Ha Long Bay , Vietnam

Half-day Vibrant Ha Long Heritage Tour

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(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Explore the vibrant Fish Market in Ha Long, where fresh seafood comes alive. Visit the Quang Ninh Provincial Museum to uncover the region's rich history and diverse cultures, showcasing over 10,000 artifacts. Discover the spiritual essence of Long Tien Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with historical significance, before concluding at Hon Gai Church, the largest church in Quang Ninh Province. Experience the unique blend of culture and history!

Experience Highlights:
Vibrant Fish Market: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and discover a variety of fresh seafood.
Quang Ninh Provincial Museum: Explore over 10,000 artifacts that tell the story of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Long Tien Pagoda: Visit this historic Buddhist temple and admire its beautiful architecture.
Hon Gai Church: Experience the grandeur of Quang Ninh's largest church, rebuilt after war destruction.

Available options

Private Tour

Private Tour <br/>Pickup included

Group Tour (max 15 pax/group)

Group Tour (max 15 pax/group) <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Travel insurance

Entrance fees

Bottled drinking water

Transfer and transportation as per itinerary

English speaking guides (other languages available upon request with surcharge)

Detailed itinerary

We will pick you up at your hotel and start our day with a visit to the vibrant Fish Market, where you can find all kinds of fresh seafood. Outside the market, we will walk along the wharf, watching colorful fishing ships unload their morning catch, immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere.

Stop 2

Next, we will visit the Quang Ninh Provincial Museum (closed on Mondays), which exhibits the early cultures of Ha Long, Ly, and Tran Dynasties, showcasing the rich heritage of Quang Ninh's ethnic groups. The museum highlights significant events from wartime history, the region's coal industry, and the revolutionary tradition of the working class in the mining area. Over the last 40 years, it has discovered and preserved over 10,000 artifacts, making it a treasure trove of historical information.

Our next stop is the largest pagoda at the base of Bai Tho Mountain in Ha Long City. Long Tien Pagoda, built in 1941, serves as a Buddhist temple and also features altars dedicated to the warriors of the Tran Dynasty and the Holy Mother of Three Palaces.

The day concludes with a visit to Hon Gai Church, the largest church in Quang Ninh Province, rebuilt after its destruction in 1972.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as: shopping, telephone, beverage, etc.

Tips and gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Maximum 1 child accompanied 1 adult, the 2nd child will pay the adult price.

Free for children 0-5 years old ; 50% off for children 6-10 years old

About Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. This natural wonder offers stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Northern Vietnam.

Top Attractions

Ha Long Bay Cruise

A cruise is the best way to experience the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Overnight cruises offer cabins, meals, and various activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-3 days Moderate to Expensive (5,000,000 VND to 30,000,000 VND per person)

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours Free (included in most cruise packages)

Ti Top Island

A small island with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Nature/Beach 2-3 hours Free (included in most cruise packages)

Cat Ba Island

The largest island in Ha Long Bay, offering hiking, kayaking, and a national park with diverse wildlife.

Nature/Adventure Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Ha Long Bay Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the bay's hidden corners, caves, and lagoons.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate (200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bun Cha Ha Long

Grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu

Ha Long Bay Squid

Freshly caught squid grilled or stir-fried with garlic and chili.

Dinner Seafood

Banh Da Cua Ha Long

Rice flour cakes topped with crab meat, quail eggs, and shrimp.

Snack Seafood

Nem Cuon Ha Long

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs, served with peanut sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Kayaking Rock climbing Caving Beach relaxation Spa treatments Sunset cruises Visiting local markets Exploring historical sites

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay due to pleasant weather, clear skies, and calm waters. It's ideal for cruising, kayaking, and exploring the bay's natural beauty.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ha Long Bay is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and when using public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Van Don International Airport • 50 km from Ha Long Bay
Noi Bai International Airport • 170 km from Ha Long Bay

By train

Ha Long Station

By bus

Hanoi's Giap Bat Bus Station, Ha Long Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect major towns and ports but are not the primary means of transportation for exploring the bay.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Halong City Tuan Chau Island Cam Pha

Day trips

Cat Ba Island

Within Ha Long Bay • Full day to overnight

Cat Ba Island offers hiking, kayaking, and a national park with diverse wildlife. It's a great escape from the crowds of Ha Long Bay.

Lan Ha Bay

Within Ha Long Bay • Full day

Lan Ha Bay is a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay, offering stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.

Hai Phong City

100 km from Ha Long Bay • Full day

Hai Phong City is a bustling port city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It's a great day trip for those interested in history and local life.

Festivals

Ha Long Bay International Film Festival • Annually in October Ha Long Bay Carnival • Annually in December Tet Festival • Annually in January or February (lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Book your cruise in advance, especially during peak season (October to December).
Choose a reputable cruise operator with good reviews and safety standards.
Bring a waterproof bag or dry bag to protect your belongings during boat tours and kayaking.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for exploring caves and rocky areas.
Carry small denominations of cash for tips, small purchases, and street food.