Planning a trip to Ha Long Bay and wondering which airport you should fly into? You’re not alone.
As one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, Ha Long Bay attracts millions of travelers every year—but unlike major cities, this coastal wonder doesn’t have its own airport. That’s why one of the most common questions travelers ask is:
“What’s the nearest airport to Ha Long Bay? And how do I get there easily?”
In this complete guide, we’ll help you:
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Understand if there’s an airport in or near Ha Long Bay
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Compare the 3 closest airports (with distances, pros & cons)
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Learn how to transfer from each airport to Ha Long Bay
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Discover which airport is best for cruises, day trips, or quick visits
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Explore unique options like a scenic seaplane ride over the bay
Whether you’re flying in from overseas, another Vietnamese city, or simply planning your return journey, this guide will help you choose the smartest, smoothest airport connection to start your Ha Long Bay adventure right.
📍For a complete itinerary builder and travel tips, check out our Ha Long Bay Travel Guide and Ha Long Bay Itinerary.
List of Airports near Ha Long Bay (Map + Distances)
While there is no airport located directly in Ha Long Bay, travelers can fly into three nearby airports—each offering a convenient gateway depending on where you’re coming from and your travel plans.
Here’s a quick look at the closest airports to Ha Long Bay, along with driving distances and estimated travel times.
Map Overview
Ha Long Bay lies in Quang Ninh Province, along Vietnam’s northeastern coast.
From there, you can reach the bay easily by road from:
- Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) – in Hai Phong
- Van Don International Airport (VDO) – in Quang Ninh
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – in Hanoi
👉 Check full guide: Noi Bai International Airport: Transport, Tips & FAQs
Overview of Nearby Airports
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Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) – Closest in Practice
- Location: Hai Phong City, ~60 km from Ha Long
- Flights: Domestic from Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Nha Trang
- International: Some seasonal flights (Taiwan, Korea, China)
- Road Conditions: Good highways, regular transfers available
✅ Best for travelers flying domestically from major Vietnamese cities.
📌 Need help with transfers? Book a private car or limo from Cat Bi to Ha Long
Van Don International Airport (VDO) – Nearest by Distance
- Location: Van Don District, Quang Ninh
- Distance: Just ~60 km (shortest route to the bay)
- Built in 2018 – modern, clean, but limited flight schedule
- Good for travelers who find direct domestic routes here
✅ Best for those arriving via Vietnam Airlines or who find deals from southern cities.
📌 Want a quiet arrival close to the bay? See Ha Long Bay Cruises starting near Van Don.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Most International Flights
- Location: Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital
- Distance: ~170 km to Ha Long Bay
- Most international travelers land here (US, Europe, Australia)
From here, you can transfer by:
- Private car
- Limousine minibus
- Coach + Grab
✅ Best for international tourists arriving from abroad or via multi-city tours
📌 After landing at HAN? Check out:
In the next section, we’ll compare these three airports head-to-head to help you pick the best one for your itinerary, travel style, and cruise plans.
Ready to compare Cat Bi, Van Don, and Noi Bai airport? Let’s go.
Comparison – Which airport is best for visiting Ha Long Bay?
With three airports serving the region, choosing the best one for your trip to Ha Long Bay depends on several factors:
- Your point of origin (domestic or international)
- Whether you’re planning a cruise, day tour, or overnight stay
- Your arrival time and transfer preferences
- Budget and willingness to book private transfers
Let’s break down the pros and cons of Cat Bi, Van Don, and Noi Bai to help you decide.
Quick Comparison Table
| Airport | Closest to Ha Long | Best For | Downside |
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Choose Cat Bi International Airport if…
- You’re flying from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or other cities in Vietnam
- You want the most convenient drive to Ha Long Bay
- You prefer limousine buses or private cars over long-distance coach
📌 From Cat Bi, many travelers book a private transfer to Ha Long that takes just 1.5–2 hours.
Choose Van Don International Airport if…
- You find a flight to Van Don (Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways)
- You want to stay closer to Bai Tu Long Bay or join a cruise nearby
- You’re looking for a quieter airport with smooth check-in/out
📍 Bonus: Van Don is just 1 hour from Ha Long cruise ports, making it ideal for overnight cruises or day tours
Choose Noi Bai International Airport if…
- You’re arriving from international destinations like the US, Australia, EU
- You want to combine Hanoi city in your trip before heading to Ha Long
- You’re traveling with a group and want to book a shared limo or private vehicle
Final Recommendation by Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | Best Airport |
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💡 Pro Tip: Can’t find a flight to Cat Bi or Van Don? Land in Hanoi, spend a day in the capital, then travel to Ha Long by bus or private car.
👉 Next, we’ll show you how to transfer from each airport to Ha Long Bay easily—with estimated costs, time, and trusted providers.
How to get from each airport to Ha Long Bay
No matter which airport you arrive at, getting to Ha Long Bay is easier than you might expect. Here’s a breakdown of the best transfer methods, travel time, and cost from each nearby airport:
From Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) – Hai Phong
🚘 Private Car: ~$40–60 USD | 1.5–2 hrs
🚐 Limousine Van: ~$13–18 USD | Shared, door-to-door
Need help booking a transportation option?
📲 Chat now on WhatsApp
📞 +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
📧 info@hanoiexploretravel.com
From Van Don International Airport (VDO)
🚘 Private Transfer: ~$30–45 USD | 1 – 1.5 hrs
🚌 Shuttle Bus: Available with Vietnam Airlines, check with booking
💡 Closest airport to Ha Long Bay cruises (Bai Chay Port)
From Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi
🚗 Private Car: ~$ 125 – 185 USD | 2.5–3 hrs
🚐 Limousine Bus: ~$20–35 USD | Hotel pickup/drop-off
Need help booking a transportation option?
📲 Chat now on WhatsApp
📞 +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
📧 info@hanoiexploretravel.com
Can you fly directly to Ha Long Bay?
Technically, there’s no airport directly inside Ha Long Bay, so you can’t fly directly into the bay itself.
However, there are two ways you can “fly close” to Ha Long Bay:
Option 1: Van Don International Airport (VDO)
- 60 km away from the bay
- Offers direct domestic flights from southern cities
- Closest airport by land
Option 2: Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can fly by seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via Hai Au Aviation.
Highlights:
- 45-minute scenic flight over the limestone karsts
- Land directly near Tuan Chau Marina
Option for aerial photo tour (15 mins over the bay)
- Price: ~$175–250 USD/person
- Book via: https://www.seaplanes.vn
Read more:
- Seaplane Halong Bay: Enjoy Amazing View From The Top!
- Top Best things to do in Halong bay for for perfect trip!
Best airport for cruises, short trips & day tours
Each airport serves a different type of traveler. Here’s a quick recommendation based on your plan:
| Trip Type | Recommended Airport | Reason |
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Tips for flying into Vietnam to visit Ha Long Bay
Before booking your flight, here are some important travel tips for flying into Vietnam when your final destination is Ha Long Bay:
Visa & Arrival Preparation
- Most travelers need a Vietnam visa. E-visa available online for 90+ countries.
- Always double-check entry point matches your visa (e.g. Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh)
Choose Arrival Airport Based on Itinerary
- Want to explore Hanoi before Ha Long? → Book to Noi Bai (HAN)
- Focus only on the bay? → Try Van Don or Cat Bi for closer access
Airport Transfer Booking Tips
- Always book your transfer in advance during weekends & holidays
- Confirm terminal (T1 for domestic, T2 for international)
- Consider flight arrival time + cruise departure carefully
FAQs – Airports Near Ha Long Bay
Is there an airport in Ha Long Bay?
- No, Ha Long Bay doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest ones are Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Van Don (Quang Ninh), and Noi Bai (Hanoi).
What is the closest airport to Ha Long Bay?
- Van Don International Airport (VDO) is the closest by distance (~60 km). Cat Bi Airport (HPH) is also nearby and has better road access.
Can I fly directly to Ha Long Bay?
- You can’t land directly in the bay, but you can fly close to it via Van Don or Cat Bi airports—or take a seaplane from Hanoi for a direct scenic flight.
Which airport should I choose for a Ha Long Bay cruise?
- Van Don: Best for cruises in Bai Chay or Hon Gai
- Cat Bi: Good for short trips and day tours
- Noi Bai: Ideal if combining Hanoi city in your itinerary
How do I get from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay?
- Private car (~$70, 2.5–3 hrs)
- Limousine minibus (~$15–20)
- Public bus + taxi (~$20+, 4.5 hrs)
Visiting Ha Long Bay starts with choosing the right airport—and now, you know exactly how each one fits different travel plans. Whether you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or overseas, your journey will be smoother with:
- The right arrival point
- A pre-booked transfer
- Smart itinerary planning
📲 Need a ride from the airport to Ha Long?
Message us now to book:
WhatsApp / Viber / Zalo
📞 +84 974 805 797
📞 +84 915 815 535
✉️ Email: info@hanoiexploretravel.com
Don’t risk last-minute transfers. Travel smart — book your airport ride today!
