Ha Long

About Ha Long City

Located in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, Ha Long City has grown from a small fishing port into a modern coastal hub that blends natural wonder with vibrant urban life. The city is named after the legendary “Descending Dragon,” symbolizing its dramatic limestone landscape rising from emerald waters. Today, Ha Long is a must-visit stop for travelers exploring northern Vietnam, offering everything from luxury cruises and water adventures to cultural heritage and world-class entertainment. Although its name is most associated with the bay’s dramatic scenery, the city itself has grown into a vibrant coastal town with amusement parks, markets, museums, and infrastructure catering to tourists. It’s also the perfect base for discovering nearby islands, caves, and the broader Gulf of Tonkin.

How to get to Ha Long City

Located about 155 kilometers east of Hanoi, Ha Long City is one of northern Vietnam’s most accessible destinations, with well-developed transport connections. Travelers can reach Ha Long by several convenient options:

• By Flight: You can fly directly to Van Don International Airport, located about 50 km from Ha Long City. From there, take a shuttle bus or taxi to the city center in about an hour.
• By Seaplane: For a scenic experience, take a 45-minute seaplane flight from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Ha Long Bay and its limestone islands.
• By Road: The Hanoi - Ha Long Expressway shortens travel time to just 2.5 – 3 hours by limousine bus, private car, or tour shuttle. This is the most popular option for most travelers.
• By Tour or Cruise Package: Many Ha Long Bay tours and Ha Long Bay cruises from Hanoi include round-trip transfers, meals, and guided visits to famous attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Cua Van Floating Village. This is the easiest and most comfortable way to explore Ha Long.

Once in the city, getting around is easy with taxis, Grab, or motorbike rentals, while boat tours and cruises remain the best way to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Explore Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders on Ha Long Bay cruises

10 Attractions in Ha Long City

1. Ha Long Bay

​Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam, is one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Famous for its emerald waters and over 1,600 limestone islands and karsts, the bay offers a surreal seascape perfect for cruising, kayaking, and sightseeing. Travelers can explore iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Cua Van Floating Village, or simply relax on the deck of a Ha Long Bay cruise while watching the sunrise over the misty cliffs. With its combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural charm, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam.

Titop Island (Đảo Ti Tốp) in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh

The spectacular Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) in Ha Long Bay

2. Bai Tu Long Bay

Just northeast of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long offers a quieter alternative with pristine beaches, untouched limestone islets, and serene emerald waters. Perfect for kayaking, swimming, and escaping the crowds, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

3. Tuan Chau Island

Only 2 km from Ha Long City, Tuan Chau is a popular resort island featuring a large marina, amusement parks, and water sports. The island also hosts cultural shows and night performances, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and entertainment.

4. Co To Island

About 80 km from the mainland, Co To Island is a gem of unspoiled nature, with crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, and peaceful coastal charm. Ideal for those seeking quiet retreats and seaside adventures like snorkeling or motorbiking along the coast.

5. Cua Van Floating Village

One of the oldest fishing villages in Ha Long Bay, Cua Van Floating Village offers insight into the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen. Visitors can paddle through the floating houses, learn about the community’s history, and enjoy freshly caught seafood.

6. Bai Tho Mountain

Standing about 200 meters tall, Bai Tho Mountain offers panoramic views of both Ha Long Bay and the city below. The short hike to the summit rewards visitors with one of the most iconic viewpoints in northern Vietnam, especially at sunrise or sunset.

7. Quang Ninh Museum

This modern, glass-fronted museum is an architectural highlight of Ha Long City. Inside Quang Ninh Museum, exhibits span the region’s natural history, coal mining heritage, and cultural traditions. Each floor tells a different story, ranging from marine ecosystems to Quang Ninh’s industrial evolution.

8. Sun World Ha Long Park

​Sun World Ha Long is a world-class entertainment and tourism complex located in a prime spot along the shores of Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh. The park features three main zones: Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, and Mystic Mountain, all connected by the impressive Queen Cable Car that crosses the sea. This two-cable system holds a Guinness World Record for having the world’s largest cabin, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers. As you glide across Cua Luc Bay at heights of over 200 meters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Ha Long’s stunning coastline and limestone islands.

9. Bai Chay Beach

​Bai Chay is Ha Long’s main urban beach, with golden sand, calm water, and a lively promenade lined with cafes and shops. It’s perfect for swimming, beach games, or relaxing with a view of the bay’s limestone peaks.

10. Ha Long Night Market

Located near Bai Chay Beach, this bustling night market is the best place for street food, souvenirs, and local crafts. Sample grilled seafood, shop for pearl jewelry, and experience the city’s lively evening atmosphere.

What to Eat in Ha Long City

Ha Long’s cuisine blends the freshness of the sea with local creativity, offering visitors a variety of delicious dishes to try. You can try them at Cua Vàng Restaurant, Phương Nam Ha Long, or at Ha Long Night Market.

• Chả mực Ha Long (Fried Squid Cake): One of Ha Long’s most famous dishes, featuring soft rice rolls served with crispy squid cakes made from freshly caught squid.
• Sam Biển (Horseshoe Crab Dishes): A distinctive local specialty with crab cooked in various styles such as stir-fried with tamarind or made into flavorful crab cakes.
• Bún Bề Bề (Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup): A signature dish of Ha Long made with fresh mantis shrimp, known for its sweet and firm meat that adds rich flavor to the broth.
• Bún Cù Kỳ (Crab Noodle Soup): Unique to Quang Ninh, this noodle soup features meaty crab claws sautéed with garlic and onion, creating a savory, aromatic bowl.
• Sá sùng (peanut worms): dried or stir-fried, once known as a royal dish.
• Ốc Xào (Stir-Fried Snails): A popular street food, stir-fried snails are cooked with lemongrass, tamarind, and coconut, offering a spicy and fragrant flavor.
• Sữa Chua Trân Châu (Ha Long Pearl Yogurt): Ha Long’s signature dessert, featuring creamy yogurt topped with warm chewy pearls, a refreshing treat after exploring the city