Accommodation in Halong
Halong city is divided into two areas: Hon Gai and Bai Chay, connected by Bai Chay bridge. The main tourist area is Bai Chay, with long coastline and tourist ports. Hon Gai is the administrative center. You should be in Bai Chay area for easy transportation and eating.
>> Travel Halong Bay once in your lifetime (Part 1)
The hostels and hotels mainly focus on Vuon Dao street, the price ranges from 250,000 to 350,000 VND/ night, in the summer it will be more expensive. Around the area there are also many restaurants, you can choose some small eateries near the Post Office, reasonable price and delicious.
Entertainment sites in Halong
Thien Cung, Dau Go caves: you will take a boat to Dau Go island, continue to walk through the steps up the mountain, explore the cave inside, should visit both caves. In the cave, there are many beautiful animal shaped stones and stalactites. At night you can go to Halong Night Market, shopping for small souvenirs. You should bargain when you buy.
Also, you can walk to the central area, in the Post Office fork area, rent horse carts around. If you go to Bai Chay bridge at night, you should go early for safety. Bai Tho Mountain is also a great place. In addition, if you are in Hon Gai area, yet far from the tourist center, but close to the city of Halong, you can enjoy the food and learn the life of Halong.
In this area you can visit Long Tien pagoda, enjoy Banh Cuon Cha Muc (roll pancake with grilled chopped squid), the price is cheaper than the tourist area. You can take a bus between the two areas, Hon Gai area will be more suitable if you are a student.
Cat Ba and Halong trip
Shopping and price
In general, prices in Halong Bay are not too expensive for a popular tourist area. Visitors can shop for clothes at a slightly higher price than elsewhere. Dining at the small restaurants is quite popular. However, you also need to ask for a price before you decide to buy or rent something.
In addition, ticket price from Hanoi to Halong about is about 60,000 VND (passenger car). The price of motorbike taxi from bus station to Bai Chay center is 15,000 VND per person. If you go to Hon Gai, you can lose up to 40,000 VND per person. You should take a taxi if you go in the group of three or more. Bus ticket from bus station to Bai Chay or Hon Gai is 7,000 VND per person.
The average hostel price is about 150,000 VND per day. If possible, you should rent accommodation in Hon Gai so that you can find affordable accommodation. The boat rental to visit Halong Bay is quite messy. Guests can contact with the hotel so that they can be arranged in order to avoid waiting or not fit the boat. The ticket price is 40,000 VND per person. If you go for 6 hours on the bay, the price for the boat will be 100,000 VND per person. To save money, you should choose 3-4 hour trip. Early morning or afternoon trips are available for more leisure and travel options.
Notes
There are many tour operators that offer trips to Halong Bay at competitive rates, however, you need to make sure you get the products and services that are worth the money you spend. With more expensive tours, the quality of boats, accommodation, cars, food and guides are also more expensive. Some questions that you should ask before the tour are how many people will go on the car to Halong and on the boat in Halong, air conditioning room, how the meals are on the boat, and how long is the yacht. That way, you will know something before everything will happen.
Come to meet local people to understand more about this land. Basically, they are very friendly and straightforward. If you are sincere and friendly, they will also welcome you as comfortably as possible. You may not get the full facilities, but in return, you have information, pictures, get the love of people in the sea area.
For more information about essential tips in Halong, please visit our website.
