Planning to visit Ha Long but unsure about where to go, what to eat, and where to stay? Don’t worry, the article below will provide you with some tips to ensure you have a complete and wonderful trip.
Overview of Ha Long Tourism
Ha Long Bay is a small bay on the western coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, situated in the northeastern part of Vietnam. With its thousands of stunning islands and breathtaking natural landscapes, it has attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists each year. Ha Long Bay has also been recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
Best Time to Visit Ha Long
Ha Long’s climate experiences four distinct seasons, but the most notable are winter (from November to March) and summer (from April to October). Winter in Ha Long is cold, with temperatures dropping rapidly at night, while summer is relatively hot and sunny.
Therefore, the ideal time to visit Ha Long is from April to August. During this period, the weather is sunny and suitable for outdoor activities and beach games. If you visit outside of this timeframe, you may encounter rainy and stormy weather or chilly temperatures.
Traveling to Ha Long by What Means of Transportation?
Traveling to Ha Long from Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re departing from here or other provinces in the southern region, we recommend taking a flight. The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long is quite substantial, and traveling by bus would consume a significant amount of time. You can book flights to Ha Long with reputable airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Jetstar. Keep in mind that to secure discounted fares, it’s advisable to book 1 to 2 months in advance or during promotional periods.
Traveling to Ha Long from Hanoi
For those starting from here, you have several options for transportation:
Car/Motorbike: It will only take about 3 – 4 hours for the journey from Hanoi to Bac Ninh to Ha Long, covering a distance of 155km.
Bus: Travelers can purchase tickets from major bus companies or directly at Luong Yen or My Dinh bus stations. The first departure of the day is usually at 6:00 AM, and the last departure is around 5:00 PM. Ticket prices range from 150,000 – 200,000 VND per passenger for sleeping berth buses.
Train: Travelers can opt for the HALONG EXPRESS tourist train departing from Gia Lam station (Hanoi), which takes approximately 4 – 5 hours to reach Ha Long. Ticket prices will be around 100,000 – 120,000 VND per person.
Seaplane: In addition to the conventional options, travelers also have the choice of a modern seaplane operated by Hai Au Airlines. This mode of transportation maximizes time efficiency, although it comes with a higher cost.
Means of Sightseeing and Travel in Ha Long When visiting Ha Long and needing to move from one place to another, you can opt to rent a motorbike or take a taxi. For those who wish to cruise and admire the scenery on the bay, purchasing a ticket for a boat tour is recommended. Typically, if you join a group tour with other travelers, the cost is around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person. If you choose to rent a private boat, the fee will be higher.
Where to Stay When Traveling to Ha Long?
As a renowned tourist destination, there are numerous accommodation options for you to choose from. If you want to enjoy moments of exquisite relaxation, consider 3, 4, or 5-star hotels. If you’re looking for a backpacking experience, you can opt for charming and budget-friendly homestays. Particularly, for those who wish to marvel at the world’s wonders, drifting on the sea day and night, selecting a luxurious cruise is a fantastic choice.
Here are some suggestions for well-equipped and high-quality cruise options that travelers can consider and choose from:
- Halong Glory Cruise
Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long
- Bien Ngoc 12 Cruise
Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long
- Imperial Classic Cruise
Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long
- Halong Silversea Cruise
Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses in Ha Long
- The Light Hotel
Address: 108A Vuon Dao – Bai Chay, Ha Long
- Kim Dung Ha Long Hotel
Address: Hamlet 7A, area 9B, Ha Long
- Starcity Halong Bay Hotel
Address: Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Ha Long
- City Bay Palace Hotel
Address: 156 Le Thanh Tong, Ha Long
- Chieu Duong Guest House
Address: Gieng Day Area, Ha Long
- Robinson Ecolodge Minh Chau Guest House
Address: Minh Chau Commune, Quan Lan Island, Ha Long
Famous Tourist Attractions in Ha Long Bai Chay: Located along the shores of Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay resort area is a renowned tourist spot that attracts many visitors for sightseeing and recreation. Here, besides immersing yourself in the cool blue waters, you can also indulge in delicious fresh seafood.
Tuan Chau Island: Often referred to as the new gem of Ha Long, Tuan Chau Island captivates travelers with its pristine and unique beauty. Notably, among the nearly 2,000 islands in Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau is the only inhabited one. Tuan Chau Island is also home to Tra Co Beach, known as the largest artificial beach in Vietnam. It’s an ideal destination for families and friends to have fun on the white sand or engage in exciting water activities.
Co To Island: If you’re taking a domestic tour to Ha Long, don’t miss the chance to admire this stunning island. With vibrant coral reefs beneath the turquoise waters and a mild, pleasant climate, Co To Island will soothe your soul and bring you tranquility.
Hang Luon: If you purchase an affordable tour from a travel company, you will certainly have the opportunity to marvel at the natural wonders within the caves of Ha Long Bay. With thousands of caves, each with its own unique beauty and associated legends, one of the most impressive caves is Hang Luon.
Located on Bo Hon Island, 14km from Bai Chay, you can take a boat from these locations to reach the vicinity of Hang Luon. Once there, you can paddle small boats to navigate beneath Hang Luon. Here, you can gently row to admire the stalactites formed over thousands of years, each with different shapes and sizes. You can also approach the entrance of the cave to view the Turtle Islet or turn your gaze to the right to behold the stunning beauty of the Heaven Gate.
Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot): This landmark is situated in the central area of Ha Long Bay, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dazzling beauty and grandeur of the fossilized stalactites prompted a Frenchman to exclaim “Grotte des surprises” (Cave of Surprises). This phrase later became the name of the cave. While here, don’t miss out on other magnificent sights such as Bo Nau Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Ti Top Beach. These attractions are located close to each other, so travelers need not worry about traveling far.
(Note: Please note that the translations provided are creative and may not be literal translations, but they aim to capture the essence and imagery of the original text in English.)
Cua Van Fishing Village: A tranquil fishing village nestled along the shores of Ha Long Bay has enchanted countless travelers with its serenity and charm. Unlike other bustling tourist destinations, the atmosphere in Cua Van Fishing Village is always peaceful. It is an ideal place for those seeking to immerse themselves in the peaceful coastal atmosphere, far away from the bustling city life. Here, you can not only enjoy the splendid surroundings but also learn about the lives of fishermen, practice rowing boats, and learn how to cast nets to catch fish and shrimp.
Yen Tu Historical Site: Domestic travel to Ha Long offers not only the sea but also mountains and forests. If you seek a truly serene space for contemplation, consider visiting the Yen Tu historical site. Perched atop a high mountain, the site is home to numerous temples, shrines, pagodas, towers, and ancient trees. Upon ascending, you will hear the distant sound of temple bells, breathe in the fragrant scent of incense, and behold the majestic mountain forest scenery. It truly completes your Ha Long travel experience, doesn’t it?
Comprehensive Ha Long Travel Guide from A to Z
Historical Sites in Ha Long: When visiting the beautiful coastal city, it’s also worth exploring the cluster of historical sites like Bai Tho Mountain, Quang Ninh Museum, and Tran Quoc Nghien Temple to learn about the history and cultural life of the Quang Ninh people.
What to Eat When Traveling to Ha Long?
A trip to Ha Long is not just about admiring the stunning landscapes, immersing in the cool blue waters, and visiting architectural wonders and splendid pagodas; it also involves savoring unique and enticing local cuisine. Here are some local specialties you should try when in Ha Long:
Grilled Cuttlefish: You’ll undoubtedly find this dish to be incomparable in foreign travel tours. Only when prepared in Ha Long can one fully experience the distinctive and exceptional flavors of grilled cuttlefish. To enhance the richness of the dish, it’s best enjoyed with rice paper rolls filled with pork and mushrooms, fried shallots, fermented soybean, and Quang Ninh shrimp paste. You can find grilled cuttlefish stalls throughout Ha Long city, but the best one is located next to the Bach Dang Theater.
(Note: The translations provided are creative and may not be literal translations, but they aim to capture the essence and imagery of the original text in English.)
Soft-Shell Clams: Soft-shell clams, resembling cockles but with a more delicious taste, are often prepared in various ways such as in porridge, grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with vegetables. When eating, you can dip them in salt or a special dipping sauce to balance the flavors. This seafood is also used by locals to make clam-infused alcohol, which has a unique and delightful taste. You can enjoy these clam dishes at roadside eateries.
White Sticky Rice with Grilled Cuttlefish: Aside from grilled cuttlefish rice paper rolls, white sticky rice paired with grilled cuttlefish is equally delectable. The sticky rice is made from fragrant glutinous rice, which is rolled with the grilled cuttlefish and dipped in a special fish sauce mixture. The combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Nem Chua and Nem Chao: These dishes are crafted from finely minced pork skin, roasted rice, and crushed peanuts. After preparing the ingredients, the mixture is blended and wrapped into nem (spring rolls). Once the rolls have matured to develop their distinct flavors, they are threaded onto skewers and sold. When eating, you simply peel off the outer layer and indulge or pair them with other dishes.
Gat Gu Cake: Just hearing the name gives you an idea of how delicious this cake must be, right? And it’s true, Gật Gù cake is a renowned delicacy of Quang Ninh. The making process is similar to Hanoi-style rolled cakes (bánh cuốn), but the eating method is entirely different. To enjoy, you dip the cake into a bowl of pre-made dipping sauce and pair it with braised pork. You can find this type of cake throughout Ha Long city, but the best might be in the Tiên Tiên area.
(Note: The translations provided are creative and may not be literal translations, but they aim to capture the essence and imagery of the original text in English.)