Halong Travel Guide: Here is a detailed compilation of what travelers need to know for their trip. What activities are there in Halong? Where should you go, what should you eat, and which hotel should you choose? Why should you pick Halong as your destination for this vacation? How can you have a great time and make the most out of your trip to Halong, Quang Ninh? All will be revealed in the comprehensive Halong travel guide below!
Introduction to Halong
Halong is located in Quang Ninh Province, about 180 km from Hanoi, and is known as the paradise of Northern Vietnam tourism. Thanks to its advantageous location, modern infrastructure, and developed transportation system, Halong attracts tens of millions of domestic and international tourists each year.
Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers and includes 1,900 limestone islands of various sizes, each with unique and lively shapes. The bay has been recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site and is considered a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime. Check out this Halong Travel Guide for more.
Why You Should Visit Halong At Least Once in Your Life
Why should you choose Halong as your travel destination? With the three reasons below, I believe everyone will want to pack their bags and go right away.
- One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: As one of the top seven natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay is a dream destination for every tourist. It is not only adored by domestic tourists but also greatly admired by international visitors for its natural beauty.
- Full Facilities and Quality Services: In recent years, Halong has experienced rapid economic development. The infrastructure and facilities have been extensively and qualitatively invested in. Tourists will be provided with all necessary amenities, meeting their needs for entertainment, relaxation, and shopping.
- Many Fun, Exciting, and Interesting Attractions: In Halong, you will have the chance to explore, experience, and enjoy various activities. The common travel advice for Halong is not to miss out on fascinating attractions such as Halong Bay, the ancient town, the night market, and Tuan Chau Island.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Halong?
The weather in Halong changes month by month and varies significantly by season, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before your trip. The best times to visit Halong can be divided into the following periods:
- April to June: This is the ideal time to travel to Halong. The weather is mostly dry with warm and pleasant sunshine, making it perfect for sightseeing and relaxing with family and friends.
- June to August: This is the peak tourist season in Halong, as many families take vacations with their children during the summer break. The influx of tourists can lead to higher prices for accommodations and services. However, July and August are prone to tropical depressions and storms, which can directly affect travel plans.
- Late November to Lunar New Year: This period is popular among international tourists visiting Halong. Vietnamese tourists usually prefer visiting in the summer, so this time of year offers a more peaceful and private experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and activities at your own pace.
Top Beautiful and Popular Tourist Destinations in Halong
1. Halong Bay
Halong Bay boasts magnificent and poetic natural beauty with thousands of islands and unique caves. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, the bay attracts numerous tourists each year to its beautiful spots such as Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, Con Coc Island, Ngoc Vung Island, and Sung Sot Cave.
2. Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is famous for its beautiful and romantic scenery. When visiting Tuan Chau, you should attend the water music performance, enjoy the outdoor amusement park, or explore the newly opened dinosaur park that attracts many young visitors.
3. Quang Ninh Museum
Considered a miniature model of Quang Ninh, Quang Ninh Museum encapsulates the cultural essence of Halong’s people and portrays the unique features of the mining region. It is also a famous and picturesque check-in spot.
4. Cua Van Fishing Village
According to many tourists, a trip to Halong is incomplete without visiting Cua Van Fishing Village. This ancient village in the bay offers a unique lifestyle of the local fishermen. Visitors can engage in exciting activities such as fishing, squid fishing, and boating, and enjoy delicious seafood right on the boat.
5. Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay Beach is an artificial beach located near Halong Bay. Many tourists consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the city with clear blue water and a long stretch of fine white sand extending nearly 1,000 meters. Here, you can enjoy swimming, taking photos, and having fun.
6. Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay lies to the east of Cat Ba Island and borders the southern part of Halong Bay. With its majestic natural landscape and unique wilderness, Lan Ha Bay is an ideal stop for those who love wild and peaceful places. Visitors can enjoy exciting sea activities and explore the rustic life of the local fishing villages.
7. Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay comprises hundreds of large and small islands that captivate tourists with the simple and mystical beauty of the rock islands and limestone formations rising from the water. The pristine and fresh scenery of the beaches with white sandy shores will leave you enchanted.
8. Halong Old Quarter
Halong Old Quarter, also known as Bai Chay Old Quarter, features unique architecture blending traditional and modern elements, subtly reflecting the characteristics of Hoi An Ancient Town and Hanoi Old Quarter. Every corner is meticulously designed, making it an ideal spot for young people to take photos.
9. Halong Night Market
Halong Night Market offers a wide variety of interesting items characteristic of the bay area, such as wind chimes made from seashells and conch shells, and handmade crafts. It is also known as a “food paradise” with numerous seafood stalls and snack shops that will leave you wanting more.
Exciting Travel Experiences in Halong
In addition to sightseeing, exploring, and playing, visitors to Halong can enjoy many unique and impressive experiences such as:
Kayaking
Exploring Halong Bay by kayak is an eagerly anticipated activity for tourists. Sitting in a small kayak, paddling through the water, you will feel tiny amidst the towering clouds and sky. My travel tip for kayaking in Halong Bay is to sit still and hold your position firmly to maintain balance.
Overnight Cruise
If you love poetic natural scenery, you must try spending a night on a cruise. You’ll wake up to the sunrise with the sea all around, free from the smoke and noise of the city.
Seaplane Tour
This is a relatively new form of experience. On a seaplane, you will have a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Halong Bay, capturing the entire landscape in all its glory.
How to Get to Halong
With the synchronized development of transportation infrastructure, getting to Halong is very quick and convenient. From Hanoi, tourists can choose various means of transportation to reach Halong, such as:
Motorbike
Traveling to Halong by motorbike from Hanoi and some northern provinces, you can choose one of the following routes:
- Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh via National Highway 18, then continue to Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Halong.
- Route 2: Noi Bai Airport – Bac Ninh, then follow National Highway 18A to Pha Lai – Sao Do – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Halong.
The travel time by motorbike from Hanoi to Halong is about 4 – 5 hours. The long distance can be tiring and dangerous. However, for those who enjoy adventurous travel and exploration, this will be a great experience. If traveling by motorbike, maintain a suitable speed and equip yourself with a helmet with a visor and long-sleeved clothing for safety.
Car
If you are driving a car, simply follow the directions on the Hanoi – Halong Expressway, which allows for a quick and safe journey. The travel time by car from Hanoi to Halong is only about 2 – 2.5 hours, making it very convenient.
From Hai Phong to Halong, it’s 50 minutes only
Public Transportation
Besides personal vehicles, you can also use public transportation such as taxis, buses, or trains. If you are coming from southern provinces, you can fly to either Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh and then quickly travel to Halong from there.
Transportation Options within Halong City
Halong City offers several convenient transportation options for getting around:
Motorbike Taxi (Xe ôm)
You can easily hire a motorbike taxi at a reasonable price. However, based on the experiences of many tourists, make sure to agree on the fare before getting on the bike to avoid being overcharged.
Bus
Halong has a continuous bus system that connects to various popular tourist destinations. Depending on your starting point and destination, you can choose the most suitable bus route. The average bus fare in Halong ranges from 7,000 to 10,000 VND per ride.
Electric Car
Electric cars are a popular means of transportation, especially in the city center and tourist areas of Halong.
Currently, the city has five electric car routes serving tourists, starting from the Bai Chay tourist area or Halong city center. These electric cars pass through famous Halong tourist spots such as Bai Chay Bridge, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, Nui Ba Tho historical site, and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Halong.
The fare for an electric car ride in Halong ranges from 500,000 to 900,000 VND per trip. The service operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Taxi
This is a convenient mode of transportation suitable for most tourists. The tourist attractions in Halong are not far from each other, so travel costs are not a significant concern. Taxi fares in Halong range from 5,000 to 11,000 VND per kilometer, depending on the taxi company and the travel distance.
What to Eat in Halong? Must-Try Delicacies in Halong
Halong’s Famous Squid Cake (Chả Mực)
The first answer to the question of what to eat in Halong is squid cake. Chả mực is a renowned specialty of Halong. These golden, fragrant cakes are meticulously and intricately prepared. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a crispy texture and sweet flavor, especially when dipped in chili sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce.
If you’re traveling to Halong and want to buy this delicacy as a gift, consider purchasing hand-pounded squid cakes from native Halong brands such as Bá Kiến, Làng Chài, or Hiền Nhung. They know how to select the best squid, mix the right proportions, and use traditional recipes, ensuring the cakes are more flavorful and crispy.
Stir-Fried Snails with Soy Sauce (Ốc Xào Tương)
Without the use of lốt leaves or cooking oil, Halong people stir-fry snails with cilantro, dried coconut, and lime leaves. The dipping sauce is not complicated, made from the same soy sauce and chili used to stir-fry the snails. The snails are cleaned, placed in a pot, seasoned, and boiled until fragrant. Stir-fried snails are crispy, rich, and slightly spicy, making for a delightful treat.
Steamed Cù Kỳ (Cù Kỳ Hấp)
Cù kỳ, a type of sea crab with large, meaty claws, is popular in Halong. Although its meat isn’t as flavorful as crab, it is tastier than mantis shrimp and reasonably priced. Steamed cù kỳ is a favorite among tourists, but it can also be prepared in various ways such as tamarind sauce, grilled over charcoal, or stir-fried with vermicelli.
Halong’s Sea Worm (Sá Sùng)
Sá sùng, a valuable sea worm, can cost up to 4-5 million VND per kilogram when dried. In Quang Ninh, don’t miss out on specialties like crispy fried sá sùng, grilled sá sùng, stir-fried sá sùng with kohlrabi, and sá sùng battered and fried. If buying dried sá sùng as a gift, select ones that are thick and uniformly sized.
Grilled Oysters (Hàu Nướng)
Grilled oysters with scallion oil are a popular rustic dish in Quang Ninh. Fat, juicy oysters are split open, topped with scallion oil, and grilled over charcoal. When you hear a sizzling sound, add a few crushed peanuts for a perfect snack.
Horseshoe Crab (Sam Biển)
Horseshoe crab is a must-try delicacy in Halong. Popular dishes include horseshoe crab blood pudding, sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab legs, fried horseshoe crab eggs, steamed horseshoe crab, grilled horseshoe crab cartilage, horseshoe crab eggs stir-fried with lốt leaves, and horseshoe crab battered and fried. Be cautious, as horseshoe crabs resemble sea cockroaches, and it’s advised to eat them in pairs to avoid digestive issues. Choose reputable places to enjoy this unique dish safely.
Halong’s Sandworm Cake (Chả Rươi)
If you visit Halong in early winter, you’ll see locals harvesting sandworms, a nutritious and delicious specialty. Sandworm cakes are fried to a golden brown, emitting a fragrant aroma with a crispy yet moist texture. Enjoying sandworm cakes with herbs and vermicelli will be an unforgettable experience during your Halong trip.
Halong Seafood Noodles (Bún Hải Sản Hạ Long)
Known for its valuable seafood, Halong is famous for dishes made from seafood. The rich, sweet broth combined with meaty mantis shrimp, golden dried shrimp, and chewy squid cakes make for a delicious bowl of seafood noodles that keeps tourists coming back for more.
Detailed itinerary suggestions for Halong travel
Halong 3 days 2 nights itinerary
Day 1:
– Morning: Transfer to Halong, check-in at the hotel.
– Afternoon: Boat tour around Halong Bay.
– Evening: Explore Halong at night.
Day 2:
– Morning: Explore Tuan Chau Island.
– Afternoon: Enjoy swimming at Bai Chay Beach.
– Evening: Shopping at the night market and explore the old town of Halong.
Day 3:
– Morning: Visit the fish market early in the morning, buy Halong specialties.
– Noon: Check out of the hotel and depart.
Athena Cruise 3 day 2 night tour: Essential Halong, Lan Ha bay trip
Halong 2 days 1 night itinerary
Day 1:
– Morning: Transfer to Halong, check-in at the hotel.
– Afternoon: Explore Tuan Chau Island with various activities.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner on a boat or explore the old town and night market in Halong.
Day 2:
– Morning: Boat tour around Halong Bay.
– Noon: Check out of the hotel and return.
Halong 1 day itinerary
8:30 AM: Depart for Halong.
12:00 PM: Visit Halong Bay by tourist boat, enjoy lunch on board. During the tour, visit Thien Cung Cave, Dog Stone, Lu Huong Islet, Rooster Fighting Islet, and Cua Van Fishing Village.
4:30 PM: Return from the tour, ending the 4-hour journey on the boat and return to Hanoi.
You may choose 6 hour Halong bay day tour for longer experience
These itineraries offer different durations for exploring the beauty of Halong Bay, from a leisurely 3-day trip to a quick 1-day tour.
What to bring
When preparing for a trip to Halong, here are some essentials based on my travel experience:
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is essential, especially because most activities in Halong are outdoors. Regular application will protect your skin from sunburn, which can easily happen due to frequent movement.
- Sunglasses, Hat, Flip-flops: Halong can get quite hot in the summer, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable flip-flops for easier movement and enjoyment.
- Swimsuit: It’s almost a must to swim in the sea while visiting Halong. Pack your favorite swimsuit to fully enjoy the beaches there.
- Identification Documents: Always carry your personal identification documents. They are essential for hotel check-ins, renting vehicles, and other administrative purposes.
- Electronic Devices: Cameras, laptops, and phones are indispensable for capturing the beautiful scenes of Halong. Make sure your devices are fully charged to avoid missing out on great photo opportunities.
These items will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
Final words in this Halong Travel Guide
Here’s a summary of the most updated information in this Ha Long Travel Guide by Hai Phong Tours. If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re here to help!
