Unique dining experiences in Halong Bay: A foodie's guide

Halong Bay is not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes and clear blue waters that create its unique brand, but it is also the top choice in the hearts of tourists whenever they think of exciting experiences.

One of the things that makes a trip to Halong Bay unique is the dining experiences. Halong is known as a crossroads of various culinary cultures. This has created a unique aspect of Halong’s cuisine, where each dining option here is rich in traditions and distinct flavors.

dinning in halong bay

Floating restaurants

One of the privileges for tourists when choosing Halong Bay as their main vacation destination is the extremely unique dining experiences amidst the incredibly majestic scenery of the bay.

Visitors can enjoy their meals at floating restaurants, also known as large boats anchored along the bay, where they can dine while admiring the scenery amidst the clear waters of Halong.

Floating restaurant - Co Ngu Restaurant

Floating restaurants in Halong Bay are famed for their ultra-fresh seafood, including shrimp, crab, squid, and clams, prepared right after being caught. A few reputable suggestions that tourists can consider for floating restaurant locations:

Cua Vang Restaurant

  • Famous for its rare and fresh ingredients, along with the preparation of dishes that are rich in Vietnamese flavor
  • Address: Bai Chay, Tuan Chau area, Halong Bay, Viet Nam
  • Phone number: (+84) 168 884 8686

Co Ngu Restaurant

  • A suitable choice for those who wish to find a cozy and private place to enjoy a meal with family or loved ones. Tourists can request dishes prepared according to their personal taste 
  • Address: The New Villa area, Halong Street, Halong Bay, Viet Nam
  • Phone number: (+84) 33 3511 363

Seafood markets

Seafood market - Hon Gai Market

If you want to personally prepare joyful meals with your family, visitors can completely choose fresh and high-quality ingredients themselves at the seafood markets in Halong. There is a wide variety of seafood for visitors to choose from, including shrimp, crabs, fish, and special types of seafood like Horseshoe Crab and Stone Crab. Some stalls in the market even offer to help customers with the preparation. Some suggestions that tourists can consider:

Bai Chay Market

  • Bustling with activity, this market is an ideal place to experience the vibrant local culture while enjoying fresh seafood prepared on the spot
  • Address: Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay area, Halong City, Viet Nam

Hon Gai Market

  • Famous for its variety of seafood and friendly vendors who often share cooking tips
  • Address: Bach Dang street, Hon Gai district, Halong city, Quang Ninh, Viet Nam

Beachside barbecues

Beachside barbecues - Titop Island

Immerse yourself in the relaxing beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy a barbecue feast, an unparalleled dining experience. When the sun sets, the beach transforms into vibrant dining spots where visitors can enjoy grilled seafood under the vast sky. This relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for some downtime. Beaches suitable for hosting beachside barbecues:

Titop Beach

  • The white sandy beach and calm waters will be a great choice for an outdoor barbecue with friends and family
  • Location: situated the heart of Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The beach is approximately 7-8 kilometers southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf

Tuan Chau Beach

  • A popular destination with barbecue services and a wide selection of fresh seafood
  • Location: situated on Tuan Chau Island, part of Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Dining while cruising Halong Bay

Dining while cruising Halong Bay - Bhaya Cruises

One of the similar dining experiences of dining cruises but more suitable for travelers looking for a private and cozy dining atmosphere on a boat-dining while cruising on small yachts, where you can personally choose and design the menu for the meal as well as customize the itinerary.

This would be a great choice for special occasions such as wedding anniversaries or romantic dinners. Some suggestions that travelers might consider:

Bhaya Cruises

  • As one of the most successful cruise companies in Vietnam, Bhaya Cruises offers luxurious daily cruises on Halong Bay
  • Phone number: (+84) 933 44 6542

Paradise Cruises

  • Paradise Cruises owns 17 cabins divided into three categories: Superior, Deluxe, and Suites, all equipped with modern amenities and high-quality service
  • Phone number: (+84) 906 099 606

Indochina Sails 

  • With 20 years of experience serving international guests on the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, Indochina Sails has set a new standard for luxury cruises
  • Phone number: (+84) 982 042 426

Savor the flavors of Halong Bay

The rich and diverse cuisine is likened to a “cultural heritage” of Halong. Anyone who visits Halong Bay must experience the unique cuisine here at least once.

Each dish carries a distinct and unique flavor. The dining experiences through the dishes in Halong is a journey to explore the stories of the rich culinary traditions here.

Not only are there dishes made from fresh and high-quality seafood, but there are also local specialties that are rich in local flavors.

  • Sticky rice with squid sausage: a popular breakfast dish with a rich flavor from fresh squid, served with sticky rice and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. 
  • Razor clam porridge: The subtle sweetness of clam meat combined with hot porridge, a bit of seasoning, and a touch of onion, pepper, ginger, and herbs creates an irresistible dish, ensuring a nutritious meal.  
  • Gai cake: A traditional dessert with a chewy texture and sweet filling. 
  • Tai Long Ep cake: The cake features a tender, slightly chewy texture with a delicate sweetness, complemented by the rich flavor of peanut oil lightly brushed on its surface.

Read more details at this article to learn more about famous cuisines from Halong Bay.

    Conclusion

    Dining in Ha Long Bay is more than a meal, it’s a journey through culture, nature, and creativity.

    From fresh seafood at floating restaurants to beach barbecues and gourmet cruises, each experience delights the palate and creates lasting memories.

    Contact Bhaya Cruises now to have an amazing experience at Halong Bay.