Newest Ha Long travel handbook from A to Z

The 2023 travel guide to Ha Long 

Ha Long, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has never been less attractive to visitors from both domestic and foreign tourists. Let's get yourself the latest Ha Long travel experience in 2023 with Threeland Travel. 

It is impossible to ignore a tourist destination as diverse as Ha Long, which is known for its landscape of mountains and sea. It is notable for its rich surrounding nature and a highly developed tourism infrastructure with various services for visitors to enjoy. Those considering Ha Long as an upcoming travel destination, check out our Ha Long tour in the article below.

Where is Ha Long? What season is the best time to visit Ha Long?

Ha Long is a city in Quang Ninh province, about 160 kilometers from Hanoi. Not only is Ha Long well-known in Vietnam, but it is also a popular destination for foreign tourists thanks to its beautiful scenery and delicious food. 

Ha Long's weather is typical of the north of Vietnam, with four distinct seasons. Spring is February to March, summer is April to August, autumn is September to October, and winter is November to January the following year. According to Ha Long's travel experience, you can visit Ha Long at any time of year, depending on your purpose.

You can visit Ha Long from May to August if you enjoy summer leisure activities such as swimming and participating in outdoor activities. This period is also the peak tourist season of Ha Long, especially on weekends. The weather is pleasant at this time of year, with a light sea breeze and little rain, making it ideal for tourism.

From September, the city begins to fall, the weather becomes more relaxed, a little chilly in the early morning and evening, and tourists are slightly decreased, making it ideal for tourists who love to relax. As previous Ha Long's travel experience, each season brings beauty to this place, which always captures the heart of every visitor.

How to get to Ha Long? 

Since Ha Long has a reasonably consistent infrastructure development, traveling is simple and convenient, with many options. Self-sufficient Ha Long tourists can choose the best mode of transportation to Ha Long based on their needs and distance.

Airplane: For tourists traveling from distant locations such as Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighboring areas, the airline is the most efficient and convenient mode of transportation. Quang Ninh province has Van Don airport, about 50 km from Ha Long City. Vietjet Air's Ho Chi Minh City-Quang Ninh route has fares starting only at 650,00 VND/person/way and a flight time of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

According to Ha Long's travel experience, you can take a bus, taxi, or coach from Van Don airport to the city in 60-70 minutes. Although taking a taxi has its benefits, such as speed, the cost can increase rapidly. Threeland recommends asking for the price before deciding to take the cab.

However, the number of flights to Van Don airport is still limited. You can take the flight to Hanoi and then take a bus to Ha Long also very convenient. 

Coach: If traveling from Hanoi, you can take a coach or a private car. Traveling is very easy because there is a highway; it only takes about 2 hours. Limousines such as Van Don Xanh and Phuc Xuyen... operate at ticket prices ranging from 180,000 to 250,000 VND per person, depending on the seat. If you drive your car, you must pay attention to signs, stay in the proper lane, and go at the appropriate speed.

Photo: erikamagora

 

Motorbike: Motorbikes are an excellent option for young people who enjoy road trips, but the travel time will be around 4-5 hours long. There are two main routes from Hanoi to Ha Long. The closest road is to follow 5th street, then turn to Bac Ninh, and then straight to 18th street.

How to get around in Ha Long? 

If you do not have a personal vehicle, Ha Long visitors can easily explore the city by renting a motorbike. The cost of renting a motorcycle ranges from 120,000 VND to 200,000 VND per day, depending on the type of vehicle. A taxi or self-drive car rental is the best option when traveling with a large group of people, including small children. You can ask the hotel receptionist for assistance in renting a car. 

Hotels, motels in Ha Long

When visiting Ha Long, you won't have to worry about accommodation because numerous options range from low-cost to high-end. Self-sufficient Ha Long visitors should stay in the Bai Chay area for easy access to attractions.
Choose FLC Grand Hotel, Muong Thanh, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, Wyndham Legend Ha Long Hotel, or Premier Village Halong Bay Resort... if you want to enjoy high-class and luxurious services with full facilities. The nightly rental price starts at 1,500,000 VND. Tourists have access to a spa, restaurant, and coffee shop.

There are also many more affordable motels and hotels in Ha Long, such as De Charm Ha Long Hotel, Ha Long Essence Hotel, Diamond Luxury Hotel, etc. In addition, Vannie Homestay, MiRin Homestay, Halong Ginger, and Deja Vu House... are examples of reference homestays.

Choosing to stay right on the Ha Long Bay cruise is also an excellent option for guests who want to experience floating on the sea and viewing Ha Long Bay from their bed. The 5-star Starlight Cruise, 5-star Ambassador Cruise, and 4-star Syrena Cruise... all promise to provide tourists with new and exciting experiences. Cruise rentals start at 3,000,000 VND per night.

What are the tourist attractions in Ha Long?

Ha Long is a well-developed tourist city with a wide range of activities, from sightseeing to unique experiences. Check out the suggestions below if you're wondering what Ha Long offers. 

5.1 Ha Long Bay

When it comes to Ha Long tourist attraction, you cannot miss visiting Ha Long Bay, a natural masterpiece and world wonder. Ha Long Bay is composed of hundreds of large and small islands with unique shapes scattered across the sea, creating a majestic but romantic scene.

When visiting Ha Long Bay, you can visit Titop Island, Ga Choi Islet, Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Tam Cung Cave, etc. All of these retain the pristine beauty of nature that makes visitors feel as if they are admiring. To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, tourists should take a cruise, weave through each cave, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the natural beauty from a safe distance.

Some Ha Long Bay cruise tours offer visitors many exciting experiences, such as swimming, kayaking, visiting fishing villages, or night squid fishing... If you enjoy learning new things, this is an excellent choice.

Ha Long Bay is as beautiful as a painting, especially at sunset. The bay is bathed in a brilliant, poetic rose gold hue as the sun gradually sinks beneath the waves. Prepare a camera or smartphone with a fully charged battery to record this incredible moment.

You can rent a helicopter to fly if you are a willing guest and want to admire the world's natural wonders from above. The overhead sightseeing tour lasts 12 to 40 minutes and costs between 1.9 and 5.4 million VND per person, allowing you to freely explore the bay's beauty while floating in the sky.

5.2 Swimming at Bai Chay beach

It would be a mistake to visit Ha Long City without going for a swim in Bai Chay. Bai Chay beach is a tourist attraction that attracts visitors with its clean and beautiful beach, long stretches of pure white sand, and clear and calm seawater. The sensation of being immersed in the sea, with small islands in the distance, is refreshing and dreamy.

Visitors to Bai Chay beach can go for a relaxing walk, sunbathe, or participate in group games... There is also a bathing and changing area for 20,000 VND per turn. In addition to Bai Chay beach, tourists can enjoy the sea at Tuan Chau beach, Marina Bay Ha Long, Sun World, and other locations.

5.3 The Ha Long Museum

Ha Long Museum is on Tran Quoc Nghien beach road, providing new experiences and a check-in point for tourists from all over. The roads are beautiful and large, and you can easily travel by private vehicle just over 7km from the city center.

The first impression for visitors is the museum's unique design, which is inspired by coal, a valuable resource of mining land. The museum's exterior is entirely made of black glass, transforming it into a massive sparkling coal in the middle of heaven and earth.

The museum's space is expansive, with three floors displaying each theme for visitors: The first floor is devoted to the sea and nature. The second-floor houses historical artifacts and relics dating from prehistory to early history to modern times. The third floor will help you better understand the history of the coal mining industry, a symbolic profession of the Quang Ninh people.

Any corner of the Quang Ninh museum looks excellent in photos. There is also a cafe where you can rest and relax after your visit. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. The ticket price for adults is only 30,000 VND/person, and for children is 10,000 VND/person.

5.4 Sun World Ha Long Complex

Sun World is a popular tourist attraction for visitors of all ages. With an area of up to 214 hectares, this is an entertaining paradise for you and your family. The Queen cable car system connects the coastal amusement park and the Ba Deo peak entertainment area. Sun World Ha Long is characterized as an entertainment world located directly on Bai Chay beach, promising to make your trip memorable.

The five main attractions are the Dragon Park, water park, Sun World beach, Ba Deo amusement park, and food and shopping.

Dragon Park: If you love thrilling games, this will be a perfect destination to make you forget your return journey. Tornado, roller coaster, pirate ship, rage rhino... are just a few of the games at Dragon Park that will take you on an adventure and test your bravery.

Cyclone Water Park: Inspired by the world's leading water parks in the United States and Arabia, Ha Long's water park promises not to disappoint. Isn't the feeling of sliding on the long water pipes above you refreshing and appealing?
Ba Deo amusement zone: This is designed in Japanese architecture, making it an ideal backdrop for anyone who enjoys taking photos and capturing memories. You will see the Queen's cable car system, which has the world's largest capacity for up to 230 people, moving through the beach. The Sun Wheel Ha Long offers a bird's-eye view of the city. According to previous travel experiences to Ha Long, the evening is the best time to see this giant wheel. When the sun goes down, the city lights up and becomes shimmery, and the feeling of floating in the sky and inhaling the clear, salty sea air is both fascinating and comforting. 

Sun World Beach: With nearly one-kilometer length, Sun World Beach is a popular tourist attraction. If you don't like the crowds at Bai Chay beach, you can swim here instead, which is both clean and quiet. 

Food and shopping: From Asian to European dishes, Japanese and Chinese restaurants, and even fast food, Sun World Ha Long has it all. This will be a relaxation and recharge stopover. Ideal for resting after a day of fun activities.

5.5 Bai Chay Old Town

Bai Chay Old Town, located on Ha Long Street, recreates the ancient space of Hanoi and Hoi An with yellow buildings and tile roofs that appear to be tinged with time. You can also enjoy the old town's massage parlors, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There's no need to strike a fancy pose here. Simply raise the device, and you'll immediately have hundreds of beautiful photos.

5.6 Ha Long Night Market

Open daily from 18:00 to 24:00 and located directly on Ha Long Marine Boulevard, the Ha Long night market is a unique cultural travel attraction that every visitor, especially the sleepless team, should experience. The night market has over 330 stalls selling everything from clothes to food and souvenirs at very reasonable prices.

Going to the night market, visitors should remember to enjoy famous snacks such as squid, oysters, and squid rolls... or shop for souvenirs of Ha Long city. You can buy gifts for your loved ones at this night market. 

5.7 Bai Tho Mountain 

Bai Tho Mountain has appeared in numerous Ha Long City sentences and lyrics. At an altitude of 200 meters, the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of HaLongBay and the city. Bai Tho Mountain is considered a masterpiece, a source of pride for the people of Quang Ninh, and is both beautiful and historically significant. 

The route to Bai Tho Mountain is not challenging; it only takes about 20–30 minutes, but because it is located in a small alley of houses, few people know it. The best time to admire the scenery from Bai Tho Mountain is at dawn or dusk. Visitors should check with the management board before trekking Bai Tho mountain because climbing is not always permitted due to safety concerns.

What to eat in Ha Long? 

Ha Long is well-known for its many delightful dishes, especially those with seafood. Threeland Travel recommends a few tasty destinations to eat in Ha Long for you and your loved ones to consider on your upcoming trip. 

Mantis shrimp noodle soup: This famous noodle soup should be noticed. Ha Long's Mantis shrimp is fresh, caught on the same day, still firm and sweet, and has a high nutritional value due to its proximity to the sea. Combining toppings and vermicelli creates a delicious breakfast to start your day. A bowl of Mantis shrimp noodle soup with rich toppings costs between 30,000 and 45,000 VND in Ha Long. 

Threeland recommends some good places to eat. You can find Mantis shrimp noodle soups from Ha Long at Loan Thuy (2 Nguyen Van Cu street), Khanh Tuyen (zone 3B, Gieng Day street), and Minh Duc restaurant near the Quang Ninh Museum.

Grilled squid steamed rice roll: Grilled squid steamed rice roll is a dish known among Quang Ninh people regarding what to eat for breakfast in Ha Long. The grilled squid in Ha Long has long been known for its high quality and flavor. Customers will feel each piece of crispy fried rice as they eat and the aroma of fresh squid mixed with hot steamed rice and fried onions. Ms. Ngan restaurant, Goc Bang restaurant, Mrs. Yen restaurant, etc., are all recommended places to eat in Ha Long for nailed squid steamed rice rolls.

Eggs and blood pudding stewed with wormwood: Eggs and stewed blood pudding with mugwort are also popular dishes among Ha Long residents in the morning and late afternoon. They were lining up before the main course costs only 10,000–20,000 VND. Visitors can enjoy this dish at the Ha Long 1 and Ha Long 2 markets.
Seafood: Mantis shrimp, horseshoe crab, stone crab, squid, oysters, and other seafood are plentiful in Ha Long. You can eat steamed seafood, salt, and pepper or grill it. King Seafood (Cai Dam market), Hong Hanh 3 restaurant, Hoai Thu restaurant, and other well-known seafood restaurants.

Snail: The snail dishes in Ha Long are so delicious that even the most discerning gourmets must praise them. Fried snails with soy sauce, tamarind sauce, lemongrass, coconut, etc., are exceptionally cheap and delicious, making them an ideal afternoon or evening snack when visiting Ha Long. Bride's snail, Son Beo snail, etc., are snail shops recommended by many Ha Long Bay hotels for tourists to visit.

Notes when traveling to Ha Long

According to Ha Long's travel experience, you should keep the following tips in mind for the most complete and meaningful trip:

• Ask for a price before buying or ordering, especially at a night market.
• If visiting on a busy day or weekend, tourists should reserve a table in advance.
• Stay within the shore or in empty areas to avoid problems.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and other skin-protecting items if you visit Ha Long in the summer. If you travel to Ha Long in June or July, you should keep an eye on the weather because this is the rainy season.
• If going on a tour, visitors should research thoroughly to avoid purchasing a tour that is of poor quality and not as advertised. Threeland Travel offers complete tour packages to Ha Long for you and your loved ones, with desirable services and prices. We are confident that you will be satisfied with Threeland Travel.Do not litter indiscriminately at tourist attractions.

The experiences described above are for the most recent Ha Long trip in your Vietnam tours 2023. We hope you find this helpful article for your upcoming trip to Ha Long. On the other hand, a trip to Ha Long with Threeland Travel is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your life. Follow Threeland Travel for more information on our diverse package tours and many new destinations and valuable travel experiences.