About the ride from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
While Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations, Ha Giang is not on every traveler’s radar. So this presents a unique opportunity to soak in the beauty and culture of this region, sans the crowds.
It’s easy to guess the most evoked emotion in a place with a road called the Happiness Route! Twists and turns and ups and downs reveal little surprises at every bend in Ha Giang. So rent a bike and ride the Ha Giang Loop, spot the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, and marvel at the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a part of the UNESCO Geopark Network.
Watch the sun stream in through the clouds and light up the rice fields of Hoang Su Phi in a shade of striking green. Explore local markets and pick up a souvenir or two – the region is known for fabrics made from hemp.
The distance from Halong Bay to Ha Giang is roughly 300 miles (475 km).
Travelers can pick from the following options for transport from Halong Bay to Ha Giang – bus, taxi, minivan, and train.
Travel time is around eight to ten hours, so a Ha Giang day trip is out of the question.
The most popular way to get from Halong Bay to Ha Giang is by taking a bus – either a daytime coach or nighttime sleeper bus.
Another option is to hire a private taxi or rent a private minivan if you are traveling with a bigger group. Since there are no other pick-ups and drop-offs with this option, travel time is a little shorter – around eight hours.
What to see when traveling from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
The journey from Halong Bay to Ha Giang goes through a mix of landscapes – small towns, open fields, and the hills and valleys of Ha Giang. However, road conditions can deteriorate during the monsoon season, so keep that in mind while booking your tickets.
Whether you are taking the night sleeper bus or day coach, most buses are kitted out with reclining seats. It’s a good thing so you can get some shut-eye and wake up refreshed and ready to explore Ha Giang. Also, given the extended 9-10 hour journey, you’ll have time to step out and stretch your legs when the bus stops for breaks.
How to get from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
Taking a bus from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
The most popular way to cover the Halong Bay to Ha Giang distance is by bus.
Travel times range around nine to ten hours, with both day and night departures available. Passengers can pick from local, economically priced buses with regular seats. Opt for sleeping buses fitted with reclining seats. Or splash out for limousine buses that are a little more luxurious.
With air conditioning and reclining seats, the sleeping buses are a good option as travelers can rest through the journey. And it helps save on hotel costs. It’s one of the best ways to travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang for those on a budget.
Some operators provide blankets though it’s advisable to keep a warm jacket handy. The buses do get quite cold sometimes, and it helps to have a cardigan or sweater that is easy to access.
Depending on the bus and service you opt for, the operator might provide bottled water and a packed lunch. While the buses don’t have attached washrooms, they make multiple stops for restroom breaks.
Those who are not comfortable with taking a night bus can choose a day departure. Buses typically leave between morning and noon and reach Ha Gian in the evening. Ticket prices start from $15 and depend on the services provided by the operator.
Some operators for this route are Discovery Travel, Cuong Lan, Ha Long Fancy Travel, Cau Me, Truly Ha Giang, Grouptour Good Morning Cat Ba, and Hung Thanh.
Taking a taxi from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
Another option if you’re traveling from Halong Bay to Ha Giang is renting a private taxi. With an eight-hour travel time, it’s the fastest way to get there.
While certainly a more expensive affair, taking a private taxi provides passengers with the convenience of hotel pick up and drop off, more legroom and space for luggage.
Booking a taxi provides you flexibility in departure time and rest stops. For anyone who doesn’t mind paying extra for the convenience and comfort of a private taxi, it’s the best way to get from Halong Bay to Ha Giang.
Taking a minivan from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
Taking a minivan is another option available to travelers looking to get from Halong Bay to Ha Giang. Most minivans have a seating capacity of eight or nine passengers, so it’s perfect if you are traveling as part of a group. If you book a private minivan, you will be offered the convenience of hotel pick up and drop off and have flexibility in terms of departure time.
Taking a train from Halong Bay to Ha Giang
There is no direct train from Halong Bay to Ha Giang. Instead, you could take a train from Haiphong to Hanoi, a two-and-a-half-hour journey, and then proceed to Ha Giang by bus, minivan, or private taxi – a six-hour trip.
Another option is to take a ferry from Cat Ba Island to the Haiphong pier and then catch a taxi to the railway station. Or you can get to the Haiphong railway station directly by bus or taxi from Halong Bay. The total travel time for taking this bus/ferry + train combo is around ten hours.
The other option is to travel to Hanoi by bus or private taxi and then take a train to Lao Cai. Unfortunately, Lao Cai is the nearest train station from Ha Giang, and it’s 125 miles away. So, you’ll need to transfer to another taxi, minivan, or bus to get to your destination.
Trains are not the best way to travel from Halong to Ha Giang, and now you know why.