As one of the renowned tourist destinations both domestically and internationally, Hạ Long has become a familiar name to Vietnamese people and travelers from all corners of the world. With its breathtaking landscapes, vast bays, globally recognized heritage sites, and a plethora of enticing local specialties, Hạ Long captures the hearts of tourists with unexpected and unforgettable journeys. To delve deeper into Hạ Long and gather some travel tips, join Mytour in the exploration in the article below!
Hạ Long - The 'Heavenly Bay' in Quảng Ninh
Situated approximately 160km from the capital city of Hanoi, Hạ Long is a city in Quảng Ninh province boasting magnificent natural landscapes, unparalleled caves, rare and beautiful bays that leave visitors in awe, and the stunning Hạ Long Bay that charms people worldwide.
Beyond mere aesthetics, Hạ Long offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in serene nature and a refreshing, relaxing atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy moments of complete relaxation with family and friends after months of pressure-filled work.
Hạ Long boasts charming landscapes that blend seamlessly with water. @unsplash
When is the Best Time to Visit Hạ Long?
Blessed with countless picturesque scenes, Hạ Long is beautiful throughout the year, welcoming visitors at any season. Whether you choose the lively summer for fun swimming activities or the cool autumn for enjoyable sightseeing in a refreshing atmosphere, or even spring for vibrant scenery perfect for photography enthusiasts—Hạ Long has it all.
For added assurance, take note of the following periods for an ideal trip to Hạ Long:
June - August brings hot sunshine to Hạ Long, with occasional rain. Keep an eye on the weather forecast when engaging in underwater activities.April - June offers a warm and pleasant Hạ Long without rain and harsh sunlight.From September to December, Hạ Long experiences a gradual chill. Be sure to prepare warm clothing for your exploration of Hạ Long during this time.
Each season drapes Hạ Long in a different charming hue. @Unsplash
Traveling to Hạ Long: Modes of Transportation
Situated over 150km from the capital Hanoi, if you're starting from Hanoi, you can reach Hạ Long by motorcycle through the route: Noi Bai Airport - Bac Ninh, then continue on QL18A to Pha Lai, Dong Trieu, and Uong Bi until you reach Hạ Long.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Hạ Long by bus with ticket prices from Hanoi to Hạ Long ranging from 110,000 - 260,000 VND/ticket depending on the type of bus, and the travel time is approximately 3 - 4 hours.
If you're starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a flight to Saigon Quang Ninh and land at Van Don Airport. From there, take a transfer to Hạ Long. The flight ticket prices from Saigon to Quang Ninh range from 600,000 - 900,000 VND/ticket.
Must-Visit Attractions in Hạ Long
Hạ Long Bay: Recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world, Hạ Long Bay mesmerizes every traveler with its majestic landscapes of mountains and water. The bay is home to numerous pristine islands and unique structured caves like Con Coc Island, Sung Sot Cave, Ga Choi Island, and more. Beyond sightseeing, you can experience exciting activities such as scenic boat rides and cave exploration.
Hạ Long Bay. @halongcity.gov.vn
Bãi Cháy: Beyond the enchanting beauty of Hạ Long Bay, Hạ Long boasts spacious beaches with crystal-clear water, fine golden sands, and Bai Chay is one of the most popular beaches in Hạ Long. With a coastline stretching over 1000m and picturesque scenery, Bai Chay promises moments of joy and unforgettable seaside check-ins.
Bai Chay Beach. @mia
Hạ Long Night Market: The night market is an unmissable experience in any tourist destination in Vietnam, and Hạ Long is no exception. At the Hạ Long night market, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a market with 2 floors and over 100 stalls selling delicious local specialties of Hạ Long, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Hạ Long Night Market. @Collection
Poem Mount: This is a limestone mountain preserving the poems of King Lê Thánh Tông and Trịnh Cương. More than just praising the beauty of Hạ Long, Poem Mount also offers a panoramic view of Hạ Long with the cityscape, the bay, and the majestic hills, creating an incredibly beautiful scene.
Poem Mount. @Wikipedia
Tuan Chau Island: Tuan Chau Island is located at the gateway to Hạ Long Bay. This tourist destination boasts beautiful beaches and an impressive system of marinas, making it a popular spot for refreshing check-ins.
Hạ Long Bay - A Captivating Attraction in Hạ Long. @unsplash
What to Eat When Traveling to Hạ Long?
Squid Sausage: This is a renowned specialty of Hạ Long. Hạ Long's squid sausage is made from fresh and delicious ingredients. The squid meat is hand-ground, resulting in a tender and fragrant texture when fried. It's often enjoyed on its own or paired with sticky rice and flavorful chili fish sauce.
Hạ Long Squid Sausage. @thanhnien.vn
Seafood Congee: A paradise of fresh and delicious seafood, the congee with oysters is a must-try when visiting Hạ Long. As the weather in Hạ Long turns chilly in the evening, there's nothing more delightful than savoring a hot bowl of congee with plump and succulent oysters.
Seafood Congee. @Shutterstock
Flat Rice Dumpling: A famous local treat in Hạ Long, the flat rice dumpling has a soft and chewy texture resembling steamed rice cakes. When eaten, it rolls up and is dipped in rich and flavorful chicken fat dipping sauce for an indulgent experience.
Flat Rice Dumpling. @Wikipedia
Sea Cucumbers: A renowned seafood in Hạ Long and many areas in Quảng Ninh, sea cucumbers have a worm-like appearance with high nutritional content. In Hạ Long, they are often stir-fried with garlic or used to cook aromatic and delicious congee. Additionally, sea cucumbers are a precious gift that many tourists choose to buy as a sophisticated present for their loved ones due to their rarity.
Where to Stay When Traveling to Hạ Long?
Due to extensive tourism development, Hạ Long offers a wide range of hotels from 1 to 5 stars for travelers to comfortably choose their accommodation. Here are some budget-friendly hotels in Hạ Long highly rated by many tourists for their quality. You can consider booking in advance before your arrival:
Ha Long Park Hotel: Tổ 65, Khu 5, Phường Bạch Đằng, Cảng Hòn Gai, Thành phố Hạ Long, Tỉnh Quảng NinhHalong Legend Hotel: 1 Ben Doan, Hong Gai Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceHera Ha Long Hotel: 10 Cao Dat - Tran Binh Trong, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceCity Bay Hotel: 156B Le Thanh Tong, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceKim Dung Hotel: 20 Cao Dat, Cai Dam, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh ProvinceSome Key Points to Remember in the Hạ Long Travel Guide
Hạ Long offers numerous diverse attractions and activities, so plan your itinerary and budget carefully for a more enjoyable trip!Paddleboat touring Hạ Long Bay and exploring the caves is an unmissable experience. Remember to equip yourself with life jackets and follow the guide's instructions for safety!June to August is the peak tourist season in Hạ Long. If you plan to visit during these months, make sure to book your hotel and flight tickets in advance to avoid waiting.Essentials for Hạ Long Travel
Cash, credit cards, and personal documents for hotel expenses, shopping, sightseeing, etc.Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to minimize sun exposure during excursionsA fully charged phone or camera for capturing the perfect momentsComfortable shoes and lightweight clothing for a delightful journey around Hạ Long
Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenes of Hạ Long! @unsplash
Estimate of the Average Cost for Hạ Long Travel
Hạ Long is a travel paradise with numerous diverse attractions, activities, and entertainment options. The travel expenses for each person can vary depending on individual preferences for sightseeing. Some may spend a few million for a 2-day trip to Hạ Long, while others may explore this land with just over 1 million. In general, for a comfortable 2-day, 1-night trip to Hạ Long, you need to prepare a minimum budget (for one person)
Bus fare from Hanoi to Hạ Long: 120,000 VND x 2 = 240,000 VNDHotel expenses for 2 days and 1 night: 550,000 VND/nightDining expenses: 1,000,000 VND/personMotorbike rental cost for getting around Hạ Long: 100,000 VND/day (automatic scooter)Cost for participating in various activities in Hạ Long: from 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 VND/personEstimated total expenses: from 3,400,000 VND/person
In the recent article, Mytour shared some of the latest experiences for traveling to Hạ Long. Hopefully, this information will help you better prepare for your upcoming trip. If you are planning to visit Hạ Long in the future, don't forget to visit Mytour to book flights and hotels in Hạ Long, there are many special offers waiting for you!
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