Where To Stay In Ha Long Bay 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Ha Long Bay.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay first time?
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay with family?
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for backpackers?
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for couples?
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for nightlife?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay
| Name of the area in Ha Long Bay | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Ha Long City is the main city in the area and serves as a gateway to Ha Long Bay. It’s home to all sorts of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. You’ll find various restaurants, markets, and shops here, making it the most convenient area for first-time travellers. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Many travelers book an overnight cruise to truly witness the beauty of Ha Long Bay. There are several ways to explore Ha Long Bay, but an overnight cruise is a combination of outdoor activities and enjoying delicious seafood, all organized by local experts. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, and cave exploring. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Tuan Chau Island is the best option for those who want to stay on an island when visiting Ha Long Bay. It’s a developed tourist area with resorts, beaches, and entertainment facilities. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a resort experience with easy access to the bay. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Another option for those who want to stay on an island in Ha Long Bay is Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the area, which offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Ha Long City. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails in Cat Ba National Park, and opportunities for kayaking and other water activities. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This beach area is located near Ha Long City and is known for its long stretch of sandy shoreline. It’s a popular spot for swimming and relaxing by the sea, with several resorts and restaurants nearby. It’s a great alternative to Ha Long City with a more relaxed vibe, while still having good access to the convenience of the city. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you’re interested in luxury accommodations and easy access to cruises around Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Marina is an excellent choice. Many upscale resorts and hotels are located here, and all of them offer incredible views of the bay. An amazing option, if your budget allows it. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | While primarily a port area, Hon Gai is also home to some hotels and accommodations. It’s a quieter option compared to Ha Long City, offering a more local atmosphere and easy access to boat tours and cruises. If you’re traveling on a budget, this is an excellent option. |
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay first time
The best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay first time are Ha Long City, Tuan Chau Island, and Cat Ba Island.
For the majority of the tourists, these three areas are the most convenient ones.
Ha Long City is the main city and serves as the gateway to Ha Long Bay.
It comes with all the comforts and conveniences you can think of.
Tuan Chau Island is the most developed island in Ha Long Bay, and the best option for those who want to stay on an island with easy access to the bay.
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and offers beautiful beaches, water activities, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Now, many travellers prefer to stay on an Overnight Cruise, which is completely organized by local experts where you combine outdoor activities with beautiful views and delicious food.
There are other areas worth considering too.
Bai Chay Beach is located near Ha Long City and is a great option for those who want to combine the convenience of the city with beach life.
Tuan Chau Marina is the perfect option for those who want to stay in a luxurious area with easy access to the cruises.
And lastly, Hon Gai Port is a local alternative for those travelling on a budget.
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay with family
The best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay with family are Tuan Chau Island, Cat Ba Island, and Bai Chay Beach.
When travelling with kids in this region, it’s always good to have access to the beach.
Tuan Chau Island is an island with a developed tourist infrastructure.
Many resorts here cater specifically to families, offering amenities such as children’s pools, playgrounds, and organized activities.
Cat Ba Island‘s laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty make it a great destination for families seeking outdoor adventures.
The island’s national park offers hiking trails suitable for all ages, and there are opportunities for kayaking, boat trips, and swimming.
If you still prefer to stay close to the convenience of Ha Long City, stay at Bai Chay Beach instead.
It’s located not far from the city, however, you have access to the beach and its calm waters.
You can also find an Overnight Cruise suitable for families, which is one of the best ways to witness the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay for backpackers are Cat Ba Island and Hon Gai Port.
Cat Ba Island is by far the most popular area among backpackers.
It’s the largest island in Ha Long Bay and it offers beautiful beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of affordable accommodations.
A great alternative is Bai Chay Beach, located near Ha Long City, where you can find beachfront bars.
It’s a great area to combine beach life with the convenience of the city and you can find all sorts of accommodations here, including hostels.
Hon Gai Port is an area where you won’t find that many tourists, but it does offer affordable accommodations and a local atmosphere.
It also provides good access to boat tours and cruises.
Now, it is possible to find a reasonably priced Overnight Cruise, where you can easily meet fellow backpackers and enjoy the beauty of the region, as well as many outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for couples
The best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay for couples are Tuan Chau Marina, Tuan Chau Island, and Cat Ba Island.
Before I dive into these three great areas, it’s good to know that Ha Long Bay also offers an Overnight Cruise for couples.
It’s the best way to witness the beauty of the area and after a full day of outdoor activities, it’s time for a romantic dinner and sipping some cocktails during sunset.
But when it comes to great areas, the following three are by far the best options for the two of you.
Tuen Chau Marina is an upscale area where you can find incredibly romantic and luxurious hotels which all offer magnificent views of the bay.
Tuan Chau Island is a more accessible area for all budget classes and it’s the most developed island here.
You can combine boat tours, outdoor activities, and beach life with a resort-like experience.
For a more laid-back experience, Cat Ba Island is the best option, where you can also enjoy hiking trails in Cat Ba National Park, aside from the water activities this large island offers.
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Ha Long Bay for nightlife are Ha Long City and Cat Ba Island.
The best nightlife experience in Ha Long Bay is concentrated in the city (Ha Long City).
Here, you can find many bars, rooftop lounges as well as nightclubs.
It caters mainly to the locals, but tourists are welcome guests.
Another great area is Bai Chay Beach, which is located near the city and offers beachfront bars and cafes.
Cat Ba Island is a popular island among backpackers and younger travelers.
You can find several bars in the southern part of the island.
And although it’s a touristy nightlife scene, it’s incredibly easy to meet like-minded travelers here.
1a. Ha Long City
When it comes to convenience, Ha Long City is by far the best option to explore this region.
It’s incredibly easy to book your boat tours, cruises, and island-hopping excursions from here.
You can also find many accommodation options in all budget classes, as well as restaurants and other convenient amenities for tourists.
There are markets to discover where you can try local street food and seafood, and the city has a proper nightlife scene.
From Ha Long City, you can easily explore nearby attractions such as Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and other scenic spots in the region.
But although it’s an incredibly convenient area, it’s not always the first choice among tourists.
That’s because Ha Long Bay is home to several islands that offer a more holiday feeling than the city experience Ha Long City offers.
Ha Long City is also commercialized compared to the laid-back Cat Ba Island and other parts of Ha Long Bay.
So why should you choose this area?
When you want to visit several places in Ha Long Bay and combine it with an overnight cruise (next paragraph), Ha Long City is by far the best option.
Simply because it’s so convenient to organize everything from here.
If you rather stay in one place, with access to the beach, and enjoy a resort-like experience, then it’s recommended to stay in one of the islands.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
1b. Overnight Cruise
One of the best ways to witness the beauty of Ha Long Bay is by taking one of the many overnight cruises.
These cruises come in all price classes and cater to different target groups.
For example, you can find family-friendly cruises, ideal for families with younger kids, as well as budget-friendly cruises, ideal for backpackers.
During the day, there will be several activities, such as snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, and cave exploring.
In the evening, you can witness the sunset, enjoy a cocktail, and devour freshly caught seafood.
Everything is organized by local experts so that you can make the most of your stay at one of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights.
Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Some of the best overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Tuan Chau Island
Tuen Chau Island is another popular area in Ha Long Bay and offers the complete opposite of city life, namely a resort experience.
Those seeking a comfortable and indulgent stay won’t be disappointed.
You can find beachfront villas, private bungalows, and upscale hotels with rooms that offer stunning views of the bay.
But you can also find affordable and mid-range accommodation options too.
The area is home to several beautiful beaches, which are ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, and water activities.
Particularly Tuen Chau Beach is a popular stretch of sand.
As it’s a well-developed part of Ha Long Bay, you can expect all the conveniences of a carefree stay.
Booking a boat tour or a cruise to explore Ha Long Bay as well as other day trips can easily be done here.
In fact, Tuan Chau Island serves as a departure point.
The island also offers plenty of entertainment options and attractions to keep its guests entertained.
All while you have beautiful views of the bay.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s the tourist epicenter of Ha Long Bay which comes with higher costs and less authenticity.
Secondly, it lacks authenticity as everything caters to tourists.
When you’re staying in Ha Long City, you still interact with locals, discover local eateries, and enjoy nightlife with locals.
At Tuen Chau Island, you don’t have that.
But it sure is an incredibly convenient area for most tourists to witness the beauty of Vietnam’s famous bay.
And that’s the main reason why tourists visit Ha Long Bay.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Cat Ba Island
So far, I covered two areas that are particularly known for their convenience and comfort.
Cat Ba Island is particularly known for its natural beauty.
It’s Ha Long Bay’s largest island and home to stunning scenery, forests, limestone cliffs, and beaches.
You can explore Cat Ba National Park and hike to several scenic viewpoints.
The island offers a laid-back atmosphere and is the ideal destination to escape the crowds.
Cat Ba Island offers plenty of accommodations in all forms, from beachfront resorts to local guesthouses, and most of them offer stunning views of the sea.
When choosing this area as your base, you have fewer modern amenities, but in return, a far more authentic experience.
There are traditional fishing villages to explore where you can sample fresh seafood at local restaurants.
And in the evening, you can hit one of the bars in the southern part of the island to catch up with like-minded travelers.
The area also serves as a gateway to Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally beautiful area adjacent to Ha Long Bay.
Here, you can explore secluded coves, limestone karsts, and emerald waters, offering a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to Ha Long Bay.
When you combine all of this, you have the perfect ingredients for an excellent base for backpackers and younger travelers who seek a somewhat adventurous experience.
Just keep in mind that this area is less developed, meaning that you won’t find as many restaurants, tour operators, and modern amenities and facilities compared to the other parts of Ha Long Bay.
But that’s all part of the experience!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay Beach is located near Ha Long City.
That means it’s the best option for those who want to combine beach life with the convenience of Ha Long City.
To be fair, there are more beautiful beaches in areas like Cat Ba Island, but those don’t come with access to the city.
One of the major perks of Bai Chay Beach is the stunning views of Ha Long Bay’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
In this area, you can find all sorts of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and beachfront hotels to budget guesthouses and backpacker hostels.
As you can expect from a beach area, you can enjoy many beach activities and water sports, something that Ha Long City doesn’t offer.
You can even go for jet skiing and parasailing.
Bai Chay Beach is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars to keep you entertained.
In the evenings, the beachfront comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, although not as wild as Ha Long City.
Bai Chay Beach also serves as a convenient base for exploring Ha Long Bay and its surrounding attractions.
Is there anything not to like?
Well, in my personal opinion, Cat Ba Island is a better beach destination than Bai Chay Beach as it offers far more natural beauty and stunning beaches.
On the other hand, Cat Ba Island is less developed.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Tuan Chau Marina
If you’re looking for something luxurious, one of your best options is Tuan Chau Marina.
It’s also a major departure point for cruises and boat tours exploring Ha Long Bay.
Tuan Chau Marina offers breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters, too.
From here, you can easily visit other attractions in the Ha Long Bay area, including nearby islands, caves, and fishing villages.
As you can expect from an upscale area, you can find excellent dining options and bars.
And to keep you entertained, there are many water sports activities, and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.
Keep in mind that all of this comes with a premium price tag.
And the area itself lacks authenticity.
But most tourists who seek an upscale experience simply want comfort, and that’s exactly what this area offers.
If your budget allows it and you want a carefree holiday in the bay area, Tuan Chau Marina is the place you want to stay at!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Hon Gai Port
The last area that I recommend is Hon Gai Port and it’s the complete opposite of the previously recommended area.
Those who seek an authentic, local experience in the Ha Long Bay area and want a bit of an off-the-beaten-path experience, should consider staying here.
Hon Gai Port primarily serves as a commercial and transportation hub in Ha Long Bay.
While this isn’t as attractive for most travelers, you do have easy access to boats, ferries, and other modes of transport to explore the bay and its surrounding attractions.
You can also explore historical attractions such as the Long Tien Pagoda, Quang Ninh Museum, and Bai Tho Mountain from here.
The area is home to plenty of local eateries and street food stalls.
And one of the most important reasons why some travelers choose to stay here is because it offers plenty of affordable accommodations.
If you’re the type of traveler who loves to organize things on your own, explore the unseen parts, and don’t want to be in an area that mainly caters to tourists, this is the area you want to stay at.
With that being said, in some way, you can also do that on Cat Ba Island, where it’s easier to meet like-minded travelers and where you do have access to the beach.
Combining all of this it’s fair to say that Hon Gai Port is simply an alternative area for the adventurous traveler.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ha Long Bay in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.