Halong Bay Itinerary to Explore both land and sea
A Halong Bay city tour offers the best of both worlds, combining the lively culture of Halong City with the serene beauty of Halong Bay. Whether you’re visiting for the vibrant local experiences or the awe-inspiring seascape, this destination has something for everyone.
By staying at a hotel near the bay, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture while taking time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spend your first day exploring Halong City’s highlights, from bustling night markets to delicious local seafood and family-friendly entertainment.
The second day can be devoted to a Halong Bay day cruise, visiting world-renowned attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Ba Hang Fishing Village.
This approach allows you to enjoy the perfect mix of urban discovery and natural exploration, making your visit truly memorable.
Top things to do in Halong Bay City
Night Market
For a glimpse into local life, head to the Halong Night Market, a bustling hotspot for shopping and dining. Located near Bai Chay Beach, the market operates daily from late afternoon until midnight, making it a lively destination for evening exploration.
Stalls offer a wide variety of products, including handcrafted jewelry, embroidered textiles, and Halong-inspired souvenirs such as miniature limestone karsts.
- Address: The Bai Chay Ward, near Bai Chay Beach in Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
- From the Halong City center to the Halong Night Market, the distance is approximately 3-5 kilometers, depending on your starting point.
- By taxi, the journey takes around 5-10 minutes and costs approximately 50,000 to 80,000 VND (about $2-4 USD), depending on traffic and the taxi service you choose.
What sets this market apart is its street food scene. Travelers can indulge in authentic Vietnamese snacks like “banh cuon” (rice rolls) and sweet treats such as coconut cakes.
The market’s energetic atmosphere and friendly vendors make it a must-visit spot for those seeking local culture during their Halong Bay city tour.
Enjoy local cuisine in Halong City
Halong City is synonymous with fresh seafood, thanks to its location by the Gulf of Tonkin. Its restaurants and food stalls serve up delicious dishes made from the day’s catch.
Popular choices include “cha muc” (fried squid cakes), steamed clams, and horseshoe crab prepared with unique Vietnamese spices. For a more luxurious dining experience, some restaurants offer elaborate seafood platters featuring king prawns and scallops.
In addition to seafood, don’t miss the chance to try “banh gat gu” (rolled pancakes) and “nem chua be” (fermented pork rolls), which are regional specialties. Whether dining at high-end eateries or casual food stands, savoring Halong Bay’s culinary offerings is a highlight of any Halong Bay city tour.
We suggest:
- Quán ăn Quang Phong – Lô C112A Phố Cổ, TP. Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh
- Price: 35.000 – 50.000 VNĐ (2-3 USD) (Cha muc)/dish
- Hạ Long night market – Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Bai Chay, Ha Long City
- Price: 15.000 – 25.000 VNĐ (1-2 USD) (Banh gat gu)/dish
- Trang Gia Vien restaurant – Lot 2+3, Hung Thang Tourist Area, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province – Hotline: 096 663 3079
- Price: From 200.000VND (8 USD)
- Cua Vang Ha Long restaurant – No. 32 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City – Hotline: 0203 384 0505
- Price: 50.000 – 300.000 VNĐ (2 -10 USD)(Seafood)/dish
Visit the Royal International Casino & Sun World Water Park
Entertainment options abound in Halong City. The Royal International Casino provides a glamorous escape for nightlife enthusiasts.
Located in Bai Chay Ward, the casino offers a variety of gaming tables and slot machines, perfect for an exciting night out.
For families, Sun World Halong Complex is a premier destination. This sprawling park features a water park with thrilling slides, an amusement area with roller coasters, and the Queen Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the bay.
Both attractions cater to different tastes, ensuring fun for travelers of all ages during their Halong Bay city tour.
Bai Tho mountain
Núi Bai Tho is a must-visit destination for any Halong Bay city tour, offering breathtaking views of Halong Bay from its summit.
Standing at over 200 meters, this limestone mountain provides panoramic vistas, especially captivating during sunrise or sunset, making it a favorite spot for photographers and adventurers.
The mountain holds cultural and historical significance, with ancient inscriptions and nearby landmarks such as Long Tien Pagoda and Trần Quốc Nghiễn Temple.
However, access has been restricted in recent years due to safety concerns. If included in your Halong Bay city tour, this site offers both natural beauty and a touch of historical intrigue.
Yen Tu
Yen Tu, often a highlight of a Halong Bay city tour, is renowned for its spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty.
Located in Uông Bí, Quảng Ninh Province, Yên Tử Mountain is considered the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism and features Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery and Chùa Đồng at its summit.
Visitors can embark on a 6-kilometer trek through lush forests or opt for a cable car ride, which provides panoramic views of the tranquil landscape.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or a nature escape, Yên Tử is a perfect addition to your Halong Bay city tour itinerary.
Quang Ninh museum
Quang Ninh Museum is a must-see cultural and educational stop during any Halong Bay city tour. Located on Trần Quốc Nghiễn Street in Halong City, the museum’s unique “Black Pearl” architecture, designed by Salvador Perez Arroyo, is an attraction in itself.
Inside, the museum showcases exhibits on geology, marine biodiversity, coal mining, and the rich history of Quảng Ninh Province.
Its interactive displays and informative galleries offer insight into the region’s heritage.
A convenient location near Halong Bay makes it an accessible and enriching stop on your Halong Bay city tour.
Best hotels with a view of Halong Bay
Choosing a hotel with spectacular bay views adds a touch of luxury to your Halong Bay city tour.
Here are some top recommendations:
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Halong: A five-star resort offering spacious rooms, infinity pools, and direct sea views.
- Novotel Halong Bay: Modern accommodations with large windows overlooking the bay and convenient access to city attractions.
- Royal Lotus Hotel: An affordable option with cozy bay-facing balconies, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Taking a day cruise to explore Halong Bay
Getting to Halong Bay Port
To embark on your Halong Bay day cruise during your Halong Bay city tour, you’ll need to reach the port. Here are three transportation options:
- Taxi or Grab: Taxis and Grab rides are widely available in Halong City, providing a quick and flexible way to reach Halong Bay Port.
- Hotel shuttle service: Many hotels offer shuttle buses that transport guests directly to the port, saving you the hassle of arranging your own ride.
- Direct pickup by cruise operator: Some day cruises include pickup services as part of their packages, making it the most convenient choice.
Famous attractions on a Halong Bay day cruise
A day cruise provides access to Halong Bay’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s what you can expect:
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Known as the largest cave in the bay, Sung Sot Cave features fascinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Its spacious chambers are illuminated for a dramatic effect.
- Titop Island: Famous for its panoramic views, this island allows visitors to hike to its summit or relax on its sandy beach. Its scenic beauty makes it one of the highlights of any Halong Bay city tour.
- Luon Cave: Explore this tranquil spot by kayak or bamboo boat. The cave’s emerald waters and towering cliffs offer a peaceful retreat.
- Ba Hang Fishing Village: Immerse yourself in traditional life at this floating village. Here, you can interact with locals and learn about their fishing culture..
How to continue your journey after Halong Bay
Returning to Hanoi
After your day cruise as part of your Halong Bay city tour, many operators provide return transportation to Hanoi via shuttle bus or limousine services. Alternatively, you can arrange private cars or book tickets for public buses. The drive back to Hanoi typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Visiting other destinations nearby
Extend your Halong Bay city tour by exploring these neighboring gems:
- Cat Ba Island: Cat Ba is an eco-friendly haven known for its lush forests and unspoiled beaches. It offers opportunities for jungle trekking, relaxing on secluded shores, and visiting Cat Ba National Park.
- Ninh Binh: Dubbed the “Halong Bay on Land,” Ninh Binh boasts limestone formations and rice paddies. Top attractions include Tam Coc, Trang An, and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
- Sapa: Head to the northern highlands to discover terraced rice fields, traditional ethnic villages, and stunning mountain vistas in Sapa.
Conclusion
A Halong Bay city tour offers a comprehensive blend of land-based activities and bay exploration. Enjoy vibrant markets, mouthwatering seafood, and family-friendly entertainment in Halong City, then embark on a day cruise to discover the bay’s natural wonders.
Wrap up your journey by returning to Hanoi or venturing to nearby destinations like Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, or Sapa. Whether you’re here for a short visit or an extended trip, Halong Bay City delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
