When it comes to charming destinations in the journey to discover Northern Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention Halong Bay and Ha Giang Loop. Ha Long Bay, with its beautiful natural scenery, has become one of the natural wonders recognized by UNESCO, while the Ha Giang Loop attracts tourists because of its majestic scenery and rich national culture.
To be able to experience these two places on the same trip, many people wonder about the distance from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop and which mode of transportation is the best. In this article, Karst Plateau will provide detailed instructions on how to get there, how much it costs, and useful tips to make your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
1. Distance from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop
The distance between Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, specifically about 450 km when connecting between Ha Long city center and Ha Giang city. However, if you choose to go through famous places along the way, the distance can be longer. One of the most attractive things about moving between these two places is the natural scenery along with the rich culture of the ethnic minorities here. Ha Long Bay has the beauty of islands overlapping in the sea, while Ha Giang shows buckwheat flower fields and magnificent limestone mountains. The travel time from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop is also quite flexible, depending on the mode you choose.
On this journey, visitors not only enjoy modern life but also discover the unique customs and customs of the local people. Dining, resting, and interacting with the community will be unforgettable experiences on this trip.
2. How to get from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop
To travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, you can choose one of the following vehicles. Each mode of travel has its own pros and cons, which you should consider based on your budget, time, and comfort.
3.1 By Bus
When choosing to take a bus from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, you will have extremely interesting experiences. First, this is an economical and popular method. You can easily find buses departing from Ha Long bus station to Ha Giang with reputable bus operators. One of the most popular car brands such as:
- New Way Bus: Travel time is about 10 hours. Ticket price: 480,000 VND ($19,5)
- Daiichi Travel: Sleeper, about 500,000 VND ($20,3)
- Thuan Thuc: Price 400,000 VND ($16,2), time about 9.7 hours.
There are many types of buses such as regular buses, sleeper buses, VIP buses, or limousines. However, it is recommended to take a sleeper bus so that you can sleep comfortably during the trip. To buy a bus ticket, you can contact the hotlines of the bus companies. And it’s a good idea to book your tickets 2 weeks before your departure date. The bus will start at Bai Chay bus station and end at Ha Giang bus station in Ha Giang city.
You should arrive at the bus station about 20-30 minutes before the departure time to have time to get on the bus or deal with urgent matters. If you’re planning on peak travel season, it’s important to book tickets in advance to secure a seat. In addition, you should also prepare snacks and drinks to ensure your health during the long journey, because there are few opportunities to stop on the road.
3.2 Take a taxi or private car
If you choose to travel by taxi or private car from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, you will get a more flexible experience in choosing your time and stopover. With a distance of about 450 km, the travel time by car can take from 8-10 hours depending on the traffic situation.
Taxi cost: Average about 2,500,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND ($101,6 to $121,9) for this journey. In some taxi companies, if you book in advance, it can be reduced by about 10-15%.
Private car: If traveling with a group, renting a private car can be more economical than taking a taxi. The car rental services in Ha Long are very diverse, you can easily choose the car that suits your needs and budget.
A car trip will give you comfort and no time limit, you can stop at beautiful spots on the way to enjoy the beauty of nature or experience the culture of the locals. Moreover, traveling by private car or taxi will help you quickly reach many popular attractions more easily. At the end of the journey at Ha Giang Loop, you will not only satisfy your need to explore but also have great memories in your life that you will never forget.
4. Book a transfer from Halong Bay
A convenient and comfortable way to travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop is to book a shuttle service. Many companies specializing in providing transportation services have been born, meeting the needs of tourists. You won’t have to worry about finding a vehicle or determining the departure time.
4.1 Tour Operators
To learn more about the transfer service from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, you can refer to reputable tour operators. Some companies such as Az Tour or Saigontourist offer transportation services between these locations. Visitors can contact the companies directly to get accurate information on prices and schedules. If you go in a group, you can completely negotiate with these companies to get a more preferential price.
4.2 Offline
In fact, not only are there regular means of transportation such as buses or taxis, but you can also explore your journey with offline services. Some motorbike taxi drivers or budget services are available that provide shuttle services from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop.
However, when choosing unorthodox services, always be careful and confirm the price clearly before you go. Alternatively, you can also book bus tickets through tour operators in Ha Long or Hanoi Old Quarter, which are convenient and reliable options.
4.3 Online
In addition to offline services, you can also search for and book shuttle services online. Many websites now allow you to book a car easily, you just need to go to the website and register the necessary information.
Benefits of booking online:
- Convenience: You can book a car anytime, anywhere without having to call or come in person.
- Compare prices: Easily compare prices between various units to find the best service.
- Quality Reviews: Reviews from previous customers will help you have a more objective view of the service.
5. Travel tips when traveling from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop
The journey from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop is not just a trip, but also an opportunity for you to discover the typical beauty of Northern Vietnam. Here are some small tips to make your journey smoother:Â
- Plan ahead: Whether it’s a short or long trip, having a clear plan will help you save time and enjoy the journey.
- Book transportation: Shuttle services are now easy to find and have many options, so you don’t have to worry about getting around.
- Prepare your belongings: Bring snacks, drinks, and convenient clothes to make the journey more comfortable.
- Check the weather forecast: This is especially important, especially in the rainy season or cold winter, so that you can best prepare for your trip.
- Stay in touch with family or friends: Make sure everyone knows your route and always have a way to get in touch if needed.
6. Cost of a trip from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop
When planning a trip from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop, the issue of cost is something you can’t ignore. Here is a summary of some of the types of costs you may encounter:
Moving costs
- Bus: Ticket price: From 250,000 to 500,000 VND/person ($10,1 to $20,3). Travel time is 6-8 hours depending on traffic conditions.
- Taxi: Estimated cost: From 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($101,6 to $121,9). Travel time from 8-10 hours.
- Motorbike: Car rental price: From 120,000 VND/day ($4,8). Estimated fuel cost from 200,000 VND ($8,1)for the whole journey.
Food and beverage costs
The cost of food in Ha Long Bay and Ha Giang has a big difference:
- In Ha Long: Dining at the restaurant from 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND ($8,1 to $40, 6). The cost for a budget meal is from 100,000 to 300,000 VND/day ($4 to $12,2).
- In Ha Giang: Local specialties are usually from 50,000 VND. The cost for a meal at a tourist restaurant is about 100,000 to 300,000 VND/person ($4 to $12,2).
Utility costs
- Hotels in Ha Giang: From 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND/night ($8,1 to $40, 6) depending on the type of stay.
- Entrance price to attractions: Lung Cu flagpole is about 25,000 VND/person ($1), and Cat King’s Mansion is about 25 VND/person ($1).
Understanding this cost will help you better plan your finances for your trip from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop.
The journey from Halong Bay to Ha Giang Loop is not just a simple commute but also a great experience for you to discover the magical beauty of Northern Vietnam. Each mode of transportation has its own advantages, so you should consider choosing the right one for your needs and budget. Prepare carefully for this trip, not only in terms of transportation and cost but also the psychology of being ready to explore the beautiful culture and nature here. Hopefully, the information that Karst Plateau shares in the article will help you have a lot of memorable and favorable experiences during your trip.