HALONG CITY GUIDE
Welcome
Halong, which translates to "where the dragon sinks into the sea," is a mythical location steeped in local legend. According to legend, the Jade Emperor summoned a family of dragons from the heavens in order to repel an approaching invasion. Over 1,900 beautiful limestone outcrops were born as a result of the dragons' raining down of thousands of emerald gemstones upon the bay, which erupted brilliantly from the placid waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
There are hundreds of boat and cruise operators, here are a sample of our top picks.
Best time to visit Halong Bay: The months between September – November and March – May are ideal for a trip to Halong Bay. The dry climate and pleasant temperature will enable you to enjoy all activities offered on board while making sightseeing perfect.
Welcome
Halong, which translates to "where the dragon sinks into the sea," is a mythical location steeped in local legend. According to legend, the Jade Emperor summoned a family of dragons from the heavens in order to repel an approaching invasion. Over 1,900 beautiful limestone outcrops were born as a result of the dragons' raining down of thousands of emerald gemstones upon the bay, which erupted brilliantly from the placid waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
There are hundreds of boat and cruise operators, here are a sample of our top picks.
Best time to visit Halong Bay: The months between September – November and March – May are ideal for a trip to Halong Bay. The dry climate and pleasant temperature will enable you to enjoy all activities offered on board while making sightseeing perfect.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Bai Chay
Bai Chay is a bustling neighborhood featuring lively markets, modern hotels, and pristine beaches. It's a favorite among tourists for water sports and vibrant nightlife, with easy access to the beach and spectacular views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau is a luxury island neighborhood known for its high-end resorts and entertainment centers. It’s a gateway to Ha Long Bay cruises and offers beautiful sandy beaches, along with water sports, cultural shows, and a marina for boat excursions.
Hon Gai
Hon Gai is the commercial hub of Ha Long City, offering a more local experience. It’s home to traditional markets, museums, and the Quang Ninh Museum. The neighborhood blends cultural landmarks with modern amenities, making it a great spot for cultural exploration.
Cai Dam
Cai Dam is a peaceful, upscale area with luxury apartments, boutique shopping, and fine dining options. Known for its serenity compared to other tourist hubs, it offers an elegant atmosphere and proximity to Bai Chay’s attractions, yet feels removed from the crowds.
Ha Long Old Town
The Old Town is a charming neighborhood that preserves traditional Vietnamese architecture and street markets. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience of local culture, street food, and handcrafted goods, while still being near major attractions of Ha Long Bay.
Hung Thang
Hung Thang is a quieter, residential district that offers a more relaxed vibe for visitors. It’s home to local parks and smaller restaurants, providing a retreat from the busier tourist areas. Its proximity to Ha Long Bay makes it an easy stop for exploration.
Vung Vieng
Vung Vieng is a traditional floating fishing village located within Ha Long Bay. Known for its unique lifestyle, this neighborhood offers travelers the chance to experience local fishing culture, floating homes, and seafood markets, as well as eco-friendly boat tours of the bay.
Cua Van
Cua Van is a serene, off-the-beaten-path fishing village, famed for its floating homes and traditional wooden boats. A UNESCO-recognized community, it offers an authentic glimpse into the life of fishermen in Ha Long Bay, as well as opportunities for kayaking and cultural tours.
Lan Ha Bay
While technically part of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is often considered a neighborhood of Ha Long due to its proximity. It’s less crowded than the main bay and offers pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for kayaking and rock climbing.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure activities. It’s a great base for exploring Ha Long, with hiking trails, beaches, and the Cat Ba National Park for wildlife enthusiasts.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Bai Chay
Bai Chay is a bustling neighborhood featuring lively markets, modern hotels, and pristine beaches. It's a favorite among tourists for water sports and vibrant nightlife, with easy access to the beach and spectacular views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau is a luxury island neighborhood known for its high-end resorts and entertainment centers. It’s a gateway to Ha Long Bay cruises and offers beautiful sandy beaches, along with water sports, cultural shows, and a marina for boat excursions.
Hon Gai
Hon Gai is the commercial hub of Ha Long City, offering a more local experience. It’s home to traditional markets, museums, and the Quang Ninh Museum. The neighborhood blends cultural landmarks with modern amenities, making it a great spot for cultural exploration.
Cai Dam
Cai Dam is a peaceful, upscale area with luxury apartments, boutique shopping, and fine dining options. Known for its serenity compared to other tourist hubs, it offers an elegant atmosphere and proximity to Bai Chay’s attractions, yet feels removed from the crowds.
Ha Long Old Town
The Old Town is a charming neighborhood that preserves traditional Vietnamese architecture and street markets. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience of local culture, street food, and handcrafted goods, while still being near major attractions of Ha Long Bay.
Hung Thang
Hung Thang is a quieter, residential district that offers a more relaxed vibe for visitors. It’s home to local parks and smaller restaurants, providing a retreat from the busier tourist areas. Its proximity to Ha Long Bay makes it an easy stop for exploration.
Vung Vieng
Vung Vieng is a traditional floating fishing village located within Ha Long Bay. Known for its unique lifestyle, this neighborhood offers travelers the chance to experience local fishing culture, floating homes, and seafood markets, as well as eco-friendly boat tours of the bay.
Cua Van
Cua Van is a serene, off-the-beaten-path fishing village, famed for its floating homes and traditional wooden boats. A UNESCO-recognized community, it offers an authentic glimpse into the life of fishermen in Ha Long Bay, as well as opportunities for kayaking and cultural tours.
Lan Ha Bay
While technically part of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is often considered a neighborhood of Ha Long due to its proximity. It’s less crowded than the main bay and offers pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for kayaking and rock climbing.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure activities. It’s a great base for exploring Ha Long, with hiking trails, beaches, and the Cat Ba National Park for wildlife enthusiasts.
EXPERIENCES THERE WILL FOLLOW YOU HOME
Cycling on Cat Ba Island
Explore the scenic beauty of Cat Ba Island by bicycle. Cycle through lush forests, past rice paddies, and traditional villages, all while enjoying panoramic views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone formations from a new perspective, making it a peaceful, scenic adventure.
Night Squid Fishing
After the sun sets, embark on a night squid fishing adventure. Learn traditional fishing techniques from local fishermen and enjoy the excitement of catching your own squid, which can be prepared fresh on board for a unique and immersive night at sea..
Tai Chi at Sunrise
Start your day with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the deck of your cruise ship. The gentle movements of Tai Chi combined with the peaceful backdrop of Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone cliffs and calm waters offer a meditative and rejuvenating start to the day.
Kayaking in Ao Ech
Paddle through Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay. This intimate experience brings you closer to Ha Long Bay’s unspoiled nature, where you can encounter diverse marine life and explore untouched corners of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore Sung Sot Cave
Discover the magical beauty of Sung Sot Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s largest and most famous caves. Known for its dramatic stalagmites and stalactites, the illuminated interiors feel otherworldly, offering a natural wonder that amazes travelers with its grandeur and geological significance.
Visit Vung Vieng Floating Village
Find yourself in the local culture by visiting the traditional Vung Vieng Floating Village. Experience the daily life of fishermen, explore floating homes, and learn about their unique lifestyle, all while surrounded by the peaceful and scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay.
TOP SHOPPING
Ha Long Night Market
A bustling market perfect for discovering local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Vietnamese clothing. It’s a lively spot for tourists looking to buy authentic gifts while sampling local street food. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit shopping and cultural experience in Ha Long.
Ha Long Pearl Farm
For visitors interested in luxury shopping, Ha Long Pearl Farm is the place to buy authentic Vietnamese pearls. It offers a wide range of pearl jewelry and accessories, all sustainably farmed and crafted by local artisans, making it a unique shopping experience.
Cua Van Floating Village
Located between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, this place is home to over 176 households whose main livelihood is fishing. As one of the largest and most picturesque floating villages, visitors can explore local crafts, fresh seafood markets. The village’s serene setting is perfect for discovering authentic local products while immersed in traditional life.
TOP DINING
Co Ngu restaurant
Housed in a beautiful colonial-style building, Co Ngu offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. Signature dishes include traditional Vietnamese seafood and grilled meats. With its cozy interior and focus on local ingredients, it’s ideal for travelers seeking to savor Ha Long Bay’s culinary heritage.
Cua Vang restaurant
Known for its premium seafood dishes, Cua Vang (Golden Crab) is a favorite for seafood lovers in Ha Long Bay. Specialties include fresh crabs, lobsters, and clams cooked to perfection. The sophisticated yet relaxed setting adds to the experience, offering both indoor and outdoor dining options.
We start in Hanoi
Check out 3 of our handmade itineraries that all begin in Hanoi, each promising a unique and thrilling journey. Discover distinct adventures that unfold beyond the city's boundaries, each one offering its own blend of experiences and memories waiting to be made. Your Hanoi starting point is just the beginning of these unforgettable escapades.
FAMILY TRAVEL
DISCOVERY TRAVEL
PRIVATE TRAVEL
LUXPERIA APPROVED HOTELS
We've carefully curated a diverse range of options to cater to all preferences, from luxurious 5 star city-center choices to charming 3 star boutique hotels in unique neighborhoods.
Our selection ensures top-notch quality and service, guaranteeing a memorable stay. Benefit from insider knowledge to make the most of your Ha Long visit. Whether you're a business traveler, a family, or a couple, Luxperia Approved hotels are the perfect choice for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, backed by trusted hoteliers.
Shiba Park Hotel
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of Shiba Park Hotel, where the past, present, and future are intricately woven into the fabric of your stay. Nestled conveniently close to iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and the majestic Zojo-ji Temple, Shiba Park Hotel offers an ideal location for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Tokyo's exploration.
Shiba Park Hotel is more than an abode for travelers; it's an embodiment of connection. We invite you to become a part of this living, breathing narrative, to add your chapter to the ever-evolving tale of a library hotel that binds people, towns, and history.
The Orchid Premium
Orchid Cruise offers a cruise experience which combines the bay's magnificent scenery with a taste of Vietnam's rich traditional culture, while ensuring all the amenities and services discerning travellers expect. Available for Full Day, 1N and 2N itineraries or full charter.
The Au Co
The steel-hulled Au Co offers smooth sailing through Halong and Lan Ha bays. Retrace the steps of colonial-era explorers in vintage style aboard this 32-cabin ship, visiting hidden beaches, forested islands, and gorgeous sea lakes.
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