The Ultimate 48-Hour Challenge in Ha Long: A Local’s Guide to Immerse in the Coastal Vibe

Day 1: Fun and Adventure in Ha Long

Morning

Start your day in Ha Long with a delicious breakfast of bún bề bề (crab vermicelli soup) or bánh cuốn chả mực (rice flour rolls with cuttlefish sausage). These are two of the city’s signature dishes, and a must-try for any visitor. Each restaurant will have its own secret family recipe, so the flavors may vary depending on the chef’s skills.

After breakfast, take a break at Thông Zeo Cafe, located in the Bãi Cháy area. With its seaside location and surrounded by a pine forest, the cafe evokes a sense of being in Da Lat. For those looking to relax, this is an ideal spot to spend the day, offering additional services such as photography, BBQ parties, and outdoor music events.

Noon

Indulge in a lavish seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants around the Bãi Cháy area. You’ll find a range of options, from luxurious establishments to roadside seafood joints and famous buffet restaurants along the beach.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, head to Dragon Park for some thrilling rides, Typhoon Water Park for a splash, and the Queen Cable Car to reach the mysterious Ba Deo Hill. Spend a good amount of time at the parks before boarding the cable car around 5-6 pm to catch the sunset. The cable car operates until 9 pm, so you can take your time and enjoy the views.

On your way back down, admire the vibrant night view of Ha Long City and the illuminated Bãi Cháy Bridge alongside it.

Evening

For dinner, treat yourself to more seafood delights at restaurants such as Hồng Hạnh, Phương Nam, Cua Vàng, Phương Thủy, Yên Ốc in Cái Dăm, Hương Duyên, Bảo Nghĩa Rice, Lan Hương, and Bằng Lăng, to name a few.

If you have the energy, take a stroll along the food street to sample Ha Long’s specialties, including fresh seafood, various sea snails, and sữa chua trân châu (tapioca pearl yogurt).

Day 2: Exploring Ha Long Bay in Depth

Morning and Noon

Wake up early on the second day to catch the sunrise and take a dip in the sea. Afterward, have a hearty breakfast to fuel your day of exploring Ha Long Bay.

Make your way to Tuan Chau or Sun World port to purchase tour tickets. If you’re traveling solo, you can opt for a shared boat tour. Consider booking lunch on the boat as you’ll be spending a good part of the day exploring the bay, and lunch on board will add to the experience.

Once in the bay, you can rent a kayak to explore the area independently. Places like Cửa Vạn, Hang Cỏ, Cống Đầm, and Vung Viêng offer kayak rentals by the hour.

Spend the morning and noon floating on the sea, discovering caves, natural beaches, and admiring the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit the unique Quang Ninh Museum, located in Hòn Gai. This museum stands out for its architecture, designed to resemble a coal block—a nod to the region’s mining heritage. The first floor showcases the marine environment, the second floor displays historical artifacts, and the third floor takes you inside a simulated coal mine.

While in Hòn Gai, don’t miss the chance to snap some photos at the Cung Cá Heo, a popular spot for young locals. The nearby square and seaside road also offer great backdrops for your pictures. Before leaving, browse the Ha Long Market to stock up on delicious seafood treats to take home.

Evening

For dinner on your second day, explore the famous food street on Giếng Đồn Street, known for its diverse selection of street food. Alternatively, head to Phú Lâm, near the Cienco 5 fishing village. If you’re in the mood for a beer, check out Khải Hương Garden or Cường Cá, both located along the seaside road.

So, even with just 48 hours, you can thoroughly explore Ha Long and its surrounding attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide and start planning your memorable trip to this stunning destination!