If you’re traveling by plane, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to fly into. Ha Long has just one – Cat Bi Airport (HPH).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you work out your strategy ahead of time. Downtown Ha Long is 40 kilometres from HPH, so it’s smart to know how you’ll get into the city before you touchdown.

Ha Long is serviced by 30 airlines from at least 62 airports around the world.

Most often, travelers fly with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways when heading off to Ha Long. The biggest proportion of these flights come in from Ho Chi Minh City, with Vietnam Airlines operating this route the most.

With approximately 1,939 nonstop flights running each week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Ha Long before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often set off from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Bangkok airports when going to Ha Long.

If it’s Ho Chi Minh City you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 8 minutes before you touchdown in Ha Long. Runway to runway from Da Nang takes approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes and from Duong Dong, the average flight time is 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Ha Long until the last minute. That’s one move savvy travelers use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more choices and cheaper flights. Another terrific way to land the best deal is to compare all options. If your destination has several airports, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Last of all, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you spot a terrific deal, don’t think twice — grab it while the opportunity’s there.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our insider tips and you’ll be breezing through airport security and discovering Ha Long before you know it.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good read. It’s also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your prime concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are your best bet.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce the risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Ha Long a piece of cake. Here are some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won’t allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.