How to Get to Hai Duong: Bus, Train & Motorbike from Hanoi

Hai Duong is a working industrial city, not a tourist destination in the classic sense. But it sits on the way to Ha Long Bay, has decent "banh hoai" (a local rice cake specialty), and serves as a logical stopover or base if you're traveling north from Hanoi toward the coast. Getting there is straightforward—almost too straightforward to need a guide, but here's what you need to know.

From Hanoi by Bus

This is the most common route. Hai Duong sits about 50 km east of central Hanoi, roughly 1 hour by road.

Direct buses run from Hanoi's Gia Lam bus station (on the eastern side of the Red River). Buses labeled "Hai Duong" or "Hai Duong–Ha Long" depart throughout the day, usually every 30–45 minutes from early morning (5:30 a.m.) until early evening (6 p.m.). The trip takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and stops.

Cost: 40,000–60,000 VND per person (roughly $1.70–$2.50 USD).

If you're coming from Hanoi Old Quarter, you'll need to get to Gia Lam station first—a 20-minute taxi ride (80,000–120,000 VND) or motorbike (via Grab or similar, 50,000–70,000 VND). Factor that into your total journey time and cost.

Why take the bus? It's cheap, frequent, and you'll share seats with locals. The downside: buses are often crowded, air-con can be hit-or-miss, and if you're sensitive to honking and close proximity, it's an experience.

From Hanoi by Motorbike or Motorbike Taxi

If you have a rented motorbike, Hai Duong is a straightforward 50 km ride east via National Highway 1 (QL1). The road is decent, fairly flat, and busy with trucks. Allow 1–1.5 hours in light traffic; longer in the morning or evening rush.

Rent cost: 50,000–100,000 VND per day for a basic 100–125cc automatic bike from a Hanoi rental shop (plus fuel, ~20,000 VND for the trip each way).

Motorbike taxi (Grab Bike or local xe om) from central Hanoi will cost 80,000–150,000 VND depending on negotiation and exact start/end point. Takes roughly the same time as a bus, but you have a dedicated driver and no waiting for a full vehicle.

From Ha Long Bay or Other Northern Destinations

Hai Duong lies roughly halfway between Hanoi and Ha Long (about 120 km total from Hanoi to Ha Long). If you're coming from Ha Long, buses run the reverse route—Ha Long bus station to Hai Duong costs 60,000–80,000 VND, takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Same stops and frequency apply.

If you're base-hopping through the north (Sapa, Ha Giang, then down to the coast), Hai Duong becomes a logical rest stop rather than a destination. Most travelers pass through without stopping.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

From Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City

Hai Duong is not a common routing from the south. If you're coming from Saigon, you'd either:

1. Fly to Hanoi (2–3 hour flight, ~$30–$80 USD depending on airline and booking window), then take a bus or motorbike as above.
2. Overnight sleeper bus from Saigon to Hanoi (12–14 hours, 300,000–500,000 VND), then onward to Hai Duong. Not practical for a Hai Duong-specific trip.

From Da Nang

Similarly, Da Nang to Hai Duong is a long detour. If you're coming south from Da Nang toward Hanoi, you'd pass through Hai Duong along National Highway 1, but a direct planned stop is uncommon. Bus or train from Da Nang to Hanoi takes 10–14 hours; once in Hanoi, follow the Hanoi-to-Hai Duong steps above.

Photo by NGUYỄN THÀNH NHƠN on Pexels

By Train

Train service to Hai Duong exists but is rarely used by tourists. Trains from Hanoi to Ha Long or Hai Phong (the port city nearby) may stop in Hai Duong, but schedules are irregular and the journey is slower than bus. Booking is also more cumbersome (Vietnamese Railways website, or via local travel agents). Unless you're a train enthusiast or have excess time, skip this option.

Where to Base Yourself

Hai Duong city center has basic hotels (2–3 star, 200,000–400,000 VND per night) and a few local restaurants. It's not a tourist hub, so expect modest amenities and Vietnamese-only signage in smaller eateries.

Better option: stay in Hanoi proper (more choice, better food, easier onward travel) and take a day trip to Hai Duong, or skip Hai Duong entirely if you're not stopping specifically for the banh hoai cakes or a specific business reason. Most travelers heading to Ha Long from Hanoi go direct and don't pause in Hai Duong.

That said, if you're on a motorbike exploring the Red River Delta, Hai Duong makes a natural rest and refuel point. The city is unpretentious and has some local character if you poke around the market area.

Practical Notes

Bus is your easiest, cheapest bet from Hanoi (60–90 minutes, 40,000–60,000 VND). Motorbike rental offers flexibility if you're exploring the region more broadly. Train is possible but not tourist-friendly. Coming from the south, Hanoi is your hub; few travelers route directly to Hai Duong from Saigon or Da Nang. Most importantly: Hai Duong is a working city with minimal English and few tourist facilities—plan accordingly if you're staying overnight.