How to get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi (2025 Guide)

Table of Contents

Why Transfer Planning Matters

If you’re planning a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, there’s one detail you absolutely don’t want to overlook: how to get there from Hanoi.

Unlike Ha Long Bay cruises, which typically depart from Tuan Chau Pier in Quang Ninh, most Lan Ha Bay cruises start from Got Pier in Hai Phong — and the two are not the same.

Many travelers accidentally confuse these two bays or pier locations, leading to missed departures, stress, or expensive last-minute transfers.

Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong: Discover Vietnam’s Hidden Natural Gem — Discover the enchantment of Lan Ha Bay: A Natural marvel of Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

This guide will help you:

Understand the exact location of Lan Ha Bay
Compare the best transfer options from Hanoi
Decide whether to book your transport separately or with your cruise
Avoid common mistakes that first-timers make

📌 Planning a Lan Ha Bay cruise? Knowing your route ahead of time saves money and stress.

Have a look at:

Where is Lan Ha Bay? (Map + Overview)

Lan Ha Bay is located just south of Ha Long Bay, but it belongs to the Cat Ba Archipelago, which is part of Hai Phong Province — not Quang Ninh.

Navigate Lan Ha Bay: A Comprehensive Map for International Visitors — Experience Lan Ha Bay: A Detailed Map for Adventurous Tourists. (Source: Collected)

Distance from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay:

~125–140 km (depending on route)
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Lan Ha Bay is just as spectacular as Ha Long Bay, with fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. However, because it’s accessed via Got Pier or Cat Ba Island, planning your journey from Hanoi takes a slightly different route.

📌 Related Read: What Makes Lan Ha Bay Different from Ha Long Bay?

Navigating Your Journey: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay Travel Tips — Step-by-Step: How to Get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

Transfer Options from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

Depending on your budget, schedule, and comfort level, here are the top 4 ways to get from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay:

Option 1: Limousine Minivan/Toursit Bus (Most Popular)

Cost: ~$16–22 per person (one-way)
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Pickup: From your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
Drop-off: Directly at Got Pier, where most cruises depart
Reclining leather seats
Air conditioning, USB ports, Wi-Fi
No transfers, no waiting — most reliable and convenient

✅ Recommended for: Solo travelers, couples, cruise passengers

👉 Related guides you might find helpful:

For many tourists, a limousine is the preferred way to get from Hanoi to Lan Ha. — Limousines are a popular and convenient choice for tourists traveling to Lan Ha from Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

Private Car Transfer

Cost: ~$85–105 per car (up to 3–4 people)
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Booking: Can be arranged with the cruise or through a local operator
Full privacy, flexible timing
Best for airport pickups or late arrivals
Direct access to Got Pier or Cat Ba ferry terminal

✅ Recommended for: Families, groups, business travelers

👉 Read more about:

Using a private car is convenient, but solo travelers may find it costly. — Although convenient, a private car can be pricey if you’re traveling alone. (Source: Collected)

Option 3: Public Bus + Taxi (Budget Option)

Cost: ~$8–12 (bus) + ~$10–15 (taxi)
Time: 4–4.5 hours total
Route: Hanoi → Hai Phong (bus) → Got Pier (taxi/Grab)
No direct buses to Got Pier
Transfers required and schedules may vary
Not suitable for cruise check-ins before noon

✅ Recommended for: Budget backpackers with time to spare

There is no direct route from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay; take a bus to Hai Phong first. — You can’t go directly from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay; take a bus to Hai Phong instead. (Source: Collected)

Option 4: Train to Hai Phong + Ferry to Cat Ba

Cost: ~$10–20 total (train + ferry)
Time: 5–6 hours

Note: Only applicable if your cruise starts from Cat Ba Island

Train Hanoi → Hai Phong → speedboat to Cat Ba → cruise pickup
Not all cruises support this route — confirm with your cruise operator.

✅ Recommended for: DIY travelers or those staying overnight in Cat Ba

👉 Related guides you might find helpful: Overnight Lan Ha Bay cruises – Are they worth the splurge?

Train to Hai Phong, ferry to Cat Ba, then explore Lan Ha Bay — Take a train to Hai Phong and a ferry to Cat Ba, then explore Lan Ha Bay. (Source: Collected)

What is Got Pier & Where is it?

Most Lan Ha Bay cruises do not depart from Ha Long City. Instead, they start from Got Pier — located in Hai Phong Province, not Quang Ninh.

Got Pier (Bến Gót) – Your Gateway to Lan Ha Bay

Location: Cát Hải Island, Hai Phong
Distance from Hanoi: ~125 km (~2.5–3 hours)
Function: Departure port for nearly all Lan Ha Bay overnight cruises
Facilities: Basic waiting area, clean toilets, parking for limos/shuttles

Got pier is a main pier in Hai Phong province — Got Pier: Your Gateway to Lan Ha Bay. (Source: Collected)

From Got Pier, you’ll either:

Board a small tender boat to your cruise
Walk onto the cruise ship directly if docked

📌 Important: Don’t confuse Got Pier with Tuan Chau Pier (Ha Long Bay) — they are 35–40 km apart and serve different bays.

Should you book transfer with your cruise?

One of the biggest decisions travelers face is whether to book the cruise and transfer separately — or bundle them together.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose:

Option A: Book Transfer WITH Your Cruise

Most 3–5 star cruises offer round-trip limousine transfers from Hanoi for ~$20–25/person.

Advantages:

Hassle-free – one booking, one itinerary
Guaranteed pickup timing matched to cruise check-in
Local support via What’s App/Hotline
No worries about missing departure

Unless verified, avoid budget cruises; mid-tier options often deliver superior experience. — Choosing a Lan Ha Bay cruise that includes a shuttle bus from Hanoi is the best choice. (Source: Collected)

✅ Recommended for:

First-time visitors
Families or groups
Morning cruise departures

📌 Tip: Cruises like Mon Cheri, Peony, La Casta, and Heritage usually include transfers in their packages (or offer them as add-ons).

👉 Check more: Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Transfer from Hanoi

Option B: Arrange Transfer Yourself

You can book your own transport via:
Limousine operators (e.g., Cuong phat, Cat Ba Expreess)
Private car via Hanoi Travel Agency
Grab or local taxi (less reliable, may not reach Got Pier easily)

✅ Best if you want:

Maximum flexibility
To combine the trip with other stops (e.g., Ninh Binh → Got Pier)

Risks:

May miss cruise if late
Not all drivers know Got Pier unless specified
Unexpected surcharges if stuck in traffic

👉 Are you looking for the best budget Lan Ha Bay cruise? CHECK NOW → Budget Lan Ha Bay Cruises

Many mistake Lan Ha Bay excursions for luxury cruises with high prices. — Travelers on a budget can still enjoy unforgettable experiences in Lan Ha Bay. (Source: Collected)

FAQs – Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay Transfers

Is there a direct limousine from Hanoi to Got Pier?

Yes. Most Lan Ha Bay cruises offer direct limousine pickup from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s the easiest and most reliable option.

How long does it take to get to Got Pier from Hanoi?

Around 2.5 to 3 hours by limousine or private car, depending on traffic. We recommend leaving Hanoi by 8:00 AM for smooth check-in.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Got Pier?

Taking a public bus to Hai Phong and then a local taxi to Got Pier is the cheapest (~$10 total), but it’s also the most complicated and risky. Not recommended if you’re on a tight schedule.

Should I stay overnight in Hai Phong before the cruise?