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Ha Long dried squid
If you're unsure what to buy as gifts when traveling to Ha Long, Mytour would like to offer the first suggestion which is dried squid. Surely if you ask the locals, out of 100 people 99 would recommend the same. Ha Long dried squid is easily available, almost every market sells it, but the best taste, I think you should visit Ha Long market 1 and Ha Long market 2 to buy, especially Ha Long market 2.
Behind this market area, just to the left of Vincom Ha Long, there's a row of stalls selling dried squid. With the presence of 'six-pack hot boys' right in front of the shop. Here you can choose the type of dried squid according to your budget, for example, 1kg for 350k will be mixed dried squid (mixed from various squid grades like grade 1, grade 2, grade 3). 400k will be less mixed and 480k will be grade 1 squid without mixing. All are arranged in a foam tray, looking very elegant with a quantity of more than 30 pieces. Just a reminder, make sure to buy vacuum-packed squid to avoid smelling other luggage.
Address: Cai Dam Market, Ha Long market I, Ha Long market II,...
Ha Long market I
Let me share a little secret with you, Ha Long dried squid can be used to make many delicious dishes, the most prominent being dried squid roll. This is a dish you must try when visiting Ha Long. However, to enjoy the authentic flavor, you should seek out the 'true Ha Long' eateries, check out this article to learn about the best local eateries in Ha Long.
Ha Long dried squid
Shopping experience in Ha Long, don't forget to buy dried squid - an item that's easy to buy and carry. Similar to Ha Long dried squid, dried squid here is also divided into many types based on size and quality. You'll spend around 100k - 800k to choose the type you like. Based on my experience, you only need to choose a type around 300k - 400k because the quality of squid here is guaranteed and quite comparable. Only the size varies slightly.
Ha Long dried squid
Eating Ha Long dried squid, you'll experience a fragrant, sweet, chewy taste that melts in your mouth. A tip to help you choose authentic dried squid is that it should be pinkish, thick, with intact body, head, and squid beard still attached. When touched, it should feel dry rather than sticky. The price of Ha Long dried squid is divided into 3 types:
- Large-sized dried squid: 30 - 35cm, 650,000đ - 800,000đ/kg (6 - 7 pieces)
- Medium-sized dried squid: 20 - 25cm, 550,000đ - 600,000đ/kg (8 - 9 pieces)
- Small-sized dried squid: 10 - 15cm, 450,000đ - 500,000đ/kg (14 - 15 pieces)
Address: Cai Dam Market, Hung Thang Market, Ha Long Market I, Ha Long Market II,...
Ha Long seafood
What to buy as gifts when visiting Ha Long? If you're a fan of fresh seafood, you can buy seafood as gifts. Although it might be a bit challenging to transport as it needs to be packed in a tightly sealed foam box and carefully refrigerated. But if you're determined to bring this specialty back as a gift, there's no reason to refuse it. Some types of seafood that I think are worth buying as gifts when visiting Ha Long are: razor clams, squid, mantis shrimp, oysters, abalones, shrimp paste, sea fish,...
Address: Cai Dam Market, Ha Long Market II, Ha Long Market I, 33 Le Quy Don, 149 Tran Hung Dao, Ca Cot Nam Hong Ha Market,...
Ha Long Seafood Market Port
>>> Explore more top quality yet affordable seafood markets in Ha Long here.
Bà Chanh Shrimp Fluff
Quick, convenient, no fuss or need for refrigeration. Dried shrimp fluff like Ha Long shrimp fluff is always the best choice for you to buy as a gift. Another plus point for this dish is its affordability. Unlike expensive seafood, you'll only spend from 30,000đ – 300,000đ to bring an interesting gift back home for your family. In addition to shrimp fluff, razor clam fluff is also one of the dry goods you shouldn't overlook when faced with the choice of what to buy that's both cheap and abundant.
Bà Chanh Shrimp Fluff Ha Long Market
Address: Cai Dam Market, Ha Long Market II, Ha Long Market I (along the way to Ha Long Market I, there are also many stalls)
Souvenirs made from seafood shells
When in Ha Long, what to buy as unique gifts? Surely you won't want to miss souvenirs made from clam shells, oyster shells,... from cute little necklaces, keychains to artworks pieced together from shell fragments or even glass boxes, crystal balls with exquisitely crafted seafood shell motifs inside. The price of these items ranges from a few tens of thousands to several hundred thousands depending on the intricacy of each handmade gift. Don't forget, if you want to buy cheap gifts in Ha Long, then visit the night markets, but if you want to buy exquisite items with elegant packaging, then visit the stalls in the old town area.
Address: Marine Plaza night market, Ha Long night market, stalls in the old town area near Sun World Halong Park gate,...
Ha Long seafood shell souvenirs
Dried sea cucumbers
If you've ever set foot here, you surely can't miss sea cucumbers (also known as beche-de-mer/ sea ginseng) - one of the specialty dishes you must try when visiting Ha Long. Sea cucumbers are considered a delicious and nutritious specialty for anyone intending to buy gifts for family or friends. This strange sea creature has high nutritional value, thick and white flesh, with a special aroma, so their prices are usually quite high, ranging from 400,000đ - 500,000đ/lạng. To buy genuine sea cucumbers, visit reputable seafood and dried goods stores in Ha Long to avoid buying expensive gifts that turn out to be counterfeit.
Address: Ha Long Market I, Ha Long II, Mr. Ba's seafood (stall C122 Sun World Ha Long)
Ha Long dried sea cucumbers
Handicrafts
Similar to any destination in Vietnam, when visiting Ha Long, you can easily find souvenirs crafted as handicrafts. From hats with 'Ha Long', 'I love Ha Long' engraved on them, to combs, mirrors with images of the limestone karsts. More intricately, you can buy sculptures of boats, ships, anchors or even airplanes, bicycles intricately carved.
Ha Long Handicrafts
Moreover, there are many large-scale paintings or engravings depicting the landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the land and people here in a sophisticated way. The price of each handicraft souvenir varies, depending on the size and type of product. They range from tens of thousands to several million. So, you can consider shopping according to your preferences.
Address: Ha Long night market, Marine Plaza night market, some stalls in the old town area near Sun World Halong Park gate,...
Clothing, shoes, bags
Surely, many of you might think buying gifts when visiting Ha Long means clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, perfumes... If you're not worried about the cost, you can visit Vincom Ha Long, Ha Long Marine Plaza to shop for these items and even hunt for branded goods at the listed prices. Besides, if you want to buy these items at a more affordable price, you can visit Cai Dam market, Ha Long Market I, II, Big C, night markets or stalls in the old town area to find the most suitable gift for yourself.
Address: Vincom Ha Long, Marine Plaza, Ha Long market, stalls in the old town area near Sun World Ha Long gate,...
Cosmetics at Vincom Ha Long
I hope my insights here can help you partly answer the question of what to buy as gifts when visiting Ha Long? And if you're planning to visit Ha Long but still don't know where to go? What to do? What to eat? Then refer to a comprehensive compilation of all the fun experiences in Ha Long that I've 'summarized' right here.
Don't forget to book Ha Long hotels and Van Don flight tickets at https://www.Mytour.vn/ to fully enjoy your trip to Ha Long. For those who don't have much time to prepare and plan, you can book a complete Ha Long tour package to explore this land. Wishing you the most enjoyable trips!
Daisy Ng
Image Source: Daisy Ng + Internet
