Things To Do
in Hạ Long

Bustling evening market with seafood stalls, grilled snacks, sweets and souvenir vendors — great for trying grilled squid, corn, and bánh rán.

Daytime market selling fresh seafood, produce and prepared foods where you can observe local ingredients and try quick bites.

A polite nod or handshake is fine; avoid overly familiar gestures with elders. Use 'Xin chào' to say hello and 'Cảm ơn' to say thank you.

Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and religious sites; remove shoes where required and avoid loud or revealing clothing in sacred places.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in floating villages or near religious sites. Avoid intrusive shots of private homes or people at close range without consent.

Bargaining is common in markets and for souvenirs but should be friendly; accept local prices for fresh food and prepared meals without haggling.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; a small tip or rounding up for good service in restaurants, hotel porters and boat crew is common. For cruise staff, a discretionary contribution at the end of the trip is customary when service is excellent.

Cash (Vietnamese đồng - VND) is preferred in markets, small eateries and for street vendors; cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are available in Hạ Long city but may be sparse on islands — bring enough cash for boat excursions.

June–August: Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon storms and occasional typhoons. Good for swimming and beach activities during calm spells, but boat trips may be disrupted by rough seas — book flexible itineraries.

September–November: Often the most comfortable period — milder temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies. Considered high season for sightseeing and cruises.

December–February: Cooler, breezy and sometimes foggy; temperatures can be quite chilly compared with the south. Visibility on the bay can be reduced but crowds thin and prices may fall.

March–May: Warming weather with occasional rain; flowers and greenery return. Good time for outdoor activities though sporadic showers are possible.

Short- to full-day hikes through limestone forest to viewpoints like Ngu Lam Peak and Hospital Cave; good biodiversity and potential wildlife sightings. Access from Cat Ba Island via ferry and bus.

A short hike above Hạ Long city with panoramic views of the bay and a number of stone inscriptions and monuments along the trail.

Historic Buddhist pilgrimage site about 60–80 km away; trails and cable-car options lead to pagodas and viewpoints through scenic forested slopes.

A brief but steep climb on Ti Top Island rewards you with sweeping bay views — often included on day-cruise itineraries.

The majority population in Hạ Long and Quảng Ninh province — typically urban and rural communities engaged in trade, tourism and fishing.

Smaller ethnic minority groups live in parts of Quảng Ninh province and nearby highlands, maintaining distinct cultural traditions and festivals.

Long-established communities that live and work on the water or in coastal villages, including floating-village residents visible to tourists.

Growing numbers of people employed in tourism services (hotels, restaurants, cruise operators) and visiting international travelers.

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger Vietnamese cities; sticky rice, vegetable noodle soups and tofu dishes are common. Ask for 'ăn chay' (vegetarian) at restaurants and check for fish sauce in broths.

Vegan choices require vigilance: many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste. Seek vegetarian restaurants or request no fish sauce ('không nước mắm') and check with cooks.

Halal-specific restaurants are rare; seafood is widely available but meat dishes may use pork or non-halal ingredients. If halal is essential, plan to eat seafood, or bring snacks and seek Hanoi for more halal-certified options.

Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some seasonings may contain wheat. Ask about ingredients and choose plain grilled seafood or rice noodle soups.