Halong Bay Airport: Best option for you 2025

If you are an international traveler heading to Halong Bay, you might be wondering about nearby airports and the best way to get there. In this blog post, Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours will help you figure out the ideal airport to fly into and the different ways to reach the stunning bay. Let’s find out about Vietnam Halong Bay airport! 

1. Can I fly to Halong Bay?

Halong Bay, located in the northeastern region of Vietnam, a renowned global tourist destination, is easily accessible by air from several areas.

Visitors can easily fly to Halong Bay to save time. There is Ha Long Airport or Van Don International Airport (IATA: VDO, ICAO: VVVD) – an airport located in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. It is about 50 km away from Halong and 20 km from Cam Pha. It is the first Vietnam private airport, built and operated by Sun Group Corp.

Besides, there are two other airports near Halong Bay: 

• Cat Bi Airport 
• Noi Bai Airport

It is essential to choose the one that suits your travel plan the most. Once you arrive at your chosen airport, various transportation options, including private car, shuttle bus, or taxi, can take you to Halong Bay.

2. The 3 airports to get access to Halong Bay

Visiting Halong Bay, you should consider the 3 airports near the area: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai Airport, each providing different benefits to enhance your travel experience. 

2.1. Van Don International Airport

• Location: 4CC8+4CG Doan Ket Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province
• Airport code: VDO

Van Don International Airport – a Halong Bay airport is the most convenient gateway to this region. Established and came into operation in 2018, it boasts modern facilities such as automatic check-in kiosks, free Wi-Fi and self bag drop systems. The airport also offers a VIP lounge, a selection of dining options and duty-free shops.

Traveling from Van Don International Airport to Halong Bay takes approximately 50 minutes. Passengers flying to Van Don Halong Bay airport can choose between a free bus to Halong Bay, private car, shuttle bus, or taxi with prices ranging from 45 USD to 55 USD.

Pros & cons of Van Don Halong Bay airport: 

Pros

Cons

Up-to-date facilities and advanced airport: In terms of convenience, Van Don is the newest international airport near Halong as well as the most advanced airport to date. Free bus ticket and short travel time to Halong Bay: With flights to Van Don International Airport, you will receive free tickets to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Yen Tu. The ticket will be valid for 30 days from your flight and all these destinations are close to the airport.

Limited options and high airfare: Because of the newness, flights to the airport are very few, only 3 – 5 flights per day from Saigon to be specific. Consequently, the airfares will be high and limited to your choice of departure time.

2.2. Cat Bi International Airport

• Location: Le Hong Phong Street, Hai An District, Hai Phong City
• Airport code: HPH

Halong Bay airport – Cat Bi International Airport, situated in Hai Phong city, serves as a viable access point for travel to Halong Bay. Featuring a 3,048-meter runway and an annual passenger capacity of up to 7 million, it is a significant airport in Northern Vietnam. The airport offers standard passenger amenities, including dining and retail services.

For onward travel from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay, passengers can select from taxi, shuttle bus, or private car transportation. Travel time to Halong Bay is approximately 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from 35 to 50 USD. 

Pros & cons of Cat Bi Halong Bay airport: 

Pros	Cons
Direct flights connecting to lots of major international cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. So, flying straight in is a breeze.  Out of the six biggest airports in Vietnam, Cat Bi consistently gets high marks for having really pleasant services and happy customers. You can expect a smooth and enjoyable experience when you arrive or depart from here.	While Cat Bi Airport is a convenient option, it is good to know that it’s smaller and does not have as many flight connections as the larger Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai). So, depending on where you’re flying from, you might find more direct flight options into Hanoi.

2.3. Noi Bai International Airport

• Location: Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi city
• Airport code: HAN

Noi Bai International Airport, situated 27 kilometers from Hanoi city center, is a major Vietnamese airport handling significant monthly passenger traffic. While Halong Bay is located 190 kilometers from the airport, Noi Bai remains a common entry point for visitors to the region. 

The airport provides connections to numerous international destinations across Asia, including Seoul, Singapore, and Bangkok, as well as domestic locations such as Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. 

Travel to Halong Bay from Noi Bai Airport typically involves a 3-hour journey by private car, shuttle bus, or taxi. Transportation costs vary, with private car services generally representing the highest expense. 

Pros & cons of Noi Bai International Airport: 

Pros

Cons

Frequent flights and various air carriers: There are more than 30 international airlines operating out of Noi Bai airport. It is effortless to find a suitable flight from your city to Hanoi city. Smooth transfer from the airport to Halong: Among the 3 closest airports to Halong Bay, Noi Bai is a central transport hub with the availability and flexibility of airport transfers. Also, it would be a great chance to experience a seaplane tour to Halong Bay.

Extended hours to transfer to Halong Bay: Noi Bai is the furthest airport, so it takes more than 2 hours to get to Halong by road.  Travel time from Noi Bai to Halong is longer than the flight time to Cat Bi and Van Don Airport.

3. Comparison of the 3 airports near Halong Bay

In terms of facilities and services, Noi Bai is the largest, modernist and most well-connected airport in Northern Vietnam. Therefore, it is the best choice for those who want to access international flights easily.

Here is a brief comparison of the three Halong Bay airport:

Van Don Airport	Cat Bi Airport	Noi Bai Airport
An excellent option for those who want to reach Halong bay as quickly as possible.  Offers direct flights to popular international destinations like China, South Korea, and Thailand. Transportation options from Van Don to Halong Bay are more limited.	A viable option for travelers, located in Hai Phong and provides easy access to other destinations in Northern Vietnam.  Offers various transportation options to Halong Bay and other nearby attractions. Preferable for travelers who want to save some traveling time.	Perfect for those who value international connectivity and convenience.  If you book a Halong Bay cruise tour, Noi Bai airport is the right place for pick-up service from the tour operator.

Ha Long Bay is not the only famous destination where you can spend time in Quang Ninh Province. Other nearby attractions such as Ti Top Beach, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Thien Cung Cave, and Tuan Chau Island, all offer stunning scenery and exciting activities. You can also explore historical and cultural sites such as Halong Night Market, Dau Go Cave, Bai Tho Mountain, Cua Van Floating Village, or Thien Canh Son Cave.

If you plan to visit those popular attractions, consider booking a cruise tour to turn your trip into an unforgettable memory. 

Best Halong Bay cruises for your trip:

>> Read more: Ultimate Guide: All things you need to know about Day Tour Vietnam 

4. How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi airport?

From Noi Bai, you can travel to Halong Bay smoothly without stopping in Hanoi. Let’s see the following suggestions for the best transfer to Halong Bay from Hanoi Airport.

• Shuttle bus: The most convenient and affordable way costs you around 10 – 15 USD for a one-way trip.
• Taxi/ Private car: It costs approximately 80 – 100 USD/way for a rental car or take a taxi to Halong. 
• Seaplane: Only from Hanoi Airport, you can book Halong seaplane service to Tuan Chau Marina. It is such an extraordinary experience but the cost is high, ranging from 175 – 385 USD.

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel to Halong Bay, finding a Halong Bay airport to have easy access is necessary. There are 3 main airports at Halong Bay, including Van Don, Noi Bai, Cat Bi, each offering unique advantages for travelers. To find the most convenient airport for your trip to Halong Bay, you should take into account your budget and itinerary. By carefully considering these factors, Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours believes that you can choose the ideal option for your journey.

5. FAQ

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Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours is a trustworthy booking cruises website specializing in Halong Bay Vietnam. As you visit our website, get ready for a virtual adventure through hundreds of luxury cruises, such as: 

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