Halong, located about 160 km from Hanoi in Quang Ninh province, is a famous tourist destination not only in the Northern region of Vietnam but also nationwide and globally. Hạ Long boasts a beautiful bay, UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse tourist activities, and delicious food.
Best Time to Visit Halong
Halong experiences all four seasons due to its location in the Northern region. From April to June, the weather is warm without much rain. June to August is hot with the possibility of storms. September to December sees cooler temperatures. Each season has its unique charm – summer is great for swimming and sunbathing, spring and fall are ideal for a quieter Halong with outdoor activities, and peak tourist season is from June to August, especially on weekends.
Getting There
From Hanoi, there are various transportation options to reach Halong. Besides private cars, Limousine buses offer door-to-door services upon request. Alternatively, you can catch buses at various stations in Hanoi.
The ideal route is through the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, and then Hai Phong – Halong. The travel time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Quang Ninh has Van Don International Airport. From Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, travelers can use air transport to Quang Ninh and then travel by road from the airport to Hạ Long, approximately 50 km. There are buses from the airport to the city center.
Accommodation, Homestays
Accommodation options in Halong are diverse, including budget hotels, resorts, homestays, guesthouses, and cruises, ranging from affordable to luxurious. Prices vary from a few hundred thousand VND to several million VND.
Halong is divided into two areas, Bai Chay and Hon Gai, separated by the Bai Chay Bridge. Bai Chay is known for its concentration of tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants, while Hon Gai mainly consists of residential areas.
For comfortable homestays at reasonable prices, consider places like The Bay, Halong Ginger, Orestay, Deja Vu House, and for more luxurious options, you can choose FLC Grand Hotel, Wyndham Legend Halong, Novotel, Sai Gon Ha Long, Muong Thanh Hotel, Royal Lotus, and 5-star resorts like Vinpearl Resort and Spa, Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort.
Booking accommodations can be done through various channels: booking websites (Agoda, Booking…), directly with the hotels, or through travel agencies.
Things to Do
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates tourists with its natural beauty. With thousands of limestone karsts and islets scattered across the bay, it creates a magnificent and unique landscape. A popular choice is taking a sightseeing boat trip to visit places like Ga Choi Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Surprising Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Titop Island, etc.
For a complete experience, consider staying on a cruise. This allows you to enjoy the tranquility and fresh air while cruising through the vast waters of the bay, with less waves and wind.
Several cruise companies offer 1-5-star services. For families or small groups, packaged tours might be a suitable option, and La Regina Cruises is definitely one worth considering.
Apart from traditional boat trips, tourists can also experience Halong from above by taking a helicopter or seaplane tour. This provides a new perspective of the breathtaking scenery throughout the bay. Options include Halong Heli Tours for helicopter tours or Hai Au Aviation for seaplane tours.
- Bai Chay Beach, an artificial beach behind Sun World Park, has been extended nearly 1 km closer to the sea compared to the past. The spacious, clean sandy beach is suitable for group activities, swimming, sunbathing, or sunrise walks. Public services such as showering, changing, and hygiene are available for a fee of 20,000 VND per use. Additionally, there are many other beautiful beaches to explore in Halong, such as Titop Island, Marina Bay Halong, Ba Trai Dao, or beaches in Tuan Chau and Sun World.
- Bai Tho Mountain, standing at 200 meters, is considered an interesting viewpoint overlooking Halong Bay and the city. Originally named Truyen Dang, Meaning Lighthouse, it served as a guiding light for ships entering the Northeast gateway for thousands of years. In 1468, King Le Thanh Tong inscribed a poem on the mountain, and since then, it has been known as Poem. It is now a famous tourist spot in Quang Ninh.
- Due to the narrow path through the alleyways of the Hang Noi neighborhood in Bach Dang ward, not everyone is familiar with the way up Bai Tho Mountain. Visitors often rely on locals or friends for guidance, and it’s advised to check with the management for accessibility as there are times when climbing is restricted due to safety concerns.
- Quang Ninh Museum and Library, located on Tran Quoc Nghien Street in Tuan Chau, is open from 8 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 5 pm, except on Mondays. Admission is 30,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students, and 10,000 VND for children.
- Inside the museum, the first floor showcases the natural sea space, the second floor displays valuable historical artifacts, and the third floor depicts the history of coal mining in a vivid model of a mine tunnel.
- 3D Funny Art Museum is an interesting place for check-ins, featuring over 40 themed paintings of animals, adventures, fantasies, etc. Admission is 80,000 VND per person, and the museum is located in the Marine Plaza Shopping Center, open from 9 am to 10 pm.
- Tuan Chau Park, located on Tuan Chau Island, offers diverse entertainment with fairy-tale train rides, slides, high-speed trains, flying discs, and games suitable for children and families. In addition, tourists can experience cultural activities such as water puppetry and live music performances.
- Dragon Park, part of Sun World Park, is known as the largest theme park in Southeast Asia. It features modern rides, thrilling games, and entertainment. The park is divided into various areas, such as Dragon Hill, Typhoon Park, Ocean Park, and Adventure Park.
- Halong Night Market, located on Bai Chay Street, operates from 6 pm to midnight. It is a bustling area with hundreds of stalls selling a variety of goods, souvenirs, and local specialties. This is a great place for shopping and tasting local dishes.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Quang Ninh is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Some must-try dishes include Hạ Long seafood, such as squid, crab, shrimp, snail, and fish, prepared in various ways like steaming, grilling, boiling, frying, or making salad. For a unique taste, try fermented fish or jellyfish salad.
At Halong Night Market, you can find many street food stalls and restaurants offering fresh seafood. Some notable dishes include fried oysters with eggs, grilled squid, sea snails with green pepper, and Halong-style spring rolls. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is lively.
For those who prefer a more formal dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants along Bai Chay Street and in Tuan Chau area serving both local and international cuisine. Seafood restaurants in the area include Cá Nhựt, Hải Sản Biển Đông, Hải Sản Cái Dăm, and Cá Lạc Việt. Prices can vary, so it’s advisable to check reviews and ask for recommendations.
Safety Tips
When visiting Hạ Long, especially when exploring caves or participating in water activities, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow guidelines provided by tour operators, wear life jackets during boat trips, and be cautious in unfamiliar environments.
Avoid swimming in areas where it’s not permitted or marked as dangerous. If you’re not a strong swimmer, use caution in deep water, and always be aware of your surroundings.
For transportation, it’s recommended to use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps for convenience and safety. If renting a motorbike, ensure you have the necessary licenses, and follow traffic rules.
Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
During boat trips or cruises, listen to safety briefings and follow instructions provided by the crew. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
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