying a luxury cruise, Halong Bay offers something special for everyone.

Why Halong Bay is a top destination for travelers from Singapore

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its majestic limestone mountains, clear seas, and rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, when visiting Halong Bay, tourists will have the opportunity to personally experience many unique activities such as kayaking, exploring fishing villages, and observing Cat Ba langurs,…

Choosing the journey from Singapore to Halong Bay will be the beginning of a memorable trip.

singapore to halong bay guide

Nearest international airport from Singapore to Halong Bay

Why Hanoi is the best entry point to Halong Bay

Travelers wanting to go from Singapore to Halong Bay will find Hanoi to be one of the most convenient places for entry and transfer to Halong Bay. In Hanoi, there are many options for tourists to choose from when traveling to Halong Bay.The 3-4 hour journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay offers diverse transport options, including buses, limousines, private cars, and luxury cruises, providing scenic experiences. Hanoi’s international airport ensures convenient air travel.

Travel distance and connections from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi is the closest gateway for travelers coming from Singapore to Halong Bay. The distance from Hanoi to the central area of Halong Bay is only about 165 km (equivalent to 102 miles). From the central area of Hanoi to Halong Bay, there are many modes of transportation with various price ranges, suitable for different needs of travelers. 

One of the most popular and affordable means of transportation is the limousine bus routes that go directly from stations in Hanoi to Halong. 

Some of the most reputable and comfortable bus companies that travelers can consider:

Bus from Hanoi to Halong

Bus company

Price

Phone number

Phuc Xuyen Bus

From 80.000 VND/person

1900 6799

Sinh Thanh Bus

100.000 VND/person

0913 266 197

Ha Vy Limousine

From 200.00 VND/person

0969 255 255

For travelers experiencing Halong with their families and wanting to ensure privacy during their journey, renting a private car is a quite wonderful option.

Some top websites that travelers can refer to in order to find the most suitable private car rental contract for themselves and their families:

Private car rental contract

Website

Price

Phone number

Link

Vivu Halong

1.250.000 VND/day

0789 455 888

https://vivuhalong.com/thue-xe-du-lich-ha-long/ 

Taxigo

From 1.450.000 VND/day

0989 845 834

https://www.taxigo.vn/tin-tuc/item/thue-xe-di-ha-long

Datviet Tour

From 1.000.000 VND/day

1800 6700

https://datviettour.com.vn/cho-thue-xe 

cat bi airport

Comparing Noi Bai and Cat Bi airport for Halong Bay trips

If travelers want to move faster from Hanoi directly to Halong, airlines will be a suitable choice. Sitting on a plane will save more time compared to traveling by road.

Currently, there are 2 international airports in Vietnam for travelers to choose from if they want to travel from the vicinity of central Hanoi to Halong.

Travelers from Singapore to Halong Bay can completely choose one of these two international airports for a safe trip.

Comparing Noi Bai and Cat Bi airport

Comparison criteria 

Noi Bai

Cat Bi

Location

Phu Minh, Soc Son, Hanoi

Le Hong Phong Street, Cat Bi, Hai An, Hai Phong

Distance from Halong

170 km

60 km

Distance from the center of Hanoi

28 km

6.51 km

 

flight to halong bay from singapore

How to find affordable flights from Singapore to Halong Bay

To find the best-priced flight from Singapore to Halong Bay, travelers should plan their trip and book tickets about 1 to 3 months in advance. Additionally, travelers should regularly look for promotional offers from airlines to get the best discounts. Additionally, choosing airlines that match one’s personal income level is also one of the important factors.Airlines like Scoot, AirAsia, and VietJet often offer low-cost flights from Singapore to Hanoi or Hai Phong. 

Some popular ticket booking and flight search applications that travelers can refer to for finding flights at the best prices:

Website

Link

Pros

Google Flights

https://www.google.com/travel/flights 

  • Quickly find flights and the cheapest travel dates.
  • No app needed, minimalist and user-friendly interface.

Klook 

https://www.klook.com/vi/ 

  • Book flights, tours, and tickets.
  • Diverse travel packages, good customer support.

Trip.com 

https://vn.trip.com/?locale=vi-vn 

  • Book flights, hotels, and tours.
  • 24/7 customer support, multilingual, great offers.
Most Suitable halong cruises for singaporean travellers

Best Halong Bay cruise recommendations

One of the things that makes Halong Bay unique is taking a cruise to explore it.  Tourists from Singapore who want to visit Halong Bay ought to at least once partake in this opulent and amazing experience. On a fully-equipped cruise ship, take in the breathtaking scenery, from the pristine waters to the towering limestone mountains. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Some cruise tours are suitable for trips of 2 days and 1 night. 

Cruise for 2 days and 1 night

Cruise service 

Price

Phone number

Bhaya Cruise

From 2.950.000 VND (114.53)/person

(+84) 933 446 542

Catherine Cruise

From 5.050.000 VND (196 USD)/person

(+84) 854 616 323

Au Co Cruise

From 3.600.000 VND (140 USD)/person

(+84) 972.979.232

 

things singapore travellers should know before go halong bay

Important things to know before traveling from Singapore to Halong Bay

Visa requirements for Singaporean travelers

When traveling from Singapore to Halong Bay, tourists are required to enter Vietnam. Therefore, the notes related to the Visa are quite important.

Here are some requirements and notes for travelers from Singapore who wish to enter Vietnam:

  • Visa exemption:Singaporean citizens are exempt from visas for stays in Vietnam of up to 30 days, applicable for tourism, business, and family visits..
  • Extension:To stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension in Vietnam or exit and re-enter to reset the 30-day period..
  • Conditions for entry:
    • A passport that is good for at least six months after the entrance date. 
    • A confirmed return or onward ticket may be required by airlines.

Travel insurance and currency tips

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the country’s official currency.

It is advised to bring VND, which can be converted from SGD at banks, airports, and exchange bureaus in places like Hanoi.

Travel insurance is also vital, covering trip cancellations, medical situations, and activities such as kayaking or cruise in Halong Bay.

How many days should be in Halong Bay

Your itinerary will determine how long you should spend touring Halong Bay.

  • 1-day tour: Perfect for busy travelers, covering main sights quickly.
  • 2-day, 1-night cruise: Offers kayaking, cave exploration, and an overnight stay for an immersive experience.
  • 3-day, 2-night trip: Best for deeper exploration, including Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.

The best time to visit Halong Bay

September through November or March through May are the ideal times of year to explore Halong Bay.

With warm temperatures and a lower likelihood of rain, the weather is pleasant during these months.

Essential items to pack for Halong Bay excursions

To best prepare for the trip, there are some notes on pre-trip preparations for passengers:

  • Health & safety: first aid kit, motion sickness tablets, refillable water bottle.
  • Documents & money: passport, travel insurance, cash (VND).

In addition, travelers should prepare comfortable and cool clothing because the weather in Halong Bay has the characteristics of a tropical climate, so it will be quite hot and humid.

Conclusion

Traveling from Singapore to Halong Bay promises an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and exciting activities.

With convenient connections through Hanoi or Hai Phong, diverse transportation options, and world-class cruises, Halong Bay is a must-visit destination.

Plan your trip wisely, book early for the best deals, and get ready to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.