Which Airport is Closest to Halong Bay?

As Halong Bay continues to gain popularity among both local and international tourists, Vietnam has made significant strides in improving transportation options to meet the growing demand. For many years, visitors were forced to travel a rough, pothole-filled road between Hanoi and Halong City, but recent infrastructure improvements have provided a much-needed upgrade.

These enhancements, including new highways, have made travel more comfortable. However, the question remains for many visitors flying in from other countries: “Which airport is closest to Halong Bay?” Let Halong Bay Cruise Trip answer your queries below!

Luon Cave in Halong Bay

In fact, Halong Bay is mainly served by 2 airports: Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Both airports offer easy transfers to the bay, though each has its benefits depending on your travel needs.

1. Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)

Located just 45 kilometres from Halong Bay, Cat Bi International Airport is the closest airport to the famous bay, with a transfer time of around one hour. While Cat Bi is smaller in comparison to larger airports like Noi Bai, it sees around 17 flights per day. These include domestic flights from major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Pleiku, and Phu Quoc, as well as some international routes from cities like Seoul, Shenzhen, and Bangkok.

>> Getting from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay

For travelers who prefer the shortest transfer time to Halong Bay, Cat Bi is an ideal choice. The road between Hai Phong and Halong is scenic, and the ride shows stunning views as you approach the bay. In addition to Halong Bay, Cat Bi is also the nearest airport for travelers heading to Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Here’s a quick breakdown of distances and travel times from Cat Bi to different harbors.

2. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

While it’s farther away from Halong Bay than Cat Bi, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is often considered the more convenient option for many visitors. As Hanoi is the capital and a key entry gate into Vietnam, the majority of tourists traveling to Halong Bay arrive through Noi Bai. Most cruise companies also base their operations in Hanoi for easy transfer services to Halong Bay directly from the airport or the city center.

>> Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay

Thanks to the new highways connecting Hanoi to Halong City, the Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi has become much smoother. Most cruise companies offer transfer services directly from Hanoi to Halong, Bai Tu Long, or Lan Ha Bay. Keep in mind that travel times with tour companies may be longer due to scheduled stops along the way. If time is of the essence, booking a private car is the fastest way to reach Halong Bay.

Here’s a look at the distances and estimated travel times from Noi Bai to the main harbors in Halong Bay.

For your Halong Bay cruise trip, Cat Bi Airport is the closest and quickest option, while Noi Bai Airport is more convenient for those exploring Hanoi first. You can plan your route for a smooth and memorable Vietnam travel with this stunning destination.