How to Get from Thailand to Halong Bay

Visa requirements

Nationality	Visa requirements	Free Stay
Thailand	Not required	30 days
Other passport holders residing in Thailand	Visa required	N/A

How to get a visa

Map of the embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok, Thailand (Google map) 

There are three options for visitors from Thailand to get a visa for Vietnam:

• Visa at the local embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok: 83 1 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Phone: +66 2 251 7202 (Verified)
• Visa on arrival (Applicable to air travel only)
• E-visa (Official site)

A 30 day tourist visa may cost about US$25 to US$50 (755 to 1500 Thai Baht).

From Bangkok

Bangkok at night (Photo: Shutterstock)

There are daily non-stop flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang) to Hanoi (Noi Bai). The average flight time is about 1h50m and the lowest round trip fare is THB 3,860.

From Chiang Mai

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, Chiang mai, Thailand (Photo: Shutterstock)

The distance between Chiang Mai and Hanoi is 877 miles (1412 km). You can get to Hanoi from Chiang Mai either by bus (via Luang Prabang, Laos) or airplane.

Airplane:

Airlines	Flight Schedule	Stops	Price
Thai AirAsia	13:20 CNX - 14:50 HAN - Airbus A321(1h30m)	Non-stop	THB 3,460 (Round-trip)

Bus: 

There is no direct by from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. You will need to take a bus from Chiang Mai to either Huay Xay or Luang Prabang in Laos, then catch another bus to Hanoi. Since the bus is not a sleeper-bus, you can expect an uncomfortable and time consuming bus ride.

From Krabi

Krabi, Thailand (Shutterstock)

There are no direct flights between Krabi and Hanoi. You will need to fly to Bangkok, then onto Hanoi.

Schedule:

Airlines	Flight Schedule	Stops	Price
Thai Lion Air	13:10 KBV - 20:15 HAN (7h5m)	1 Stop (3 h 45m in DMK)	THB 6,665 (Round-trip)
Thai Airways	10:20 KBV - 19:20 HAN (9h0m)	1 Stop (5 h 50m in BKK)	THB 11,970 (Round-trip)

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a UK passport holder living in Chiang Mai, do I need a visa to visit Halong bay?

No, UK passport holders are exempt from visa for 15 days.

Are there direct flights from Thailand to Halong bay?

No, there is no direct flight between Thailand and Halong bay at the moment. Many airlines plan to open new routes to Van Don Airport in the time to come.

Are there any international cruise lines connecting between Thailand and Halong bay?

Yes, Silversea, Silver Spirit (website) operates a 14 night holiday starting from Singapore to Koh Samui, then to Halong bay.

Last updated: November 24, 2019