1 A few things to know about Sun World Old Town
Address: Ha Long Road (right near Sun World Park), Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Opening hours: All day
Admission: Free
A trip to Ha Long is never dull, with so many fascinating attractions to visit, including Ha Long Bay, Thien Cung Cave, and Hon Gai Beach. Among them, MIA.vn couldn't leave out a spot that once took the city by storm with its dazzling old-town quarter, right in the Halong Marina urban area. It's Sun World Old Town.
Sun World Old Town is also known as Bai Chay Old Town. A famous check-in spot in Ha Long, it has captured the hearts of countless young visitors. However, it is not exactly a moss-covered, timeworn old street, as it opened in 2016. Its most wonderful feature is its European-style atmosphere, along with architecture inspired by the distinctive character of Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoi An Ancient Town.
Sun World Old Town comes alive with color at night
More precisely, Sun World Old Town was inspired by Hoi An's trading port and Hanoi's historic streets. Its streets are bustling with businesses and reflect the Vietnamese way of life. This is perhaps the ideal place to enjoy an authentic cultural experience, with plenty of fun and distinctive activities.
A legendary street—one everyone wants to check in at when they visit. Photo: @thaophamm1996
2 The best time to explore Sun World Old Town
Sun World Old Town usually draws large crowds during holidays and the summer, such as April 30, May 1, and June 1. Even on other days, though, visitors keep streaming in from morning until night. So, instead of choosing a particular time of year to visit, why not pick a time of day? That's just as fun!
Morning is a wonderful time to visit, while the sunshine is still warm. You can stop by the shops or take some great photos for your social media. When the midday sun is at its strongest, head to a nearby eatery and enjoy the wide variety of local cuisine. Prices are clearly listed on the menus, so you won't have to worry about being overcharged.
It's best to take photos here while the warm morning sunshine is still out. Photo: @phuong531999
3 What makes Sun World Old Town so wonderful?
You may not know that Sun World Old Town is a distinctive development with two façades, each with its own character. One side takes on the timeless beauty of an “old-town street within a street,” where you can experience the romantic scenery of both Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoi An Ancient Town as if you were really there. The other side feels more modern, with bustling shopping areas, cafés, and elegant restaurants.
Read more: Explore the most exciting Sun World entertainment complex in Ha Long
The eateries lining the sidewalk make a wonderful evening hangout you won't want to miss
Like any other street, this place offers more than just picture-perfect spots. It's also a hub for entertainment, where visitors can enjoy shopping to their hearts' content. Though it may not have the weathered charm suggested by the name “old town,” it still wins visitors over completely.
3.1 Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town in Sun World Old Town
Little Vietnam is the highlight that makes the strongest impression on visitors to Sun World Old Town. Countless people have been amazed upon arriving, convinced they had somehow wandered into Hoi An itself.
All the distinctive features of Hoi An have been recreated vividly and authentically in Sun World Old Town. The most striking and recognizable features are the brilliant yellow façades and colorful lanterns. The houses stand close together, with their awnings and bougainvillea trellises stretching alongside one another. Anyone who sees this scene will instinctively reach for their phone to capture it right away.
3.2 Be enchanted by Hanoi Old Quarter in Sun World Old Town
Alongside the Hoi An-inspired quarter is the modern charm of Hanoi Old Quarter. Although this area isn't as timeworn and ancient as the capital, it succeeds in bringing visitors the unmistakable atmosphere of Hanoi.
4 Discover fun things to do in Sun World Old Town
4.1 Take amazing check-in photos
With its truly unique design, one side recreating the famous old quarters of Hanoi and Hoi An, and the other depicting a bustling city with lively, eye-catching architecture, Sun World Old Town offers plenty of picture-perfect backdrops for visitors.
All you need is a feminine dress to get a lovely photo with Sun World Old Town. Photo: @thaophamm1996
4.2 Savor Ha Long specialties
Along with its breathtaking beauty, Sun World Old Town serves up delicious and famous Ha Long specialties. You don't need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine here; it is mostly sold at small stalls, giving visitors a warm, down-to-earth experience. You can sample some of Ha Long's special dishes, such as mantis shrimp, horseshoe crab, and squid cakes.
After you've had your fill of the local specialties, don't forget to buy some treats for family and friends so they can experience Ha Long's distinctive flavors too.
Seafood restaurants are lined up side by side, so you'll have plenty to choose from. Photo: @thaophamm1996
4.3 Lose yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the cafés
There are also cafés and bars nearby with fantastic photo spots and a wide range of drinks, including Dingtea, Café Cộng, and Toco Toco.
When the sky is dark and filled with stars, visitors can immerse themselves in a dreamy world of sparkling lights. The colorful, flashing lights of the cafés and bars make the old-town street livelier and more captivating than ever. And that's not all—their designs are striking, each offering a different and unique atmosphere.
With cafés filling the streets, Sun World Old Town looks like an open-air art exhibition—making it a wonderful place for an evening stroll.
Cong Caphe draws young people with its laid-back atmosphere. Photo: @chuyeenn1103
4.4 Party the night away at an outdoor pub or bar
If you love a lively, energetic atmosphere, don't miss these two bars and pubs that MIA.vn is about to introduce.
- The Mine Bar – Sun World Halong Park
Address: C107 – C108, Sun World Old Town, Ha Long
Opening hours: 19:00 – 1:00
Indicative drink prices: 200.000 VND – 500.000 VND
- Brothers Pub – Sun World Halong Park
Address: A116, Sun World Halong Park Kiosk
Opening hours: 6:00 – 00:00
Indicative drink prices: 25.000 VND – 100.000 VND
A visit to Sun World Old Town always gives visitors wonderful experiences. If you're wondering where to go to unwind and leave your worries behind, try visiting Sun World Old Town. MIA.vn is sure that its unique and refreshing atmosphere will leave you with plenty of wonderful memories.
