With just one day in Ha Long, visitors can still explore several interesting attractions and enjoy a variety of local delicacies.

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Quang Ninh Museum

Located about 100 kilometers (160 km) from Hanoi, Ha Long (formerly Ha Long City) is a top travel destination not only in Quang Ninh Province or northern Vietnam but across the country and the world.

Following administrative restructuring, many former wards and communes of Ha Long were renamed into new wards such as Ha Long, Tuan Chau, Viet Hung, and Bai Chay. This area offers not only breathtaking bays but also a range of exciting entertainment activities and a diverse culinary scene.

For a one-day itinerary, tourists can visit nearby attractions that are conveniently located in or around the city center and feature many picturesque spots.

The Quang Ninh Museum and Library (Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Tuan Chau Ward): Open daily except Mondays, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees are approximately $1.20 for adults, $0.80 for students, and $0.40 for children under six.

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Ha Long has many scenic cafés with views of the bay

The 3D Funny Art Museum (Bai Chay Ward): Located inside the Marine Plaza shopping center, this museum is a popular check-in spot with over 40 interactive paintings themed around animals, fantasy, and adventure. Open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, admission is around $3.15 per person.

Tuan Chau Park (Tuan Chau Island, Tuan Chau Ward): This is a lively destination for day trips with a wide range of rides including fairy tale trains, slides, roller coasters, flying saucers, and swing chairs. The park operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. General admission is about $13.80 per adult. Children under 1 meter tall enter for free. Additional shows like dolphin performances or water music require separate tickets, priced at $4 for adults and $2.40 for children.

Tourists may also enjoy beach activities or explore the sea on a half-day boat tour, visiting iconic Ha Long Bay sites such as Fighting Cock Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Titop Island.

A variety of stylish cafés with ocean views offer perfect photo opportunities during your day in Ha Long. Suggested options include La Luna Coffee Ha Long, Doi Mat Troi Ha Long, Hai Dang Coffee, Thong Zeo, and Cam Cafe.

What to eat in a day in Ha Long

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A typical bowl of crab noodle soup in Ha Long costs around $2.00
A plate of sweet-and-sour horseshoe crab with roe patty at Ha Long Market 1 costs $2.40

Ha Long’s cuisine is centered around fresh seafood, featuring dishes made with mantis shrimp, horseshoe crab, peanut worms, clams, shrimp, crab, fish, and squid.

Though often considered a pricey destination, travelers can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices by dining where the locals eat.

Crab noodle soup (bun cu ky): A local staple enjoyed any time of day, this noodle soup features cu ky (a type of crab) and often includes mantis shrimp and squid. It is served in a slightly sour, sweet broth made from pineapple and tomato. Locals recommend spots like Huong Beo Crab Noodles, the seafood noodle shop at Cong Doan Hotel, Minh Beo Crab Noodles, and Quoc Huy Crab Noodles. A bowl usually costs around $2.

Steamed rice rolls with squid cake (banh cuon cha muc): A beloved dish among locals and tourists alike, often eaten for breakfast or lunch. Popular eateries include Ba Ngan, Ba Yen, and Goc Bang, or you can find it at local markets during the day. One serving typically costs between $1.60 and $2.40.

Horseshoe crab (sam): In Ha Long, horseshoe crab is prepared in various ways such as stir-fried sweet and sour, made into patties, or served with roe. It is a high-end ingredient not always readily available. You can try it at Ba Ty’s eatery, Sam Quang Yen, or the street food area in Ha Long Market 1 during the afternoon. However, since horseshoe crab is cooling in nature, it may not be suitable for people with sensitive digestion or allergies.

A plate of sweet-and-sour horseshoe crab with roe patty at Ha Long Market 1 costs around $2.40.

Yogurt with tapioca pearls (sua chua tran chau): This is a famous Ha Long treat that no traveler should miss. The yogurt is handmade, smooth, and free of ice crystals, paired with chewy tapioca pearls. Prices are very affordable, typically ranging from $0.60 to $1 per cup. Recommended spots include Co Phuong Yogurt, Co Nghi’s stall, and Tuan Lien.

These are just a few recommendations for where to go and what to eat in Ha Long in one day.

However, with limited time, visitors are advised to prioritize visiting just one or two attractions and sampling four to five dishes throughout the day to avoid an overly packed schedule. This approach ensures a comfortable, enjoyable experience without exhausting your budget or energy.

Thao Trinh