Explore Halong Bay and Halong Region with our guide to top attractions, local cuisine, costs, and sustainable eco-tours. Book with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable UNESCO adventure!
Halong City in Quang Ninh Province is a humble and quiet place located just in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay. Make sure you stop and enjoy the local cuisines, beaches, and night markets that the city has to offer. The city is divided into two main areas: Hon Gai over the other side of the bridge, it is Hon Gai area where you can experience the real local life. where the residential and businesses are, and Bai Chay where the central tourist area is, by the side of Ha Long bay, Replicas of traditional junk boats tour the bay and depart from the city’s Bai Chay district.. Bai Chay also has an artificial beach, restaurants, cafes and dozens of hotels from resort-style complexes to hostels..
Coming from Hanoi, along the main road which goes from west to east, you will firstly see Tuan Chau Island’s entrance (Tuan Chau is a man-made island and can be reached quickly by taking the only road from the mainland to the island). There are many things to do and see here such as: water performance, dolphin performance, Tuan Chau Beach and also Tuan Chau Marina where the most luxury Halong cruises are homing. Going further in the direction of city center, you will next arrive at Bai Chay area where most of the Halong hotels and hostels can be found. The 4-5 stars hotels are usually located right next to the main road, near the newly construted Halong beach, and own the excellent bay view. At the end of the area, there is the Bai Chay bridge and the night market nearby. Last but not least, over the other side of the bridge, it is Hon Gai area where you can experience the real local life. This area has it all from the central market Halong I, Bai Tho mountain, Long Tien Pagoda to local food shops which serve seafood, noodle and other delicacies that you need to visit or taste once travelling to Halong.
Vietnam’s administrative reorganization has integrated Ha Long City into Halong Region, a ward under Quang Ninh Province, streamlining access to Halong Bay’s attractions and nearby destinations like Tuan Chau Island, Bãi Cháy Beach, and Hòn Gai’s cultural sites. With a 250-km coastline and sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND1.7 trillion coastal preservation project—Halong Region facilitates eco-conscious tourism, making it a vibrant hub for exploring Halong Bay’s natural and cultural wonders.
OverviewHalong Region is the perfect base for exploring Halong Bay and its surrounding attractions, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and urban vibrancy. Below are the must-visit sites, with activities, costs, and sustainable tips:
A UNESCO masterpiece with 1,600+ karsts, caves like Sung Sot ($5 or 125,000 VND entry), and islets like Chó Đá. Eco-cruises depart from Tuan Chau Marina, offering stunning views and activities.
Activities: Kayaking ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND), squid fishing (included in cruises), and visiting Thien Cung Cave ($5 or 125,000 VND entry).
Cost: Eco-cruises $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND) for 2D1N; $120–$350 (3,000,000–8,750,000 VND) for 3D2N, including meals and transfers.
Sustainability: Choose electric boat cruises like Indochina Junk to reduce emissions.
Tip: Opt for a 3D2N cruise for a relaxed experience, included in our Halong Bay Immersion ($150–$300).
A 1,000-meter artificial beach in Bãi Cháy, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and evening strolls along pine-lined paths. Nearby, Sun World Halong Complex offers cable cars and amusement rides.
Activities: Swimming (free), cable car to Sun World ($15 or 375,000 VND for adults), and dining at beachside restaurants ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).
Cost: Free entry; snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Sustainability: Use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life; dispose of waste properly.
Tip: Visit at sunset for scenic views, included in our Halong Bay Discovery Tour ($90–$130).
A man-made island west of Halong Region, home to Tuan Chau Marina, luxury resorts, and cultural performances. It’s a key departure point for Halong Bay cruises.
Activities: Dolphin and water shows ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), beach relaxation (free), and marina strolls.
Cost: Ferry or taxi from Bãi Cháy ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND round-trip); homestays $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Sustainability: Support local vendors at Tuan Chau’s markets to boost the economy.
Tip: Catch a water puppet show, included in our Halong Bay Explorer ($95–$140).
Hòn Gai, across Bai Chay Bridge, offers an authentic glimpse of local life with markets, pagodas, and historic sites like Bai Tho Mountain.
Activities: Visit Hạ Long Market ($1–$6 or 25,000–150,000 VND for food), climb Bai Tho Mountain (free), and explore Long Tiên Pagoda (free).
Cost: Taxi from Bãi Cháy ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND round-trip); meals $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
Sustainability: Buy from local vendors at Hạ Long Market to support small businesses.
Tip: Try Bánh Gật Gù at the market, included in our Halong Bay Foodie Cruise ($85–$120).
A vibrant evening market near Bai Chay Bridge, offering seafood, souvenirs, and local crafts, perfect for experiencing Halong’s nightlife.
Activities: Shop for souvenirs ($1–$10 or 25,000–250,000 VND), taste Chả Mực Hạ Long ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND), and enjoy street performances (free).
Cost: Free entry; food and items $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly souvenirs like bamboo crafts to reduce plastic waste.
Tip: Arrive after 6 PM for the liveliest atmosphere, included in our Halong Bay Discovery Tour ($90–$130).
Halong Region’s tropical monsoon climate shapes the best times to visit, balancing weather, crowds, and costs:
Autumn (September–November): Best Time. Cool and dry, 22–28°C (71.6–82.4°F), low humidity (70–75%), minimal rainfall (50–150 mm/month). Ideal for cruises ($80–$200 or 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND) and exploring Bãi Cháy’s nightlife. Fewer crowds than spring.
Spring (March–May): Warm, 20–30°C (68–82.4°F), moderate humidity (75–80%), low rainfall (<100 mm/month). Peak season with crowds; perfect for beach visits and Sun World ($15 or 375,000 VND). Book early ($100–$250 or 2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).
Winter (December–February): Cool, 10–22°C (50–71.6°F), low humidity (65–70%), minimal rainfall (<30 mm/month). Fog adds mystique; ideal for cultural visits like Long Tiên Pagoda. Peak during Christmas/Tet ($120–$300 or 3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, 27–34°C (80.6–93.2°F), high humidity (80–90%), frequent showers (300–450 mm/month). Budget-friendly with 10–20% cruise discounts ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND); typhoon risks require weather checks.
Tip: Visit in October for optimal weather and fewer crowds, included in our Halong Bay Autumn Heritage ($100–$150).
What to Bring to Halong Bay and Halong RegionTo ensure a comfortable and eco-friendly visit, 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 evenings, and comfortable shoes for markets or Bai Tho Mountain.
Summer (June–August): Swimsuits, quick-dry clothing, sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection at Bãi Cháy Beach.
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 hat to shield against UV rays.
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, aligning with Halong Bay’s plastic-free policies.
Activity Gear:
Cruising/Kayaking: Dry bag for electronics, quick-dry towel, and a camera with a waterproof case ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Market/Nightlife: Small backpack for souvenirs and insect repellent ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Cultural Respect: Modest clothing (long pants, covered shoulders) for Long Tiên Pagoda or Hòn Gai visits.
Miscellaneous: Power bank, offline maps (Maps.me) for navigation, and travel medications.
Tip: Pack light to reduce your environmental footprint, included in our Halong Bay Eco-Tour ($95–$140).
Below are approximate costs for a sustainable trip, factoring in attractions, dining, and transport:
Transportation:
Shuttle Bus (Hanoi to Hon Gai/Tuan Chau): $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.
Seaplane: $400 (10,000,000 VND) one-way.
Eco-Cruise with Transfers: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND) for 2D1N; $120–$350 (3,000,000–8,750,000 VND) for 3D2N.
Local Taxi (Bãi Cháy to Hòn Gai): $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) round-trip.
Accommodation:
Homestays (Hòn Gai, Tuan Chau): $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Budget Hotels (Bãi Cháy): $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Mid-Range Hotels (e.g., Novotel Halong Bay): $30–$80/night (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Activities:
Kayaking: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).
Bamboo Boat Tour (Vung Vieng): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cave Entry (e.g., Sung Sot): $5 (125,000 VND).
Sun World Cable Car: $15 (375,000 VND) for adults.
Cooking Class: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Food and Drinks:
Street Food (e.g., Bánh Mì Mỏ, Chả Mực): $0.50–$6 (12,500–150,000 VND).
Restaurant Meals (e.g., Gà Tiên Yên): $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).
Bottled Water/Coconut Juice: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Total Daily Budget (per person, excluding cruise):
Budget Traveler: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).
Mid-Range Traveler: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Luxury Traveler: $150–$400 (3,750,000–10,000,000 VND).
Tip: Choose an all-inclusive cruise for cost efficiency, included in our Halong Bay Eco-Tour ($95–$140).
Halong Bay VietnamBook Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group 2–3 months in advance for peak season (December–January, March–April) or 1–2 months for shoulder seasons (October–November, February) to secure sustainable cruises.
Sustainability: Choose operators with eco-certifications (e.g., Indochina Junk); support local vendors at Hạ Long Market or Bai Chay Night Market to minimize plastic waste and align with Quang Ninh’s green goals.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for Halong Region, Bãi Cháy, Hòn Gai, and Tuan Chau; save Tuan Chau Marina as a landmark for cruise departures.
Safety: Secure valuables on cruises; stay on designated paths at Sun World or Bai Tho Mountain; check summer forecasts for typhoons (June–August).
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly for Long Tiên Pagoda or Hòn Gai markets (long pants, covered shoulders); say “cảm ơn” (thank you).
Health: Stay hydrated with bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for outdoor activities.
Our sustainable tours showcase Halong Bay and Halong Region’s attractions, tailored to the region’s climate and culture:
Halong Bay Explorer (2D1N, $95–$140/person): Overnight cruise to Sung Sot Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, and kayaking via electric boat, with a Bãi Cháy Night Market visit. Includes guide, meals, and eco-transfers from Hanoi.
Halong Bay Immersion (3D2N, $150–$300/person): Two-night cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, Co To Island, and Tuan Chau Marina, with a Hòn Gai market tour. Includes guide, meals, and eco-transfers.
Halong Bay Foodie Cruise (2D1N, $85–$120/person): Seafood tasting, cooking class, and Cai Rong Night Market visit, with a stop at Bãi Cháy Beach. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.
Halong Bay Heritage Cruise (2D1N, $100–$150/person): Long Tiên Pagoda, Bai Tho Mountain, and Vung Vieng Fishing Village via electric boat. Includes lunch and guide.
Halong Bay Discovery (2D1N, $90–$130/person): Sun World Halong Complex, Tuan Chau water show, and Hạ Long Market visit. Includes snacks and guide.
Halong Bay Luxury Tour (3D2N, $250–$400/person): Seaplane transfer, luxury cruise to Ba Trái Đào, and Bãi Cháy cable car ride. 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!
Halong Bay and Halong Region offer a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, from the iconic karsts of Halong Bay to the vibrant markets and beaches of Bãi Cháy and Hòn Gai. With optimal visiting times in autumn (September–November) for clear skies and spring (March–April) for vibrant exploration, Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours ensure a responsible, immersive journey through this UNESCO paradise. Don’t wait—browse our curated eco-tours and book your Halong Bay adventure today!
Ready to explore Halong Bay’s majestic karsts and Halong Region’s cultural gems? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s coastal treasure!
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