Introduction
Ha Long Bay is a small bay on the west coast of the gulf of northern in the Northeastern Sea region of Vietnam, including the sea and islands of Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province. About 180km from Hanoi, it is known as the northern tourist paradise of Vietnam. Thanks to its convenient location, modern infrastructure, and developed transportation system, each year, Ha Long attracts tens of millions of domestic and international tourists.
Ha Long Bay has an area of 1,553km2 including 1,900 large and small limestone islands with very vivid shapes. The bay has been voted by UNESCO as a natural wonder of the world many times and is known as a must-visit place once in a lifetime. Besides, Ha Long Bay is also in the top 7 natural wonders of the world, a dream destination for every tourist. Not only domestic tourists, but foreign tourists are also very interested and admire the natural creation here. In recent years, Ha Long has experienced extremely high economic development. The system of facilities and infrastructure is invested synchronously and with quality. Visitors will be served a full range of facilities, meeting the needs of entertainment, relaxation, shopping, etc. Coming to Ha Long, visitors will be free to explore, experience, and have fun. Ha Long travel experience of most people is not to miss attractive places to visit such as Ha Long bay, old town, night market, Tuan Chau, etc.
Ha Long weather changes month by month and is quite different in each season, so please carefully check the weather forecast information before the trip. April to June is the ideal time to travel to Ha Long. At this time, the weather is almost no rain, has sunny, warm, pleasant, and very suitable for sightseeing, and resting with family and friends.
June to August is the peak season of Ha Long, many families combine vacations for their children, so the number of guests in Ha Long is quite crowded, and the price of rooms and services is also easy to increase. Especially in July and August, it is easy to have tropical depressions and storms, directly affecting tourists’ Ha Long travel schedule.
Late November to Tet of Vietnam is the time when foreign tourists come to Ha Long, mainly because Vietnamese tourists have chosen to come here in the summer. Therefore, this time Ha Long is also peaceful and has more private space for you to enjoy.
Transportation to Ha Long
Moving from Ha Noi or neighboring provinces
From Hanoi and neighboring provinces, visitors can easily travel to Ha Long by personal means such as motorbikes and cars with a travel time of 3-5 hours.
In addition, visitors can also come to Ha Long by public transport such as coach, tourist buses, or train.
Moving from Ho Chi Minh City or the southern provinces
From Ho Chi Minh City or the southern provinces, visitors can travel to Ha Long by train, bus, or plane.
With the distance from Ho Chi Minh city to Ha Long by the bus being 1,817 km, the travel time is about 37 – 41 hours. Visitors can depart from the Eastern bus station and the Western bus station to Cam Pha and Bai Chay bus stations.
Traveling by plane will take 2 hours. Guests will depart from Tan Son Nhat airport to Van Don airport (Quang Ninh) and then take a bus or taxi to Ha Long. Air tickets to Van Don, Quang Ninh from Saigon are currently only operated by Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air, so visitors can go to the website to update flight ticket information and prices. ticket
Besides, visitors can completely choose to fly from Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Bi airport, Hai Phong then catches a car from Cat Bi airport to Ho Chi Minh City. Ha Long with a distance of 70km via Noi Bai – Ha Long highway / National Highway 18 in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Transportation in Ha Long
Motorcycle
Ha Long is a small city, so if visitors want to explore the nooks and crannies on their own, visitors can rent a motorbike to take the initiative to travel. Motorbike rental is 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day. Going by motorbike, visitors can go to as many places in a day as they like without being forced.
Taxi
If tourists travel to Ha Long in groups, families with young children or the elderly, they can choose to travel in the city by taxi. Some reputable taxi companies can be mentioned such as Ha Long Taxi, Hon Gai Taxi, Mai Linh Taxi, etc. Average taxi fare is 11,000 VND/first kilometer and 13,000 VND/ 20km next.
Bus
In Ha Long, buses run continuously and are linked to tourist attractions. Therefore, tourists can choose a bus as a means of transportation in the Ha Long travel schedule with the price of only about 7,000 – 10,000 VND / time.
Tram
This means of transportation is quite popular in Ha Long. The city has 5 tram routes serving visitors with the starting point being from the city center or Bai Chay tourist area passing places such as Quang Ninh museum, Dolphin palace, Bai Tho mountain relic cluster, etc. Tram ticket price: 500,000 – 900,000 VND/trip. Operating time: 7:00 – 22:00 daily.
Transportation to Ha Long Bay
To visit Ha Long Bay, visitors can rent a boat at Bai Chay tourist port, Ha Long cruise terminal, Tuan Chau international port, Hon Gai Vinashin tourist port, or through travel companies in Ha Long.
For solo travelers, they can choose to share a ship with other passengers at a price of 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND/person. The sharing ship will go on a 4-hour route and tourists will buy their own scenic ticket and charter a private boat.
For guests traveling in large groups, visitors should rent a private boat for 1,000,000 VND – 1,500,000 VND. Chartering a private train will have 2 types of sightseeing tickets: 4 hours and 6 hours. Onboard will also serve meals to customers in need.
In addition, visitors can also rent a yacht. Guests will stay overnight, eat, live and participate in the yacht’s activities. Price from 2.5 million – 4 million / person/night depending on the yacht.
Another means of discovering Ha Long Bay that makes visitors feel excited is the seaplane. Visitors will be able to explore Ha Long Bay from an altitude of 150m – 3000m in about 15 minutes. Price is about 5 million/person/time.
Things to do in Ha Long
Tuan Chau Island
A fun place in Ha Long that tourists cannot miss is Tuan Chau Island. Tuan Chau Island attracts visitors of its fresh air, the largest artificial beach in Vietnam with an area of up to 220 hectares, and the gentle coastline with pure white sand.
Coming to Tuan Chau, tourists will be able to try out sea games such as kayaking, jet-skiing, and windsurfing. Enjoying the monumental water music show and having fun at Tuan Chau Park will be a memorable experience for tourists’ whole family.
Address: Tuan Chau ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: 280,000 VND/person, free for children under 1m
Opening time: 8am – 10pm
Dragon Eye Island
According to the Ha Long travel experience of many tourists, Dragon Eye Island is one of the most ideal relaxing places. Dragon Eye Island – Ha Long has a primitive and mysterious beauty with a deep blue lake nestled between rocky mountains and primeval forests.
This “Dragon Ball” in the heart of Ha Long is a suitable place for tourists to relax, comfortably swim, and enjoy a paradise vacation. In addition, visitors can also experience kayaking, canoeing, camping, team building, etc.
Address: South of Ha Long Bay, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: 150,000 VND/person
Opening hours: Always open
Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay-Quang Ninh is the widest beach in Ha Long with a length of up to 1000m and a width of more than 100m. The clear blue water, fresh air, and shade trees along the coast give visitors an incredible sense of comfort. With family and friends, experiencing fun, and swimming at the amusement park in Bai Chay will definitely be an extremely memorable experience.
Address: Bai Chay ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Opening hours: Always open
Quang Ninh Museum
The next destination not to be missed in the journey to discover this coastal city is the Quang Ninh Museum – where the history of the mining land is.
Quang Ninh Library Museum was designed by a Spanish architect. The museum building is inspired by coal itself – the famous mineral in Quang Ninh. The square building with the exterior is shiny black glass like a giant black pearl located in the middle of the beautiful Ha Long city.
The museum has 3 floors with 3 different themes: 1st floor – Sea and nature, 2nd floor – preserving historical values, 3rd floor – Quang Ninh coal and mineral mining industry.
Address: Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hong Gai Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: 10,000 VND/child, 20,000 VND/student, 30,000 VND/adult
Opening time: 8:30am – 11:30am, 13:30am – 5:00pm (closed on Mondays)
3D Funny Art Museum
Ha Long entertainment place cannot fail to mention the 3D Funny Art Museum. More than 40 ghostly 3D paintings with countless themes: Aquarium, animals, adventure, Parody, etc., will attract visitors to visit. This is also the ultimate virtual check-in place for all visitors.
Address: Marine Plaza, Hung Thang urban area, Bai Chay ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: 80,000 VND/person
Opening time: 9am – 10pm
Bai Chay Old Town
If tourists are wondering what to do in Ha Long, Bai Chay old town is the ideal destination. With two facades, one side has the ancient features of the model of “town in town” recreating the image of Hoi An ancient town, and Hanoi’s old town, on the other hand, is the extremely bustling trading space of restaurants. , the coffee. The harmony between the old town space and the restaurant space makes Bai Chay Old Town an attractive destination for tourists.
Address: Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Bai Chay Night Market
Ha Long Marine Market is one of the busiest entertainment places in Ha Long at night. Tourists can freely explore more than 100 stalls on 2 floors of the market. The first floor is mainly a store for shoes, souvenirs, and bags. The 2nd floor is famous specialties in Ha Long such as confectionery, dried seafood, etc.
Address: Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Bai Chay Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: Free
Opening time: 18h – 24h
Ha Long Flower Park
Ha Long Park will be the next destination in your discovery journey. Located right next to Ha Long Bay, this park is a famous place for entertainment and public activities in Ha Long.
With an area of up to 12 hectares, including 8 main functional areas, Ha Long flower park is a space filled with green colors of plants and flowers. With an overhead bridge system up to 1000m long and 2.7 – 3.5m high, Ha Long Flower Park is a place to welcome the cool sea breeze.
Address: Le Thanh Tong Street, Bach Dang Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Long Tien Pagoda
Long Tien Pagoda was built in the architectural style of the temples of the Nguyen Dynasty and according to the Bac Tong sect (both worshiping generals of the Tran dynasty and worshiping Buddhas).
Sitting at the foot of the majestic Bai Tho mountain, this largest temple in Ha Long is recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic. With the charming scenery of the country, the ancient temple makes visitors feel excited with its beauty.
Address: Le Quy Don Street, Bach Dang Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh province
Reference ticket price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Take the cable car
The cable car system connects the beach to the top of Ba Beo hill on Hon Gai island. The tower on the Bai Chay side is 188.8m high, the highest cable car pole in the world up to now. However, this whole cable car system has only 2 cabins, each cabin has 2 floors and covers an area of 200 hectares.
Tourists will need to queue up to buy tickets at the ticket box and then go up to the 2nd floor to get on the cable car. The price for a 2-way ticket is VND 340,000/adult and VND 245,000/kid under 1.3 meters. Kids under 1.0 meters are free of charge.
The ticket is used not only for Queen Cable Car but also for the Sun Wheel and other games on Mystic Mountain Complex.
Kayaking
Small beautiful kayaks floating on the water. While sailing, tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery in Ha Long Bay while relaxing and having fun with friends and relatives. Kayaking is relatively easy, but also quite tiring, so it is mainly for young people.
Reference ticket price: Luon Cave Area – 60,000 VND / time / 2 people; Ba Hang area – 50,000VND/1 person; Cua Van area – 100,000 VND / 1 kayak / 1 hour; Vung Vieng area – 50,000 VND / 1 person / 1 hour; Hon Ban Chan Sand Beach area – 60,000 VND / 1 person / 1 hour.
Snorkeling to see corals
Ha Long Bay is blessed with an extremely rich marine ecosystem. There are many beautiful coral reefs, inhabited by creatures such as shrimp, fish, sea cucumber, starfish, etc.
Snorkeling to watch corals is an extremely interesting experience for those who love to swim and explore the ocean.
See Ha Long from above
There are many ways for tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of Ha Long from above. The easiest way is to climb Bai Tho mountain – a 200m high limestone mountain standing in the heart of the city. From here, it is possible to cover almost the whole majesty and grace of Ha Long Bay.
Discover the fishing village, and the lifestyle of the people in the coastal area
Ha Long tourism cannot ignore the coastal fishing villages. The most famous is probably still the fishing village of Cua Van, the setting of many famous movies and artworks. People here mainly live by fishing and aquaculture on floating rafts.
Experiencing a 1-day tour in Ha Long, visitors can visit and join the locals on squid fishing trips, fishing or simply immersing in the simple but poetic everyday life.
Explore beautiful caves
Due to the extremely special geological structure, on the small islands of Ha Long Bay, there are often many beautiful and mysterious caves. Some extremely famous places can be mentioned such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave located on the largest limestone mountain in Ha Long and Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, etc., and hundreds of large and small caves scattered around the complex of Ha Long Bay.
The caves here have undergone the process of weathering for millions of years, appearing with many types of stalactites with unique colors and shapes. Besides, there are many legends surrounding these mysterious caves.
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What To Eat In Ha Long
Squid cake
This is a dish bearing the imprint of Ha Long cuisine with a special flavor of squid cake, dipped with rich fish sauce for a great taste.
The price fluctuates: 30,000 VND – 55,000 VND / serving
Sticky rice with squid cake
Delicious squid cake in Quang Ninh served with sticky rice to create a delicious taste, diners can feel the crispy, sweet squid served with sticky, greasy rice.
The price fluctuates: 35,000 VND – 50,000 VND / serving
Horseshoe crab
The horseshoe crab is very fragrant, has a moderate sweetness and toughness, and can be processed into many wonderful dishes such as sam salad, fried sweet and sour sam’s feet, fried sam with chili pepper, steamed sam, etc.
The price fluctuates: 50,000 VND – 220,000 VND / dish
Mud clam stir-fry vermicelli
Vermicelli combined with delicious and sweet mud clam meat can awaken the taste of any diner, the meat has an extraordinary taste, and the combination of wood ear and mushrooms creates a characteristic delicious taste.
Price ranges: 100,000 VND – 440,000 VND/person
Stir-fried sipunculus nudus with garlic
Sipunculus nudus is a specialty of Ha Long that diners should not miss. Sipunculus nudus is stir-fried with garlic to create a strong aroma and very delicious rice.
Price ranges: 120,000 VND– 350,000 VND/person
Mantis shrimp noodle soup
In autumn or winter, this is a delicious Ha Long dish tourists should try. Mantis shrimp noodle soup here has an unforgettable flavor, a combination of juicy surface mantis shrimp’s meat, rich broth, a few pieces of fried tofu, shrimp, squid cake, etc.
Price ranges: 30,000 VND – 40,000 VND / bowl
Seafood hotpot
Ha Long is a paradise of fresh and juicy seafood, so the seafood hotpot will be a great choice for tourists when coming here to relax.
Price ranges: From 50,000 VND – 300,000 VND
Loi Am grilled Chicken
This Ha Long specialty grilled chicken is very popular with tourists, it is only grilled when customers start ordering, so the food is very fresh and delicious, and the chicken is crispy, not fed up.
Price ranges: From 300,000 to 350,000/a chicken
Nodding cake
This cake with a surprising name is made from milled rice and looks quite similar to Vietnamese stuffed pancake, served with dipping sauce, and braised meat to create an unforgettable taste.
Price ranges: From 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND/serving
Octopus dollfusi
The octopus dollfusi seafood dish is sure to make tourists satisfied. Octopus dollfusi is also known as long-legged octopus, with the same family of octopus, eaten very crispy and sweet.
Price ranges: From 400,000 to 600,000/kg
Níangāo – glutinous rice flour cake (Banh Tai Long Ep)
The cake is fragrant, fleshy, and sweet, has a glossy brown color, and looks quite similar to palm sugar honeycomb cake in the West, the cake is made quite elaborately and carefully.
Price fluctuates: Small pieces of 5,000 VND – 10,000 VND / piece
Ha Long pearl yogurt
Dining in Ha Long will not be complete without the dessert that has become this trademark. Smooth, delicious yogurt eaten with pearls makes tourists eat one and then want to eat two.
Price ranges: From 25,000 VND – 35,000 VND / cup
Where to Stay in Ha long
De LaVa Ha Long
Located in a high-class Sunrise Ha Long apartment, just a 6-minute walk from the sea, less than 10 minutes away from Vincom Plaza Ha Long, Halong Marine Plaza, Tuan Chau Port, and Quang Ninh Museum. De LaVa Ha Long is located in an extremely “prime” location for visitors to easily visit the most attractive tourist and shopping attractions in Ha Long city.
The homestay architecture is sure and modern, the living room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 1 kitchen are decorated in a variety of Asian – European styles, and each corner of the apartment can be used for a ‘check-in’ selfie. Visitors are enchanted with the shimmering selfie backgrounds.
Professional hotel service with wifi, free parking, dedicated airport shuttle service, television, cooking utensils, dishwasher, shower, hot and cold water, clean blankets, and furniture full personal hygiene is provided, for guests’ convenience at all times.
Address: No. 903, S5 building, Sunrise Ha Long apartment building, Hoang Quoc Viet street, Ha Long city.
Room rate: 200,000 VND/person/night.
An Nhien Homestay
The space filled with colors is the first thing you notice when entering An Nhien Ha Long. The carpets, hanging curtains, lights, and blankets covered with romantic turquoise, purple, pink, and yellow-blue colors will give you a sweet and enjoyable feeling when staying here.
Beautiful homestay in Ha Long provides a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, induction cooker, hairdryer, and high-speed wifi… for your entertainment, relaxation, and comfortable dining at the apartment. In particular, the friendly and amiable host also prepares 2 free motorbikes for you to explore every corner of Ha Long conveniently and save money.
From An Nhien to Halong Marine commercial complex, Sun World tourist area, Ha Long night market in just a few minutes, you can “eat, drink and relax” without fear of forgetting the way home. Homestay is the ideal choice for families, couples, and groups of friends staying for a long time.
Address: Hoang Quoc Viet 706-C, Ha Long City.
Room price: From 300,000 VND to 700,000 VND/room/night.
Otoke Homestay
Built in a simple, elegant style, with the main colors being green, blue mixed with white, and bright gray, it gives Ha Long homestay space combined with a unique and luxurious beauty full of difference.
The room is equipped with a mattress, a table, a chair, and a comfortable private bathroom. Scientifically designed artificial and natural lighting systems ensure that the room is always bright at all times of the day. Offers free breakfast from 7 am to 10 am.
The hotel is very close to Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Museum, Quang Ninh Library, and Sun World general entertainment resort, visitors can visit these destinations during the day very easily and quickly.
Address: No. 1 Tran Quoc, Hong Ha, Ha Long City.
Room price: From 400,000 VND to 800,000 VND/room/night.
Lavender House
Possessing a modern, friendly look that is easy to captivate people, Lavender House will bring you moments of peace and warmth like being in your own home. In particular, Ha Long cheap homestay is located deep in Ha Long Old Quarter, so the atmosphere is quieter and fresher, completely free from the hustle and bustle like in the western quarter.
Homestay rents the whole house, so you can fully enjoy the whole house with privacy just by yourself or with family and close friends.
The hotel design has a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, balcony, and spacious dining area giving you a lot of space to live and experience.
In addition, staying in the area has a swimming pool, a private beach, professional sauna spa services, and free bicycles for you to roam around the city conveniently and flexibly.
Address: 4 – 5 Hoang Quoc Viet, Ha Long City
Room price: From 1,000,000 VND to 3,500,000 VND/apartment/night.
Camellia House
Camellia House is located in Greenbay apartment with a cool Southeast direction, beautiful bay view, an ideal place for you to sit and drink coffee to watch the peaceful sunrise and sunset through the expansive balcony view.
Renting a whole house in Ha Long at a reasonable price even during the tourist season, you will have enough resort space for yourself and your family during your stay in the famous tourist city.
The hotel provides fully equipped services and has a kitchen for you to cook for yourself, a swimming pool, and a gym for everyone to relax and exercise after a long day of exploring the attractions in Ha Long.
Address: No. 1616, 17T1 building, Greenbay apartment building, Hoang Quoc Viet, Ha Long city.
Room price: From 1,000,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND/apartment/night.
The Bay Ha Long Homestay
The Bay Ha Long is built in a youthful architecture, with green trees covering the beautiful Ha Long homestay space, bringing a fresh and pleasant atmosphere at all times of the day.
Each room has an open balcony, and transparent glass doors for you to easily see the outside scenery every morning when you wake up. The interior is equipped with enough beds, pillows, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, tables, night lights, and private toilets, visitors can comfortably work, entertain, and rest.
Homestay is located right in the city center, within a radius of 500m, there are many legendary tourist attractions worth visiting such as the beach, walking street, Water Park, Queen Cable Car, etc.
Address: 120 Alley Huong Tram, 112 Anh Dao, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City.
Room price: From 580,000 VND/night.
Ha Long Ecolodge Homestay
Located in the middle of majestic mountains, Ha Long Ecolodge captures the hearts of tourists with its simple, fresh, and impressive appearance. Cheap Ha Long Homestay has an airy, spacious design, close to nature.
Especially with rooms on the hill, visitors will experience the feeling of the sky close to their eyes, panoramic view of the bay, immense mountains, and forests. Room design is diverse, from rustic to modern, to suit the preferences of all visitors.
There is a large garden area, a playground for children, and professional and comfortable hotel services, just 2 km from Queen Cable Car Station.
Address: Group 4, Bai Chay, Ha Long City.
Room rate: From 150,000 VND/night.
The Muse Homestay
Located among the green palm trees on the beautiful Quan Lan island, the small houses of The Muse homestay give you incredible peace in the midst of the immense sea.
The rooms in the beautiful homestay in Ha Long are compactly designed, fitted with luxurious glass doors, but covered with thick curtains, still ensuring privacy for you when sleeping inside.
On the island, there is a white sand beach with clear water for you to swim comfortably. The soft lazy chairs placed all over the beach are ideal relaxing sun loungers for lazy travelers who are bored with exercise.
Address: Quan Lan Island, Ha Long City.
Room price: From 500,000 VND/night.
Diamond Homestay
Located right in the heart of Ha Long city, Diamond Homestay with airy, clean space and facilities in the house will be one of the benefits that visitors experience.
In addition, the small but fully equipped kitchen space will greatly support your late-night meals!
Address: Hoang Quoc Viet, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
Lily House Homestay
Lily House Homestay has a prime location opposite the beach, with traditional Vietnamese house architecture style. Lily House Homestay helps you have a “naturally at home” vacation.
Lily House Homestay has 3 quite spacious floors. You can rent the whole apartment if you go with a large group of friends or organize a tour with the company. You can also choose a separate room if traveling with a few people. The house is simple with furniture that you will surely feel as familiar as in your own home. Perhaps the farther you go, the more people want to return home and Lily House Homestay will help you relieve your homesickness and hometown.
Lily House Ha Long has green space on campus with a beautiful lake. This sub will also help you to relax more. With a location near the sea, from the balcony, you will have a view of the beautiful Ha Long Bay. Every morning when you wake up, try to open the window and catch the sea breeze, enjoy the cool air in Ha Long!
Address: house number 30, Hoang Thi Hong Chiem street, Hong Hai Ward, City. Ha Long, Quang Ninh
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