Bề Bề Noodle in Halong Bay: Culinary Guide, Costs & Eco-Tours

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Halong Region, Vietnam, is not only famed for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters but also for its vibrant coastal cuisine, with Bề Bề Noodle (mantis shrimp noodle) standing out as a local specialty. This comforting dish, featuring sweet mantis shrimp in a tangy broth, embodies the essence of Halong’s fishing heritage, offering a warm, flavorful experience perfect for cool autumn or winter days. Set against the backdrop of Halong Bay’s breathtaking seascape, Bề Bề Noodle is a must-try for food lovers seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors. Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Ha Long City has transitioned into Halong Region, reinforcing its tourism prominence while prioritizing sustainability. Aligned with Quang Ninh’s “Green Tourism” initiative, Halong Bay promotes eco-friendly dining through sustainable seafood sourcing and community-supported markets. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours pair Bề Bề Noodle tastings with responsible exploration—book your adventure via the links throughout this guide!

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia journeys, emphasizing environmental and cultural preservation. Our Halong Bay tours feature eco-friendly transport—electric boats, bamboo rowboats, and low-emission shuttles—guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary and fishing heritage. Supporting communities in Halong Region and Van Don, we align with Quang Ninh’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and savor Bề Bề Noodle responsibly!

Vietnam’s administrative reorganization has integrated Ha Long City into Halong Region under Quang Ninh Province, enhancing access to Halong Bay’s culinary hubs, including Hạ Long Market, Cai Rong Night Market, and Bãi Cháy’s eateries. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND1.7 trillion coastal preservation project—Halong Region facilitates eco-conscious dining and exploration, making it a premier destination for seafood lovers.

Bề Bề Noodle, known locally as Bún Bề Bề, is a beloved Halong Bay dish featuring mantis shrimp (bề bề), a sweet, tender crustacean abundant in the Gulf of Tonkin. The dish combines boiled, peeled mantis shrimp atop a bowl of rice noodles, bathed in a sweet-and-sour broth enriched with tomatoes and tamarind. Accompaniments include fried tofu, shrimp, squid, and fresh vegetables like water spinach, with raw herbs and a dash of chili adding zest. Priced affordably at around $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND), this non-fishy seafood dish is a hearty, flavorful staple, reflecting Halong’s coastal culture and sustainable fishing practices.

Bề Bề Noodle is widely available in Halong Region, from bustling markets to cozy eateries and eco-cruise dining. Below are the best spots to savor this dish, with costs and sustainable dining tips:

• Hạ Long Market: A vibrant hub where local stalls serve steaming bowls of Bề Bề Noodle ($1.50–$2.50 or 37,500–62,500 VND). Pair with Vietnamese iced coffee ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) for a local breakfast.

  • Location: Bãi Cháy, Halong Region, 10 km from Hon Gai Port (taxi $5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND round-trip).

  • Sustainability: Buy from family-run stalls to support local fishers and vendors.

  • Tip: Visit early morning for the freshest ingredients, included in our Halong Bay Foodie Cruise ($85–$120).

• Bãi Cháy Eateries: Coastal restaurants like Quán Bún Hải Sản Bãi Cháy offer authentic Bề Bề Noodle ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), often with extra shrimp and squid.

  • Location: Bãi Cháy, 10 km from Hon Gai Port (taxi $5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND round-trip).

  • Sustainability: These eateries source seafood from local fisheries, reducing environmental impact.

  • Tip: Add chili for a spicy kick, included in our Halong Bay Discovery Tour ($90–$130).

• Cai Rong Night Market (Van Don): A lively market serving Bề Bề Noodle alongside grilled seafood ($1.50–$2.50 or 37,500–62,500 VND).

  • Location: Van Don, 40 km from Halong Bay (shuttle bus $10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND round-trip).

  • Sustainability: Support small vendors to boost local economies.

  • Tip: Pair with fresh herbs for authentic flavor, included in our Halong Bay Foodie Cruise ($85–$120).

• Eco-Cruise Dining: Select Halong Bay cruises, like Dragon Legend, include Bề Bề Noodle in their seafood menus ($80–$200 or 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND for 2D1N, meals included).

  • Location: Cruises departing from Hon Gai or Van Don ports.

  • Sustainability: Electric boats reduce emissions, and cruises source mantis shrimp from local fishers.

  • Tip: Enjoy onboard with bay views, included in our Halong Bay Eco-Cruise ($95–$140).

• Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Floating restaurants offer Bề Bề Noodle with freshly caught mantis shrimp ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), reached via bamboo boat tours ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Location: 20 km from Hon Gai Port, accessible by cruise stopovers.

  • Sustainability: Direct support for fishing communities preserves local livelihoods.

  • Tip: Try with raw vegetables, included in our Halong Bay Heritage Cruise ($100–$150).

Below are approximate costs for a sustainable culinary experience in Halong Bay, focusing on Bề Bề Noodle and related activities:

• Bề Bề Noodle:

  • Market Stalls (Hạ Long, Cai Rong): $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND) per bowl.

  • Restaurants (Bãi Cháy, Vung Vieng): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per bowl.

  • Eco-Cruise Menus: Included in cruise packages ($80–$200 or 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND for 2D1N; $120–$350 or 3,000,000–8,750,000 VND for 3D2N).

• Transportation:

  • Shuttle Bus (Hanoi to Hon Gai/Van Don): $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) one-way.

  • Private Car/Limousine: $50–$120 (1,250,000–3,000,000 VND) one-way for 2–4 people.

  • Local Taxi (e.g., Bãi Cháy to Hạ Long Market): $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) round-trip.

  • Seaplane: $400 (10,000,000 VND) one-way.

• Accommodation (if not on a cruise):

  • Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Budget Hotels: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

  • Mid-Range Hotels: $30–$80/night (750,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Related Activities:

  • Bamboo Boat Tour (Vung Vieng): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Cooking Class (Seafood Dishes): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

  • Market Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Drinks:

  • Bottled Water/Coconut Juice: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

  • Local Beer: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Total Daily Budget (per person, excluding cruise):

  • Budget Traveler: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

  • Mid-Range Traveler: $40–$80 (1,000,000–2,000,000 VND).

  • Luxury Traveler: $100–$300 (2,500,000–7,500,000 VND).

Tip: Choose an all-inclusive cruise with Bề Bề Noodle dining to simplify costs, included in our Halong Bay Eco-Tour ($95–$140).

To ensure a comfortable and eco-friendly culinary experience, pack thoughtfully based on the season and activities:

• Clothing:

  • Spring/Autumn (March–May, September–November): Lightweight, breathable clothing (t-shirts, shorts, long pants for cultural sites), a light jacket for cooler evenings, and comfortable shoes for market visits.

  • Summer (June–August): Light clothing, sandals, and a hat for sun protection.

  • Winter (December–February): Warm layers (sweaters, fleece), a waterproof jacket, scarf, and closed-toe shoes for foggy days.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for daytime market trips.

• Rain Gear (Summer): Lightweight raincoat ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), waterproof bag, and umbrella for showers.

• Eco-Friendly Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), biodegradable toiletries, and a reusable tote to minimize plastic waste at markets.

• Dining Gear: Reusable straw or utensils for street food to reduce waste; a small container for leftovers ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cultural Respect: Modest clothing (long pants, covered shoulders) for visiting fishing villages like Vung Vieng.

• Miscellaneous: Camera or smartphone for food photography, power bank, and offline maps (Maps.me) for navigating markets.

Tip: Pack light to reduce your environmental footprint, included in our Halong Bay Foodie Cruise ($85–$120).

• Book Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group 1–2 months in advance for peak seasons (September–November, March–May) to secure culinary-focused cruises or market tours.

• Sustainability: Choose Bề Bề Noodle from local eateries or cruises sourcing from sustainable fisheries; avoid single-use plastics at markets to align with Quang Ninh’s green goals.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for Halong Region, Hạ Long Market, and Cai Rong; save Hạ Long Market as a landmark for culinary stops.

• Safety: Ensure noodles are freshly prepared to avoid foodborne issues; wash hands before eating street food. Carry hand sanitizer ($1 or 25,000 VND).

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at village eateries (long pants, covered shoulders); say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors.

• Health: Stay hydrated with bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); avoid tap water with street food.

Our sustainable tours offer curated culinary experiences in Halong Bay, emphasizing Bề Bề Noodle and local seafood:

• Halong Bay Foodie Cruise (2D1N, $85–$120/person): Bề Bề Noodle tasting, cooking class with seafood dishes, and Cai Rong Night Market visit with shuttle bus transfers. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.

• Halong Bay Explorer (2D1N, $95–$140/person): Overnight cruise to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, and Bề Bề Noodle lunch with kayaking. Includes guide, meals, and eco-transfers.

• Halong Bay Immersion (3D2N, $150–$300/person): Two-night cruise to Ba Mun Island, Minh Chau Beach, and Bề Bề Noodle dining at Hạ Long Market. Includes guide, meals, and eco-transfers.

• Halong Bay Heritage Cruise (2D1N, $100–$150/person): Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Bề Bề Noodle feast, and Cua Ong Temple visit with private car transfers. Includes lunch and guide.

• Halong Bay Discovery (2D1N, $90–$130/person): Hạ Long Market noodle tour, Quan Lan Island cycling, and Tuan Chau cultural shows. Includes snacks and guide.

• Halong Bay Luxury Tour (3D2N, $250–$400/person): Seaplane transfer, luxury cruise with gourmet Bề Bề Noodle, and Ba Mun rainforest hike. Includes meals and guide.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Bề Bề Noodle (bún bề bề), a soul-warming seafood dish, is a culinary highlight of Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province, 160 km from Hanoi, offering a tangy, sweet taste of the region’s coastal heritage with succulent mantis shrimp broth, priced at $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND). Best enjoyed in autumn (September–November, 20–25°C) or winter(December–February, 15–20°C) for ideal weather, this dish shines at bustling Hạ Long Market or serene Vung Vieng’s floating eateries, drawing thousands yearly to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend Travel Group’s Quang Ninh Tours ensure a sustainable Quang Ninh Travel experience, featuring curated dining with eco-conscious practices like responsibly sourced seafood and low-waste dining, paired with visits to Thien Canh Son Cave and Cai Dam Food Street. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Bề Bề Noodle’s tangy, sweet delight? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s coastal treasure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Bề Bề Noodle Information: vietnamnomad.com, gtrip.vn, hanoilocaltour.com, paradisevietnam.com, getyourguide.com, emperorcruises.com, halongbaycruises.com, vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn