Transportation in Halong

Halong moves on water and wheels. The shuttle buses that link the piers with Bai Chay and Tuan Chau are cheap, frequent, and the only way most travelers reach the overnight-cruise docks. Once you're on the bay, everything is by boat, day-tour junks, speedboats to outlying caves, and the hotel-run tenders that ferry guests from pier to floating villages. Taxis are plentiful in Bai Chay town but become a splurge if you use them for the 20-minute hop to the marina. The shuttles cover the same ground for a fraction of the price. First-timers should know the piers are not the town. Bai Chay has the hotels, night market, and bus station, while the actual embarkation points sit 3, 5 km away at Tuan Chau or Hon Gai. Arrive early enough to ride the shuttle rather than panic-hire a taxi. If you're flying in, the airport shuttle (look for the clearly marked counter in the arrivals hall) is the honest middle option, cheaper than a private car, faster than piecing together local buses. Skip the freelance drivers who meet flights. They quote high and detour to commission shops.