Traveling from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay is a common route for visitors exploring northern Vietnam.
Tam Coc lies in Ninh Binh Province, while Ha Long Bay belongs to Quang Ninh Province. Although both destinations are famous for limestone landscapes, they are not directly connected — so choosing the right transportation makes a big difference in comfort, time, and budget.
This guide focuses only on transportation, helping you understand:
- Distance & travel time
- Best routes
- Pros & cons of each transport option
- Which option suits your travel style best
👉 For destination overviews, see:
- Ha Long Bay Travel Guide
- Things to do in Halong bay
- Best time to visit Halong bay – Month by Month weather
How Far Is It from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay?
- Distance: ~180 km
- Travel time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours (by road)
Tam Coc is about 8 km from Ninh Binh City, while Ha Long Bay is located along the coast of Quang Ninh Province.
Common road routes:
- National Highway 10 (shortest & most popular)
- CT01 Expressway (faster but depends on pickup/drop-off)
- Highway 5B (longer, less preferred)
📌 Road travel is the most practical option for this route.
Best Ways to Travel from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay
Limousine Bus (Best Balance: Comfort & Price)
Recommended for: Solo travelers, couples, small groups
Limousine buses are the most popular choice for tourists traveling between Tam Coc and Ha Long Bay.
Why travelers choose this option:
- Comfortable leather seats
- Hotel pickup/drop-off in Tam Coc
- Direct routes to Ha Long
- Good value for money
- Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours
- Price range: 300,000 – 550,000 VND / person
Many services run daily morning departures, making it easy to connect with Ha Long cruises.
📌 This is the most convenient option for most travelers.
Private Car or Taxi (Most Flexible)
Recommended for: Families, groups, travelers with luggage
Hiring a private car gives you:
- Door-to-door service
- Flexible departure time
- Privacy & comfort
- Optional photo stops along the way
Estimated cost:
- 4-seat car: ~85–95 USD
- 7-seat car: ~110–140 USD
📌 Tips:
- Book through reputable Ninh Binh operators
- Confirm route & price in advance
- Ideal if splitting costs with others
Regular Bus (Budget Option – Less Convenient)
For budget travelers with flexible schedules, a local bus is the ideal way to travel from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay.
Local buses exist but often require:
- Transfers
- Longer travel time
- Limited comfort
- Travel time can exceed 5 hours.
📌 Not recommended if you’re heading to Ha Long for a cruise schedule.
Train or Plane – Not Practical
- No airport in Ninh Binh
- Seaplane from Hanoi is expensive & indirect
- There is no direct train from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay
📌 For this distance, road transport is far superior.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Travel Style | Best Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Tips for This Route
- Book transport 2–5 days in advance, especially in peak season
- Choose morning departures if connecting to Ha Long cruises
- Keep some cash for rest stops
- Confirm exact drop-off point in Ha Long (city vs harbor)
👉 If you’re planning a multi-day route, see:
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay is straightforward if you choose the right transportation.
For most travelers, limousine buses offer the best balance of comfort, time, and price. Private cars are excellent for groups, while trains and flights are unnecessary for such a short distance.
Plan the journey well, and you’ll enjoy a smooth transition between two of northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.
👉 Continue planning:
