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Ha Long

Ha Long, Vietnam: A complete guide to your dream trip

24/02/2025 679 views

Ha Long, a coastal gem in northern Vietnam, seamlessly weaves together natural wonder and urban vitality. Beyond its famous UNESCO-listed bay, the city pulses with vibrant markets, fresh seafood, and modern attractions, all nestled beneath towering limestone karsts.

1. Overview of Ha Long, Vietnam

Ha Long City serves as the capital of Quang Ninh Province. It benefits from its close proximity to other major urban centers in northern Vietnam. Specifically, Ha Long is 165 kilometers away from Hanoi, 70 kilometers away from Hai Phong, and 145 kilometers away from the Chinese border.

Ha Long City in Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Ha Long, a premier tourist destination in northern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Ha Long encompasses 276 square kilometers of land. At its heart lies Ha Long Bay, whose exceptional beauty has earned dual UNESCO World Heritage recognitions – for its landscapes (1994) and geological features (2000). In 2012, it was named one of the world’s seven new natural wonders by New7Wonders.

Beyond its natural heritage, Ha Long City is a modern urban center with advanced infrastructure and diverse tourism offerings. This harmonious blend of natural wonder and urban development has established Vietnam’s Ha Long as a premier destination, steadily building its reputation in both regional and global tourism.

2. Best places to visit in Ha Long City

From the UNESCO-recognized bay to night markets, from cultural sites to entertainment complexes, Ha Long offers diverse experiences that captivate millions of visitors each year. Here are some must-see Ha Long attractions that showcase the city’s natural wonder and contemporary allure.

2.1. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents nature’s artistry at its finest. This vast seascape stretches across 1,553 square kilometers, where thousands of limestone karsts emerge from emerald waters.

The bay’s most celebrated attractions include the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, the historically rich Dau Go Cave, the mystical Thien Cung Cave, and the adventurous Luon Cave. The Fighting Cocks Islet stands as a natural sculpture, while Ti Top Island offers panoramic vistas. The local life shines at Cua Van Floating Village and Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

Visitors can immerse themselves in this natural wonder through various experiences. Day cruises offer glimpses of the bay’s highlights, while overnight journeys allow for a more intimate exploration. You can kayak through hidden caves, trek to island viewpoints, swim at secluded beaches, or visit floating villages. Each season brings its own charm, making Ha Long Bay a year-round destination that reveals new secrets with every visit.

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Source: Collected)

2.2. Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island, connected to the mainland by a 2-kilometer-long causeway, has transformed from a secluded isle into a premier destination for entertainment in Vietnam’s Ha Long. It features pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Southeast Asia’s largest tourist port, the main gateway for cruises around Ha Long Bay.

The island offers an entertainment complex with world-wonder replicas and marine life shows starring dolphins, sea lions, and seals. Visitors can enjoy water sports like jet-skiing and kayaking, or explore dining streets where palace-style restaurants serve Asian and Western cuisines. Combining natural beauty with modern charm, Tuan Chau Island is an unmissable stop in Ha Long.

2.3. Long Tien Pagoda

Long Tien Pagoda, nestled at the foot of a mountain in Ha Long City, is a Buddhist temple built in the Mahayana Buddhist style. It showcases intricate architecture and meticulous craftsmanship, from detailed Buddha statues to ornate palace-like structures. Open from dawn to dusk, the pagoda is most serene during early morning and becomes particularly vibrant during festive seasons. This sacred space offers visitors a peaceful retreat, where Vietnamese culture and spiritual traditions blend harmoniously with the majestic mountain backdrop. 

Long Tien Pagoda, Ha Long

Long Tien Pagoda is a must-see for culture tours in Ha Long (Source: Collected)

2.4. Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum, situated on a scenic coastal road, is an architectural masterpiece in Ha Long. Its distinctive black-glass exterior mirrors the bay’s seascape and features a record-breaking 28-ton coal block, symbolizing Quang Ninh’s mining heritage. The museum chronicles the province’s highlights through innovative displays: caves in Ha Long Bay, marine life, coal mining history, and Yen Tu Buddhist heritage. With a 3D art exhibition, Quang Ninh Museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through heritage and development.

2.5. Hon Gai Beach

Hon Gai Beach stretches for 900 meters along a scenic coastal road in Ha Long City. With white sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning views of limestone karsts, it offers a perfect city escape. The beach features various recreational facilities and water activities, complemented by modern landscaped promenades. Whether you are seeking active water sports, a peaceful sunbath, or simply the fresh sea breezes while taking in the spectacular bay views, Hon Gai Beach provides.

Hon Gai and Bai Chay, two major tourist areas in Ha Long, Vietnam

Hon Gai and Bai Chay, two major tourist areas in Ha Long, Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.6. Bai Chay Ward

Bai Chay Ward, a vibrant area in Ha Long City, has grown into a major tourist hub. Its centerpiece is a stunning 1,000-meter-long Bai Chay Beach, which offers clear water and various water sports. The area features a charming Old Quarter, a bustling Night Market known for fresh seafood, and a European-style Western Street with trendy cafes. The iconic Bai Chay Bridge, spanning 1,106 meters long across the Luc River, connects this tourist hub to Hon Gai Ward, creating a spectacular illuminated display at night. With hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment sites, Bai Chay Ward is the tourism center of Ha Long.

2.7. Cai Dam Market

Cai Dam Market is a modern commercial hub with over 750 vendors. Each floor of this market has a unique focus: fresh produce and seafood on the ground floor, fashion and cosmetics on the first, and electronics and souvenirs on the second. As Ha Long‘s primary seafood wholesale market, Cai Dam Market offers everything, from fresh catches to dried goods. Both locals and tourists frequent the busy seafood section for authentic flavors in Ha Long.

Cai Dam Market in Ha Long

Cai Dam Market is well-known for its wide variety of fresh seafood (Source: Collected)

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3. Top things to do on your Ha Long trip

Ha Long, Vietnam seamlessly blends natural wonders with modern attractions, offering diverse experiences from bay cruises to urban adventures. Here are some must-try activities that capture the essence of this captivating coastal city.

3.1. Take a cruise & try night squid fishing

Taking a cruise in Ha Long Bay is an absolute must-try, combining daytime adventures with evening activities. The journey includes practicing tai chi on deck at sunrise, exploring caves, kayaking through hidden lagoons, and swimming in secluded bays. As night falls, the magical experience of squid fishing takes center stage. Under a canopy of stars, tourists gather on deck with simple rods and specialized lights designed to attract squid. The crew members share local fishing techniques, while the evening unfolds with seafood dining, entertainment, and the tranquil atmosphere of the bay at night. This perfect blend of activities captures the essence of maritime culture in Ha Long.

activities on overnight Ha Long Bay cruises

Night squid fishing awaits on an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise (Source: Collected)

3.2. Kayak to explore caves

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay offers an intimate exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s hidden treasures. Popular spots include Luon Cave, Ba Hang and Cua Van fishing villages, and the serene Tung Sau area. Additional routes weave through various caves in Ha Long Bay and hidden lagoons scattered throughout the bay. Paddling through the emerald waters, tourists can navigate narrow caves, discover secluded spots, and glide past towering limestone karsts. Most cruise packages include guided kayaking tours to these locations, making this activity accessible for both beginners and experienced kayakers who want to explore the natural wonders of Ha Long up close.

3.3. Enjoy aerial views by seaplane

A seaplane tour offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Ha Long Bay, showcasing the true scale of this natural wonder from 300 meters above sea level. The 25-minute scenic flight departs from Tuan Chau Island, soaring over thousands of limestone karsts and the emerald waters. From this unique vantage point, passengers can capture stunning aerial photos of the bay. The experience begins with an exciting water take-off and includes a thrilling water landing, making it an unforgettable way to appreciate the majestic seascape of Ha Long.

Ha Long Bay seaplane

Seaplane tours offer a breathtaking aerial view of Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

3.4. Join the festivities

Known as a City of Festivals, Ha Long, Vietnam hosts 10-15 big events annually, which are categorized into three types: traditional festivals, cultural festivals, and international-origin festivals. Here are some notable one:

  • Ha Long Carnival (April 30 – May 1): The city’s signature event, featuring street parades, artistic performances, and cultural displays.
  • Long Tien Pagoda Festival (24th day of the 3rd lunar month): A spiritual celebration that welcomes both Buddhist practitioners and visitors.
  • Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival (April 29): A traditional festival featuring solemn processions and ceremonies.
  • Giang Vong Temple Festival (9th – 10th day of the 11th lunar month): A 300-year-old celebration highlighting the local fishing heritage through its distinctive water procession ceremony.

The city also hosts modern events throughout the year, including sailboat races, cherry blossom festivals, paramotor shows, and artistic light displays by the bay.

3.5. Savor local specialties

Ha Long cuisine is dominated by fresh seafood, reflecting the city’s rich maritime heritage and abundant marine resources. Here are some must-try dishes in Ha Long Vietnam:

  • Bun be be: A popular breakfast and lunch dish unique to Ha Long, featuring succulent mantis shrimp meat served with rice noodles in a flavorful broth.
  • Bun cu ky: A specialty featuring rice noodles with a special crab variety known for its large, meaty claws. The crab meat is lightly sautéed with garlic and served over the noodles with pre-cracked claws.
  • Banh cuon cha muc: A signature dish of Ha Long, combining delicate rice rolls with grilled squid cakes.
  • Trung tiet ham ngai cuu: A nutritious afternoon snack, where blood pudding is simmered with mugwort leaves. The dish often includes balut eggs.
  • Fresh seafood: The city offers an abundance of fresh catches like sam (horseshoe crab), be be (mantis shrimp), sa sung (peanut worm), ngan (Austriella corrugata), along with various types of shrimp, crab, fish, and squid.
  • Sua chua tran chau: A refreshing dessert of yogurt with chewy boba pearls.
Ha Long food and specialties

Ha Long is famous for fresh seafood and unique specialties (Source: Collected)

Explore 25+ things to do in Ha Long Bay for a fascinating escape!

4. Guide for your first visit to Ha Long, Vietnam

4.1. When to go?

Ha Long Bay weather is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of 23.7°C and an average humidity level of 84%. Ha Long City is located in northern Vietnam, where there are 4 distinct seasons. April – May is warm and dry, June – August is hot and sunny with possible storms, September – December is cool and dry, while January – March is cold with occasional rain. 

Each season here has its own beauty. The summer months of June – August are ideal if you want to swim and sunbathe. Meanwhile, spring (January – March) and autumn (September – December) are more ideal if you seek a more tranquil Ha Long with fewer tourists. The peak tourist season in Ha Long is summer, when the city is very crowded especially on weekends.

All in all, the best time to visit Ha Long really depends on your preferences.

4.2. How to get there?

Getting to Ha Long from Hanoi is easy with multiple options. Limousine bus rides cost 220,000 – 270,000 VND per ticket, while standard coaches are slightly cheaper at around 120,000 VND per ticket. The limousine bus journey takes about 2.5 hours via expressways. For visitors from other regions in Vietnam, there are domestic flights to the nearby Van Don International Airport (about 50 kilometers away), with buses connecting the airport to Ha Long.

getting from Hanoi to Ha Long

Ha Long is easily reached from Hanoi in just 2.5 hours (Source: Collected)

Within Ha Long, visitors can rent motorbikes for 150,000 VND per day or use taxis like Mai Linh. Ride-hailing mobile apps like Xanh SM and private car rentals also provide convenient transport for exploring the city.

4.3. Where to stay?

Ha Long offers diverse accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to affordable guesthouses and local homestays, visitors can find a comfortable place to stay throughout the city. A unique option is an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, with options ranging from budget-friendly to premium.

Crowning the city’s luxury accommodations is Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Perched on Reu Island, this resort offers panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed bay. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long masterfully blends Vietnamese warmth with international luxury, featuring sophisticated rooms, indulgent spa facilities, and exquisite restaurants that promise an extraordinary stay in one of Vietnam’s most stunning destinations.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long provides a luxurious getaway in the bay

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long provides a luxurious getaway in the bay

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

 

4.4. What to bring home?

Ha Long offers a treasure trove of souvenirs that capture the essence of this coastal city. From seafood products to artisanal crafts, you will find perfect mementos of your visit.

Seafood products are the most popular choice, led by hand-pounded squid cakes (cha muc), the city’s signature. Other sought-after items include dried seafood like squid, fish, shrimp, and peanut worm, along with premium fish sauce and processed seafood snacks.

Local artisanal crafts showcase the city’s heritage through seashell art, coal sculptures, pearl jewelry, and handmade ceramics. You will also find miniature wooden boats, traditional conical hats, and paintings of Ha Long.

4.5. What to prepare?

A successful trip to Ha Long, Vietnam requires careful preparation. Here is what you should pack:

  • Personal items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, a first aid kit, motion sickness pills
  • Clothes: Swimwear, light clothing for hot days, flip-flops, a light jacket for evening breezes
  • Electronics: A camera, smartphones, a power bank, a waterproof phone case
  • Documents: Cash, ID

To ensure comfort while exploring Ha Long, keep these tips in mind:

  • Book accommodations and services in advance, especially for the peak tourist season
  • Check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities
  • Negotiate the prices with the vendors at markets
  • Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
  • Respect the local customs and dress modestly at religious sites
Ha Long travel tips

Keep these tips in mind to ensure a well-prepared trip to Ha Long (Source: Collected)

Ha Long enchants visitors with its harmonious blend of natural wonders and modern attractions. Whether you enjoy exploring the bay, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying urban comforts, this coastal destination offers unforgettable experiences. With its year-round appeal, Ha Long beckons travelers to discover its charm.

Beyond Ha Long, Vietnam holds countless other treasures waiting to be discovered. From the ancient charm of Hanoi to the golden heritage of Hoi An, from the coastal allure of Nha Trang to the island paradise of Phu Quoc, each destination tells its own unique story.

These destinations shine even brighter with VinWonders, Vietnam’s premier series of entertainment complexes, where adventure meets culture. VinWonders deliver unforgettable experiences through heart-racing games, captivating shows, and immersive activities for visitors of all ages. 

Your journey in Vietnam will reach new heights at the luxury hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where contemporary indulgence meets traditional hospitality, promising extraordinary stays in the country’s most stunning destinations.

VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam

VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam

 

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VinWonders Nha Trang offers a coastal adventure on Hon Tre Island

VinWonders Nha Trang offers a coastal adventure on Hon Tre Island

 

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VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings a unique blend of entertainment and culture

VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings a unique blend of entertainment and culture

 

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