What To Expect At Ha Long Night Market

Dear travelers, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Vietnam’s tourism. Amidst its ethereal landscape of limestone karsts and isles, there lies a nocturnal wonder, the Ha Long Night Market. Consider this blog your friendly companion, guiding you through the buzzing streets of this vibrant market. It’s not just a market; it’s a journey into the heart of Ha Long’s culture, lit by the soft glow of lanterns and the warm smiles of locals. Let’s dive into this nocturnal wonderland together, shall we?

Where is the Night Market in Ha Long?

The Ha Long night market, also known as Bai Chay Night Market in Quang Ninh, is a well-known destination for tourists visiting and exploring Ha Long Bay. Here, visitors can experience interesting activities, enjoy various delicious dishes, and pick up unique souvenirs to take home.

• Location: Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.
• Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Previously, this area was just a makeshift market with a few temporary stalls. In 2015, the market was officially opened and quickly became one of the most attractive tourist spots in the Bay Area. When you visit the Ha Long Night Market, you’ll feel the bustling atmosphere with sellers and buyers bustling around.

The planned area of the market covers up to 5,000m2, with 335 stalls selling a variety of goods, from handbags to toys, souvenirs, and food stalls. The first floor is dedicated to souvenir displays and sales, while the second floor focuses on food, selling various seafood, cafes, and snack stalls.

With the allure of being the leading tourist city in the North, the Ha Long Night Market has been invested in extensively, contributing to promoting the image of Ha Long Bay tourism to domestic and international visitors.

How to Get to Ha Long Night Market?

To get to the Ha Long Night Market, you can use the Google Maps app for directions. The market is located next to Cai Dam Market, so you can visit both markets in one trip. If you choose to travel by motorcycle or car from the city center, you can take Cai Lan Road, then turn at the intersection and drive about 3km further to reach the night market. Alternatively, for convenience, you can book a ride-sharing service or a taxi to reach the market.

What to Expect

Your Ha Long itinerary must include a visit to the night market. Here, you can indulge in shopping, enjoy delicious food, and satisfy your hunger with a variety of Ha Long specialties.

Souvenir Shopping and Handicrafts

The Ha Long night market is an ideal paradise for shopping enthusiasts. There are many stalls selling handicrafts and various Ha Long specialties, including:

Handicrafts and souvenirs: The night market offers many exquisitely crafted handicrafts from local artisans. You can buy beautifully woven handicrafts such as handbags, clothing, scarves, etc.

Ha Long specialties: You can choose from a variety of Quang Ninh specialties as gifts for family and friends, such as shredded squid, sun-dried squid, yellow stripe trevally fish, Ha Long squid cakes, sea cucumbers, dried shrimp, etc. Not only are the products diverse, but the prices at the market are also very affordable.

Souvenirs: In addition to specialties and handicrafts, the Ha Long night market also has many souvenirs for you to buy as gifts, such as wind chimes made from shells, lacquer paintings, keychains, pearl necklaces, etc.

Food Tour at Ha Long Night Market

At the night market, you’ll definitely be drawn to the numerous food stalls offering various Quang Ninh specialties. If you’re wondering what to eat at the Ha Long night market, you can enjoy seafood noodles, rolled squid cake rolls, or Ha Long pearl tapioca pudding.

In particular, the night market is also a paradise for many dishes made from Ha Long seafood. You can delight your hungry stomach with clam porridge, grilled oysters, stir-fried squid, steamed shrimp, seaweed salad, etc. Most seafood restaurants in the Ha Long night market sell by weight and offer affordable dining options.

Moreover, the food area at the night market also has many stalls serving delicious snacks at super affordable prices, such as dumplings, savory pancakes, stuffed pancakes, mixed sweet soup, fried spring rolls, etc. Surely, a food tour at the night market will allow you to “enlighten” your taste buds.

Read More: Things To Do In Ha Long Bay

Visiting Ha Long Marine Plaza

The night market is located within the Ha Long Marine Plaza commercial and entertainment complex. Therefore, besides experiencing cuisine and shopping, tourists can also participate in entertainment activities at the T-club Club, or watch movies at the CGV International Standard Cinema.

Moreover, Ha Long Marine Plaza also offers a diverse culinary space. From fast food restaurants like Lotteria to traditional restaurants with many dishes featuring the characteristic flavors of each region.

Other Interesting Night Spots in Ha Long

In addition to the night market, Ha Long offers many other interesting and attractive night spots. Let’s explore some of these exciting destinations:

Bars and Pubs along the Coastline

If you’re wondering what to do in Ha Long at night, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the bars and pubs along the Bai Chay coastline to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can immerse yourself in fiery music, enjoy fine wines, and indulge in many Ha Long specialties. Especially, the bars and clubs along the Bai Chay coast all have sea views, allowing tourists to admire the sea at night and enjoy the cool breeze.

Bai Chay Bridge

After exploring the Ha Long night market, you can visit Bai Chay Bridge to admire the sparkling beauty of the city as the night falls. From above, you’ll see the shimmering lights, with boats anchored on the river creating an unusually peaceful scene.

Bai Chay Bridge in Quang Ninh is also the largest cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam, possessing a unique architecture. The bridge is 903m long and stands 50m above sea level. In the evening, the LED lighting system on both sides of the bridge creates a sparkling and magical picture.

Ha Long Old Quarter

Ha Long Old Quarter is also one of the most interesting night spots that you shouldn’t miss. Here, you’ll witness the reenactment of the old streets of Hanoi and Hoi An in a very sophisticated way. The old quarter is open 24/7, so after exploring the Ha Long night market, you can come here to experience the ancient charm of the streets under the sparkling lights.

What to Note When Visiting Ha Long Night Market?

To have a complete journey exploring the night market, here are some small notes you should keep in mind:

• Although security at the night market is quite good, you should still be careful with personal belongings such as phones, wallets, etc., to prevent pickpocketing.
• At the night market, many handicraft items or souvenirs are often priced quite high. Therefore, before purchasing items, you should ask for prices and negotiate with the seller to avoid being pressured into buying at a high price.
• The market area is quite spacious, so to move around and explore many stalls conveniently, you should wear comfortable clothes and prioritize wearing flat shoes or sandals, avoiding high heels.
• Stalls selling souvenirs at the market often display fragile products, so you should handle them gently when viewing and trying them out. Especially, don’t forget to ask for permission from the store owner if you want to try them out!

Bonus Tip: Combine your visit to the market with a daytime cruise around Ha Long Bay for a full experience of this magnificent region.

Conclusion

The Ha Long Night Market isn’t just a place to buy things; it’s where Vietnam’s soul dances under the stars. Here, every scent, sound, and sight weaves into the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese culture. This is an ideal paradise for tourists to visit, shop and experience many Ha Long specialties. It’s a mosaic of moments waiting to be discovered by shopaholics, food lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

FAQs

Are there food stalls at Ha Long Night Market?

Absolutely! The Ha Long Night Market is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering an array of mouth-watering options. As you stroll through the market, you’ll be enticed by the tantalizing aromas of local Vietnamese cuisine. The food stalls here serve a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary dishes. You can indulge in fresh, grilled seafood – a specialty of Ha Long Bay – or savor the flavors of classic street food like Banh Mi, Pho, and spring rolls. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some local sweets and desserts, such as Che (Vietnamese sweet soup).

Can I bargain at Ha Long Night Market?

Yes, bargaining is a common and accepted practice at the Ha Long Night Market. Vendors often expect a bit of friendly haggling, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. However, it’s important to approach this with a respectful and courteous attitude. Start by offering a lower price than what is asked, but be reasonable and fair in your negotiations. Keep in mind that while it’s part of the shopping experience, the goal is to reach a price that is acceptable to both you and the vendor. This way, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market and leave with some great deals and memorable experiences.

Are there any entertainment options at Ha Long Night Market?

Indeed, the Ha Long Night Market isn’t just about shopping and dining; it’s also a lively hub of entertainment. As you meander through the market, you’ll likely encounter various forms of local entertainment that add to the vibrant atmosphere. Street performers often grace the market, showcasing traditional Vietnamese music and dance, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Additionally, some stalls and nearby areas may host impromptu performances or interactive activities, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.