Table of Contents
The Complete Halong Bay Travel Guide 2019
I. Overview
II. When to travel to Halong Bay?
III. How to reach Halong Bay?
IV. How to get around Halong?
V. Tourists Attractions in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Bai Chay, Hon Gai, Tuan Chau
VI. What and Where to Eat in Halong Bay?
VII. Where to Stay in Halong Bay?
VIII. What and where to buy in Halong Bay?
I. Overview
In Vietnamese, Halong Bay is called Vịnh Hạ Long which means “descending dragon bay”. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, listed as one of 100 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage US newspaper Newsweek, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, Halong Bay is one of the most popular travel destinations in Vietnam. Halong Bay attracts thousands of travelers thanks to majestic, beautiful, and unique landscapes as well as spectacular culture. The bay features with thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes, thick jungle vegetation on the isles, caves, lakes inside the isles, fishing villages, beaches on the islands.
Administratively, Halong Bay belongs to Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Halong Bay is a center of a larger zone which includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast, and Cat Ba Island to the southwest. These larger zones share a similar geological, geographical, geomorphological, climate, and cultural characters. The bay has a 120 km long coastline and is approximately 1,553 km² in size with about 2,000 isles. Most of the isles are limestone has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site incorporates 434 km² with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay Almost all these islands are as individual towers in a classic fenglin landscape with heights from 50m to 100m, and height/width ratios of up to about six.
A dense cluster of some 1,600 limestone monolithic islands is topped with thick jungle vegetation which rises spectacularly from the ocean. Ha Long Bay is home to 60 endemic faunal species and 14 endemic floral species. Many kinds of birds and animals including monkeys, bantams, antelopes, and lizard are also found on some of the islands. Many islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Wooden stakes cave (Hang Dau Go) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area. There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are some beautiful beaches on the smaller islands. Besides the beaches, there are also lakes inside the limestone islands in Ha Long Bay, all of the island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.
989 of the islands have been given names. Several of the islands are named after their unusual shapes: Elephant Islet (Dao Voi), Fighting Cock Islet (Dao Ga Choi), Monkey Islet (Dao Khi), and Roof Islet (Dao Mai Nha). The climate of the bay is tropical, wet, sea islands, with two seasons: hot and moist summer, and dry and cold winter. The average temperature is from 15 °C- 25 °C, and annual rainfall is between 2 meters and 2.2 meters.
Research surveys have shown the presence of human beings in the area tens of thousands of years ago. In the recent, about 1,600 people live on Ha Long Bay in four fishing villages: Cua Van, Ba Hang, Cong Tau and Vong Vieng in Hung Thang commune, Ha Long city. Residents of the bay mostly live on floating houses and make their livings from fishing and marine aquaculture, plying the shallow waters for 450 different kinds of mollusks and 200 species of fish. Today the life of Ha Long Bay inhabitants has much improved due to new travel businesses. At present, the Quảng Ninh provincial government has the policy to relocate the households living in the bay to resettle, in order to stabilize their life and to protect the landscape of the heritage zone. The province will only retain a few fishing villages for travel.
II. When to travel to Halong Bay?
The best time to visit Halong bay is the Spring (from March to May) and the Autumn (from September to November), the weather is perfect for a trip to Halong. It is not too hot and not too cold, the temperature is around 25oC, and the sun shines nicely.
In the Summer season (from June to August), the weather is great. The sun is brighter, the water is super warm for swimming. Summer is also a low tourist season so you won’t feel tired of crowdedness and you will get the really good prices and promotion from tour operators, hotels, restaurants, etc. The typhoon season in Halong Bay starts from June to August when infrequent storms unexpectedly come and your trip might be canceled. Heavy raining in the bay also makes your trip less enjoyable.
The winter (from December to February) in Halong Bay is a little uncomfortable because it is misty and soft raining all day. In fact, the cold weather doesn’t impact some activities such as kayaking, climbing mountains. However, in the winter, travelers are not very interested in swimming and could not sunbath. Occasionally, it is colder and there is heavy fog which makes the sights in Halong Bay blurred.
III. How to reach Halong Bay?
The bay is located about 46 km east of Hai Phong City, 155 km east of Hanoi, 882 km north of Danang City, 1,731 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It is easy to reach Halong City to start their Halong Bay trip from anywhere in Vietnam and other neighboring countries thanks to the popularity of the attraction and modern transportation. You can choose to go by plane, car, helicopter, train, motorbike. Most tourists from other regions reach Hanoi or Hai Phong by air, train or bus, then reach Halong City from Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi Railway Station) by private car, taxi, motorbike helicopter.
1. How to reach Halong City from Hanoi?
1.1. By private car/taxi:
The price of one-way Noi Bai International Airport – Halong transfer by private car (4-seat)/taxi is around 1,720,000 VND. The distance is about 175 km and it takes 1.5 – 2 hours to drive thanks to Hanoi – Hai Phong Highway and Bach Dang – Halong Highway. A transfer from any hotel the center of Hanoi or Hanoi Railway Station by private car (4-seat)/taxi costs around 1,655,000 VND. The price is a bit cheaper than that from the airport because Noi Bai is about 25 km outside of the center of Hanoi and the distance from the center of Hanoi to Halong is 155 km.
Good taxis include Taxi Mai Linh, Taxi Airport, Taxi Noi Bai. Hanoi Transfer Service offer good services and reasonable price, you can contact them +84 982358282 and visit the website https://www.hanoitransferservice.com/transfer-from-hanoi-to-halong-bay-3458/ for more information. Do not forget to check if the price they offer you includes or excludes the highway fees.
1.2. By bus:
You can easily catch a bus from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi to Bai Chay Bus Station in Halong. It takes 1.5 – 2 hours to drive from Hanoi to Bai Chay Beach which is a great place for enjoying the beach, the sun, and seafood. The earliest bus starts at 6:00, the last bus starts at 17:00. The interval is 5 – 15 minutes. Prices range from 100,000 – 400,000 VND, depending on that you choose bus type (seater/sleeper bus, 6/9/29/45-seat/cabin, limousine, luxury bus).
Noi Bai Airport is 27 km from My Dinh Bus Station, you can take a taxi at the price 400,000 to reach My Dinh Station from the airport.
1.3. By shuttle bus:
The difference between shuttle bus and the bus at My Dinh Station is that the shuttle bus offers better services such as picking/dropping off at your hotel in Hanoi/Halong/place in the city center, speaking English staff (driver, conductor, sometimes guide). The price is around 400,000 VND, you can follow the link https://vietnamlocalbus.com/bus-to-halong-bay to book the transfer. Some companies such as Paradise Cruise (https://www.paradisecruise.com/transportation-around-halong-bay) offer VIP shuttle bus with better car, highway, and the price up to 1,200,000 VND.
1.4. By seaplane:
Seaplane is a powered fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. It takes about 45 minutes to fly from Noi Bai Airport to Tuan Chau Pier. Being fast, superb to see the entire magnificent landscape of the bay from the sky. It is the most expensive mean of transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The cost of the transfer is around 4,000,000 VND. Hai Au Aviation provides this service, you can follow the link https://www.seaplanes.vn/en/ to book a flight.
Some Vietnamese people and a very small amount of foreign tourists choose to go to Halong from Hanoi by train or motorbike because it takes a long time and adventurous.
2. How to reach Halong City from Hai Phong?
By private car/taxi:
Taxi Noi Bai offer the price 800,000 VND for the transfer by 4-seat car from Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong to Bai Chay, Halong.
Hanoi Transfer Service offers 1,250,000 VND for the transfer by 4-seat car from Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong to Bai Chay, Halong. You can learn more about the services and prices at https://www.hanoitransferservice.com/hai-phong-airport-to-halong-bay-5341/.
It takes about a half of hour to reach Halong from Hai Phong thanks to the Bach Dang – Halong expressway. Do not forget to check if the price they offer you includes or excludes the highway fees.
IV. How to get around Halong?
1. By taxi:
The price is 9,000 – 17,000 VND/km, depending on car brands, the number of seats.
Ha Long: +84 83 362 62 62.
Hong Gai: +84 83 384 84 84
Mai Linh: +84 83 3628 628
Thanh Hung: +84 83 3659659
2. By boat:
Cruising Halong Bay is a must on your trip. You must not miss the outstanding beauty of limestone islets covered with green trees, the vast green water, and many things more. You can rent a boat to explore Ha Long Bay at Tuan Chau Pier or Hon Gai Vinashin Port. The price of a private boat is from 250,000 – 600,000 VND/hour. VIP boat including electric fan, air conditioner, karaoke costs 1,200,000 VND/hour. A set menu costs 120,000 – 150,000 VND. Visiting Halong Bay by boat costs 100,000 – 300,000 VND/person, depending on the route you choose. More information about popular Halong Bay routes and the stops on the route will be provided below in this Halong Travel Guide.
Tuan Chau International Harbour (also called Tuan Chau Tourist Harbour, Tuan Chau International Pier/Marina Station) is the only harbor where you can start your trip in Halong Bay. The pier is about 12 km far from Bai Chay. To get to the pier, you can take a taxi (about 170,000 VND) or ride motorbike.
3. By cruise
In addition, tourists can choose to explore Halong Bay by cruise while enjoying your stay right on a cruise, admiring the beauty on the sunset and sunrise, enjoying seafood, and just relaxing on the cruise. Halong cruises have 2 types of hull: steel hull (5-star, 4-star) and wooden hull (4-star, 3-star). You can choose the route 1 day 1 night, 2 days 1 night, or 3 days 2 nights. 5-star Halong cruises (Paradise Luxury, Au Co, Star Light, Victoria Star) costs 3,200,000 – 3,500,000/person. The price of 4-star Halong cruises (Syrena, Paloma, Emotion, Bhaya, Dragon Pearl, Emeraude, Calypso) is 2,500,000 – 2,900,000 VND/person. 3-star Halong cruises (V’spirt; Oriental Sails; Huong Hai; Phoenix; Golden Lotus Garden; Aclass) offer the price 2,000,000 – 2,300,000 VND/person. You can follow the link to read more about the cruises and book with them or book on Agoda.com/Booking.com. For more information, all of the cruises start at Tuan Chau Harbour and Hon Gai Harbor, most of them provide free hotel pickup and drop off.
V. Tourists Attractions in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Bai Chay, Hon Gai, Tuan Chau
1. Routes in and around Halong Bay:
All of the routes start from Tuan Chau International Pier or Hon Gai International Harbor. Popular routes of tourist attractions and entrance fees:
Route 1: Pier/Port – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Cho Da Islet – Ba Hang Fishing Village – Dinh Huong Islet – Trong Mai Islet. Entrance fee: 300,000 VND within one day.
Route 2: Pier/Port – Soi Sim Beach and Soi Sim Island – Ti Top Island – Sung Sot Cave – Me Cung Cave – Bo Nau Cave – Luon Cave – Trong Cave – Trinh Nu Cave – Ho Dong Tien Cave – Tung Sau Pearl Farm. Entrance fee: 300,000 VND within one day, 950,000 VND for 1 night and 1,300,000 VND for total 2 nights.
Route 3: Pier/Port – Cua Van Floating Cultural Center – Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple, Ang Du. Entrance fee: 200,000 VND within one day, 900,000 VND for 2 day 1 night, 1,200,000 VND for 3 days 2 nights.
Route 4: Pier/Port – Co Cave – Thay Cave – Cong Do Island – Cap La Cave – Tung – Ang – Cong Do Ecological Area – Hon Xep Park – Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Entrance fee: 250,000 VND within one day, 900,000 VND for 2 day 1 night, 1,200,000 VND for 3 days 2 nights.
Route 5: Pier/Port – Cho Da Islet – Ba Hang Fishing Village – Dinh Huong Islet – Trong Mai Islet – Rock Island Forest in Cat Ba Bay – Gia Luan wharf. Entrance fee: 300,000 VND.
Each route takes tourists to main tourist attractions in Halong Bay include many wonderful caves, islets, fishing villages as well as cultural centers. Tourist attractions on Route 4 belong to Bai Tu Long Bay which is next to Halong Bay.
2. Tourists Attractions in Halong Bay:
Below is a list of the greatest caves among Halong Bay’s 59 currently discovered caves:
2.1. Thien Cung Cave
Located about 4 km southeast of Halong Bay, the 5,000-m2 Thien Cung Cave (or Thien Cung Grotto, Heavenly Cave) in Dau Go Island is one of the largest, most beautiful, and most visited caves in Halong thanks to numerous stalactites and stalagmites with special and strange shapes. Entering the cave, you can see four large pillars, odd shapes like birds, fishes, scenes of humans actions, flowers, leaves, etc. On the northwest cliff of the cave, there is a picture of heavenly Maidens dancing to congratulate the marriage of May and Dragon Prince and many more.
2.2. Dau Go Cave
While Thien Cung Cave is modern and exquisite, Dau Go Cave (or Wooden Head Cave) in Dau Go Island has an ancient and magnificent beauty. Located about 6 km from Bai Chay cruise ship port, Dau Go Cave has an area of about 5,000 m2, is 17 meters wide, 12 meters long, and 27 meters high. Highlights include stone pillars and stalagmites are in shapes of lions, pythons, turtles, fighting cocks, deers, elephants a spectacular picture of rocky islands, and a freshwater lake.
2.3. Sung Sot Cave
Located on island range of Bo Hon, Sung Sot Cave covers some 10,000 m2. The formations in the inner chamber take the form of sentries conversing with one another, animals in varying poses. Some of the impressive include a formation which resembles general surveying his troops, the rock looking like a horse with a long sword which left by Thanh Giong who helped Vietnamese people defeated the enemies and flew to the heaven, especially an amazingly beautiful concave spots looking like the ceiling of a theater. The light reflected from the moving water outside causes the formations inside the chamber to seemingly come alive so that they named the cave “Sung Sot” which means awe-stricken.
2.4. Me Cung Cave
Located about 2 km of Ti Top Beach, Me Cung Cave (or Bewitching Grotto) on Lom Bo Island is compared as a vivid museum that stores many archeological evidences from 7,000 – 10,000 years ago. It has the entrance looking like the roof of a house, small and narrow chambers, stalagmites and stalactites in beautiful shapes, especially big stone pillars formed thousands of years ago. You can feel like walking in the palace of a Persian King when you are in the cave. Getting out of the cave, do not forget to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Me Cung lagoon with quiet and vast green water surrounded by the mountain.
2.5. Bo Nau Cave
Located about 13 km away from Bai Chay Beach and 2 – 3 km southeast of Trong Mai Islet, Bo Nau Cave (or Pelican Grotto) in Bo Nau Island covers 200 m2. Pelicans frequently take refuge here so that they call the cave Pelican Grotto. Some notable in the cave are 3 stones looking like 3 fairies, 2 guys playing chess, and other stalagmites, stalactites forming different shapes.
2.6. Luon Cave
Situated in the northeast of Island range of Bo Hon, Luon Cave (or Tunnel Cave) is about 1 kilometer away from Sung Sot Cave. It is about 60 m long, 2.5 – 4 m high depending on the tide. Brackish water lake looking like a stadium with towering standing and circling around, bow-shaped arch, miraculous stalactites, numerous beautiful ferns and orchids, fossil freshwater shells that are the remains of ancient people. Cruises and big boats are not allowed to enter the cave but anchored near the entrance where tourists are given to small boats or kayak in order to get in the cave.
2.7. Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave
Trong Cave (also called Drum Cave or Male Cave) and Trinh Nu Cave (or Virgin Grotto, Female Cave) are situated in island range of Bo Hon, about 15 km from Bai Chay Wharf and Tuan Chau Marina. Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are associated with a fascinating legend which is romantic but tragic. It has been said that a landlord of a large fishing area forced his poor beautiful worker who loved someone else to become his wife. The girl rejected the marriage and insisted on waiting for her lover who risked his life sailing on the sea and looking for treasure in order to marry the girl. The evil landlord was angry and drove the girl into exile to a cave where she was alone, hungry, and painful until dead and turned into a rock. People call the cave where she died Trinh Nu Cave. Her lover heard about the incident, rushed back to meet his lover. Unfortunately, he was struck to an island next to Trinh Nu Cave from where he could see a girl in that cave. He did not know that she died and turn into a rock so that he found many ways to call out for her. Finally, he died in the cave which is called Trong Cave so that you can see the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites forming a shape of a man.
Following are less-known and less touristic than the above caves:
2.8. Ho Dong Tien Cave
Ho Dong Tien Cave (Fairy Lake Cave) features bewitching beauty, geological and historical beauty. Entering the dark cave, you can see numerous stalactites hung down from the ceiling, especially many small animals such as shrimp, crab living in the dark, lime-stone loft which are relics of geological history of Halong Bay. There is a lake with pure water inside the cave and it is supposed to be the place where fairies descended and swum. This cave is not as crowded with tourists as the others. When the tide rises, it is difficult to enter the cave. Note to wear appropriate clothes and shoes, flash-lamp because the entrance is too narrow which allow one person to go through and it is dark and wet inside.
2.9. Tien Ong Cave
Situated on Cai Tai Island which is about 20 km away Ha Long city center, Tien Ong Cave (or Old Male Fairy) is 50 m deep, 5 m above the sea level, and covers an area of about 1,000 m2. The cave possesses pristine landscapes and a system of thousands of years old stalagmites and stalactites, pieces of pottery and shells, fossils of bones of terrestrial animals, and ancient tools such as stone axe, and stone knife.
Some of the most well-known islets and islands in Halong Bay
2.10. Cho Da Islet
The 8-m-high Cho Da Islet (or Stone Dog Islet) near Dau Go Cave could not be missed on your trip in Halong Bay thanks to the stunning beauty and the shape of a giant dog, It is also known as a peaceful symbol of tourists’ voyages for millions of years.
Located about 6 km from Bai Chay Wharf, Dinh Huong Islet (or Lu Huong Islet, Incense Burner Islet) looks like a huge incense burner in the middle of the immense sea and seems like a holy symbol dedicated to heroes who died to protect the country. When the tide is low, you can see the islet’s 4 pins underneath.
2.11. Trong Mai Islet
5 km from Tuan Chau Pier, Trong Mai Islet has been one of Halong’s most famous islets thanks to its shape of 2 chickens unfurling wings fighting each other above the vast blue water. The islet also looks like 2 sails in the wind. You may see Trong Mai Islet somewhere such as on Halong and Vietnam guide books, advertisements, banners.
2.12. Ti Top Island
Ti Top was named after the famous Russian cosmonaut, Gherman Stepanovich Titov who was the second person to orbit the earth and the first to spend an entire day in space. Ti Top Island attracts lots of tourists coming there and climb up a few hundreds of steps to the observation deck that reveals a perfect panoramic view of Halong Bay.
2.13. Dau Be Island with Ba Ham Lake
Dau Be Island (or Calf Head Island) in Lan Ha Bay is home to a huge number of species of plants such as orchids, benjamin figs, banyans, and cycads. Situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area and enclosed by vertical cliffs, Ba Ham Lake is the main attraction of Dau Be Island. The lake comprises three large and round pits, linked by a meandering and narrow tunnel. Colorful stalactites hang on the ceiling have many amazing shapes.
2.14. Cat Ba Island with Ba Men Temple
Ba Men Temple (or Chua Ba Temple) is situated on Cat Ba Island belonging to the area where 3 bays Halong, Lan Ha, Cat Ba (Hai Phong) border. Inscribed in the list of Quang Ninh historical – cultural relics and scenic spots, Ba Men Temple is the place where fishermen burn incense sticks and pray for safe and successful trip. The festival is held on 19th and 20th January of the lunar calendar every year.
Other stunning islets include Elephant Islet (Voi Islet), Fighting Cock Islet (Ga Choi Islet), Monkey Islet (Khi Islet), Roof Islet (Mai Nha Islet), Swan Islet (Thien Nga Islet), Devil Face Islet (Mat Quy Islet), Saddle Islet (Yen Ngua Islet), Human Head Shaped Islet, Con Coc Islet (Toad Islet), Ba Trai Dao Islet (Three Peaches Islet), Pen Islet (But Islet).
Fishing villages in Halong Bay
Coming to fishing villages in Halong Bay, tourists can immerse into peaceful life, learn more about the unique lifestyle, purchase, and sale of marine, try fishing with the help of local fishermen, go kayaking (60,000 VND/person), get around by small boat (60,000 VND/person). The people in the villages are very friendly, warm, welcome.
2.15. Ba Hang Fishing Village
Located next to Thien Cung Cave, Ba Hang Fishing Village (or Three Caves Fishing Village) with about 50 families is a popular Halong’s main tourist attraction where You will be surprised with simple 10-m2 houses where locals live.
2.16. Cua Van Fishing Village (Cua Van Floating Cultural Center)
Cua Van Fishing Village is listed as one of 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world in 2012 by Journeyetc.com. Cua Van Fishing Village includes 12 preserved rafts (classrooms, cultural houses and some new rafts meeting the standards of fishermen) and is home to over 300 households which set up raft houses along the edge of the island and make their money on fishing.
3. Tourists Attractions in Bai Tu Long Bay:
3.1. Thay Cave (or Master Cave)
They named the Cave “Master” because inside the cave there are lots of books – sized and quill –sized stalactites, and a small stone like a reading table. The cave is 3m wide and about 150m deep. Other highlights include a small lake filled with water from the watershed of the mountain, stalactites hang down all strange shapes. The door is adjacent to the water’s edge so that tourists must hop on a boat to reach the flat sand
3.2. Cap La Cave
Situated in Cong Do Island, Cap La Cave is 150 m long. Red, brown, and yellow stalagmites and stalactites, some of which look like columns, waves, springs, flowers, bells. There is a lake with vast and cool water. And many small animals in and out of the cave. Cap La Cave has biological, geological and historical value.
3.3. Hon Xep Park
Located about 30 km from Tuan Chau Wharf, Hon Xep Park is considered as an outdoor geological museum. The islands with beautiful rock layers looking like an Egyptian pyramid, fossils, orchids, and peaceful landscape. Climbing the rocks, touching the fossils, hopping on small boats to get around and talk to indigenous fishermen and learn more about the unique culture.
3.4. Cong Do Island
Located about 25 km from Bai Chay Wharf, Cong Do Island belongs to Bai Tu Long Bay and has an area of about 23 km2. The island attracts tourists with winding beaches creating alluring natural lakes, a large number of marine species.
3.5. Tung Ang – Cong Do Ecological Area
Located about 23 km from Tuan Chau Wharf, Tung Ang – Cong Do Ecological Area is home to pine forests and goby lakes (áng).
3.6. Vung Vieng Fishing Village
About 24 km from the mainland, Vung Vieng fishing village is situated in the center of Bai Tu Long Bay. There are more than 160 fishermen living there.
3.7. Cap La Fishing Village
Located between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Cap La Fishing Village is home to about 80 household holders with over 200 people.
After admiring the beauty of Halong Bay, there is a wide range of natural sites to see around Halong Bay in Halong City and Quang Ninh Province. The most well-known natural sites include Bai Tu Long Bay and some worth-visiting island such as Quan Lan Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Mat Rong Island, and Bai Tho Moutain.
3.8. Ang Du Area
Ang Du Area is an off-the-beaten-track attraction with decent beach, the beautiful 2-ha Ang Du Lake surrounded by limestone islands, a variety of species of plants.
Quan Lan Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Mat Rong Island in Bai Tu Long Bay are also worth visiting. However, I will write some information about them later in other blogs.
Besides islets, islands, caves, mountains, forests, fishing villages, eco-biological areas in the bays, Halong offers hundreds of things which make your stay endlessly amazing:
4. Tourist attractions in Bai Chay Tourism Area
4.1. Sun World Halong Complex
Location: Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 14:00 – 19:00 on weekdays; 9:00 – 19:00 on weekends; open more early on public holidays.
On Saturday, Sunday in May, June, July, the prices of Dragon Park, Typhoon Park, and Combo may be added some 50,000 VND. From October to April, Typhoon Park is closed because it is cold in the winter.
Prices of combo ticket:
Dragon Park: 350,000 VND; Open time: 14:00 – 19:00 on weekdays; 9:00 – 19:00 on weekends;
Typhoon Park: 350,000 VND Open time: 14:00 – 19:00 on weekdays; 9:00 – 19:00 on weekends;
Combo Queen Cable Car + Mystic Mountain: 350,000 VND; Open time: 14:00 – 22:00 on weekdays; 9:00 – 22:00 on weekends;
Combo Queen Cable Car + Typhoon Park: 509,000 VND
Combo Queen Cable Car + Dragon Park: 559,000 VND
Combo Queen Cable Car + Mystic Mountain + Dragon Park + Typhoon Park: 799,000 VND.
Price of other services at Mystic Mountain:
Fame Hall Wax Exhibition: 100,000 VND
Magic Land: 70,000 VND
12D Cinema: 70,000 VND
Video Game 2nd Floor: 3,000 VND/coin
Sun World usually provides special offers and promotions and the prices may be lower. For example, within January 2019, the price of Dragon Park is only 50,000 VND. They also offer lower price if you buy the ticket for Dragon Park from 17:00.
Dragon Park
Games include “Speedy Dragon” – the longest glinder in Asia, “Crazy Rhinoceros” with which you fall at speeds of up to 65km per hour, “Hai Tuong Waterfall” take you to an ancient land, glide between wind and cool water, “Magic Swing”, “Angry Dancer”, “Fairy Train
and “Tour de Paris”, “Tropical Yachts”.
Typhoon Water Park
Games include the 45 degree tilt hopper “Tornadoes” – 12 of the world’s most exciting water rides, the giant tubes of the “Tropical Storm”, swirling you around in a vortex of speed, and exploding with awesome bubbles, “Tsunami”, “Riding the dragon over the waterfall”, “Rafting on the River”, “Challenging Python”, “Pirate Island”, “Ba Deo Mountain”, “Samurai slip”, “Surf on the hill”, etc.
Queen Cable Car is the world’s biggest reversible aerial tramway with the length of 2,165 m. The cars consist of 2 cabins which can cary 230 passengers. It can take you to the top of Ba Deo Hill which gives you a stunning view of Halong Bay within 15 minutes.
Mystic Mountain includes:
Fame Hall Wax Exhibition is the largest ‘Museum of Wax’ in Việt Nam, with 53 well-known faces bringing your group a lot of laughs and memorable photos.
12D cinema with modern technologies from Japan offers a 2000-inch super-round screen and 12k ultra-sharp images.
Video Game 2nd Floor.
4.2. Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay Beach with about 100-meter-long sandbank, is the closest beach to Halong Bay. Activities there include swimming, sunbathing, skiing, canoeing, and surfing. This beach is public and entrance free.
4.3. Little Vietnam
The about 3.3-ha Little Vietnam (also called Bai Chay Ancient Town) is situated on the 2nd peninsula on the bank of Halong Bay, between 2 resorts Bai Chay and Tuan Chau. The project, including townhouses for living and retails, recreates Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoi An Ancient Town. The entrance is free.
4.5. 3D Funny Art Museum
The museum has an area of 1,400 m2, houses over 40 amazing 3D paintings. It is a fun and good place for great photos.
Location: Halong Marine Plaza, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
Entrance fee: 80,000 VND.
5. Tourist attractions in Hon Gai Area
Different from Bai Chay and Tuan Chau Tourism Areas, Hon Gai is less touristic but worth visiting thanks to the peace, unique local life, historical value. Just pass Bai Chay Bridge, you will reach Hon Gai with many things to see and do.
5.1. Quang Ninh Museum and Library
Location: Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City.
Open time: Tuesday to Saturday; Morning: 9:00 – 11:30; Afternoon: 13:30 – 17:00.
Entrance fee: 30,000 VND.
Designed by the Spanish architect Salvador Perez Arroyo and completed in October 2013, Quang Ninh Museum and Library covers an area of about 24,000 m2. The museum is assembled with nearly 14,000 m2 of glass so that it looks like a giant mirror reflecting the image of Halong Bay. The museum’s first floor features tubular displaying columns made of modern materials such as steel frame, tempered glass and especially the covering fabric with images of Ha Long Bay. Designed according to a wooden boat, the second floor introduces Quang Ninh Province’s history and culture.
5.2. Halong Flower Park
Location: Le Thanh Tong Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City.
Open time: 24/24; Entrance: free.
Halong Flower Park has a total area of 14.5 hectares. It consists of 8 main functional zones:
- Vu Van Hieu Monument Zone;
- Central zone displaying creatures, art flower exhibitions, and mixed services, all displayed in greenhouses;
- Central flower square;
- Long – Phung square;
- Sports and outdoor recreation area;
- Art flower square including outdoor themed gardens;
- Flower – water and wind square in the West of the Flower Park and reserve land area.
5.4. Bai Tho Mountain
Located right in the city center and the side of Halong Bay, the 200-meter-high Bai Tho Mountain (or Poem Mountain) looks like a massive castle with 3 undulating towers on the solid walls from afar. The top of the mountain is one of the best spots to admire majestic Halong Bay and soak up the romantic and peaceful nature.
6. Tourist attractions in Tuan Chau Tourism Area
Covering an area of around 2.2 m2, Tuan Chau Island is a newly developed touristic zone near Halong Bay. The 2-km Tuan Chau Street connects Tuan Chau Island to the mainland.
6.1. Tuan Chau Beach
The artificial Tuan Chau Beach stretches over 3 km long with white smooth sand, vast blue water, blue sky, lines of coconut trees, and yellow sunshine the whole summer. The beach attracts a large number of tourists coming to enjoy the beach, relax, and other interesting water activities.
6.2. Tuan Chau International Entertainment Center
Location: Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City.
Open time: 8:00 – 22:00; Entrance: 250,000 VND.
Tuan Chau International Entertainment Center provides the following services:
- Outdoor Playground;
- Thrilling Crocodile Club and Circus;
- Dolphin, seal, sea lion performances, 3 performances/day at 10:00, 15:00, 20:30;
- Oyster-design Amphitheater for Water Music Show;
- Kid-friendly Games World.
7. Yen Tu Tourist Site
Location: Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province; about 40 km from Halong Bay.
Surrounded by the immense arched mountain range of northeastern Viet Nam, Yen Tu Mountain attracts numerous tourists with its majesty, forests mingling with the ancient and solemn quietness of its pagodas, shrines, and towers, including the famous Dong (Bronze) Pagoda and Ba Vang Pagoda.
VI. What and Where to Eat in Halong Bay?
1. Specialty foods of Halong and where to eat them?
Below are some Halong’s specialty foods which you should try on your trip:
1.1. Seafood rice noodle soup (Banh da hai san) and Stomatopod rice noodle soup (Bun be be)
Seafood rice noodle soup is a perfect mix of the rich broth, flat and wide rice noodles (bánh đa), toppings including seawater shrimp, stomatopod, ocean crab, fish cake, squid cake, fried fish, scallop, tofu, mustard greens or celery. The food is served with pickled bamboo shoots, vegetables (lettuce, bean sprouts, herbs), chili pepper.
Stomatopod rice noodle soup is highlighted by the stomatopod (or mantis shrimp) and long thin rice noodles.
Some of the best places to eat rice noodle soups in Halong is:
Am Thuc Lang Chai Restaurant, 1 Le Thanh Tong Street, Halong City, Open time: 6:00 – 10:00: Price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND.
Khanh Tuyen Restaurant, Gieng Đay Street, Gieng Đay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 5:30 – 11:00: Price: 40,000 VND.
1.2. Stuffed pancake with Fried squid cake (Bánh cuốn chả mực)
Stuffed pancake is thin steamed rice flour sheet roll stuffed with scallion oil, ground pork, wood ears, shiitake mushrooms, shrimps (optional). In Halong, Stuffed pancake is topped with fried shallots and served with Fried squid cake, vegetables, dipping fish sauce which is made from fish sauce, giant bug extract (optional), sugar, lime juice, chili pepper, garlic, etc. Fried squid cake, which is made from squid, Golden-flower glutinous rice powder, black pepper. The cook must knead the squid by hands until smooth and sticky, then form the squid mixture into flat pieces which are fried until crispy outside, chewy and sticky inside and very seductively smelling has attracted lots of tourists. One of the best places to eat Stuffed pancake with Fried squid cake in Halong is:
Cay Bang Restaurant, 189 Alley 1, Pho Nha Hat, Le Thanh Tong Street, Halong City (189 Ngõ 1, Phố Nhà Hát, Đường Lê Thánh Tông, Tp. Hạ Long); Open time: 5:30 – 11:30; Price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND; Click HERE to find the location on Google Maps.
Ba Ngan Restaurant, 34 Doan Thi Diem Street, Bach Dang Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 14:00; Price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND.
1.3. Tien Yen hill chicken
Having distinctly firm and smelling meat, Tien Yen hill chicken can be cooked into many dishes, including boiled chicken which is said to be the best. After cooking, the chicken’s skin is shining, thick, sweet-tasty, and crunchy. Boiled Tien Yen hill chicken is usually served with Nodding cake.
Where to eat Tien Yen hill chicken in Halong?
Co Xanh 3 Restaurant, 16 Khu 4B, Hung Thang Ward, Halong City; Open time: 11:00 – 22:00; Price: 100,000 – 300,000 VND.
1.4. Nodding cake (Banh gat gu)
Nodding cake is a tender and white steamed cake made from rice flour. When you hand it, it nods up and down so that they name it nodding cake. The soul of this food is the yellow, greasy, and smelling dipping sauce which is made from fried shallots, ground pork, fish sauce, black pepper, chicken fat. The cake is usually served with boiled chicken, Braised pork in caramel. Besides Banh gat gu, Banh tai long ep and Banh gio Tien Yen are also specialty cakes in Halong.
Where to eat Nodding cake and other cakes in Halong?
Halong Market 1, Bach Dang Street, Halong City; Open time: 6:00 – 18:30.
Halong Market 2, 433 Le Loi Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 17:00.
1.5. Mussel porridge (Cháo trai)
The rice porridge which is rich and yummy, and the seawater mussel meat which is smelling, tender, a little chewy, toppings including coriander, scallions, dried scallions, and youtiao have satisfied most of the people. The food is cooked from rice flour instead of rice so that it is very soft and smooth. One of the best places to eat Mussel porridge in Halong is:
Ba Nga Restaurant (a small food stall), Loong Toong Market, Tran Nhat Duat Street, Halong City; Open time: 14:00 – 18:00; Price: 10,000 VND.
1.6. Snail dishes (Oc)
Halong has many kinds of snail: ốc đĩa, ốc hương, ốc mít và ốc đá, ốc điếu, ốc mút, ốc bươu, etc. Halong people have created various dishes from these snails: Stir-fried/grilled/steamed/boiled snail with chili sauce/soy sauce/lemongrass/tamarind sauce/coconut milk. Snail dishes are usually served with a special sauce cooked from gingers, chili peppers, and lime leaves. Snails must be fresh so that the snail dishes are smelling and tasty. The snails are carefully washed, soaked in water in order to remove dirts inside the shells so that it is safe to eat them.
1.7. Peanut worm (Sa sung)
The rare, strange, sweet-tasty, healthy, expensive peanut worm is considered as “earth ginseng” in Vietnam. Peanut worm in Vietnam, is about 5-40 cm long, 20 cm in diameter and 1-3 kg. Its skin is tender and cool, it changes its color in different environments. Fresh peanut worm can be used to cook porridge, soups, stir-fried, deep-fried, baked dishes. Dried peanut worm which is crunchy and tasty can be grilled, toasted and eaten with chili paste or a mix of salt, chili, lemon juice as a snack while drinking beer. Adding dried Sa Sung into Pho beef noodle soup’s broth makes the noodle soup special and more flavorful. Dried Sa Sung is used to make the healthy Sa Sung wine.
1.8. Horseshoe crab (Sam)
Horseshoe crab is a specialty food of Halong. The horseshoe crab has a hard carapace, a long hard tail, five pairs of legs for swimming, walking, and moving food into the mouth. Although it has a strange looking, its meat is great. Horseshoe crabs go in pairs so that they can catch, cook, and serve pairs of horseshoe crabs. There is a wide range of amazing foods from this kind of seafood that you should not miss in Halong: Sweet-sour horseshoe crab stir-fry, Horseshoe crab stir-fry with chili pepper and lemongrass, Horseshoe crab eggs cake, Steamed horseshoe crab, Grilled horseshoe crab, Horseshoe crab salad, Fried horseshoe crab eggs, etc.
1.9. Austriella corrugate (Ngan)
Austriella corrugate has rough shell and sweet-tasty, tender, a little chewy meat. This bivalve is one of the most expensive seafood in Halong. As mentioned above, Cellophane noodle stir-fry with Austriella corrugate is one of must-try food in Halong. Besides, Grilled Austriella corrugate in silver paper, Austriella corrugate porridge,
1.10. Stone crab (Con Cu Ky)
Stone crab with has 2 very big pincers, brown shell, green and bright eyes is also called Thunder crab because it is very fierce and many people believe that it only releases the food when there is thunder. The meat is in its pincers and not much in its body. There are a number of yummy dishes from this crab: Noodle soup with stone crab, Steamed stone crab, Stir-fried cellophane noodles with stone crab, Toasted stone crab with tamarind, Grilled stone crab, Stone crab meat floss.
The above seafood including dishes made from Snail, Peanut worm, Horseshoe crab, Austriella corrugate, Stone crab, and other seafood dishes such as Sea crab, Ocean crab, Squid, Oyster, Lobster, Geo-Duck can be found at seafood restaurants in Halong, best of which are:
Hong Hanh Restaurant, 50 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 22:00; Price: 200,000 – 300,000 VND.
Viet Nam – Halong Restaurant, Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 22:30; Price: 130,000 – 330,000 VND.
Toan Huong – Vuon Dao Restaurant, 1 Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 22:00; Price: 50,000 – 300,000 VND.
Thuy Chung Restaurant, 4 Cai Dam Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 22:00; Price: 50,000 – 300,000 VND.
Cai Dam Market, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City. It is said to be one of the cheapest places to eat fresh seafood.
Kim Quy Snail Supermarket, 278 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 22:00; Price: 30,000 – 150,000 VND.
Ngoc Suong 2 Snail Supermarket, Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 22:30; Price: 130,000 – 330,000 VND.
Thuy Chung Snail Supermarket, 229 Cai Dam Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 22:30; Price: 100,000 – 400,000 VND.
Oc Dac Biet 290 Restaurant, 16B Le Thanh Tong Street, Halong City; Open time: 10:00 – 22:00; Price: 40,000 – 150,000 VND.
Son Beo Restaurant, 14 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Halong City; Open time: 15:00 – 23:30; Price: 30,000 – 250,000 VND.
1.11. Yogurt with tapioca pearl (Sua chua tran chau)
Yogurt with tapioca pearl is a famous dessert in Halong. When you order the dessert, they will bring you a small jar of cold yogurt, a bowl of hot coconut milk sauce and tapioca pearls. You will mix them into smooth, sweet, and sour yogurt, greasy drink with chewy tapioca pearls. One of the most famous places to eat Yogurt with tapioca pearl in Halong is:
Tuan Lien Restaurant, Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Bach Dang Ward, Halong City.
2. Top restaurants in Halong
2.1. Top restaurants in Bai Chay
Panorama Restaurant, on 14th floor in Saigon Halong Hotel, 168 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 6:00 – 12:00; Prices: 120,000 – 385,000 VND; What to eat there? – Mainly Eastern and Vietnamese foods, some Western foods, seafood dishes are recommended.
Kim Hang Restaurant, 123 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 22:00; Prices: 200,000 – 550,000 VND; What to eat there? – Coastal specialties.
Phuong Vi Restaurant, 97 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 23:00; Prices: 100,000 – 300,000 VND. What to eat there? – Diverse dishes.
Cua Vang Restaurant, 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 10:00 – 22:00; Prices: 50,000 – 300,000 VND. What to eat there? – High-quality seafood with good hygiene.
Linh Dan Restaurant, 104 Bai Chay, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 7:00 – 22:30; Prices: 60,000 – 365,000 VND. What to eat there? – Vietnamese, Asian, and Western foods.
Co Ngu Restaurant, Premium Villas, 66 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 21:00; Prices: 100,000 – 300,000 VND. What to eat there? – Coastal specialties.
Hong Hanh 3 Restaurant, 50 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 24/24; Prices: 200,000 – 350,000 VND. What to eat there? – Beef hot pot, coastal specialties, authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Buffet Sen A Dong Restaurant, 1 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 11:00 – 22:00; Prices: 280,000 – 310,000 VND. What to eat there? – Buffet with coastal specialties, Western and Vietnamese dishes.
Thien Anh Restaurant, Cai Dam Urban Area, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 23:00; Prices: 100,000 – 440,000 VND. What to eat there? – Coastal specialties.
2.2. Top restaurants on Tuan Chau Island
Sandy Bay Beach Bar & Restaurant, Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 23:00; Prices: 100,000 – 500,000 VND. What to eat there? – Vietnamese foods.
1580 Restaurant, Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, Halong City; Open time: 9:00 – 22:00; Prices: 50,000 – 400,000 VND. What to eat there? – Seafood dishes, Vietnamese, Asian, and Western foods, especially pizza.
Yolo Restaurant & Coffee, Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 24:00; Prices: 50,000 – 5,000,000 VND. What to eat there? – Seafood dishes, Vietnamese, Asian, and Western foods.
2.3. Top restaurants in Hon Gai
Prices at restaurants in Hon Gai are lower than in the others.
Hong Hanh 1 Restaurant, 442 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Hong Ha Ward, Halong City; Open time: 8:00 – 22:00; Prices: 150,000 – 500,000 VND. What to eat there? – Seafood and Vietnamese dishes.
2.4. Top restaurants on cruise
Bai Tho Cruise Ship Dining Room; Website: http://www.victoryhalong.com/vn/
Bien Mo Floating Restaurant; 35 Ben Tau, Bach Dang Ward, Halong City.
VII. Where to Stay in Halong Bay?
Most of the hotels are located in Bai Chay area, many cruises are situated on Tuan Chau Island and Hon Gai Area. Followings are the best hotels in Halong:
1. Top hotels in Bai Chay Area:
5-star Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel, 12 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Price from 2,530,000 VND.
4-star Novotel Halong Hotel, 160 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Price from 1, 300,000 VND.
4-star Muong Thanh Grand Halong Hotel, 138 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Price from 1,200,000 VND.
3-star Buu Dien Halong Hotel, Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City; Price from 500,000 VND.
2. Top hotels and cruises on Tuan Chau Island:
4-star Paradise Suites Hotel and Spa Hotel, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, Halong City; Price from 800,000 VND.
3-star Moon Bay Ha Long Hotel, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, Halong City; Price from 650,000 VND.
5-star Aphrodite Cruise Halong, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island; Price from 5,100,000 VND.
5-star Alisa Cruise Halong, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island; Price from 5,190,000 VND.
4-star Emeraude Classic Cruises, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island; Price from 4,740,000 VND.
3-star Imperial Legend Cruise Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island; Price from 2,700,000 VND.
3. Top hotels in Hon Gai Port Area:
4-star Ha Long DC Hotel, 8 25 Thang 4 Street, Hong Gai Ward, Hon Gai Port, Halong City; Price from 790,000 VND.
3-star City Bay Palace Hotel, 156 Le Thanh Ton, Bach Dang Ward, Halong City; Price from 570,000 VND.
Halong Paloma Cruise, Hon Gai Port, Halong City; Price from 4,140,000 VND.
Viola Cruise Halong Bay, Hon Gai Port, Halong City; Price from 4,260,000 VND.
VIII. What and where to buy in Halong Bay?
1. What to buy and where to buy in Halong?
1.1. Dried Squid
The best way to cook Drid Squid is grilling it with 90% alcohol. Choose dry, pink, bright, thick squids with thin tail, beak on head.
Price: 450,000 – 800,000 VND/kg, depending on the size of the dried squid.
Where to buy? – Halong Market, Cai Dam Market, Bai Chay Trade Center.
1.2. Dried Peanut Worm
Choose 7 – 15-cm-long Dried Peanut Worm with particular smell.
Price: 4,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND/kg
Where to buy?
Halong Market, Cai Dam Market.
Quan Lan Island.
1.3. Squid Cake
As mentioned above, Squid Cake is a specialty food of Halong and it can be stored up to 1 week in refrigerator.
Price: 330,000 – 400,000 VND/kg
Where to buy?
La Hien shop in Cai Dam Market.
Kim Thoa Shop, Hoai Phuong Shop in Halong 1 Market, Bai Chay Trade Center.
1.4. Fine handicraft coal statue
Fine handicraft coal statue is a unique kind of souvenir in Halong. Creating this kind of artworks is a very sophisticated process including many stages. Black and shinning statues of buffalo, cruises, Trong Mai Islet are great gifts to bring home. Prices range from 100,000 VND to a few millions of VND.
1.5. Spirivalve and seashell souvenirs
Keychains, necklaces, bracelets, and many others made of spirivalve and seashell are worth buying. Prices are different and not very expensive. For example, a bracelet or keychain costs less than 100,000 VND.
Fine handicraft coal statues, Spirivalve and seashell souvenirs can be found at many souvenir shops in the city, Halong Night Market, Halong Market 1.
2. Where to go shopping in Halong?
2.1. Halong Night Market
Halong Night Market with hundreds of stalls selling tens of thousands of items has become a famous tourist attraction where tourist can just walk, immerse themselves into the stalls and the crowds selling and buying items. It is one of the most favorite shopping places in the city.
Open time: 18:00 – 22:30.
Location: Halong Marine Boulevard, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
What to buy there? – Clothes, jewelry, handicrafts
2.2. Halong Market
There are tens of kiosks/shops/stalls with thousands of items to buy there. The market consists of 2 areas: outdoor area and indoor area on 4 floors. Every day, there are about 5,000 – 7,000 tourists coming to the market for shopping.
Location: Bach Dang Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 6:00 – 18:30
2.3. Halong Market 2
Although the 2-story Halong Market 2 is smaller than Halong Market 1, there are many things you can buy there at good prices.
Location: 433 Le Loi Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 8:00 – 17:00.
What to buy at Halong Market 1,2? – Dried Seafood including Dried Squid, Dried Fishes, Dried Peanut Worm, fresh seafood, clothing, shoes, souvenirs.
2.4. Cai Dam Market
Cai Dam Market has a total area of 4,772.5 m2 and 623 kiosks.
Location: Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
What to buy there? – Everything, dried seafood recommended.
2.5. Flea Market
Location: Bai Chay Beach, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 6:00 – 14:00 every Tueday.
What to buy there? – Clothing, souvenirs.
Do bargain hard because the sellers always offer tourists quite high prices at the above markets.
2.5. Halong Marine Plaza
With the total area of the center is around 110,000 m2, this service complex includes shopping malls, cuisine areas, entertainment areas, Vietnam’s biggest Ferris wheel which give you a great view of the stunning Halong Bay from the height of 90 m.
Location: Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Halong Marina Urban Area, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 8:00 – 22:00.
What to buy there? – Electronics, household utensils, bags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics from famous domestic and international brand names and labels, souvenirs.
2.6. Bai Chay Commercial Center (Bai Chay Shopping Mall/Trade Center)
Location: Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
Open time: 8:00 – 22:00.
What to buy there? – Electronics, household utensils, bags, shoes, fabrics, dried seafood.
2.6. Vincomn Plaza Halong
Location: Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hon Gai, Halong City.
Open time: 8:00 – 22:00.
What to buy there? – Electronics, household utensils, bags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics from famous domestic and international brand names and labels, souvenirs.
I have tried my best to give you the most essential information in this Halong Bay Travel Guide and I hope you will enjoy your trip at its best.
