1.Overview: Saigon – Halong Bay
Travelers typically start by flying from Saigon to Hanoi, followed by a road transfer to HaLong Bay. At first, you enjoy the bustling markets to trendy cafes, a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Then, moving to Halong Bay, visitors take on a cruise to explore the bay’s iconic limestone islands, emerald waters, and hidden caves. Tour Halong Bay from Saigon offers many activities which include kayaking, swimming, visiting floating villages, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
2.How to travel from Saigon to Halong Bay?
2.1. By plane
You must travel from Saigon to Hanoi by airplane and then move to Halong Bay by car or shuttle.
From Saigon to Hanoi by airplane
The most efficient way to get to Halong Bay from Saigon is to fly to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
Plan your trip and book the ticket as soon as possible, because the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket is. Also, the airlines offer flights from Saigon to Halong Bay daily and the price ranges from 1,400,000 VND to 3,600,000 VND (economy class, one way ticket). The total time of travel is about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Normally, there are flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay on all weekdays, but sometimes they are changed based on the weather condition or schedules of the whole airline system. The domestic flights are updated daily on this website: https://www.bestprice.vn/ve-may-bay/lich-bay-noi-dia
You can directly visit these two airlines to see more information about flights and book the ticket yourself：
- Vietnam Airline: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/vi/home
- Vietjet: https://www.vietjetair.com/vi
Hanoi to Halong Bay by Shuttle/ Private Car
Depart from Hanoi, you can take a shuttle bus or hire a private car to reach Halong Bay. The journey by road usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Reference price:
Type of car One way Round trip Sedan (4 seats) ~85 USD ~130 USD SUV (7 seats) ~105 USD ~150 USD Van (16 seats) ~125 USD ~180 USD
2.2. By Train
While there isn’t a direct train route from Saigon to Halong Bay, you can take a train from Saigon to Hanoi. The tour from Halong Bay to Saigon takes around 30 hours, so it’s a longer option. Then, you can take a bus or book a tour to Halong Bay. The price is about $40-60 for a distance of 1900km.
3.Must-visit places to explore in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, offers a plethora of attractions and places to explore. Here are some notable places you can visit in Ho Chi Minh City:
Ben Thanh Market: This iconic market offers a wide range of goods, including clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It’s a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese daily life.
War Remnants Museum: A sobering yet essential visit, this museum provides insight into Vietnam’s history, particularly the Vietnam War. It features exhibits detailing the war’s impact on Vietnam and its people.
Reunification Palace: Formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, this historic building offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history. Visitors can explore the palace’s rooms, including the command bunker.
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Built during the French colonial period, this stunning cathedral is a prominent landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Its distinctive red-brick façade and twin bell towers make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
Central Post Office: Adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office is another architectural gem. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it features a grand interior with ornate decorations and a functioning post office.
4.Explore Halong Bay like a local
There are tons of enjoyable activities and places to visit in and around Halong Bay:
Cruise on Halong Bay: One of the best ways to experience Halong Bay is by taking a cruise. There are several cruise options ranging from day trips to multi-day excursions. Cruises typically include visits to scenic spots, swimming, kayaking, and onboard dining.
5-Star Cruises: Orchid Trendy Cruise, Ambassador Cruise, Orchid Classic Cruise, La Regina Legend Cruise, Indochina Cruise, Nostalgia Cruise
4-Star Cruises: Lily Cruise, La Casta Cruise, Rosy Cruise, Paradise Sails, Pelican Cruise
Explore Caves: Halong Bay is dotted with numerous caves, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular caves to explore include Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave). Guided tours are available at most caves.
Visit Floating Villages: Take a boat trip to one of Halong Bay’s floating fishing villages, such as Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Here, you can observe the daily life of local fishermen and learn about their traditional way of living on the water.
Take a Seaplane Tour: For a unique perspective of Halong Bay, consider taking a seaplane tour. These scenic flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the bay’s limestone formations and emerald waters.
Take a FOOD tour in Halong Bay
Start your gastronomic journey with local delicacies such as banh cuon, a steamed rice roll filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. Also, the region’s famous seafood dishes like grilled squid, prawns, and fish, are freshly caught and expertly prepared. Wander through bustling markets and street food stalls to sample authentic Vietnamese pho, a hearty noodle soup infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Conclude your food tour by savoring a refreshing glass of sugar cane juice or a cup of Vietnamese coffee, perfect for rounding off your culinary exploration of Halong Bay.
5.Conclusion
From the vibrant streets of Saigon to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, the journey encapsulates the essence of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and wonder. Metta Voyage is ready to provide you with more details.
For more information about other tours, click here:
Lan Ha Bay Deeper Exploring on Indochine Cruises
Ho Chi Minh City Half-day Tour
Contact us:
Website: www.mettavoyage.com
Email: [email protected]
Hotline 24/7: + 84 989 383 572
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