1 How to get to Ha Long
MIA.vn's starting point was in Hai Phong, so it did not take too much travel time; the transportation for this trip was the Hai Phong - Mong Cai coach bus route. The ticket price was around 80,000 VNĐ/person and it took only 1 hour to arrive in Ha Long.
If you are coming from other localities, you can choose to travel by plane, train, or coach bus; if you enjoy exploring, you can also go on a motorbike road trip. It must be said that transportation in Ha Long in particular and Quang Ninh in general is very well-developed, with an airport, railways, and expressways serving every leg of your journey.
Depending on your itinerary, you can stop at different destinations. If you are visiting Ha Long Park, you can stop at Bai Chay. As for our trip, MIA.vn stopped at the entrance gate of Tuan Chau Island to tour Ha Long Bay.
On a 3D2N Ha Long trip, flying is the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation for you
2 Getting around during your days in Ha Long
According to MIA.vn's self-guided travel experience, the sightseeing and photo check-in spots in Ha Long are fairly close to one another, so renting a motorbike is the most convenient option for getting around. MIA.vn is confident that you will enjoy fantastic experiences while soaking in the breathtaking coastal roads. Hotels in Ha Long also provide motorbike rental services, with prices ranging from only 120,000 VNĐ - 150,000 VNĐ/day.
Taxi services in Ha Long are currently flourishing with well-trained drivers
See more: Review of must-visit Ha Long tourist attractions
3 Best time to visit Ha Long
The period from June to July is when Ha Long is busiest with tourists because it is summertime; most students are on break, so families take advantage of the vacation to take their children for sightseeing and beach swimming. For MIA.vn, traveling to Ha Long in August, September, and October is the most pleasant because the weather during this period is relatively cool, sunny, and sees little rain. In particular, this is when amusement complexes and tourist attractions roll out promotional deals and discounts, helping you save on travel expenses.
Ha Long is beautiful in every season, each possessing its own unique charm
4 Accommodation options in Ha Long
When traveling to Ha Long, there are 2 main areas where you can comfortably stay:
- Tuan Chau Island: Known for the Tuan Chau Peninsula amusement complex and the International Passenger Port for cruising Ha Long Bay. This area features numerous upscale hotels and luxury resorts suitable for visitors with generous budgets looking to indulge.
- Bai Chay: Famous for Sun World Complex and an artificial beach lined with straight coconut palms. Bai Chay offers many budget-friendly motels and hotels. Highly rated and reputable establishments include those located along Anh Dao Street.
- Hon Gai: The administrative center of Ha Long, where many local residents live. Visiting Hon Gai, you can check out the Sun Wheel recreation area and the Vincom Plaza shopping mall. Despite its prime location, hotel and guesthouse rates in Hon Gai are quite affordable.
During our journey, MIA.vn chose a small hotel located on Anh Dao Street, Bai Chay.
Guest room interior at a budget hotel in Ha Long
5 What to eat on a 3D2N Ha Long trip
5.1 Ha Long local specialties
Once in Ha Long, you definitely cannot miss the renowned local delicacies. Some notable dishes include:
- Banh cuon cha muc (steamed rice rolls with grilled squid patties): The filling consists of minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served alongside delectable squid patties. Soft, thin rice sheets combined with crunchy, chewy patties and dipped in sweet and sour sauce make for an irresistible treat. Two popular spots you should bookmark for your trip are: Banh Cuon Goc Bang and Banh Cuon Ba Yen.
- Chao ha (acorn barnacle porridge): Tiny, affordable acorn barnacles are cooked into a deeply nutritious porridge. When savoring the dish, garnish it with a bit of scallions, fresh herbs, and a dash of pepper for extra fragrance. A helpful tip is that acorn barnacle porridge tastes best when hot and paired with crispy fried dough sticks (quay). A great address to note down is Chao Ha Co Hang at 42 Tran Hung Dao, Bach Dang. In addition, seafood restaurants along the coast or long-standing eateries in Bai Chay also offer this specialty.
- Horseshoe crab (sam bien): Fresh horseshoe crab meat can be transformed into diverse enticing dishes such as sweet and sour stir-fried crab legs, crab meat porridge, crab salad, and more. This dish has a novel flavor profile, but once you try it, you will be hooked. Horseshoe crab meat is as tender as regular crab meat, yet even tastier and more aromatic. For the best horseshoe crab, head to the local Ha Long markets where you can find fresh selections at low prices without traveling far.
Piping hot banh cuon cha muc tastes even better when enjoyed with pickles and dipping fish sauce
A bowl of acorn barnacle porridge loaded with barnacle meat
Horseshoe crab prepared using unique recipes
5.2 Great restaurants in Ha Long
When visiting Ha Long, consider dining at these recommended restaurants:
- Buffet Sen A Dong:
Address: No. 01, Ha Long Street, Bai Chay. (800m from Ha Long Park)
This restaurant serves a broad selection of very fresh and appetizing seafood. You should reserve a table in advance to avoid finding it fully booked. Prices at Sen A Dong are quite reasonable, at just 280,000 VNĐ/serving, with slightly higher weekend rates of 310,000 VNĐ/serving.
- Royal Lotus Ha Long Hotel Buffet:
Address: Royal Lotus Ha Long Hotel, Peninsula 2, Hung Thang Urban Area, Hung Thang Ward.
This venue is renowned for its diverse menu featuring over 100 dishes, with tickets around 320,000 VNĐ/person. Rates may vary depending on the season and your reservation time.
- Novotel Hotel Buffet:
Address: Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel, No. 160 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay.
The hotel boasts a gorgeous pool view coupled with an impressive waterside scenery area perfect for post-meal relaxation. Buffet ticket rates at Novotel are roughly 599,000 VNĐ/serving, and 799,000 VNĐ/serving on weekends.
6 3D2N Ha Long travel itinerary summary
6.1 Day 1
After boarding the bus early, MIA.vn arrived in Ha Long at 8:00 AM. The first destination of the journey was Tuan Chau International Amusement Park with an entry fee of 250,000 VNĐ/person (prices subject to change). You can enjoy cultural performances and try out thrilling rides here.
The journey continued on Ha Long Bay with sightseeing route No. 2, featuring many breathtaking caves. Upon concluding the tour, MIA.vn headed back to Sen A Dong Restaurant for lunch, then returned to the hotel to rest until the afternoon. In the evening, we explored Ha Long Night Market with more than 100 stalls of various sizes.
Scenery inside Tuan Chau amusement park
6.2 Day 2
Following the fun-filled first day, MIA.vn spent the next day checking in across the city at chill landmarks such as: Hon Gai Fishing Port, Quang Ninh Museum, Quang Ninh Library, the Clock Tower, 3D Flower Garden, Dolphin Palace, Hai Dang Coffee, and Bai Chay Bridge. In the late afternoon, we watched the sunset and swam in the Skylight infinity pool.
Quang Ninh Museum and Quang Ninh Library are attractions that draw young crowds in Ha Long
6.3 Day 3
On the final day, MIA.vn checked out of the hotel early to tour Bai Tho Mountain, Bai Chay Beach, and Sun World amusement park. From our experience at Sun World, MIA.vn recommends starting with the gentler rides first. Many visitors rush to queue up for Dragon's Run and Rhino right upon entry, which will leave you completely exhausted for anything else. After enjoying your fill of rides, find a local spot for lunch and relaxation. Around 2:00 PM, MIA.vn boarded the bus to return to the starting point.
Bai Tho Mountain standing majestically amidst the vast sea
And with that, MIA.vn's 3D2N Ha Long travel journey has wrapped up. Hopefully, these concise tips will come in handy for your upcoming trip to Ha Long. Wishing you memorable and meaningful youthful moments here.
