1 Pinpointing the exact coordinates of Hon Gai
Located within Ha Long City, yet in contrast to the vibrant, modern pace on the other side of town, Hon Gai feels like a quiet, contemplative note in the hurried rhythm of life. Nevertheless, this coastal area is closely tied to the foundation and growth of today's thriving Ha Long City.
See more: Proud of Ha Long Bay – Where dragons descended on Vietnamese land
Back in the 19th century, Hon Gai was an important economic and trading hub of the Mining Land. Not only that, this district was also home to many administrative headquarters of the city. Over time, while the other side of the bay has donned a livelier, more dazzling look, Hon Gai remains as it was: a tranquil coastal township with a slow, simple rhythm of life.
However, that doesn't mean there is nothing exciting here. Quite the opposite, Hon Gai has reinvented itself with an array of fascinating entertainment attractions. Perhaps for this reason, even though the Mining Land boasts countless famous Ha Long attractions like Co To Island or Bai Tu Long Bay with breathtaking scenery, Hon Gai remains a destination beloved by many.
The peaceful scenery of a coastal fishing village in Hon Gai at sunset. Photo: @yurakiliyan
2 Transportation options to get to Hon Gai
Located about 5km southeast of Bai Chay, you can easily travel to Hon Gai by either car or motorbike. If traveling by motorbike, you can follow this route: National Highway 18 – Bai Chay Bridge. From the bridge, continue for a short distance to reach Hon Gai.
3 Exciting check-in spots in Hon Gai you shouldn't miss
3.1 Sun Wheel Quang Ninh entertainment area in Hon Gai
Address: Yet Kieu, Hon Gai, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 14:00 to 22:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 to 22:00
Ticket prices:
- Adults: 350,000 VND / person
- Children: 250,000 VND / person
Sun Wheel, also known as the Ferris Wheel of the Sun, is an architectural landmark within the Sun World entertainment complex. This special wheel sits separately on Ba Deo Hill. To get here, you need to ride the Queen Cable Car.
Perched at an elevation of 215m above sea level, reaching the highest point of the wheel offers you an expansive panoramic view of beautiful Ha Long Bay—truly fascinating, isn't it?
The ideal time to visit the Sun Wheel is as dusk sets in. At this hour, the wheel lights up with thousands of sparkling LED lights against the night sky. On your journey discovering Ha Long, if you happen to drive along the road leading to the Sun Wheel at twilight, you will already be able to admire the dazzling illumination of this unique wheel from afar. Sitting in the Sun Wheel cabins, you can gaze out at the city sparkling as lights from houses, shops, and hotels switch on, with the tiny, flickering glimmers from boat hulls out at sea adding an incredibly poetic touch.
Sun Wheel - One of the most exciting destinations in Hon Gai. Photo: @van.p01
3.2 Quang Ninh Museum
Address: Tran Quoc Nghien, Tuan Chau, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Opening hours: every day of the week except Monday. Morning from 8:00 to 11:30, afternoon from 13:30 to 17:00
Ticket prices:
- Adults: 30,000 VND / person
- Students: 15,000 VND / person
- Children: 10,000 VND / person
Resting peacefully on Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Quang Ninh Museum is a unique architectural masterpiece, an impressive art space, and a showcase for numerous valuable artifacts in Hon Gai.
In stark contrast to typical museums, Quang Ninh Museum captivates visitors at first sight with its bold exterior clad in jet-black glass, evoking an aura of mystery and commanding strength.
The museum is divided into two main exhibition areas: indoors and outdoors. The display spaces at Quang Ninh Museum are creatively and richly designed, intertwined with the beauty, history, daily life, culture, and customs of the people in the Mining Land. Through large-scale artifacts, natural mineral specimens, and traditional farming and fishing tools tied to fishing village life, you gain a deeper understanding of local people and their lifestyle.
In addition, Quang Ninh Museum frequently hosts thematic exhibitions throughout the year. You can look up the schedule in advance to visit and explore.
Quang Ninh Museum with its ultra-cool exterior. Photo: @_linh.pan_
3.3 Have fun to your heart's content at Ha Long Park
Address: Le Thanh Tong, Bach Dang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Opening hours: 24/7 every day of the week
Free admission
Ha Long Park is one of the exciting stops on your journey exploring Hon Gai. You can wake up early and stroll through the bay-side park to breathe in the fresh air and welcome the first rays of morning sun. Afterwards, spend time admiring the views, visiting biological exhibits, viewing flower displays, or simply engaging in indoor fitness activities and outdoor recreation.
3.4 Vincom Plaza Ha Long shopping mall
Address: Cot Dong Ho (Clock Tower) Area, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Opening hours: every day of the week, from 9:30 to 22:00
Free admission
Vincom Plaza Ha Long is one of the favorite destinations in Hon Gai. This shopping mall offers a wide variety of merchandise as well as exciting dining and entertainment options. You can shop at upscale boutiques or delve into a diverse culinary world ranging from Vietnamese to Chinese, Thai cuisine, and more. Moreover, if you visit Ha Long when a new blockbuster hits theaters, head straight to the CGV cinema complex to catch it hot! What's more, the mall also features a thrilling ice-skating rink.
Vincom Plaza Ha Long shopping mall featuring a top-notch CGV cinema. Photo: @maikhanhnehihi
3.5 Ha Long Seafood Market
Address: Bach Dang Ward, Hon Gai
As the largest wholesale market in Ha Long, it offers a wide variety of goods, from clothing, footwear, and consumer goods to food stalls, fresh seafood, and agricultural produce. If you want to see how a fisherman's day begins, make sure to visit the market in the early morning.
At this time, boats return after hours of fishing laden with fresh sea harvest. The air echoes with cheerful chatter and bargaining calls, bringing the market vividly to life. You can come here to purchase fresh seafood at reasonable prices to enjoy on the spot or take home as gifts.
A tranquil scene with fishing boats in Hon Gai. Photo: @vickyvan97
3.6 Bai Chay Bridge
As an iconic symbol of Ha Long City, Bai Chay Bridge connects Hon Gai and Bai Chay, leading into the city center. The bridge features a single-plane cable-stayed design, with a main span length of 435m. More than just a lifeline connecting two parts of the mining city, Bai Chay Bridge further graces the scenic beauty of Ha Long.
Bai Chay Bridge brilliantly illuminated as night falls
3.7 Bai Tho Mountain cultural relic site
For generations, Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) has stood as a symbol and source of pride for the people of the Mining Land. The mountain boasts a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, such as wild orchids, rock figs, and more. From the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view directly overlooking Ha Long Bay. However, unfortunately at present, climbing the mountain requires permission from local authorities.
At the foot of the mountain lie the temple dedicated to Grand Prince Tran Quoc Nghien and the sacred Long Tien Pagoda. Despite its proximity to the city center, Bai Tho Mountain has retained its inherent serenity and peace.
A breathtaking panoramic view overlooking Ha Long Bay from Bai Tho Mountain. Photo: @shadow_vanessa
If one day the hectic pace of urban life leaves you exhausted, Hon Gai is the ideal retreat. Arriving in this small coastal township, all the noise and bustle of the city seem to stay behind, leaving only the fresh, quiet, and simple ambiance that defines it. If you ever feel like escaping the world for a while, join MIA.vn on a journey back to Hon Gai!
