Your guide to flying to Ha Long Bay
Updated: Aug 25
Ha Long Bay is served by several airports in northern Vietnam. Van Don International Airport is the closest airport in Quang Ninh, while Cat Bi International Airport and Noi Bai International Airport offer more flight options and are often more practical for travelers.
Cat Bi International Airport
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) is the main airport serving Hai Phong and one of the most convenient gateways to Ha Long Bay. Located about 8 km from Hai Phong city center, the airport handles both domestic and international flights, with connections to major destinations in Vietnam and selected cities in Asia.
Cat Bi is also relatively close to Ha Long, at around 45-50 km away, making it a practical choice if you want a shorter transfer after your flight. The journey usually takes about 1-1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and your final destination.
For travelers heading to Ha Long, Cat Bi's main advantage is its relatively short road connection. You can continue by private car, taxi, shuttle, or limousine after landing.
Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is Hanoi's main international airport and the largest gateway for travelers arriving in northern Vietnam. It has separate terminals for domestic and international flights and offers a much wider range of routes and airlines than Cat Bi.
The airport is approximately 170-190 km from Ha Long Bay, depending on the route and destination in Ha Long. Traveling by road usually takes around 2.5-3.5 hours, so the journey is longer than from Cat Bi. However, the wider choice of international flights makes Noi Bai a practical option for many visitors.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is there an airport near Ha Long Bay?
Yes. Van Don International Airport (VDO) is in Quang Ninh Province, around 50 km from Ha Long. However, it has limited scheduled flights, so Cat Bi and Noi Bai are usually more practical for most travelers.
2. Can I fly directly from Hanoi to Van Don Airport?
No. There is currently no regular direct passenger flight from Hanoi to Van Don, so travelers from Hanoi normally continue to Ha Long by road.
3. How do I get from Cat Bi Airport to Ha Long Bay?
You can take a private car, taxi, shuttle, or limousine. Cat Bi is a convenient choice because of its relatively short road connection to Ha Long.
4. How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?
Private cars, shuttle buses, and limousines are common options. The journey takes longer than from Cat Bi but offers more transfer choices.
5. Which airport is best for international travelers?
Noi Bai generally offers the widest choice of international flights, while Cat Bi can be more convenient if you find a suitable direct flight.
6. Can I go directly from the airport to my Ha Long Bay cruise?
Yes. You can arrange a transfer directly from the airport to your cruise departure point. Check your cruise's check-in time when booking your transfer.
Our local recommendation
For the shortest and most convenient road journey, check flights to Cat Bi first. If you are traveling internationally or need more flight choices, Noi Bai is usually the easier option.
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