Ha Long City is one of the major tourist cities in the Northern region of Vietnam. Let’s explore the city center and discover some extremely useful Ha Long travel tips.
About Ha Long City
Ha Long City is the center of Quang Ninh province, with a coastline stretching nearly 50km. Ha Long City lies along the shore of Ha Long Bay with an area of 271.95 km², approximately 165km from the capital, Hanoi. Ha Long has a strategic position in economic development, national security, and defense. The city center is marked by the Clock Tower – one of the city’s proud symbols, located at the five-way intersection of Bach Dang Ward, where major roads converge.
Ha Long City
Ha Long City is a major gateway of the Northern key economic region. It has many development opportunities to become one of the most bustling urban areas in Vietnam. In the city’s economic development strategy, tourism is identified as a spearhead industry, driving the growth of other economic sectors. The center of Ha Long City is bustling and modern, making it one of the major urban areas in the Northern region.
Ha Long City Weather
Ha Long City Weather belongs to the coastal climate zone, with two distinct seasons: winter and summer. The annual average temperature is 25ºC. Winter usually starts from November to April, with cold air. Summer runs from May to October, with an average temperature of 29ºC, reaching up to 38ºC at its hottest.
The ideal time to visit Ha Long is in the summer, from late April to June. The weather is not too hot, making it very suitable for a relaxing trip with family to this city. Besides, this is also the peak tourist season in Ha Long, so consider this if you prefer avoiding crowded places.
Summer is the ideal time to visit Ha Long with friends and family (@bundaybyday)
Transport to Ha Long City
Airplane
This is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Ha Long City currently. However, flights to Quang Ninh are still limited, mainly from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Van Don (Quang Ninh) with a flight time of about 2h25m per leg. Airfare to Van Don ranges from 99,000 VND to 599,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees), depending on the flight and booking time. From Van Don airport, you need to travel another 50km to reach the center of Ha Long City.
Airplane is the fastest way to get to Ha Long
Motorbike
Motorbike is an active means of transport for those who love self-guided Ha Long travel or short trips to Ha Long. This vehicle is mainly loved by young people because traveling by motorbike allows you to stop and explore every corner of the city during the trip. However, if you use a motorbike for traveling to Ha Long, you need to have good driving skills, basic vehicle repair knowledge, and good health for long-distance travel.
Bus
This is the most popular means of transport to Ha Long City for tourists from Hanoi and neighboring provinces. Travel time will take about 3-5 hours. You can book tickets in advance or catch a bus at Giap Bat or My Dinh stations with fares ranging from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per trip.
Bus is a popular means of transport to Ha Long City
Train
Train is a well-known means of transport to Ha Long but is not widely used because trains travel relatively slowly. From Hanoi, you can take a train from Gia Lam station to Ha Long station with a fare of only about 80,000 VND per trip, but the travel time is up to 8 hours. Therefore, few people choose the train for traveling to Ha Long. However, if you have a lot of time and want to experience the scenery by train, this is a good option for your trip.
Main Attractions in Ha Long City
Bai Chay Beach
This is the largest beach in Ha Long City and one of the most famous beaches in the city. Bai Chay Beach is located in Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long. It is always bustling with tourists and locals coming to swim and relax daily, especially crowded in the summer. There are also many sea tourism services such as renting floats, chairs, and freshwater bathing areas to meet your needs for fun and relaxation at Bai Chay.
Bai Chay Beach (@maiikuns.__)
Ha Long Night Market
The market is located beside the beautiful Bai Chay Beach, above is the Royal International Amusement Park, below is the old ferry terminal, with Bai Chay Bridge crossing the Cua Luc River to the city center. Ha Long Night Market opens from 6 PM until late at night. It is an interesting spot for tourists to visit after a day of sightseeing, swimming at Bai Chay, eating seafood at Cai Dam, and Hon Gai, with the opportunity to choose souvenirs to take home. The most popular souvenirs at Ha Long Night Market are gifts with sea flavors.
Bai Chay Old Quarter
This is an interesting spot in Ha Long City, with a nostalgic touch, though it is only a corner that recreates the beauty of old Vietnam. Located right next to the walking street, you can visit Bai Chay Old Quarter anytime as it is open 24/7 to welcome all tourists who want to stop by and check in every corner of the street.
Quang Ninh Museum and Library
Designed by a Spanish architect, the Quang Ninh Museum and Library consist of three prominent black buildings linked by a system of glass bridges. This is a must-check-in spot for many young people when visiting the city center.
Quang Ninh Museum is an extremely attractive destination in Ha Long City (@bullllldog)
Ha Long Market
Since its reconstruction in 2003, Ha Long Market has become an interesting shopping and sightseeing spot for domestic and international tourists visiting Quang Ninh. The market is located in the center of Ha Long City and is the main commercial hub of Quang Ninh province. The goods here are quite diverse, from common items to high-end products.
The seafood here is fresh and affordable. Especially in Ha Long Market, there is a hot, delicious squid cake with an irresistible aroma. The souvenir shops with coal products, marine products, wooden items, and seafood stalls attract many tourists.
Sunworld Ha Long
Sunworld Ha Long is one of the largest amusement parks in Vietnam. Covering an area of up to 214 hectares, Sunworld is divided into many play areas with hundreds of different games, from gentle to thrilling, suitable for all ages. Exploring Sunworld Ha Long, you need to prepare good health to experience all the games here. The culinary area at Sunworld Ha Long is also very attractive, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning guests.
Sunworld Ha Long (@sunworldhalongcomplex)
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders that you must have heard of. When visiting Ha Long Bay, you should choose a Ha Long cruise trip that goes through attractive spots such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, and experience exciting activities like kayaking, night squid fishing, yoga practice, and more.
Exploring Ha Long City’s Cuisine
Speaking of coastal cities, the famous specialties are undoubtedly related to seafood. Exploring Ha Long, you must try squid cake. Ha Long’s squid cake is very famous and affordable. From squid cake, locals also prepare daily dishes like squid cake sticky rice, squid cake rolls, seafood noodle soup, etc.
Besides, the seafood you should try here includes: sipunculid worms, horseshoe crabs, clams, snails, scallops, and crab spring rolls. Some great dining spots in Ha Long City that tourists should note down to enjoy when visiting are:
- Bun Be Be Cau Trang (Cau Trang, Ha Tu) is one of the best breakfast places in Ha Long, famous for its seafood noodle soup and bun be be. Prices range from 35,000 VND to 50,000 VND per bowl.
- Cua Vang Restaurant (32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay) is famous for its fresh seafood at very affordable prices. If you are traveling in a group or on a Ha Long tour, this is a great place to explore the city’s cuisine. Prices range from 50,000 VND to 300,000 VND, with an average of about 150,000 VND per person.
- Banh Cuon Cha Muc (34 Doan Thi Diem Street, Bach Dang) is always on the list of delicious and cheap snacks in Ha Long. This place has very attractive squid cake rolls with delicious hand-pounded squid cakes. The price for a portion of rolls here starts at only 30,000 VND.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ha Long City
- Book Ha Long travel services early, such as hotels, tickets for attractions, and flights, to avoid running out of spots, especially during peak seasons.
- According to Ha Long travel experience, you should choose crowded beaches as they are the safest places. Also, follow safety rules when swimming, such as not swimming in restricted areas and ensuring you have life jackets.
- Check your personal documents before traveling to Ha Long City, especially your ID card or citizen ID card, as these are used frequently when renting hotel rooms, motorbikes, or using tourism services in Ha Long.
- Pack light and according to the season when traveling to Ha Long. Also, keep an eye on Ha Long’s weather regularly to pack appropriately.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Ha Long City during your vacation. Plan now to experience the most meaningful moments with your friends and family in this city!
