Overview of Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a unique world natural heritage site, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam—one of the country's leading tourist centers. Ha Long Bay is directly adjacent to central coastal wards such as Bai Chay ward, Hong Gai ward, Tuan Chau ward and Ha Long ward. The bay has a total area of ​​1,553 km², including 1,969 large and small islands, most of which are limestone islands, with a heritage core area of ​​434 km². The southwest side of the bay borders Cat Ba Island (belonging to Hai Phong City), the rest borders the land and sea.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is famous globally for its exceptional values in aesthetic landscape, geology and geomorphology. The bay has been twice honored by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage (in 1994 and 2000) and recognized as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world. With thousands of limestone islands of various shapes (such as Ga Choi Islet, Dinh Huong Islet) emerging from the turquoise water, along with a system of magical caves (such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave) and pristine beaches, Ha Long Bay is an iconic destination of Vietnam, attracting millions of international and domestic tourists to visit, relax and explore.

Outstanding attractions in Ha Bay Long

Surprise Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Located on Bo Hon Island, at the heart of Ha Long Bay Heritage, this is one of the largest and most splendid limestone caves in the bay. The cave is divided into three large compartments with countless magical stalactites and stalagmites, like a magnificent "opera house" in the middle of the sea. With overwhelming beauty, Sung Sot Cave is a must-see stop on the cruise itinerary (Route 2) for visitors to admire the magnificence of creation.

Ti Top Island

Ti Top Island

This island was named after cosmonaut Gherman Titov, after the visit of he and Uncle Ho in 1962. Ti Top Island stands out with its moon-shaped fine white sand beach that hugs the foot of the island, making it an ideal spot for tourists to swim. Visitors can also climb to the observatory at the top of the island (through more than 400 steps) to admire one of the most majestic and breathtaking panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.

Ga Choi Islet (Hon Trong Mai)

Ga Choi Islet

Considered a symbol of Ha Long Bay tourism, Ga Choi Islet (or Hen Trong Islet) is a cluster of stone islands consisting of two small islands shaped like a pair of chickens (one male, one female) playing with each other on the water. Located in the southwest of the bay, near Thien Cung cave, the image of two limestone islands over 10 meters high has become an iconic image, appearing in the logo and tourism promotion publications of Quang Ninh province.

Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave

Located in the north of Dau Go Island, Thien Cung Cave is one of the most beautiful and famous caves on the bay, associated with the legend of the Dragon King. The cave has an area of ​​nearly 10,000 m² with a complex structure including many compartments, high partitions and decorated with countless magnificent and majestic stalagmites and stalactites. The skillfully installed artificial lighting system further enhances the magical look, living up to the name "palace of heaven".

Hang Luon

Luon Cave

Located on Bo Hon island, Luon Cave is a typical dome-shaped cave, passing through the foot of a rocky mountain lime to enter a round, windless "lake" of water inside. This is one of the most attractive kayaking or bamboo boating spots on the bay. When going through the cave, visitors can admire the unique ecosystem and sometimes encounter groups of mischievous golden monkeys on the cliffs.

Cua Van Fishing Village

Cua Van Fishing Village

Cua Van Fishing Village is one of the oldest floating fishing villages on Ha Long Bay, now preserved and developed into a floating cultural center. Although people have been relocated ashore to ensure a better life, the village still retains its typical floating houses, classrooms, and fishing gear display areas. Tourists come here mainly to visit, kayak and learn about the traditional fishing life and culture that has existed for hundreds of years in the middle of the sea.

In addition to the above destinations, Ha Long Bay also has many other attractive places:

  • Dau Go Cave: Located next to Thien Cung cave on Dau Go island, this cave is large and majestic, associated with Tran Hung Dao's history of fighting the Mongol invaders.

  • Dinh Huong Island: A stone island shaped like a giant incense burner, is a spiritual symbol between the sea and the image of the island This is printed on the 200,000 VND bill.

  • Trinh Nu Cave & Trong Cave: Two caves located opposite each other on two islands (Bo Hon and a small island opposite), associated with the legend of a tragic love story.

  • Vung Fishing Village Vieng: Located in the Bai Tu Long Bay area (buffer zone, adjacent to Ha Long Bay), this is a peaceful fishing village, suitable for experiencing kayaking and exploring local life.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time to fully explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay is in the fall (from September to November) or spring (from March to May). In autumn, the weather is dry, chilly, with clear blue skies and mild sunshine, ideal for sightseeing activities on yachts, kayaking and sightseeing. Spring has warm weather, little rain, sometimes light fog in the morning, creating a magical and poetic Ha Long Bay scene.

Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season for domestic tourists. The weather at this time is beautiful and sunny, very suitable for swimming and playing activities, however this is also the rainy and stormy season in the North. Tourists need to carefully monitor weather forecasts because storms or tropical depressions can affect schedules, causing boats to be banned from sailing. On the contrary, winter (from December to February) is quite cold, has a lot of fog, can limit visibility but brings a quiet, quiet beauty and is a favorite choice of many international tourists.

Transportation information

By air

Travelers can fly to 03 airports neighboring Ha Long Bay, Then connect by road (taxi/limousine) to reach the Bay area:

  1. Van Don International Airport (VDO): This is the nearest airport, located in Van Don Special Zone (Quang Ninh), about 50-60 km from the central area of Ha Long Bay (Bai Chay ward).

    • Flight route: Pick up domestic flights (from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang...) and some international flights.

    • Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air.

    • Moving from VDO to Ha Long Bay: There is a free bus route (for passengers with air tickets flight) or limousine companies (Phuc Xuyen, Van Don Xanh) pick you up, travel time is about 1 hour.

  2. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) - Hai Phong: This airport is also very close, about 50 km from Ha Long Bay via Bach Dang Bridge.

    • Flight route: Pick up many domestic flights (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Phu Quoc...) and international (Korea, China) National...).

    • Move from HPH to Ha Long Bay: Easy to take a taxi or limousine (like Gia Muoi, Son Trung), travel time is about 45-60 minutes.

  3. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Hanoi: Approximately from Ha Long Bay 150-160 km (via highway).

    • Flight route: Is the largest international airport in the North, welcoming all flights.

    • Moving from HAN to Ha Long Bay: There are many limousine companies picking up and dropping off passengers directly at the airport (Phuc Xuyen, Cua Ong Limousine...), time Travel time is about 2.5 - 3 hours.

By road

Ha Long Expressway

Thanks to the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh expressway system, the road is the way The most popular and fastest way to travel.

  • Popular route:

    • Hanoi → Ha Long Bay: About 150-160 km, travel time only 1.5 - 2.5 hours.

    • Hai Phong → Ha Long Bay: About 50 km, travel time 45-60 minutes.

  • Reputable car companies (Limousine): Phuc Xuyen, Cua Ong Limousine, Kumho Viet Thanh, Ka Long, Ha Vy Limousine. Most buses pick up/drop off passengers at the central area.

  • Reference fare:

    • Hanoi ↔ Ha Long Bay: about 240,000 - 300,000 VND/person (limousine).

    • Hai Phong ↔ Ha Long Bay: about 100,000 - 180,000 VND/person.

  • Bus station (for passenger cars):

    • In Hanoi: My Dinh bus station, Nuoc Ngam Bus Station.

    • At Ha Long Bay: Bai Chay Bus Station (in Viet Hung ward).

  • Note:

    • Quang Ninh province has a railway but not a means of transportation. popular for tourists due to long travel time and inconvenience by road.

Movement in Ha Long Bay

To explore the central area and Ha Long Bay, visitors can use the following means:

  • Common means (on land):

    • Taxi: Very popular with big companies such as Mai Linh (☎ 02033 628 628), Vinasun (☎ 02033 82 82 82), Taxi 886 (☎ 02033 886 886).

    • Motorbike taxi / technology vehicle: Applications such as Grab (both motorbikes and cars) and Be operate very strongly in central wards.

    • Motorbike / car rental: Suitable for actively visiting places on the shore such as Quang Ninh Museum, seafood market...

  • Means to visit the Bay (at sea):

    • Sightseeing boats (by route): Visitors can buy tickets to travel during the day (4-6 hours) on prescribed routes.

    • Overnight cruise: High-class experience (from 2 days 1 night or more) with many 5-star cruise lines.

    • Main wharf: Ha Long International Passenger Port (in Bai Chay ward) and Tuan Chau International Passenger Port (in Tuan Chau ward).

  • Reputable motorbike rental address (verified):

    • Kim's Motorbike Rentals: Alley 86 Vuon Dao (and other facilities) (Bai Chay ward area) | ☎ 0923.333.121

    • Dong's Motorbike Rentals: Lane 1 Vuon Dao (Bai Chay ward area) | ☎ 0944.697.555

  • Reference motorbike rental price:

    • Motorbike: 100,000 - 120,000 VND/day

    • Scooter: 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day

  • Car / tourist vehicle rental address (verified):

    • Travelers can contact local self-driving car rental services or book through platforms application platform.

    • Kim's Rentals (Cars & motorbikes): ☎ 0923.333.121

    • Gia Hung Self-Drive Car Rental Office: ☎ 0385.585.666

    • Platform/Application: Can find and book a car through applications such as Mioto, BonbonCar.

Accommodation information

Luxury (4–5 stars)

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long located on Reu Island, in Bai Chay ward area. This is the most luxurious 5-star resort in the area, with the entire campus located isolated on an island. The hotel has a magnificent neoclassical design, 360-degree views of the bay, 3 private beaches, a large outdoor swimming pool and a system of high-class restaurants and spas. According to Booking.com, room prices at Vinpearl range from 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel located on Ha Long street, Bai Chay ward. This is a 5-star hotel with a prime location right in the center, with beautiful views of Bai Chay Bridge and Ha Long Bay. The hotel offers premium services, modern rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and many culinary options. According to Agoda, the average room price is about 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 VND/night.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation in central wards, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • FLC Grand Hotel Halong (5 stars) – Van Nghe Hill, Hong Gai Ward – Price about 1,300,000 – 2,500,000 VND/night

  • Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh Hotel (5 stars) – Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward – Price about 1,200,000 - 2,200,000 VND/night

Resort (Overnight cruise)

Paradise Grand Cruise departs from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, Tuan Chau ward. This is one of the 5-star luxury cruises, belonging to the Paradise Vietnam system. The yacht has a sturdy steel design and elegant style, offering cabins with private balconies, a fine-dining restaurant, spa, and spacious sundeck. This is the ideal choice to experience a complete vacation in the heart of heritage. According to agency sites, tour prices (usually 2 days 1 night) range from 3,500,000 - 7,000,000 VND/person, including meals and activities.

Paradise Grand Cruise

Ambassador Cruise departs from Ha Long International Cruise Port, Bai Chay ward. This is one of the largest 5-star cruises on Ha Long Bay, featuring an outdoor infinity pool, glass check-in bridge, and luxurious restaurant. The cruise offers a luxury resort experience with many modern amenities. Tour price (2 days 1 night) averages about 2,800,000 - 5,500,000 VND/person, depending on room type and season.

To diversify options for tourists who want to experience spending the night on Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (adjacent), you can refer to some other 5-star cruises:

  • Stellar of the Seas Cruise – Departing from Tuan Chau Port, Tuan Chau Ward – Price from 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND/person/night

  • Scarlet Pearl Cruise – Departing from Ha Long International Passenger Port, Bai Chay Ward – Price from 3,200,000 – 6,500,000 VND/person/night

  • Indochine Cruise – Departs from Tuan Chau Port, Tuan Chau Ward – Price from 2,900,000 – 5,800,000 VND/person/night

Experience (2–3 stars, Homestay)

Halong Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel located on Tran Hung Dao street, Hong Gai ward. The hotel is conveniently located in the central area (old Hon Gai), near the market, Quang Ninh Museum and local eateries. Rooms are designed in a boutique style that is cozy, clean, and fully equipped with basic amenities. This is a good choice for tourists who want to explore the local lifestyle. According to Booking.com, the average price is about 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND/night.

Brika Hotel located on Vuon Dao street, Bai Chay ward. This 2-3 star hotel has a very convenient location, right in the center of Bai Chay tourist area, near Sun World and the beach. The hotel has a modern, clean design, has a small swimming pool and is loved by many young tourists. Room prices range from 500,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped in the central area, the following places are worth a try:

  • City Bay Hotel – 158 Le Thanh Tong, Hong Gai ward – Gia from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night

  • Draha Hotel - 98 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay Ward - Price from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night

Cuisine and cultural ceremonies festival 

The content below focuses on introducing outstanding culinary venues and cultural experiences in the Ha Long Bay area (including bayside wards such as Bai Chay and Hong Gai) and direct experiences on the bay.

Famous restaurants

Pavilion Restaurant (Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long) – Located on Reu Island, Bai Chay ward: This is a 5-star fine dining restaurant with unique beach hut architecture. The restaurant specializes in serving European cuisine combining fresh Vietnamese ingredients, providing a romantic experience with a panoramic view of the bay.

Pavilion Restaurant

Cua Vang Restaurant (Golden Crab) – No. 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay ward: Famous as one of the most luxurious and high-end seafood restaurants in the area. The restaurant has a unique architectural space, specializing in serving specialty dishes such as crab hotpot, tamarind-roasted crab and many other high-quality fresh seafood.

In addition to the above restaurants, you can refer to some other luxurious places such as:

  • Bim One Restaurant - Column 5 beach border, Hong Gai ward (This area may be in Ha ward New Hong Gai ward, specializing in exquisite European-Asian dishes)

  • Hong Hanh Restaurant 3 - 50 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward (Large, luxurious branch of a famous restaurant chain).

Local Cuisine

Goc Cay Squid Rolls Bang – Alley 1, Nha Hat Street, Le Thanh Tong Street, Hong Gai Ward: Coming to the Ha Long area, everyone should immediately try the famous squid spring rolls at Goc Cay Bang - a familiar address for locals, famous for being crowded in the morning.

Quang Phong squid patties – Kiot C112A, Ha Long street, Bai Chay ward: Prestigious brand of hand-pounded squid patties, suitable for eating on the spot or buying to take home as gifts; There are shops with clear addresses and contact information listed.

Cuisine discovery experience

Nodding Snail - 75 Gieng Don (Food Street), Hong Gai Ward: "Nodding" snail restaurant is famous for a variety of snails: jackfruit snails cooked with tamarind, sweet snails stir-fried with salted eggs, grilled snails... The restaurant is located in Gieng Don Food Street, is considered by many to be a "familiar snail restaurant of Ha Long youth".

Ha Long Rice Noodle Restaurant - 160 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward: A rustic restaurant serving claypot rice and family dishes, mentioned by many Ha Long tourism sites.

In addition to the above restaurants, people can You can refer to some other famous restaurants in the coastal area of the Bay:

  • Hong Hanh 3 - 50 Ha Long street, Bai Chay ward

  • Bun Cu Ky Huong Beo Restaurant - 20 Tan Mai, Bai Chay ward

Cultural experience on the Bay

Experience Cua Van fishing village: Located directly on Ha Long Bay, Cua Van fishing village (now preserved as a cultural tourist destination) is where visitors can explore traditional fishermen's life. Activities to visit the fishing village, kayak, or take a bamboo boat to learn about raft houses and fishing gear display areas take place all year round, especially exciting during the spring - summer tourist season.

Amusement area

Tuan Chau Port and Beach Area

Tuan Chau Port and Beach Area

Tuan Chau island area (now Tuan Chau ward) is the gateway leading to Ha Long Bay, where the super modern Tuan Chau International Passenger Port is located. This is not only a transit place but also a luxury resort and check-in destination with a marina and high-end restaurants. The highlight of the area is Tuan Chau artificial beach with fine white sand, clear blue water and water sports activities. Dolphin and seal performances are still one of the shows that attract tourists here.

Reference ticket price:

  • Entrance to the Port/Common Area: Free.

  • Tickets to see dolphin and seal performances: About 100,000 VND/person.

  • Tuan Chau beach ticket: Can be charged (about 40,000 VND/person) or free if using dining and resort services here.

Some other amusement parks and attractions in the coastal area of the Bay:

  • Sun Marina Plaza & Marina Complex: Located right next to Ha Long international passenger port (in Bai Chay ward), this is a European-style "old town" and a luxurious port, a "luxurious" check-in point and high-class cuisine.

  • Quang Ninh Museum: Located in Ha ward Long, this is a unique architectural work with mysterious black blocks, a great place to learn about the history, culture and nature of Quang Ninh province.

  • Bai Chay Night Market: Belongs to Bai Chay ward, is a place to focus on shopping for souvenirs, specialties and enjoying vibrant street food and seafood at night.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise (2 days 1 night)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi – Cruise port (in Bai Chay ward or Tuan Chau ward) – Ha Long Bay (Check-in for cruise, eat noon) – Sightseeing (Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Kayaking at Luon Cave) – Overnight on the yacht – The next morning (Watch the sunrise, practice Taichi) – Return to port – Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Limousine car + 5-star cruise.

  • Tour price Reference: 2,900,000 - 5,000,000 VND/person (depending on cruise class).

  • Organizer: Ambassador Cruise, Paradise Vietnam, Stellar of the Seas.

Adventure tour 

1-day tour to explore Ha Long Bay (Route 2)

  • Itinerary: Cruise port (in Bai Chay ward / Tuan Chau ward) – Ha Long Bay (Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave) – Kayaking – Ti Top Island (Mountain climbing, swimming) – Return to port.

  • Transportation: Sightseeing boat (combined boat) + Kayak.

  • Reference tour price: 1,050,000 - 1,300,000 VND/person (full package).

  • Group unit Organization: Vietgoing Travel (or units selling day tours at the port).

Family tour

Ha Long tour - Sun World Park (3 days 2 nights)

Park Sun World Ha Long

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Long (Bai Chay ward hotel) - Sun World Ha Long Complex (Dragon Park, Queen's Cable Car) - Visit Ha Long Bay (Route 1: Thien Cung Cave) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car + Sightseeing boat + Cable hanging.

  • Reference tour price: From 1,200,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: Antamtour.

Ha Long tour 3 days 2 nights (Hotel + Bay + Fun play)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Long (Check in hotel) - Visit Ha Long Bay - Sun World (in Bai Chay ward) or Tuan Chau area (in Tuan Chau ward) - Swimming - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car + Boat/Yacht.

  • Reference tour price: From 1,900,000 VND (depending on service options).

  • Organizer: Vetautham Ha Long Bay (https://www.google.com/search?q=Vethamvinhhalong.com).

Travel ecology 

Tour to visit Cua Van Fishing Village (day)

  • Itinerary: Cruise port - Travel by boat to visit the Bay - Stop at Cua Van Fishing Village (now the Floating Cultural Center) - Experience riding a bamboo boat or rowing a kayak to explore fishermen's life, culture and ecosystem.

  • Transportation: Sightseeing boat + Bamboo boat/Kayak.

  • Reference tour price: (Usually part of Tour Line 2) 800,000 - 1,200,000 VND (if going on a group tour).

  • Organizing unit: Travel companies at Ha Long International Port (Bai Chay ward).

Shopping and Souvenirs

Ha Long Long Market

Ha Long Market

Located in Hong Gai ward, this is the largest and busiest traditional market, considered "paradise" to buy dried specialties and fresh seafood as gifts. The market is solidly built, clean, divided into many areas. The first floor is most famous for the dried seafood area (squid, shrimp, mackerel, sea worms) and kiosks selling hand-pounded squid patties (such as Thoan squid patties, Hien squid patties). The 2nd floor sells general products.

Notable specialties:

  • Hand-pounded squid patties: (Thoan, Hien...) price about 450,000 - 550,000 VND/kg.

  • Dried sea worms: Special High-end products, prices range from 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 VND/kg (depending on type).

  • Dried squid, sun-dried mackerel: Various sizes and prices.

Bai Chay Night Market

Located on Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay Ward (near Sun World and Sun Carnival Square), this is a market that focuses on serving tourists in the evening. The night market mainly sells souvenirs, handicrafts and snacks. Visitors can find countless products such as jewelry and bracelets made from shells and snails; boat models, Ga Choi island; and especially handicraft products from coal (a typical product of Quang Ninh).

Popular items:

  • Souvenirs from snail shells: Wind chimes, bracelets, necklaces.

  • Coal handicrafts: Statues, boat models, Ga Choi island.

  • Clothes, bags: Prints of Ha Long Bay, beachwear.

Support information and other information

Technology Quang Ninh province

  • Address: Group 6, Area 9B, Bai Chay ward, Quang Ninh

  • Emergency phone number: 113

  • Phone: 0692 808 100

 Quang Ninh Department of Tourism

  • Address: 7th Floor, Inter-Agency Headquarters No. 2, Ha Long Ward, Quang Ninh

  • Phone: 0913 265 009

>Market Management Department (Consumer Protection)

  • Address: Group 66, Area 6, Viet Hung Ward, Quang Ninh

  • Electricity phone: 0203 382 6488

With the majestic and timeless beauty of a World Natural Heritage and a diverse and high-class tourism service system, Ha Long Bay deserves to be the top destination in every journey to explore Vietnam, promising to bring you the most unique and complete experiences.