Halong Bay cruise withot the bus transfer from Hanoi

Dear helpful people,

In April, we will fly from HCMC to Hanoi, stay for one night, then for three nights at the Novotel Halong bay (we got a fabulous rate 0f $40 per night so we HAD to stay there). We would then like to do a Halong bay cruise.

I have a few questions:

1) Is it better to book the cruise in Hanoi or Halong Bay? Would it be cheaper in Halong becuase its more last minute, and no bus transfer from Hanoi is needed?

2) If we book in Hanoi, do you think we could use the bus transfer from Hanoi three days before we take the cruise, and then just take the bus straight back to Hanoi?

3) How much would a private transfer cost? (there are three of us)

4) Is there a faster or better way to get back to HCMC (Saigon) than driving all the way to/from Hanoi? eg. is there an airport or train station significantly closer to Halong Bay? We would prefer to avoid Hanoi if we can (at least one way).

Sorry, thats a lot of questions!

Halong Bay cruise withot the bus transfer from Hanoi

1. Booking can be made in Halong city but it%26#39;s advised to book it in advance in Hanoi or online. It could be cheaper at the last minute.

2. Yes you can use the bus from Hanoi then go on board on a different day, a friend of mine did this before with Indochina Junk on the Princess.

3+4. A private transfer would cost around 75$ for oneway to Halong, but it%26#39;s better to travel there on the junk bus then hire a car on the way back to go straight to Noi Bai airport for yr flight to SG.

Happy travel!

Halong Bay cruise withot the bus transfer from Hanoi

Thanks very much Hanoisunny!

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