Just over two hours from Hanoi via expressway, Ha Long is a prime choice for short getaways. A unique appeal of the city is the opportunity to experience two distinct atmospheres, separated by the Bai Chay Bridge.

Bai Chay represents modernity with its resorts, beaches, and entertainment areas. In contrast, Hon Gai captivates visitors with its old food streets, spiritual sites, and the everyday life of its coastal residents.

The two areas are located approximately 5-7 kilometers apart, translating to a 10-15 minute drive by oto. Visitors can easily combine sightseeing, dining, and relaxation within one trip using a personal car, taxi, or electric car.

Nguyen Thanh Tuan, a Ha Long tour guide, suggests a 48-hour itinerary to explore Hon Gai and Bai Chay.

Bai Chay beach overlooking Ha Long Bay. Photo: Phoebe

Day one

Morning

Start your day with a local breakfast of bun cu ky noodle soup in the Cai Dam area of Bai Chay. Cu ky, a crab-like seafood, features firm claw meat and rich roe, making it a must-try specialty. The broth, made from pureed cu ky, offers a rich flavor.

Lunch and afternoon

Enjoy lunch at Yulong Mansion, which serves handmade dimsum and seafood dishes prepared by a Cantonese chef. After resting, travel to Hon Gai to visit Long Tien Pagoda and Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple. Located at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, these spiritual sites reflect the mining region's historical significance.

Local sea cucumber dish combined with Cantonese-style aspic. Photo: Phoebe

Evening

Visitors have two options: Enjoy cocktails at the Sky bar on the 10th floor of Roku restaurant, offering panoramic bay views from above; or embark on a four-hour cruise (tickets priced at 950,000 VND per person) to admire Ha Long Bay at night and savor a buffet dinner.

Late at night in Hon Gai, stop by Oc Gat Gu snail restaurant, opposite Quang Ninh Museum, to try grilled lion's paw snails and moon snails with fish sauce. The restaurant remains open until 1 AM the next day.

Sky bar in Bai Chay overlooking the sunset on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung

Day two

Morning

Have breakfast at Banh Cuon Cha Muc Goc Bang. This eatery, located in alley one, Nha Hat Street, Bach Dang ward, Hon Gai, has been operating for over 40 years. The freshly steamed rice rolls come with shrimp, pork, and wood ear mushroom filling, with a vegetarian option available upon request. A distinctive feature of the restaurant is its hand-pounded squid cakes, which maintain a firm texture unlike those made from ground squid.

Banh cuon cha muc Goc Bang. Photo: Tam Anh

After breakfast, visitors can explore Cai Dam Market. This market hosts numerous vendors selling fresh seafood and dried goods like dried squid, peanut worms, and packaged squid cakes, ideal for souvenirs.

Lunch

Travel to the Hon Gai side for lunch. Hong Hanh family restaurant offers a diverse menu of fresh seafood, with prices starting from 500,000 VND per person. Visitors should book one day in advance, as the restaurant is often fully booked.

Travel tips

Accommodation: Prioritize staying in Bai Chay for convenient access to evening entertainment venues.

Transportation: In addition to personal cars, visitors can opt for a Hanoi - Ha Long limousine service, offering door-to-door pickup for 250,000 - 300,000 VND one way.

Mai Phuong