Place Quang Ninh

Quang Ninh Travel Guide – A Comprehensive Handbook for First-Timers

Are you planning to visit Quang Ninh? That’s a fantastic choice! Besides Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh has many other things to see and do as well. In this Quang Ninh travel guide, we will provide you with all the information you need, such as the best time to visit, delicious local cuisine, accommodation options, and dozens of other useful tips. Let’s get started!

Where is Quang Ninh?

Quang Ninh is a coastal province in the Northeast region of Vietnam, located about 160 km away from Hanoi, 77 km from Hai Phong, and 893 km from Da Nang. It is known as a “miniature Vietnam” due to its diverse landscape that includes seas, islands, plains, hills, and borders. Quang Ninh has great potential for tourism, with many famous scenic spots, as it is the province that has two-thirds of the total number of islands in Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh
Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh

If you visit Quang Ninh, you’ll have the chance to explore nearly 500 historical, cultural, and artistic sites. Additionally, you can take a tour that includes a visit to a system of more than 2,000 large and small islands, that stretches along over 250 km of coastline and has a very unique shape.

When is the best time to visit Quang Ninh?

Quang Ninh is located in a tropical monsoon climate, which means it has hot and humid summers with lots of rain, and cold and rainy winters with less rain. Because it covers a large area with many different topographical areas, the climates between regions can vary.

Mong Cai, the leading district where Tra Co beach is located, has a climate with heavy rainfall, an average annual temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, and an average annual rainfall of 2,751 mm. The bay area has less rainfall, with only 1,700 to 1,800 mm per year, but is famous for fog, especially in winter.

It's best to go to Quang Ninh during summer, when you can enjoy a lot of sea activities
It’s best to go to Quang Ninh during summer, when you can enjoy a lot of sea activities

If you’re planning to visit Quang Ninh, the best time to go is during the summer months from April to September, which is when the weather is cool and dry and ideal for relaxing on the beach or exploring the majestic mountains of Quang Ninh. Summer is also the time when many cultural events take place, such as Ha Long-Quang Ninh Tourism Week, Ha Long Carnaval Festival, Yen Tu Festival, and Summer Music Festival that visitors can enjoy. However, it’s important to check the weather forecast information before your trip to ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions at each location.

How to go to Quang Ninh?

If you’re planning to travel to Quang Ninh, there are many ways to get there depending on your starting point and preferences. Here are some transportation options you can consider:

Plane

Van Don airport in Quang Ninh
Van Don airport in Quang Ninh

This is the fastest way to get to Quang Ninh. You can choose to land at Van Don airport or Cat Bi airport and then hire a taxi to Quang Ninh. Some airlines you can refer to include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways.

Train

If you want to save money or enjoy the scenery along the way, taking the train to Uong Bi station from Hanoi is an interesting option. The travel time is quite long, and the fare depends on the type of seat.

Update 23/04/2023: Currently, the railway to Quang Ninh is closed due to maintenance, we will update when it comes back to operation.

Passenger car

This is a popular option, but if you suffer from motion sickness, you should consider other means of transportation. If you are going from Ho Chi Minh city, you can choose to take the North-South route of Phuong Trang, Hoang Long, or others. However, this route has very few operators, and the time is long, so we don’t recommend it.  

From Hanoi to Ha Long – Quang Ninh, there are also quality and fast limousines & buses available.You can book Hanoi – Ha Long ticket online to save time and effort, as not many ticket sellers can speak fluent English.

As Quang Ninh trip from Hanoi takes only 3 hours, limousine is a popular choice among tourists
As Quang Ninh trip from Hanoi takes only 3 hours, limousine is a popular choice among tourists

Private cars with driver

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family and want a private mode of transportation, getting a private car from Hanoi to Ha Long – Quang Ninh through Klook is an excellent option. They have many options available, including 3-seater, 5-seater, 7-seater, and 12-seater cars that can meet any requirement while also being cost-effective. The drivers are highly experienced, and some can speak English well. The car also has a baby seat and allows a wheelchair if required.

Private car is a great option if you go in group and want privacy
Private car is a great option if you go in group and want privacy

Motorbike

This option is suitable for those who live in Hanoi or neighboring provinces. If you like to travel, explore, and want to be proactive about time and schedule, riding a motorbike is a good choice. You can follow one of the two routes: follow road 5 to Sai Dong fork and turn towards Bac Ninh or go from Noi Bai airport to Bac Ninh along National Highway 18A to Pa Lai – Sao Do (Hai Duong) – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long.

Remember to book tickets early to get cheap tickets and choose the right transportation that suits your needs.

How to move around Quang Ninh?

Taxi

Traveling by taxi is a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Vietnam, including Quang Ninh province. However, it can be quite expensive if used frequently. Some of the taxi companies in Quang Ninh are:

Taxis in Ha Long:

  • Mai Linh taxi (0203 3628 628)
  • Bai Chay taxi (0203 364 64 64)
  • Sao Mai taxi (0203 3822 822)
  • Hung Long taxi (0203 3655 655)

Taxis in Uong Bi:

  • Mai Linh Taxi (0203 3628 628)
  • Uong Bi taxi (0203 3661166)

Taxis in Mong Cai:

  • Mong Cai Taxi (0203 3883 883)
  • Ka Long Taxi (0203 3882 882)
  • Sam Loi Taxi (0203 3788 788)

When taking a taxi, it is important to ensure that the meter has been reset to zero or negotiate the fare in advance to avoid being overcharged.

Motorbike

If you want to travel and explore freely, a motorbike can be a great option because it’s efficient, mobile, and affordable. In case you don’t have your own motorbike, in Quang Ninh, you can rent one for 100,000 – 200,000 VND/day depending on the type of vehicle. Many hotels offer motorbike rentals, or you can go to reputable merchants like the ones listed below in Ha Long:

Merchant NamePhoneAddressManual Bike Rental Price (per day)Scooter Rental Price (per day)
Kim’s Motorbike0338 023 344Lane 86 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City80,000 VND – 130,000 VND160,000 VND – 180,000 VND
Sun World Quang Ninh0944 697 555Sun World, Ha Long, Bai Chay, Ha Long City130,000 VND180,000 VND
Vuon Dao0966 376 023No. 1B Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh80,000 VND – 130,000 VND160,000 VND – 180,000 VND
Nest Travel0979 826 098SN106, Building S7, Sunrise Apartment, D. Hoang Quoc Viet, Ha Long100,000 VND150,000 VND
Minh’s0987 628 336No. 10 Đ. Hoang Quoc Viet, Bai Chay, Ha Long City130,000 VND90,000 VND – 180,000 VND
Minh Thanh0986 322 292Group 5, Area 2, Ha Long80,000 VND – 100,000 VND130,000 VND – 140,000 VND
Tan Truong Phat Travel0972 656 965Hai Long, Hong Hai, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh130,000 VND150,000 VND
Ruby’s Motorbike Rentals0833 628 33654 Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh100,000 VND130,000 VND – 150,000 VND
Renting a motorbike in Quang Ninh is cheap and easy
Renting a motorbike in Quang Ninh is cheap and easy

Bus

When traveling in Quang Ninh, there are 7 bus routes that are still in operation. Some of these routes are useful for traveling, such as route 01 from Bai Chay to Cai Rong, where you can continue your journey by speedboat to the islands. Another useful route is route 07, which runs from Mong Cai to Tra Co.

Note: Bus routes in Quang Ninh:

  • Route 01: Bai Chay – Van Don bus station.
  • Route 03: Hon Gai Bus Station – Ba Tan Bridge, Hoanh Bo District.
  • Route 06: Doc Doc Uong Bi Town – Vang Danh Ward Uong Bi Town.
  • Route 07: Km15 Mong Cai City – Vinh Thuan Golf Course, Tra Co Ward.
  • Route 08: Dong Trieu District Bus Station – Area 10, Quang Hanh Ward, Cam Pha City.
  • Route 11: Old Hon Gai bus station – Rung ferry station, Yen Hung district.
  • Route 13: Doc Do, Uong Bi City – Ben Lien Vi, Quang Yen.

Boats or yachts

To visit the islands of Co To, Quan Lan, Cai Chien,Ngoc Vung, and Cat Ba island in Quang Ninh province, you can travel by wooden boats, ferries, or speedboats (150,000 VND – 200,000 VND/person). Another option is to rent a yacht, which costs 500,000 VND per hour per boat during the low season (October to late March) and 600,000 VND per hour per boat during the high season. Additionally, there are VIP yachts with full facilities such as dining, sleeping, and karaoke available for travel.

Boats or yachts are common means of transportation if you want to go to islands
Boats or yachts are common means of transportation if you want to go to islands

What to do for the first time in Quang Ninh?

Islands travel

Sea and island tourism in Quang Ninh is becoming more and more popular among both local and international tourists. Around 70% of the over 8 million visitors to Quang Ninh every year choose to go on sea and island tours. This proves that sea and island tourism has great potential as an important part of the marine economy. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top destinations in Quang Ninh.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is the most famous tourist spot in Quang Ninh and a symbol of Ha Long, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the world and one of the top 10 most beautiful bays globally. Its beauty combines the green landscape of the sky and sea, creating a fairyland-like experience. Visitors can explore the many beautiful beaches and magnificent caves like Trinh Nu, Thien Cung, and Sung Sot. 

Ha Long Bay - an UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for any tourist to Quang Ninh
Ha Long Bay – an UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for any tourist to Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay, with more than 1,900 large and small limestone islands, is the tourism symbol of Quang Ninh province that almost every tourist wants to visit. It should be on the top of your priority list when planning a trip to Quang Ninh.

Read more: Four must-do activities in Ha Long Bay

Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is the perfect place to admire the cruise port in Vietnam, and it’s only about a 20-minute car ride away from the Bai Chay tourist area. As you venture deeper into the island, you’ll come across a U-shaped boat dock where many modern yachts are gathered.

Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is also the only place in Quang Ninh province where you can see dolphin shows. Young tourists can interact directly with dolphins, seals, or sea lions when visiting Tuan Chau in Quang Ninh. You can also explore the modern artificial beach, enjoy the unique water music, or simply take a stroll to admire the scenery and capture beautiful moments.

Co To Island

Co To Island is a beautiful and captivating destination with its unique natural wild beauty. It boasts white sandy beaches mixed with crystal clear blue waters that attract thousands of tourists every year. Co To Island is a hot spot for Quang Ninh tourism that you simply cannot miss. When visiting Co To, don’t forget to explore places such as Cau My Stone Beach, Co To Lighthouse, Hong Van Beach, Van Chay Beach, and Co To Island.

Co To Island
Co To Island

Quan Lan Island

Quan Lan is a famous and beautiful island in Quang Ninh that immerses you in pristine and fresh natural scenery with long white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and many historical and cultural relics. It’s perfect for sightseeing as well as swimming, and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

Quan Lan is an untouched island that has many stunning view
Quan Lan is an untouched island that has many stunning view

Van Don – home to many beautiful small islands

If you’re someone who loves the beauty of the sea and islands, then you must visit Van Don. There are many small islands scattered along Bai Tu Long Bay, which are attractive thanks to their beautiful landscape with clouds and mountains, creating a picture of peaceful and tranquil nature.

Van Don islands district
Van Don islands district

When you travel to Van Don, you can immerse yourself in that beautiful scenery, experience the life of fishermen on the island, enjoy extremely fresh seafood dishes, and explore islands such as Minh Chau, Ba Mun, Ngoc Vung, Robinson Beach, and Long Beach.

Mountains and Beaches

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Quang Ninh is one of the most naturally blessed provinces in Vietnam. In addition to its beautiful islands, the province also boasts a diverse range of mountains and stunning beaches, making it seem like a paradise on earth.

Binh Lieu

Binh Lieu is a great place for hiking. This mountainous district in the Northeast has stunning waterfalls, hills and mountains, and beautiful terraced fields. You can also visit small villages and fields of white reed flowers. Binh Lieu has many interesting spots such as Khe Van waterfall, Khe Tien waterfall, Song Mooc waterfall, milestone 1305, and the legendary dinosaur spine that everyone wants to see.

Dinosaur spine in Binh Lieu is a favorite spot for tourists who love hiking
Dinosaur spine in Binh Lieu is a favorite spot for tourists who love hiking

Here are some things to remember for your trip to Binh Lieu:

  • It can get cold and there might be mosquitoes and other insects, so bring warm clothes, sports shoes, and insect repellent.
  • There aren’t many places to rest or eat, so it’s best to bring your own food, water, and a mat for a picnic.
  • Keep the area clean if you have a picnic or camp.
  • The roads in Binh Lieu can be dangerous, so don’t drink alcohol before traveling there.

Tra Co Beach

Tra Co Beach is a picturesque and captivating place that tourists from around the globe love to visit. To truly appreciate its serene beauty, you must come here and immerse yourself in the tranquil blue sea, white clouds, and warm sunshine. The sea is calm and peaceful, as if it’s a friend sharing its secrets with you.

Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach

Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain, also known as Poem Mountain, is a picturesque destination in Quang Ninh that resembles the muse of Ha Long Bay with its charming and distinct beauty. Rising 200 meters above sea level, the mountain boasts a stone stele that explains the reason for its name, as well as a flagpole that has stood for 90 years. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the stunning bay from this tourist spot in Quang Ninh.

Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain

Spiritual attractions

Tourists are drawn to Quang Ninh not only for its stunning natural landscapes and islands but also for its rich cultural offerings, which include numerous spiritual attractions.

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a famous spiritual and tourist destination in Quang Ninh. It is located on Yen Tu mountain in Thuong Yen Cong commune, Uong Bi city, and is known as the first spiritual scenic spot in Vietnam. The monastery was the place where Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong practiced and escaped from the world.

View from top of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery
View from top of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Ba Vang Pagoda

Another famous spiritual destination is Ba Vang Pagoda, located in the west of Uong Bi city. The pagoda has a beautiful location, with the river in front and the mountain behind it. Visitors can enjoy the poetic scenery and feel the sacred atmosphere of the Buddhist Zen place.

Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda

Cai Bau Pagoda

Cai Bau Pagoda, about 65km from the center of Ha Long City, is also a popular destination. With its back leaning against the mountain and facing the sea, the pagoda offers an impressive and serene view. The combination of the small courtyard, the sound of bells, and the sea breeze creates a pure and calming atmosphere for visitors.

Cai Bau Pagoda faces the sea, creating a wonderful view to any visitor
Cai Bau Pagoda faces the sea, creating a wonderful view to any visitor

Sunworld Ha Long

If you enjoy having fun, you should definitely add Sunworld Ha Long to your list. SunWorld Ha Long is a very popular tourist spot in Quang Ninh and is part of the Sun World Halong Complex, a world-class entertainment complex developed by Sun Group. The project covers more than 200 hectares and is located right on the beautiful Ha Long Bay.

Sunworld Ha Long complex
Sunworld Ha Long complex

Visiting Sun World Ha Long will give you a chance to experience new forms of entertainment and see Ha Long city from a new perspective. The complex includes Dragon Park, Ha Long Typhoon Water Park, a world-record cable car system, and the Sun Wheel. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for entertainment while in Ha Long city.

Buy Sun World Ha Long ticket

In addition to the attractions mentioned above, there are many more tourist spots in Quang Ninh that we haven’t included in this guide, as it could be overwhelming for a first-time trip. If you plan on staying for more than a week, you may want to consider visiting other places like the Quang Ninh Museum, Sa Vi Cape, Waterfalls, etc. We have already covered these spots in our related post titled “Explore 16 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Quang Ninh“.

What to eat in Quang Ninh?

When visiting Quang Ninh, you can’t miss the chance to taste the mouth-watering seafood dishes, but there are also many local delicacies not related to the beach that you should try. We’ll share some of these delicious dishes with you so that you can have an attractive and memorable first-time experience in Quang Ninh.

Ha Long squid patty

One of the most famous dishes is the Ha Long squid patty. It’s made with fresh squid caught directly from the sea and processed immediately, so it has a sweet and fragrant taste that’s not too chewy or fishy. The patty is often fried and served with banh cuon and white sticky rice.

Ha Long squid patty
Ha Long squid patty

Quang Yen sour pork rolls

Another dish you should try is Quang Yen sour pork rolls. Made from pork and pork skin mixed with roasted peanuts and bean paste, this dish has a special fragrant and slightly sour taste. It’s often eaten with sweet and sour dipping sauce, fig leaves, herbs, and green banana.

Quang Yen sour pork rolls
Quang Yen sour pork rolls

Tien Yen hill chicken

Tien Yen hill chicken is also a must-try dish. The chickens are raised freely in the mountainous terrain of Tien Yen district and eat insects and nuts, which gives their meat a firm, natural aroma. The best way to enjoy this chicken is boiled with salt and pepper green, but it can also be grilled or cooked as porridge.

Tien Yen hill chicken
Tien Yen hill chicken

Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a popular seafood in Ha Long and is used in various dishes such as jellyfish mixed, jellyfish vermicelli, jellyfish salad, and more. Diners often enjoy the fresh and crisp texture of jellyfish when they visit local markets.

Jellyfish salad
Jellyfish salad

Sa Sung

Sa Sung, also known as sandworm, is a delicacy found only on Quan Lan – Minh Chau island in Van Don, Quang Ninh. As a result, this seafood can be quite expensive, selling for about 4 million VND/kg. Sa Sung can be prepared in many ways such as grilling, roasting, and as a seasoning for pho broth. However, fresh fried Sa Sung with garlic remains a favorite dish for many diners in Ha Long.

Sa Sung is a nutritious and delicious dish in Quang Ninh
Sa Sung is a nutritious and delicious dish in Quang Ninh

Mud clam

Mud clam, or Ngán biển, is a famous seafood in the Ha Long region and is often served in restaurants. Mud clam dishes include steamed, grilled, cooked porridge, cooked noodles, and stir-fried options. Additionally, the wine that accompanies the dishes has its own unique and delicious taste.

Mud clam can be cooked in various ways
Mud clam can be cooked in various ways

Bánh gật gù

Bánh gật gù, or Nodding cake, is a cake made from rice flour and soaked rice that is pureed and coated into long, chewy rolls. The cake resembles banh cuon but without the filling. When held, the cake nods up and down, giving it its name. It is usually served with a dipping sauce made from chicken fat, fried onions, minced meat, and smooth stewed meat. The soft and cool texture of the cake combined with the rich taste of the dipping sauce makes it a popular dish in Ha Long.

Bánh gật gù is fun to eat
Bánh gật gù is fun to eat

Beside of these iconic dishes, Quang Ninh still has a lot of wonderful local foods to explore, read more at: Taste the Best of Quang Ninh Local Foods

Hotels in Quang Ninh

Quang Ninh is a great place to visit because it has many options for places to stay. There are fancy resorts, luxurious yachts,  and also cozy homestays, so there’s something for every budget. You can find them all in popular tourist areas like Ha Long, Co To, Tuan Chau, and the islands. Check out some of the top places to stay in Quang Ninh for your trip.

Resorts

Quang Ninh is a province with many beautiful islands, both big and small, and its island & coastal resorts are a highlight of its tourism. The high-end resorts are mostly located around Ha Long Bay, offering world-class facilities, beautiful sea views, and top-notch service.

Read our latest post about 5 Best Ha Long Bay Resorts. In this post, we covered the resorts’ information, pros and cons and some of our reviews already.

If you’re traveling to the mountainous area of Uong Bi, you can choose to stay at Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery, a cultural architecture that reflects the quality and authenticity of Vietnam’s culture.

Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery is a wonderful resort in mountainous area of Uong Bi
Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery is a wonderful resort in mountainous area of Uong Bi

Yachts and cruises

Have we mentioned the amazing experience of spending the night on a yacht in the middle of Ha Long Bay? If not, we definitely should because it’s one of the most incredible things you can do in this world-famous destination.

On these “floating hotels,” guests can enjoy luxurious meals, swim in open-air pools, and take in the stunning sea views at night. Some cruise also offer experiences such as morning tai chi practice, kayaking, swimming, night squid fishing, visits to fishing villages and pearl farms, and even cooking lessons.

Spending the night on a yacht, in the middle of the bay is a lifetime experience
Spending the night on a yacht, in the middle of the bay is a lifetime experience

One of the most memorable parts of a cruise tour is watching the sunrise from the deck and taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the limestone islands glowing in the sunlight against the blue-green water.

You can choose from highly rated cruise lines such as Elite of the Sea, Scarlet Pearl, Stellar of the Seas, Bhaya or Unicharm Cruise Ha Long.These options have quite high price, but they have top-notch quality.

Hotels

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford luxurious resorts or yachts, don’t worry. There are plenty of hotel options in Quang Ninh that are fantastic and within reasonable price ranges. Below are some of the hotels that we had the chance to stay in, and they were really good.

Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel

This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Ha Long tourism, providing easy access to the beaches and famous landmarks. The rooms are of high quality and come equipped with services like a restaurant, bar, gym, and swimming pool. Room rates range from 1,500,000 VND to 2,300,000 VND per night.

Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel
Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel

Ha Long DC Hotel

Another 4-star hotel with a beautiful sea view, this hotel has 80 fully-equipped rooms with modern facilities like an indoor swimming pool and bar. Room rates start from 780,000 VND per night.

Ha Long DC Hotel
Ha Long DC Hotel

City Bay Palace Hotel

This hotel is conveniently located just 1 km from the center of Ha Long city, making it an ideal choice for many tourists. The modern and luxurious facilities ensure that guests have a comfortable and convenient stay. Room rates start from 650,000 VND per night.

City Bay Palace Hotel
City Bay Palace Hotel

Ha Long Park Hotel

This 2-star hotel is affordable and a great option if you’re unsure where to stay in Quang Ninh. The hotel provides comfortable facilities and services for guests, with room rates ranging from 500,000 to 900,000 VND per night.

Ha Long Park Hotel
Ha Long Park Hotel

Vân Nam Hostel

This hostel has 6 floors with 10 luxurious rooms, all of which have railings overlooking the sea and Cai Rong port. The rooms are fully equipped with furniture and facilities, making it a great choice for those visiting Dong Quan cave or participating in mountain climbing, swimming, and visiting Quan Lan and Co To islands. Room rates start from 400,000 VND per night.

Vân Nam Hostel
Vân Nam Hostel

In addition to these choices, there are many more options available in the city with even lower prices, starting from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per night. While they may not offer stunning views, these hotels still provide great facilities and service.

How long should you stay in Quang Ninh?

If you’re planning a trip to Quang Ninh, it’s recommended to spend at least 3-4 days if you’re going on a tour. However, if you want to relax and explore the area on your own, it’s best to go for a week since there are plenty of places to visit.

Based on personal experience, it’s suggested to travel to Quang Ninh from Hanoi in the evening and rest in the car, arriving in Quang Ninh the next morning. On the first day, visit Ha Long Bay and its islands by renting a luxurious yacht or a smaller one that’s still of good quality. It’s important to bring life jackets for safety.

There are many fun activities in Quang Ninh, we suggest to stay here above 1 week to explore them all
There are many fun activities in Quang Ninh, we suggest to stay here above 1 week to explore them all

In the evening, enjoy the famous seafood of the region. On the following days, explore at least one or two of the famous islands, go snorkeling, look for pearls, walk on the white sands, and swim in the blue sea.

If you have some money to spare, you can begin your trip with a tour of Ha Long Bay. You can either start from Hanoi or from Ha Long City. The tours usually cover many popular tourist spots and offer a lot of fun activities. You can choose from day trips, 2-day 1-night trips, or more flexible options. Once you’re done with the tour, you can spend the remaining time exploring the lesser-known local attractions.

Klook.com

Regarding travel expenses, the total cost for a trip to Quang Ninh is estimated to be around 7-10 million VND, depending on the services you choose. It’s advised not to trust cheap tours that cost 1.5 or 2 million VND as they tend to be like fast food tours. To ensure a quality experience, book tours from reputable providers.

ATM and Money Exchange in Quang Ninh

ATMs and Card Payment

Quang Ninh welcomes guests from all over the world, so it provides convenient transaction options for visitors. Finding an ATM in Quang Ninh is easy, and most ATMs accept international payment cards.

Currently, most hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and large entertainment areas in Ha Long City and Ha Long Bay accept payment by international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. These places usually display a sign indicating that they accept credit card payments at their front desk or sales counter.

Card payment is widely accepted in Quang Ninh
Card payment is widely accepted in Quang Ninh

However, some hotels, restaurants, small souvenir shops, market stalls, and some services such as entrance fees, taxis, and buses still only accept cash in Vietnamese Dong (VND). Therefore, if visitors need to use these services, they should prepare to bring or exchange their currency into VND for convenience when using them.

Foreign Currency Exchange

If you want to exchange foreign currency into Vietnam Dong, it’s recommended to do so at authorized places such as banks or licensed exchange offices. It’s important to note that exchanging money at unlicensed places, such as jewelry shops or hotels, is illegal and may result in counterfeit currency or other scams. Therefore, it’s advisable to exchange money only at authorized places to ensure a safe and reliable transaction.

Some of the addresses for your reference are:

Hotel NameLocationTelephone
Vinh Ha Long HotelHa Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3845209
Sai Gon Ha Long Hotel168 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3844845
Mithrin HotelHoang Quoc Viet Street, Hung Thang Residential Area, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3848 090
Heritage Ha Long Vinacomin Hotel88 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3846888
Asean Ha Long HotelHau Can Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3640027
Cong Doan Ha Long HotelHau Can Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3846780
Ha Long Pearl Joint Stock CompanyNo. 7, Don Dien Area, Ha Khau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3511519
Bo Hon Island, Ha Long Bay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 982 108565
Vung Vong Vieng, Ha Long Bay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 963313127
Ngoc Rong Souvenir ShopMarine Plaza Hung Thang Urban Area, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3846381
Legend Pearl Halong Bay238, Ha Long Street, Cau Trang, Dai Yen Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3696288
Cashier of Au Lac Quang Ninh Company LimitedTuan Chau Pier, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 36253668
Receptionist desk of Tuan Chau Five Star Yacht Joint Stock Company at Tuan Chau PierTuan Chau Pier, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3842368
Wyndham Legend Ha Long HotelArea I, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3515509
Muong Thanh Ha Long HotelLot 20, Dong Hung Thang Area, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3812468
Muong Thanh Quang Ninh HotelArea 2, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3646618
Legacy Yen Tu – Mgallery by SofitelYen Tu Relic Area, Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.+84 203 3621818

In addition to the list provided above, it’s easy to identify authorized currency exchange places by looking for signs or boards that indicate currency exchange services. These signs are usually displayed prominently at the front desk or in an easily visible location, making them easy to identify and trust.

Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Quang Ninh

  • 24/7 Ha Long Tourism Hotline: 0911 619 066 – 0866 19 16 16 (Vietnamese – English – Chinese)
  • Email: [email protected] 
  • Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
  • Police: 113
  • Fire Department: 114
  • Ambulance and Medical support: 115
  • Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency

Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Quang Ninh travel guide

  • If you find yourself out at sea or on remote islands, your mobile phone signal may be weak or completely blocked. To ensure you stay connected, we recommend using a Viettel Sim Card as it has the strongest and most extensive coverage in these areas. For more information, you can check out our guides on how to pick up a SIM card for Vietnam travelers.
  • Avoid traveling to Co To Island during windy and stormy weather, as boats may not run due to large waves.
  • Compare the prices of souvenirs in multiple stores before making a purchase, as some tourist shops may overcharge.
  • Prepare appropriate clothing and sunscreen for the hot summer days.
  • Choose a reasonable time to travel and check the weather forecast to avoid stormy days.
  • Help protect the marine environment by not littering or polluting the sea when visiting the islands.
  • Wear neat and conservative clothes when visiting places of worship.
  • Only bring enough cash to avoid loss, damage, or theft.
  • Remember to bring identification, especially your ID card, passport, and driver’s license.
  • Don’t forget to bring a power bank to recharge your phone when needed.
Quang Ninh Travel Guide
Quang Ninh Travel Guide

Chau Nguyen
When I'm not exploring new horizons, I morph into a wordsmith crafting captivating blogs, finding solace in the embrace of a coffee corner nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

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