Ha Long City at a glance
Ha Long is the city on the Quang Ninh coast from which most bay trips set off. For visitors, two areas matter most: Bai Chay, the main tourist district with the Ha Long International Cruise Port and the Sun World park, and Tuan Chau, where some operators have their cruise centers.
This page is an independent guide, so it names areas rather than hotels. The best base depends on the pier on your voucher, and that pier differs by operator. Check it before you book a room.
Where to stay: Bai Chay or Tuan Chau
Choose by your departure pier and by how much time you want in town.
Bai Chay
The tourist district. Sun World gives its address on Ha Long Street in Bai Chay, and one cruise line lists its Ha Long office at the International Cruise Port there. A good base if your boat leaves from that port, or if you want the cable car and a beach nearby.
Tuan Chau
A cruise line lists its cruise center at 9 Ngoc Chau harbor in Tuan Chau. Sleeping here makes sense the night before a Tuan Chau departure. Do not assume a fixed transfer time from every hotel; ask the hotel or your operator.
Elsewhere in the city
Possible if your operator arranges a pickup. Ask whether it collects guests from city hotels before you choose.
Cruises and tours from Ha Long City
Day cruises and overnight trips that leave from Ha Long ports, with live prices and availability.
Which pier does your cruise use?
Piers differ by operator, and they are not interchangeable. Examples: Bhaya lists a cruise center in Tuan Chau, and Ambassador lists the International Cruise Port in Bai Chay. Routes in Bai Tu Long also start from Ao Tien and Cam Pha, as covered on our Bai Tu Long page. Do not assume a departure from Hon Gai.
At the Ha Long International Cruise Port a pier fee has been listed since 1 July 2026: VND 40,000 one way or VND 80,000 return, VAT included. It is separate from the bay sightseeing fee and from the ship's price, so ask whether it is included in your ticket.
Sun World and the cable car
Prices and closures changed in late 2026, so check before you plan a day around them.
| Item | Status and price |
|---|---|
| Queen cable car, return with Sun Hill | VND 380,000 adults, VND 280,000 children (operator price list, 2 April 2026) |
| Cable car hours | A reseller lists Monday to Friday 14:00 to 20:00 and weekends 09:00 to 20:00 for October to December 2026 |
| Cable car maintenance | Press reported 28 September to 2 October 2026, a reseller listed 5 to 9 October. The dates differ, so ask before you go |
| Dragon Park | Reported closed from 14 September 2026 |
| Water park | Closed for the season from 1 October 2026, with reopening announced for April 2027 but not guaranteed |
The operator's April page allowed a single ticket change for VND 20,000 with 48 hours' notice, while a reseller says date changes are not possible. The terms may depend on where you bought, so read the conditions on your own ticket.
Getting around
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cash is useful for small purchases and street sellers, while hotels, tour operators and many restaurants accept international cards. Do not count on cards at every harbor stall or island.
Grab cars and taxis have operated in Quang Ninh since August 2017. The app shows a fare in advance for cars, and tolls or parking may be added. Availability at every hour and every pier is not guaranteed, so line up your pickup if you have an early boat.
From Hanoi, limousine buses drop passengers at stops that include Tuan Chau, the Sun port and hotels in Bai Chay. Details and times are on the Hanoi guide. For what the trip itself costs and includes, see cruises compared or tours.
Going further
Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top
The classic stops on the bay, with fees and hours.
Weather and best time
Monthly averages and the storm season.
Bai Tu Long Bay
The routes, ports and islands to the northeast.
If your trip continues to Cat Ba Island, see getting to Cat Ba. The Lan Ha side of the bay is covered in the Lan Ha Bay guide.
Ha Long City: frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Bai Chay or Tuan Chau?
Stay near your departure pier. Bai Chay suits the International Cruise Port and the cable car. Tuan Chau suits operators with a cruise center there.
What is the port fee at the Ha Long International Cruise Port?
VND 40,000 one way or VND 80,000 return, including VAT, from 1 July 2026. Ask whether your ticket already includes it.
Is the cable car open?
The operator lists a return price of VND 380,000 for adults with Sun Hill. Maintenance periods were reported in late September and early October 2026, with conflicting dates, so check the schedule for your day.
Are Dragon Park and the water park open?
Dragon Park was reported closed from 14 September 2026, and the water park closed for the season on 1 October 2026 with an April 2027 reopening announced.
Can I use cards and Grab in Ha Long City?
Hotels, tour operators and many restaurants take cards, but carry cash for small purchases. Grab operates in Quang Ninh, with fares shown in advance, though availability can vary.