1 What expenses does a trip to Ha Long include?
Independent travel to Ha Long is currently chosen by many young people because of the flexibility it offers as well as many exciting experiences. Below is a summary of expenses to help you plan your Ha Long trip more reasonably.
1.1 Transportation costs
1.1.1 Cost of traveling to Ha Long
Depending on your departure location as well as the means of transport you choose, the transportation cost when traveling to Ha Long will vary. Here are some popular means of transport trusted and chosen by many tourists with specific costs:
- Airplane: According to MIA.vn's Ha Long travel experience, if you are in Ho Chi Minh City or provinces far from Ha Long City, the optimal means of transportation is by plane. Airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long will range from about 1.100.000 VNĐ - 1.500.000 VNĐ/ticket.
- Train: This is a suitable means of transport for those who love exploring and experiencing, and especially for those prone to motion sickness, taking the train is worth trying. The train ride from Hanoi to Ha Long lasts only about 5 hours and the cost is not too high.
- Coach: This is considered the most familiar and cheapest means of transportation. If you depart from My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Bai Chay Ha Long bus stations, it will take about 2 - 4 hours of travel.
- Limousine bus: This option is for those who love comfort while traveling. Limousine rental services are currently very plentiful, attentive, and quite professional, ensuring your satisfaction.
- Personal vehicle: For those who love freedom, using personal vehicles such as motorbikes, cars, etc., for travel is the top solution. Traveling by motorbike allows you to be proactive with your schedule and sightseeing for your vacation.
Airfare is one of the top Ha Long travel expenses that many tourists pay attention to
Trains from provinces across the North to the South traveling to Ha Long are always bustling with tourists
1.1.2 Getting around and sightseeing in Ha Long
Ha Long is a tourist city, so they place great emphasis on investing in urban transportation. Depending on your personal budget, you can choose suitable means of transport. Below are 3 popular options for you:
- Taxi: The top choice if you have a light travel schedule or are traveling with family and young children. Taxi fares in Ha Long are also quite cheap, averaging only about 11.000 VNĐ for the first km and 13.000 VNĐ for the next 20km.
- Motorbike: Motorbike rental prices in Ha Long range only from about 120.000 VNĐ - 150.000 VNĐ/day. When traveling by motorbike, you will have more control over your time and enjoy freely exploring every beautiful corner of Ha Long.
- Boat: Because Ha Long is a coastal city, in addition to exploring famous mainland attractions, do not forget to discover the beautiful waterscapes here. Currently, you can rent a tourist boat to visit Ha Long Bay for only around 340.000 VNĐ/guest. Prices may vary depending on the boat class.
Taxi services in Ha Long are also well-developed, affordable, with taxi company staff being very enthusiastic towards customers
See also: Review of a fun-filled day at Ha Long Park you won't want to leave
1.2 Hotel accommodation costs
Accommodation services in Ha Long are currently thriving. Depending on each area you choose to visit, prices will differ:
- In Bai Chay: This is the area with the highest concentration of hotels, from luxury to budget, with prices ranging from 200.000 VNĐ - 2.500.000 VNĐ/night. Some major hotels you can choose to stay at include: Ha Long Plaza Hotel, Mithrin Hotel, Muong Thanh Grand Ha Long Hotel…
- On Tuan Chau Island: Starting from just 400.000 VNĐ - 2.000.000 VNĐ, you can experience resort or villa vacation services. Some reputable addresses include: Tuan Chau Hotel, La Paz Resort Halong (Ngoc Chau Street).
- In Hon Gai: There are many guesthouses and hotels here with prices ranging from 180.000 VNĐ - 800.000 VNĐ. Notable hotels include: Ngoc Anh Hotel, Hoang Long Hotel.
Major hotels are always the top choice for those with stable finances
1.3 Sightseeing and entertainment costs in Ha Long
Besides visiting tourist attractions, you also have the chance to experience Sun World Ha Long Park. This is one of the largest entertainment complexes in Ha Long. Reference ticket prices for adults: 350.000VNĐ/ticket, children from 1 meter - 1.3 meters: 250.000 VNĐ/ticket, children under 1 meter are free.
In addition, you can visit the Quang Ninh Museum for 30.000 VNĐ/person. This place is known as the mystical gem of Quang Ninh province and a familiar check-in spot for local youth. Coming here, you will have the opportunity to admire large-scale sculptures and many valuable artifacts of the mining land.
1.4 Dining costs in Ha Long
Once in Ha Long, you cannot miss the culinary paradise of fresh, extremely appealing seafood. The cost for a seafood restaurant meal ranges around 1000.000 VNĐ/person depending on the restaurant and the number of dishes you choose. According to travel experience, you should opt for eateries near Bai Chay, Vuon Dao, and Hon Gai areas, as these offer many delicious, high-quality dishes at very affordable prices. Also, don't forget to enjoy Ha Long's famous street snacks.
1.5 Souvenir and gift shopping costs
When traveling to Ha Long, buying gifts for loved ones is a must. Special delicacies often purchased as gifts are widely available at Ha Long Market:
- Ha Long squid patties: prices range from about 330.000 - 470.00 VNĐ/kg;
- Quang Ninh shrimp floss: prices around 320.000 - 370.000 VNĐ/kg;
- Hoanh Bo glutinous rice wine: prices around 75.000 - 90.000 VNĐ/lít;
- Dried seafood: 500.000 - 2.000.000 VNĐ/kg depending on the type;
- Souvenirs: 30.000 - 200.000 VNĐ/item.
Overall, depending on the gifts you choose, the expenses will vary, so it is best to bring around 1000.000 VNĐ - 1.500.000 VNĐ for more convenient and comfortable shopping.
Squid patties are one of the must-try delicacies when visiting the mining land of Quang Ninh
Fluffy, golden shrimp floss is even tastier when paired with hot steamed rice
2 Ways to save on Ha Long travel costs
To ensure a complete trip to Ha Long, consider some tips suggested by MIA.vn below:
You should book rooms, bus tickets, or flights early to get good prices and avoid overbooking or no vacancy.
- If booking a Ha Long tour, you should choose to go during the summer because Ha Long boats offer the best rates for tourists during this time.
- To save on food expenses, you should choose casual local eateries or markets, which are also great choices. Dining at restaurants is usually quite expensive.
- Choose reputable travel agencies when booking services. You should research information thoroughly, seek advice from friends and family, look into company credentials, or read customer reviews to gather as much information as possible.
Through this breakdown of Ha Long travel costs, MIA.vn hopes to help you easily plan an itinerary to explore this beautiful city. Wishing you a rewarding and memorable trip to this wonderful land.