1 Bai Chay Bridge
Under the glittering and magical electric lights, Bai Chay Bridge at night resembles an enchanting "harp" in the heart of Ha Long. The entertainment areas become livelier, and the overnight cruise ships on the bay bring an unforgettable romantic atmosphere. Admiring Ha Long at night is truly a wonderful experience that every visitor should try.
When night falls, Bai Chay Bridge lights up with magnificent stay cables accentuated by sparkling lights. Viewed from afar, Bai Chay Bridge and both shores create a mystical beauty that captivates people's hearts. When visiting Ha Long, you cannot miss the opportunity to admire this impressive arched pathway, where the base of Bai Chay Bridge is likened to a movement in Ha Long's night symphony.
For those who love adventure, the unique curved road leading up to the bridge offers an exhilarating sense of excitement. From atop Bai Chay Bridge, you can gaze at the undulating lights of boats across the bay, alongside the shimmering beauty of the foot of Bai Tho Mountain and Cai Lan Port.
Under the shimmering, magical lights, Bai Chay Bridge at night resembles an enchanting "harp". Photo: Thomas Kim Travel
2 Bazaar Night Market
Coming to Ha Long, you cannot miss the Bazaar Night Market—an enticing destination on the beautiful Bai Chay coast. This is a favorite place for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment for many tourists whenever night falls.
Bazaar Night Market stands out with countless souvenirs typical of the Gulf of Tonkin region, such as wind chimes made from sea shells and snail shells, paintings of Ha Long Bay, and coal handicrafts. In addition, the market offers a wide variety of household goods, electronics, handicrafts, gifts, and cosmetics with diverse designs. For fashion enthusiasts, the dedicated clothing and footwear section here is definitely a stop you should not miss.
Bazaar Night Market stands out with a multitude of souvenirs typical of the Gulf of Tonkin region. Photo: Zoom Travel
3 Strolling through Bai Chay Old Quarter
Bai Chay Old Quarter, also known as Ha Long Old Town, is an ideal destination to discover the exquisite beauty reminiscent of Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoi An Ancient Town. Featuring narrow pedestrian walkways steeped in antique charm, the quarter creates an interesting contrast with the modern and bustling areas of Ha Long City.
The neighborhood is open 24/7, allowing you to visit at any time of day, but it becomes especially radiant and charming after dark. This will make you feel as though you are wandering through the ancient streets of Hoi An or Hanoi.
The old quarter is lively with countless eateries, shops, and photo-op spots. Photo: Du thuyen Ha Long
4 Savoring Ha Long cuisine
On your journey exploring Ha Long's nighttime cuisine, you cannot miss fresh seafood dishes like horseshoe crab and sea snails. To savor authentic horseshoe crab dishes, you should visit Sam Ba Ty located at Alley 6 or Alley 7D, Cao Thang Street. The eatery is famous for its diverse 7-course horseshoe crab menu, including fried horseshoe crab legs, crab patties, crab meat stir-fried with glass noodles, and grilled horseshoe crab with scallion oil.
If you are a snail lover, MIA.vn suggests heading straight to Oc Son Beo at No. 14 Bui Thi Xuan, Hong Gai Ward. This place stands out with its snail dishes prepared with exceptionally rich and flavorful signature sauces. The snails here are extremely fresh, meaty, and delightfully savory.
You will have the chance to savor countless delectable seafood dishes. Photo: iVIVU
5 Cruising on a luxury boat
One of the most wonderful experiences you should try when visiting Ha Long is taking a boat cruise. Ha Long boasts hundreds of high-quality cruise fleets ranging from 3 to 5 stars. The cabins on the cruise ships are designed to be spacious, clean, and luxurious, fully equipped with amenities so you can enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Aboard the cruise, you will have the chance to feel the sensation of drifting on the gentle waves, watching the sunrise and sunset, and admiring the breathtaking night scenery of Ha Long Bay. Notably, the cruise also takes you to explore many iconic tourist attractions, such as Fighting Cocks Islet (Trong Mai), Ong Su Islet, and Thien Cung Cave.
You can easily charter a cruise at the harbors with prices ranging from 1.7 million to 3 million VND per day (depending on the quality of the ship).
Taking a cruise is a wonderful experience you should definitely try when visiting Ha Long. Photo: Ambassador Cruise
6 Admiring Ha Long from the Sun Wheel
Located within the Sun World Ha Long complex, the Sun Wheel was built on the peak of Ba Deo Hill and currently holds the record for one of the highest ferris wheels in the world. From an altitude of 215m above sea level, the Sun Wheel offers a stunning panoramic view across Ha Long City at night. The brilliant, vibrant, and glittering lights of Ha Long seen from above will certainly be an unforgettable experience for you.
To reach the Sun Wheel, you will take the Queen Cable Car. This cable car system holds two Guinness World Records: the largest passenger capacity cabin in the world and the tallest cable car tower from the ground.
Viewing Ha Long at night from the Sun Wheel not only offers a magnificent panoramic view but also creates memorable moments surrounded by the shimmering lights of the coastal city. This is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities when visiting Ha Long.
Sightseeing Ha Long from the Sun Wheel. Photo: Sunworld Ha Long
7 Night squid fishing on the Bay
Night squid fishing on Ha Long Bay is an exciting activity you should not miss when visiting here. In the past, night squid fishing was a livelihood for local fishermen, but with the growth of tourism, this activity has become a novel and captivating experience for travelers.
When taking part in night squid fishing, you can fish while relaxing and admiring Ha Long Bay glowing magically beneath the night lights. If luck is on your side, you can immediately savor the fresh squid caught by your own hands right in the middle of the sea.
Night squid fishing in Ha Long attracts a large number of visitors. Photo: VietnamNet
8 Chilling at beachfront bars
As night descends, bars along Bai Chay Beach open their doors to welcome visitors. These are open-air venues with spacious settings, ideal for sitting back with a drink, listening to music, and admiring Ha Long's nocturnal seascape. Designed in a youthful and modern style, beachfront bars make it easy for guests to mingle comfortably, enjoy refreshing drinks, and converse with one another.
Vibrant tunes begin to play as the night deepens, bringing a lively atmosphere packed with energy. Upbeat melodies and engaging dances make the atmosphere at the bars electrifying, attracting many young travelers. They often frequent these bars each night to enjoy the festive ambiance and unwind after a long day of exploring Ha Long.
Chilling at a beachfront bar is not only about enjoying drinks and good music, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic nighttime vibe of this coastal city. With stunning sea views and energetic music, this will surely be a memorable highlight in your Ha Long journey.
Chilling at a beachfront bar. Photo: Vivu Halong
Ha Long at night is truly a colorful canvas, harmoniously blending natural splendor with vibrant lifestyles. From strolling across Bai Chay Bridge and savoring seafood along culinary streets to experiencing night squid fishing aboard a cruise ship, each activity brings its own distinct emotions. Hopefully, with these recommendations from the MIA.vn Travel Guide, you will enjoy a complete and rewarding nighttime adventure in Ha Long. Do not forget to plan ahead and prepare thoroughly so that every moment in Ha Long turns into a cherished memory.
