Bai Chay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long City's main tourist district on the west side, with hotels, restaurants, and easy port access.

Places in Bai Chay

Cua Vàng Restaurant A long-standing local favourite for fresh seafood and bay views, known for grilled squid and crab-fried rice.
H Club and Valley Beach Club The best-known evening venues in Bai Chay for music and drinks after a day on the water.

Best time to visit: March, April, September, and October bring the clearest skies and calmest seas for cruising among the karsts.
Getting around: Most visitors arrive via a shuttle bus directly from Hanoi to the bay's departure ports, arranged as part of a cruise package.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language: Vietnamese. English is common in tourism.
Timezone: ICT (UTC+7)
Current trends: Luxury cruise operators have continued adding larger vessels through 2025 and 2026, some over 100 metres with multiple decks, elevators, and full hotel-style amenities, alongside the traditional smaller wooden junks.

Bai Chay departure area — The main port town for boarding Ha Long Bay cruises, with hotels catering to travellers arriving from Hanoi.
Hon Gai — A district with vibrant public markets and local boating life, close to the bay and marina.