Halong Bay is an even more popular tourist destination than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with its limestone islands emerging from the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
With its mysterious caves, fine sandy beaches and water activities, this region of Vietnam is a true paradise for all visitors.
However, to choose the best place to stay to visit Halong Bay, it is better to know the areas to favor and those to avoid.
This is the practical information you will find in this article!
Areas to Stay for Halong Bay Cruise
There are several cruise ports in Halong Bay, the two main ones being:
- Halong International Cruise Port : The most recent, located in the center of the Bai Chay tourist area
- Tuan Chau Port : The largest cruise port in Halong located without the Tuan Chau district
If you have limited time in Halong Bay, it will be best to choose your hotel close to the port from where your cruise ship will depart.
1- Bai Chay district
The Bai Chay district is known for its luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It's the perfect area for travelers seeking comfort and entertainment.
During the day, you can stroll along the palm-lined promenade, which offers great views of the bay. You can also visit the local market, where you can discover the fresh produce and culinary specialties of the region.
In the evening, the Bai Chay district comes alive with bars, nightclubs and light shows on the water. It is the perfect place for a festive and unforgettable evening.
Here is the recommended hotel near Halong International Cruise Port :
Vincent Halong Hotel (10-minute walk from the pier).
2 – Tuan Chau District
The Tuan Chau district is one of the main gateways to Halong Bay. Located on an island, it is easily accessible by car or boat. This district is renowned for its fine sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and numerous water sports activities.
One of the main attractions in Tuan Chau is the water theme park, which offers a multitude of slides, pools and entertainment for the whole family. Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy kayaking, scuba diving or boat trips around the bay's islands.
For visitors seeking peace and quiet, the Tuan Chau district also offers beautiful walks along the coast, with magnificent viewpoints over the bay. The sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Here is the recommended hotel near Tuan Chau Port : Union Inn+ Hotel
Other areas to stay when visiting Halong Bay
If you have several days to visit Halong Bay, here are two other interesting options:
3 – Cat Ba Island (my favorite)
Staying on Cat Ba Island is ideal for visiting Lan Ha Bay while enjoying a more complete and authentic experience of the region.
Indeed, Cat Ba Island is located in the heart of Lan Ha Bay (as beautiful as Halong Bay).
The pier located in Ben Beo allows you to reach Halong Bay in a few minutes by boat.
Many Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from Cat Ba, allowing you to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery, floating villages and sunsets.
In addition to exploring Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba offers many activities such as hiking in the national park, swimming on its beaches, rock climbing, and kayaking. This makes it easy to combine visiting the bay with other experiences.
On the other hand, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island are considered quieter and less touristy than Halong Bay, offering a more authentic experience.
Several accommodations offer exceptional views of Lan Ha Bay in Cat Ba:
- Flamingo Cat Ba Resorts : Located on two beautiful beaches, this hotel offers panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay.
- Hotel Perle D’Orient Cat Ba – MGallery : This elegant hotel on Cat Co 3 beach offers spectacular views of the bay.
4 – Halong Center for cheap accommodation
Halong Centre is the economic heart of the region. It is also a lively area with many attractions and activities.
This is the historic district which houses many temples and pagodas, witnesses to the rich Vietnamese history.
For shopping enthusiasts, Halong Central Market is a must-see, offering a wide range of local crafts, souvenirs and fresh produce.
Areas to avoid in Halong Bay
The Cảng Hòn Gai area is the only place to avoid for a tourist stay.
In fact, this area lacks tourist infrastructure, entertainment and activities.
This can make it impractical and less attractive to visitors.