The Hanoi To Halong Bay Train Journey
*NOTE: When talking about Halong Bay, many people use the correct Vietnamese spelling of Ha Long but to save confusion, i’ll keep it all as one word and use Halong throughout as that seems to be the most common version amongst travelers.*
When making the trip from Hanoi to Halong, why not use the train?
The train is the final mode of land transportation, and it is also the oldest. The train will transport you back in time, unlike other noisy and hurrying vehicles. When a train whistle sounds, many people find joy in watching it slowly pull away from a train station.
You’ll have a great view and an opportunity to mingle with the locals. Traveling to Halong Bay by train is a great option for those who are looking to relax and immerse themselves in the local culture. Going by train is particularly secure.
Only one train leaves each day. It takes anything from 5-7 hours to complete the trip. Yen Vien Station is an option for your departure point. If you prefer a hard or a soft seat, the cost is around US$4.5. The flight is scheduled to depart at around 5 a.m.
The Halong Express can also take you from Gia Lam Station. The cost of a one-way ticket for a foreign tourist is $15 (for a single traveller) and $10 (for a return) (group tourist).
What is the best way to purchase a train ticket to Halong Bay, Vietnam?
Check out the website dailyvetauhoa.com for information on Yen Vien Station departures and head straight to the station to reserve a ticket, or call the number 1900 1224 or 0978 198 489. To reserve a seat on the Halong Express from Gia Lam, visitors can dial (024) 9 059 059 or (+84) 944 916 916.
From Hanoi, what negatives can you expect?
Among all modes of land transportation, the railway is by far the least frequented and least convenient. Compared to other cars, it’s pricey and takes a long time to get there. Due to the fact that it’s not ideal, the schedule is erratic.
It’s possible that you won’t be able to catch a train on the day you wish. Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity. It’s not a big deal that the train makes a stop at Halong Station. You won’t get to the city centre or the waterfront on this route.
Because of this, you’ll need to take a taxi, which will add time and money to the trip. The train is absolutely not an option if you only have one day to make the journey.