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A Comprehensive Overview of Bai Chay Tourist Spot
Positioned along Halong Bay's shores, Bai Chay resort is blessed with a year-round sea breeze and an average annual temperature over 20°C, making it a magnet for domestic and international tourists alike.
Bai Chay is not for those seeking untouched natural wonders, as it is a human-crafted beauty. Beyond its 500m-long sandy stretch, you'll find gently sloping hills leading to the sea and ancient pines, adding to its natural charm.
The Bai Chay tourist area has been developed into Halong City's most beautiful resort, featuring restaurants, traditional water puppet and music performances, Royal International Park, and exciting sea-based activities like surfing and jet skiing.
Regarding the name Bai Chay, there are numerous myths and legends. Among them, many often recount that Bai Chay is where the fleet of the Yuan Mongols, led by Truong Van Ho, was burned by Tran Khanh Du and the people of the Tran dynasty during their invasion of Vietnam. As many enemy ships were set ablaze, the northeast wind blew embers onto the western shore of Cua Luc, igniting the dry forest there. This burnt forest area became present-day Bai Chay.
Additionally, there's another folk legend that in the past, ships often anchored at the western beach of Cua Luc. Barnacles often clung firmly to the bottom and sides of the ships, threatening to damage them. Therefore, fishermen had to use torches made of palm leaves to burn them off. From Hon Gai and other places, one could always see the blazing fire there, hence the name Bai Chay.
Transportation to Bai Chay
As it's one of the central areas of Halong and with a thriving tourism industry, transportation to Bai Chay is not a major issue.
From Hanoi, you have three options to travel to Bai Chay.
Motorbike/Car
The route from Hanoi to Bac Ninh to Ha Long spans 155 kilometers. Traveling by motorcycle takes approximately 5 hours, while by car, it only takes about 3 hours to reach the destination.
From Hanoi via Route 5 to the Sài Đồng intersection is 10 kilometers.
From Sài Đồng through Route 1 to Bac Ninh is 23 kilometers.
From Bac Ninh via Route 18 through Phả Lại, Chí Linh, Đông Triều, Uông Bí, to Ha Long is 122 kilometers.
The Hanoi-Bac Ninh-Ha Long route covers a distance of 160 kilometers.
From Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) via Nội Bài route to Bac Ninh (32 kilometers) to reach Bac Ninh.
Connect to National Highway 18a through Phả Lại, Sao Đỏ, Đông Triều, Uống Bí to Ha Long.
Bus
This is the most common means of transportation when traveling to Bai Chay Ha Long. You can go to Luong Yen or My Dinh bus station, where a bus to Bai Chay departs every 10 to 15 minutes. Ticket prices are also reasonable, around 100,000 VND for sitting and 200,000 VND for sleeper buses.
Train from Hanoi to Ha Long
In addition to buses or motorcycles, you can also buy tickets for the Halong Express train departing from Gia Lam station. The train departs at 07:05 in the morning and takes about 5 hours to reach Ha Long. Ticket prices are 5 USD per person (for Vietnamese passengers) and 15 USD per person (for foreign passengers).
In general, for those who enjoy backpacking, motorcycle is the way to go, while those who prefer speed and convenience can take the bus. The transportation options are quite flexible, so you can choose according to your itinerary.
If you're in Ho Chi Minh City, simply take a flight down to Cat Ba Airport and embark on a Cat Ba - Ha Long tour straight away.
Wondering what to do when you arrive at Bai Chay?
Formerly criticized for its dirty beach and exorbitant prices, Bai Chay underwent renovation in 2015. Today, returning to Bai Chay, you'll find a clean, beautiful, green space, no longer the disappointment it once was.
Of course, when you're at Bai Chay, you have to hit the beach. While it may not be one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches, it's definitely worth a try and experience.
Apart from Bai Chay Beach, tourists often visit the Ha Long Night Market. Here, you'll find souvenirs from the sea like wind chimes made from shells, seashells, paintings of the bay area, or stone sculptures. Here, you'll find meaningful and adorable gifts for loved ones back home.
Another must-visit spot when touring Bai Chay is Bai Chay Bridge. Stretching over 1km with 5 spans, 25.3m wide, divided into 4 lanes for motor vehicles and 2 lanes for pedestrians. Bai Chay Bridge connects Hon Gai and Bai Chay over the Cua Luc River.
What's on the menu in Bai Chay?
As a seaside locale, Bai Chay's culinary scene naturally includes seafood like shrimp, crab, fish, mantis shrimp, clams, mussels, snails, and sea urchins, known for their freshness albeit not their affordability.
Don't miss out on Bai Chay's signature dish: squid sausage, an absolute must-try.
Today, Bai Chay stands as an ideal holiday spot for families looking to relax in the summer.
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