Phu Quoc is an island situated to the southwest of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, whereas Ha Long Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin to the northeast of Vietnam. If you are considering how to travel from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay, this article is just right for you. Read till the end to find the optimal routes and useful tips for a seamless journey.
1. How to travel to Ha Long Bay from Phu Quoc?
Traveling the 2,190-kilometer distance from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay involves multiple steps due to the distance and lack of direct transportation options.
Phu Quoc is an isolated island; therefore, to access Ha Long Bay from this island city, tourists first need to take a boat or ferry to reach the mainland at Ha Tien Port or Rach Gia Port in Kien Giang, then continue moving to Ha Long Bay by land or air travel. Considering the distance and time required to travel from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay, air travel stands out as the most practical option, despite the lack of direct flights.
Currently, Ha Long Bay does not have its own airport. Therefore, tourists traveling from Phu Quoc will need to fly to one of the airports near Ha Long Bay, such as Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi or Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong. From there, they can proceed to Ha Long by coach, private car, taxi, or even the fascinating seaplane.
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2. Transferring from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay
2.1. Via Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
The most popular route to cover the Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay distance is via Hanoi. Passengers will start by booking a flight from Phu Quoc International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, which usually takes roughly 2 hours.
Several airlines offer daily direct flights between these two airports, including VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines, with ticket prices starting at 1,500,000 VND for a single trip. If you are planning a budget-friendly trip from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay, consider September the perfect month of the year to grab the cheapest flight tickets.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, passengers can opt among several transportation methods to reach Ha Long Bay, located approximately 170 kilometers away from Hanoi.
- By seaplane
For those seeking speed and luxury, traveling by seaplane is an excellent option. Passengers can choose between two flights: Flight No. 601, which departs at 9:20 AM, or Flight No. 603, which departs at 10:00 AM. Both flights leave from Terminal 1 at Noi Bai Airport and arrive at Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
The flight includes 45 minutes of travel time and an additional 15 minutes of sightseeing over Ha Long Bay, making it a 60-minute flight. The cost is 10,800,000 VND per passenger for a one-way trip. To make a reservation, contact Hai Au Aviation via email at [email protected] or call the hotline at 0962 069 689.
- By coach or limousine van
Coaches and limousine vans offer other convenient and economical alternatives to reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi. Renowned for their flexible schedules, quality services, and affordable prices, coaches and limousine vans remain the most recommended means of transportation. Passengers have various carriers to choose from, such as Hai Phong Travel, Hoang Cong, Cua Ong Limousine, and Son Hai Limousine. On average, this affordable option costs around 250,000 VND for a 3-hour trip.
- By taxi
Taking a taxi from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay is an ideal choice in terms of speed and privacy. Typically, the cost of a taxi ranges from 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 VND per trip, depending on the car type and travel route. Diverse types of taxis are available, including 5-seaters, 7-seaters, and 16-seater vans, to suit different passengers’ needs. Prominent taxi firms operating this route include VTS, Saigon DMC, and OUROS Travel.
>>> Search more to unlock how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay!
2.2. Via Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong
Apart from the route via Hanoi, tourists heading from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay can opt for the alternative route via Hai Phong, with the cheapest flight ticket aligning in May. A flight from Phu Quoc to Hai Phong costs pretty much the same as that to Hanoi with the same flight duration.
However, compared to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong is a smaller airport that operates fewer flights daily. Currently, direct flights from Phu Quoc to Hai Phong are exclusively offered by VietJet Air once every two days. Thus, albeit closer to Ha Long Bay, Cat Bi Airport is only ideal for inclusion on your itinerary, which considerably fits these limited flights.
The distance from Cat Bi International Airport to Ha Long Bay is just around 45 kilometers, so the most convenient transfer between these two spots is by land travel.
- By coach or limousine van
A common option for tourists transferring from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay is to take a coach or limousine van. This journey usually takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and route variations. Both regular coaches and limousine vans will likely drop passengers off at a central location, such as the Bai Chay or Tuan Chau area, where they can easily access accommodations, restaurants, and various attractions in Ha Long Bay.
With average ticket prices of around 200,000 VND per passenger per trip, passengers can choose Minh Hieu Limousine or Hoang Phu Limousine, two of the names among companies that offer both quality and trustworthy services.
- By taxi
Tourists can take a taxi from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay for a more expedient and personalized trip. Depending on each custom route and the car type: 5-seater, 9-seater or 15-seater mini-van, the fares would vary from 715,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND per trip. Although this price is higher than that of a coach or limousine van for similar traveled distance, this customized journey provides passengers with door-to-door service, allowing them to experience the swiftest and most comfortable trip at reasonable prices.
>>> For more details on how to make your way from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay, check out this comprehensive guide!
3. Tips for traveling from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay
Given the long distance and lack of direct transfer, traveling from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay requires several steps. Here are some tips to make your journey smoother:
- Cheapest time to fly from Phu Quoc to Hanoi and Hai Phong: September and May are the two most ideal times to hunt for cheap airline tickets from Phu Quoc to Hanoi and Hai Phong, respectively (according to Skyscanner).
- Best time to book flights from Phu Quoc: It is advisable to book your flights specifically around 40 days before the flight. Airlines often offer lower prices for flights booked well in advance.
- Notes for experiencing seaplanes: Prepare all personal documents for boarding procedures; arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before departure time; wear comfortable clothes for easy movement. Travelers are allowed to carry a maximum of 7 kilograms of baggage without charge.
- For those traveling by a coach or limousine van: Choose seats that best match your preference; book tickets through reliable websites; always keep an eye on your belongings; and buckle up during the journey.
*The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and may change over time. It is advised to contact the transportation companies directly for the most up-to-date details.
In summary, the journey from Phu Quoc to Ha Long Bay is not just about covering the distance between two destinations, it's an adventure filled with discovery, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. From the tranquil shores of Phu Quoc to the magnificent scenes of Ha Long Bay, every step of the journey offers a glimpse into the diverse beauty of Vietnam. Whether soaring above the clouds on a seaplane, cruising along the emerald waters, or navigating through the vibrant streets, each moment is a chapter in a story of exploration and wonder.
While you are in Ha Long, don’t miss the opportunity to opt for a retreat at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, a luxurious haven nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Boasting elegant accommodations, lush gardens, and stunning private beaches, this opulent resort offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty. Whether you are lounging by the infinity pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or savoring gourmet cuisine at one of the resort's restaurants, every experience at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is crafted to delight the senses and create lasting memories.
