Below would be the most frequent questions about Transportation and Communication in Northern Vietnam. Leave us comment if you need more else or share it to your friend if you find them useful.
Q1: IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM HAI PHONG AIRPORT TO HA LONG BAY?
A1: No public transportation in there. You need to take MaiLinh taxi (green one).
Q2: HOW CAN I MOVE FROM NINH BINH TO PHONG NHA
A2: There is overnight train or bus from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi, and overnight bus from Ninh Binh direct to Phong Nha.
The bus is Overnight. Maybe take 5-7h.
Q3: SLEEPER BUS TICKET FROM HUE TO NINH BINH?
A3: 200.000-250.000 dong for a one ticket from Hue to Ninh Binh.
Q4: IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM HA LONG BAY REGION TO CAO BANG?
A4: Yess. It departs at 22.00. Check here for more information:
http://thongtinxekhach.com/xe-khach-quang-ninh-cao-bang-id43.html.
Q5: WE GO FROM NINH BINH TO PHONG NHA WITH MOTORCYCLES? WE HAVE TO HONDA WINS TO TAKE WITH US. I KNOW TRAIN IS AN OPTION BUT I’VE HEARD MANY BIKES FALL DURING THE TRANSPORT AND THEREFORE NEED FIXED AT ARRIVAL. I’VE HEARD THAT IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE MOTORBIKE ON A SLEEPER BUS?
A5: Me and my friend took ours on a sleeper and it was sound just take note that they drain your tank before they put the bike on so don’t rock up with a full. Maybe you can ask the bus’ owner if you can bring a can of gasoline just in case..
Q6: HOW CAN I TRANSPORT IN HA GIANG?
A6: We have been to Ha Giang without bikes. You can take the bus very easy and visit beautifull villages. Did a nice hike in Dong Van and the market. We taxied from Dong Van to the east and there you can reach Ba be.
Q7: I WILL HAVE 4 FULL DAYS (MAX) TO DO THE NORTHEST AREA. I MEAN HA GIANG AND ARROUNDS AND CAO BANG TO HEAD TO BAN GIOC WATERFALLS
IF IM ONLY STAYING AT HA GIANG AREA THERE IS NO PROBLEM. BUT I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT BAN GIOC WATERFALL ASWELL, AND OF COURSE I DON’T WANT TO MISS IT.
I CHECKED AND IT’S SO FAR AWAY ONE PLACE TO THE OTHER, AND THERE IS NO NICE TRANSPORTATION TO CONNECT BAN GIOC WITH CAO BANG
HOW CAN I MAKE IT?
A7: 1. You hardly have a chance of making it to Ban Gioc. You realize it’s 8 hours just to get to Ha giang from Hanoi right? 4 days on the Ha giang loop is already a bit tight if you aren’t just rushing it.
2. Tight but possible: Going to /from hanoi Is by night bus, so no problem for it. I will do 3 days typical loop in Ha Giang area, arriving back a little bit earlier (3pm maybe) to ha Giang. Then, a private car will bring us to Cao Bang arriving night time after around 7h trip just to sleep. 4th day Ban Gioc waterfalls and caves,and night bus back to Hanoi. .
Q8: IF SOMEONE EVER TRIED FREE RIDE (HITCHHIKING) BY PATIENTLY WAITING/TRYING/STANDING ALONG THE ROAD IN NORTHERN VIETNAM ?
A8: You can but I think most of driver will feel dangerous with a stranger on road.
Q9: CURRENT TRAIN ROUTES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM?
A9: Hanoi – Lao Cai (The busiest route)
Hanoi – Dong Dang
Hanoi – Quan Trieu
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ho Chi Minh city.
Q10: MOST WELL-KNOWN FERRY AND BOAT TOURISTS ROUTES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM?
A10: Haiphong – Cat Ba, Ha Long – Quan Lan, Cai Rong – Quan Lan, Cai Rong – Co To, Tuan Chau – Cat Ba.
Q11: WHICH AIRPORT IS CLOSEST TO HA LONG BAY?
A11: The closest airprt to Halong bay are: Cat Bi international airport (Hai Phong, about 40km west of Ha Long), Van Don International Airport (about 65km east of Ha Long).
Q12: CAN I TRAVEL BY BOAT FROM HAI PHONG TO CAT BA ISAND?
A12: Yes! Speedboat from Hai Phong goes directly to the south part of the Cat Ba island, to the town of Cat Ba
This route takes about 1 hour, boat form the Pha Binh Port
The one-way boat/ticket price is about 180,000 VND – 260,000 VND (12-14$).
Q13: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL BY BOAT FROM HAI PHONG TO CAT BA ISLAND?
A13: The one-way boat/ticket price is about 180,000 VND – 260,000 VND (12-14$).
Q14: WHICH AIRPORT IS CLOSEST TO CAT BA ISLAND?
A14: It’s the Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, about 25km west of the Cat Ba island.
Q15: HOW TO GET FROM TUAN CHAU ISLAND TO CAT BA ISLAND?
A15: You can take a boat transfer from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba island, about 1 hour (Gia Luan pier). At this boat you can also transport your motorbike and explore this island on your own..
Q16: HOW TO GET FROM HA GIANG TO DONG VAN?
A16: You can travel by local buses from HaGiang bus station or you can rent motorbike in HaGiang town.
You can ask Ha Giang bus station when the local bus to Dong van depart.
Motorbike is a good way to explore Ha Giang province, but it is recommended only for experienced motorbike drivers.
Q17: IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL BY PRIVATE CAR TO HA GIANG?
A17: It is possible to buy private tour with car to Ha Giang, you can book these tour/trip in Ha Noi. Some tourists agencies in Ha Noi offer for example: 3-4 days tour in Ha Giang province with private car and driver.
Q18: HOW TO GET BACK FROM HA GIANG TO HA NOI?
A18: You can also travel by bus or van, minivan. There are night or day buses in this route..
Q19: HOW CAN I GO FROM SAPA TO HA LONG BAY?
A19: Travel distance from Sapa to Halong bay is about 480 km by land if you travel over Hanoi. You have to travel from Sapa or Lao Cai to Hanoi and then from Ha Noi to Ha Long by bus/train.
You can also take direct bus from Sapa to Ha Long, bus ticket is cheap and costs about 15$/pp, or you can travel by train from Lao Cai (30 km from Sapa) to Hanoi and from Hanoi you can travel by train to Hai Phong..
Q20: CAN I GO BY SLEEPER BUS FROM SAPA TO HA LONG BAY?
A20: Yes! you can go by sleeper and comfortabel bus of Phuc Xuyen company.
They depart from Sapa at 8.00, 11.00, 16.00 and take about 8-9 hours to reach Ha Noi.
One-way bus ticket is 15-16$
Bus arrives to Bai Chay bus station in Ha Long.
Q21: HOW MUCH IS THE BUS TICKET FROM SAPA TO HA LONG BAY?
A21: One-way bus ticket is 15-16$.
Q22: HOW TO GET FROM SAPA TO HANOI?
A22: You can go by bus: Dragon Express, Hung Thanh, EcoSapa, Sapa Express, The Sinh tourist, Group tour…
It takes about 5,5-7 hours
One-way ticket costs about 220,000 – 500,000 VND.
Q23: HOW TO GO FROM LAO CAI TO HANOI BY TRAIN?
A23: You can travel by train, which takes about 8,5 hours (night or day train)
Price of one-way ticket is about 150,000 – 900,000 VND
Trains of Viet Nam railways or private tourist companies (Orient Express, Sapaly, King Express, Violette…).
Q24: IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL BY PLANE FROM SAPA TO HALONG BAY?
A24: No, it’s not possible. There’s no airport in Sapa.
Q25: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM HANOI TO HA LONG BAY?
A25: By bus: 8-9 hours
By train+bus: 14 hours.
Q26: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL FROM SAPA TO HA LONG BAY?
A26: By bus: 15-16$
By train+bus: >15$.
Q27: HOW TO GO FROM LAO CAI TO SAPA BY BUS?
A27: – there are local public buses from Lao Cai to Sapa
– bus tickets from Lao Cai to Sapa cost about $1.30
– travel by bus from Lao Cai to Sapa takes about 1-1.5 hours
– you can also take a bus from Hanoi – Hanoi to Sapa – Bus Schedule
– bus companies from Lao Cai to Sapa: Lao Cai Public Bus
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Q28: HOW TO GO FROM NINH BINH TO CAT BA ISLAND BY BUS?
A28: – there are some tourist buses from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island
– bus tickets from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island cost about $15-19
– there is also a boat/ferry transfer from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
– travel by bus+ferry from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island takes about 4.5-5 hours
– bus companies from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: The Long Travel, Daichi Travel, Good Morning Cat Ba.
Q29: HOW TO GO FROM LAO CAI TO HA NOI BY TRAIN?
A29: – top frequented train route in northern Vietnams
– there are 2 night trains (SP2+SP4) every day from Lao Cai to Hanoi of Vietnam Railway
– tourist luxury trains are added to SP2+SP4 trains of Vietnam Railways
– train tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi cost about $6-100
– travel by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi takes about 7-8 hours.
Q30: HOW TO GO FROM NINH BINH TO DA NANG BY TRAIN?
A30: – top frequented train route from northern to southern Vietnam
– there are about 5 trains every day from Ninh Binh to Da Nang of Vietnam Railways
– there are also tourist luxury Violette Train, Livitrans Express, Laman Express, Lotus Train
– train tickets from Ninh Binh to Da Nang cost about $12-78
– travel by train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang takes about 13-14 hours.
Q31: HOW TO GO FROM NINH BINH TO HUE BY TRAIN?
A31: – railway route from central to southern Vietnam
– travel by train from Ninh Binh to Hue takes about 11 hours
– there are about 6 trains every day from Ninh Binh to Hue of Vietnam Railways
– luxury Livitrans Express Train, Laman Express, Lotus Train
– train tickets from Ninh Binh to Hue cost about $10-68.
Q32: HOW TO GO FROM NINH BINH TO HA NOI BY TRAIN?
A32: – travel by train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi takes about 2.5-3 hours
– there are about 6-7 trains every day from Ninh Binh to Hanoi of Vietnam Railways
– train tickets from Ninh Binh to Hanoi cost about $3-6
– it is only about 100 km by train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
Q33: HOW TO GO FROM NINH BINH TO VINH BY TRAIN?
A33: – travel by train from Ninh Binh to Vinh takes about 3.5-4 hours
– there are about 6-7 trains every day from Ninh Binh to Vinh of Vietnam Railways
– train tickets from Ninh Binh to Vinh cost about $6-15 (seat, sleeper)
– travel distance is about 200 km by train from Ninh Binh to Vinh.
Q34: IT IS POSSIBLE TO RENT A MOTORBIKE IN HA GIANG?
A34: – yes, as elsewhere in every major city and town
– there are more rental bikes and scooters in Ha Giang town
– in Ha Giang + Cao Bang you can try this very good rental – QT Motorbike+Tours
– rent a motorbike in Hanoi+Ha Giang, Da Nang > RENTABIKEVN.com
– check and try a motorbike before you go
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Q35: HOW TO GET TO QUAN LAN ISLAND?
A35: – the shortest route from the port of Cai Rong
– the longer route, but scenic cruise – from Hon Gai Port (Ha Long city) .
Q36: WHERE IS MU CANG CHAI?
A36: Mu Cang Chai – this is one of the most impressive places in Yen Bai province. One of the most beautiful and largest rice terraces and beautiful nature of northern Vietnam. The whole area at Mu Cang Chai is a home to a predominantly ethnic Hmong group. However, it is not so easy to travel there unless you have a motorbike or your private carrier. It is a hilly to mountainous area, so some of the roads are a little less navigable and there may be landslides in the monsoon season..
Q37: HOW TO GO FROM YEN BAI TO MU CANG CHAI BY BUS?
A37: there are some local buses from Yen Bai to Mu Cang Chai
buses stop also in Nghia Lo
travel distance from Yen Bai town to Mu Cang Chai is about 170 km
travel by bus from Yen Bai town to Mu Cang Chai takes about 5 hours
for the exact times you need to ask at the bus station in Yen Bai.
Q38: IT IS POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL FROM MU CANG CHAI TO SAPA?
A38: Yes, it is possible to travel by bus from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa. For the exact times of departures you have to ask at the hotel. It is good to know, the bus connections in Mu Cang Chai are limited.
Q39: WHERE IS TRANG AN?
A39: Trang An is an fascinating scenic complex in Ninh Binh with a rich history, written in UNESCO. Travel distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (Trang An) is about 90 km. Trang An is an important natural and cultural heritage of Vietnam, a tourist site that includes rich archaeological evidence, but also pagodas, caves and smaller palaces and temples. The main attractions are tourist boat trips along the rivers that intersect the entire area. Although this place is very touristy, it is definitely worth a visit and is very easily accessible from Hanoi. Trang An is near of Tam Coc, another popular tourist place in Ninh Binh.
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Q40: HOW TO GO FROM DIEN BIEN PHU TO MUONG NHE?
A40: From Dien Bien Phu city, follow Highway 12 about 280km according to the schedule of Muong Cha – Si Sa Phin – Cha Cang – Muong Nhe – Sin Thau, you will reach the center of Sin Thau commune, the starting point for the main journey to the Westernmost A Pa Chai. Asphalted car road has been made to the center of the commune, only motorbikes can run to the foot of Khoang La San mountain, saving about 2 hours on foot compared to the time of the unfinished road..
Q41: WHERE TO RENT MOTORBIKE IN DIEN BIEN?
A41: Dien Bien motorbike for rent
Phone: 0988179429
Hai Trang
01658 898 898
back gate of Dien Bien Education College
Mr Duc
0968734734
Him Lam, Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien.
Q42: WHERE TO RENT MOTORBIKE IN HA GIANG?
A42: GIANG SON
Services: Helmets – Travel map – Supply of goods
Address: Km 3 Cầu Mè, Tp Hà Giang, Hà Giang (Right next to Hà Giang bus station)
Phone: 094 171 9955 – 0988 470863
HANG THUONG
Services: On-site vehicle delivery – Travel map – Lending car repair items – Offering 2 bottles of water per vehicle – Half and half helmets
Address: 15B Pham Hong Thai, Group 17, Minh Khai Ward, Ha Giang City, Ha Giang
Phone: 083 6399 888 – 0942 50 8448 (Mr Thuong).
Q43: WHICH BUS COMPANIES GO FROM HA GIANG TO QUAN BA?
A43: CUONG THUY
Schedule: Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Departure time: Ha Giang 5h00-6h00 Quan Ba 12:00 – 16:00
Phone: 0915 407522
THANG PHUONG
Schedule: Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Departure time: Ha Giang 11:30 Quan Ba 6h00
Phone: 0915 185434
TAN YEN
Schedule: Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Departure time: Ha Giang 12h00 Quan Ba 6h30
Phone: 0912 369134.
Q44: WHICH BUS COMPANIES GO FROM HA GIANG TO YEN MINH?
A44: NGOC CUONG
Schedule: Ha Giang – Yen Minh
Departure time: Ha Giang 12h00-1300 Yen Minh 6h30-7h00
Phone: 0904 256279
HOANG TUYEN
Schedule: Ha Giang – Yen Minh
Departure time: Ha Giang 15:30 Yen Minh 5:30
Phone: 0912 120566.
Q45: WHICH BUS COMPANIES GO FROM HA GIANG TO DONG VAN?
A45: CAU ME
Schedule: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Departure time: Ha Giang 5h00-12h00 Dong Van 5h00-12h00
Phone: 0915 448933
A SINH
Schedule: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Departure time: Ha Giang 5h00-12h00 Dong Van 5h00-12h00
Phone: 0984 520371
TRUNG YEN
Schedule: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Departure time: Ha Giang 12:30 Dong Van 5h00
Phone: 0979 682261.
Q46: WHICH BUS COMPANIES GO FROM HA GIANG TO MEO VAC?
A46: HOANG TAI
Schedule: Ha Giang – Meo Vac
Departure time: Ha Giang 5h00-11h30 Meo Vac 6h30-13h00
Phone: 0912394082
CAU ME
Schedule: Ha Giang – Meo Vac
Departure time: Hà Giang 5:00 Mạc Vac 5h00
Phone: 0167 2116226
NGOC KHANH
Schedule: Ha Giang – Meo Vac
Departure time: Ha Giang 9:00 Meo Vac 12h00
Phone: 0987 382992
QUANG NGHI
Schedule: Ha Giang – Meo Vac
Departure time: Ha Giang 10h30-12h30 Meo Vac 5h00-10h00
Phone: 0946744733.
Q47: HOW TO GO TO DONG VAN PLATEAU IN HA GIANG?
A47: You should take a motorbike or private car to the town of Dong Van. And of course, both of these vehicles should be suitable for mountainous terrain.
If you do not have a private car, go to the bus station of Ha Giang City to take a passenger car to Dong Van, the ticket price ranges from VND 70,000 – VND 80,000 / ticket / person; Bus hours: Morning 5 am, 10:30 pm, 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock. Or rent a motorbike for 150,000 VND / day to be more active..
Q48: HOW TO GO TO LUNG CU FLAGPOLE IN HA GIANG?
A48: From Ha Giang town, follow the National Highway 4C up to the northeast about 160km, visitors will come to Dong Van commune, Dong Van district. From here, continue down the paved road connecting Lung Cu – Dong Van communes about 40km, visitors will reach Lung Cu peak..
Q49: HOW FAR FROM HA GIANG TO LUNG CU?
A49: From Ha Giang to Lung Cu is about 160km long along the 4C Highway. On the way to Lung Cu from Ha Giang City, you will go through Quan Ba sky gate, Dong Van rock plateau, King Meo Palace, to the intersection of the National Flag Tower, then turn left and go about 30km more to reach Lung Cu.
Q50: HOW TO GO TO LUNG CU?
A50: Option 1: Go by private car or bus
From Hanoi, you take a bus to Ha Giang city, then you can rent a motorbike there and run to Lung Cu; Or you can continue by bus Ha Giang – Dong Van to reach Lung Cu.
Method 2: Go to Lung Cu by motorbike
From Hanoi, you take a motorbike in the direction of Highway 2 through Vinh Yen city, Tuyen Quang is going to Ha Giang city.
From Ha Giang city, you follow the highway 4C through Quan Ba Sky Gate, Dong Van rock plateau is going to Lung Cu..
Q51: HOW TO GO TO QUAN BA FROM HA GIANG?
A51: You follow Highway 2 to milestone 0 – Ha Giang and then follow Highway 4C through Bac Sum Slope – Quyet Tien Commune – Quan Ba Sky Gate to go to Quan Ba District Central Market..
Q52: WHAT BUSES GO FROM HA NOI TO QUAN BA?
A52: From Hanoi, you take a bus or limousine to Ha Giang City, then continue on from the Ha Giang city to Quan Ba. Some bus companies running Hanoi – Ha Giang route you can refer to such as: Hung Thanh, Hai Van, Cau Me, Ngoc Cuong, Bang Phan, Khai Huyen, Khanh Hang … …
Q53: HOW TO GP FROM HA GIANG CITY TO SA PHIN MARKET?
A53: If coming from Ha Giang City, after entering Dong Van district – starting with Pho Cao, going through Sung La valley to Sa Phin valley. Meo market and the Cat King Palace are right below. This section is steep, cliffs look a bit terrible if you first climb to the rock plateau, but very beautiful.
Exactly when you go to a small junction with the straight sign is Lung Cu flagpole 22km and one direction only go straight to Dong Van 15km, then stand at this junction, look down on the right hand, there is a grove of trees . That is the Meo Palace and in front of the market.
Q54: HOW TO GO FROM DONG VAN TOWN TO SA PHIN MARKET?
A54: If you are from Dong Van Old Quarter, then you are going in the opposite direction, going about 15km, there is a slope on the left, turn left down the small slope leading to Meo’s palace and Sa Phin market.
Otherwise, just go, whenever there is a sign of Sa Phin commune, if you pay a little attention, you will find Sa Phin market and close to the King Meo palace..
Q55: HOW TO GO TO MA PI LENG PASS IN DONG VAN, HA GIANG?
A55: From Dong Van town, you rent a motorbike, go back to Meo Vac, but only about 15km to the stop at the top of Ma Pi Leng pass. In the past, this place was just a few gray cliffs protruding on the mouth of the valley for young people to climb out and raise their hands to take pictures of the scenery of the Nho Que River below..
Q56: HOW TO GO TO MA PI LENG PASS IN DONG VAN, HA GIANG WITHOUT USING MOTORBIKE?
A56: If you do not want to travel by a motorbike, then the another option is to use the local mototaxi (Xe Om) in Dong Van (hotel can arrange this transport, I recommend ask at the hotel), a classic taxi car, or a local small bus to Meo Vac, for the exact departure times you have to ask at the hotel in in Dong Van). The local bus is concerned, however, will not stop you on the viewpoints in the pass
For those stronger – you can also ride a bicycle. .
Q57: HOW TO GO FROM HA NOI TO DONG VAN?
A57: if you are not traveling on a motorbike or with a tour agency, is to take a bus to Ha Giang town and then take a local bus to Dong Van. You can book and buy tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang online. .
Q58: HOW TO GO TO 3 FARTHEST COMMUNE OF MEO VAC?
A58: From Meo Vac center to Ma Pi Leng pass, at the foot of the pass, there will be a small road to Xin Cai, this is the way to these 3 communes. The road is about 50km with lots of passes, steep curves and the bends of sleeves to ensure you will feel overwhelmed and surprised by the wonders of nature here..
Q59: HOW LONG THE BUS TAKE TO GO FROM LAO CAI TO HA GIANG?
A59: The bus trip from Lao Cai to Ha Giang town may take up to 6 hours.