Ha Long City has beautifully shed its old reputation as just a simple transit point for cruises. It has blossomed into a magnificent and exciting standalone destination in its own right! While the serene, natural beauty of the bay will always be the main star, the city itself now pulses with world-class theme parks, breathtaking high-altitude viewpoints, and rich, vibrant culinary streets. At Vietnamstory, we now love to curate these wonderful city experiences to provide cherished Indian travelers with the perfect “shore-side” balance to their tranquil and beautiful bay cruises. This guide will take you through all the best things to do in Ha Long City.
Sun World Ha Long Complex: A world of thrills with a breathtaking view
The Sun World complex is the largest and most modern entertainment hub in all of Northern Vietnam. It is a massive and exciting world of fun, divided into three distinct zones that are all connected by the incredible, record-breaking Queen Cable Car. This is the absolute number one attraction in the city, with something for every member of the family.
The Queen Cable Car and the mystic mountain
Your journey begins on the magnificent Queen Cable Car, which proudly holds the Guinness World Record for the largest cabin (it can hold up to 230 passengers!) and for having the tallest cable car pillar in the world (at an incredible 188.88 meters).
The cable car glides gracefully over the beautiful Cua Luc Bay at heights of over 200 meters, offering a spectacular and unique perspective of the bay. At the top, you can explore the beautiful and tranquil Zen Garden and the iconic Koi Bridge, and take a ride on the giant Sun Wheel, which reaches a height of 215 meters above sea level for a secondary, stunning panoramic vantage point.
The thrilling Dragon Park
This is the amusement park, and it is home to the incredible “Dragon’s Run,” which is the longest and most thrilling roller coaster in all of Asia. Your park ticket will give you unlimited access to all of the exciting rides.
The refreshing Typhoon Water Park
For the 2026 season, the water park will be reopening on March 31st. With its many slides and a giant wave pool, it is the ultimate and most fun family stop for cooling off before you head out for your evening cruise.
READ MORE: Sun World Ha Long Park: Complete guide for Indian travelers
The cultural landmarks and your urban adventures
For Indian travelers who are seeking a deeper connection to the rich heritage and the natural soul of our region, the city offers both incredible indoor treasures and thrilling outdoor climbs. These are the places where you can discover the history and the heart of our city.
Quang Ninh Museum (The famous “Black Pearl”)
- The stunning architecture: You cannot miss this building. It is a striking and incredibly modern “black mirror” glass building that has become a viral and must-visit photography spot for our Indian travelers.
- What’s inside: The museum has three magnificent floors that beautifully document our region’s rich coal mining history, the incredible marine biodiversity of the bay, and the vibrant cultures of our local ethnic communities. It is the absolute best rainy-day indoor activity in the city.
Bai Tho (Poem) Mountain hike
The official entrance to this mountain remains technically closed for conservation. However, unofficial access through the local residential alleys (look for the famous blue door on Hang Noi Street) is still common for the adventurous.
A steep but rewarding 20 – 40 minute hike will lead you to the definitive and most authentic “postcard view” of Ha Long, a place where the modern city skyline beautifully meets the ancient, majestic limestone karsts.
READ MORE: Poem Mountain Ha Long: The ultimate Ha Long Bay viewpoint
Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh
Just a short and scenic 30-minute drive from Ha Long City lies a true oasis of peace and relaxation. The Yoko Onsen is a world-class, authentic Japanese-style mineral bath resort. Here, you can immerse yourself in a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor pools that are filled with natural, mineral-rich hot spring water. The entire resort is designed with beautiful Japanese architecture, creating an incredibly serene and meditative atmosphere.
This is the perfect activity for a cooler day or for those who simply want to rejuvenate their body after a long day of travel. Soaking in the warm, healing waters while surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden is a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. Many of our Vietnamstory packages can include a half-day wellness retreat here.
The city’s spiritual sites
- Bao Hai Linh Thong pagoda: This is a beautiful and peaceful hilltop temple complex located near the Sun World hub, and it offers a wonderfully serene and “spiritual view” of the bay.
- Long Tien pagoda: Located at the base of Bai Tho Mountain, this is the city’s largest and most historic pagoda, showcasing beautiful and intricate Nguyen Dynasty architecture.
- Cai Bau pagoda: Located in the beautiful and quieter Vân Đồn district (near the new airport), the Cai Bau Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and peaceful Buddhist pagodas in our entire province. It is built in a stunning location, with its back against a lush green mountain and its front facing the serene, blue waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. This is an active place of worship, so you will feel a wonderful sense of peace and spirituality here. You can wander through the beautiful courtyards, admire the intricate architecture, and, most importantly, enjoy the absolutely breathtaking and panoramic views of the bay from the pagoda’s grounds. It is a wonderful place for quiet reflection and for taking some truly beautiful and serene photographs.
Ha Long at night: The city of bridges and vibrant markets
When the sun sets, Ha Long City transforms into a truly spectacular, light-filled wonderland. The city’s nightlife is a wonderful blend of modern marvels and traditional fun.
- Bai Chay bridge: This magnificent, iconic bridge is known for its synchronized and colorful LED light shows at night. It beautifully connects the “old” and more local Hòn Gai district with the “new” and bustling Bai Chay tourist hub.
- Ha Long Night Market (in Bai Chay): This is a massive, 5,000-square-meter market with hundreds of stalls. It is the best place to find beautiful souvenirs like pearls and Vietnamese silk. We recommend you politely bargain down about 30 – 40% to get a fair price.
- The Sun Premier Villa “Western street”: This is a very popular spot for late-night photography. It is a beautiful row of European-inspired, colorful buildings that are home to high-end cafes and stylish bars.
READ MORE: Bai Chay Market & Night Market: A Traveler’s Guide to Ha Long Shopping
Food and drink: A taste of the coast
The culinary scene in Ha Long City is, of course, dominated by the incredible bounty of the sea. But beyond the famous seafood, you will also find some unique local treats that you absolutely must try.
Famous fresh seafood
You cannot leave Ha Long without having a proper seafood feast! The main tourist area of Bai Chay is lined with fantastic seafood restaurants where you can see the day’s catch swimming in large water tanks. The experience is wonderfully interactive: you simply point to the live fish, crabs, prawns, or clams that you want, and the restaurant will cook them fresh for you, exactly how you like it-steamed with ginger, grilled over charcoal, or stir-fried with a delicious tamarind sauce.
The absolute signature dish of our city is Cha Muc (Grilled chopped squid). It is made from fresh squid that is hand-pounded into a paste, seasoned, and then deep-fried until it is golden and wonderfully chewy. You must try it!
Unique specialty yogurt
For a simple, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious local dessert, you must try our unique Ha Long specialty yogurt. It is different from the yogurt you might be used to. It is a smooth, slightly tangy yogurt that is served not with fruit, but with warm, sweet, and chewy tapioca pearls that have been cooked in a delicious coconut and ginger syrup. The contrast between the cool, tangy yogurt and the warm, sweet pearls is absolutely incredible.
You will find many small, dedicated yogurt shops all over the city. It is the perfect and most beloved local treat to enjoy after your dinner.
Vietnamstory’s tailored tips for Indian travelers
At Vietnamstory, we are experts at making sure every experience is perfectly comfortable and enjoyable for our cherished Indian guests. Here are our special tips, curated just for you.
- Navigating the seafood and your dietary needs: While Ha Long City is a true seafood haven (you must try the Grilled Squid!), we know that many of our guests are vegetarian. The restaurants in the Cai Dam area and at the Hai San Plaza are now very good at offering “no-shrimp-paste” options and can customize spicy seafood dishes to suit the Indian palate.
- Fun for the whole family: The nearby Tuan Chau Island (which is conveniently connected by a 2km bridge) is an ideal destination for families. It features fun dolphin shows, a circus, and the exciting King Kong Park.
- A quick guide to ticket prices (approximate):
- Queen Cable Car + Mystic Mountain: 380,000 VND (~₹1,300)
- Dragon Park: 150,000 VND
- Quang Ninh Museum: 40,000 VND
- Sun World Combo (All-in-one): 600,000 VND
A quick comparison: The city sights and your bay excursions
To help you plan your time, here is a simple comparison between spending your time in the city versus on a cruise in the bay.
| Feature | Ha Long City sights | Ha Long Bay cruises |
| The primary vibe | Urban energy, modern entertainment, and theme parks. | Natural serenity, ancient caves, and peaceful relaxation. |
| The accessibility | Very easy and walkable, or by a quick taxi (Grab) ride. | You will be traveling by a tender boat or a kayak. |
| Best for | Evening fun, family thrills, and a vibrant nightlife. | Deep relaxation, stunning photography, and a connection with nature. |
| Your rrainy day plan | High. The museums, malls, and indoor theme parks are perfect for a rainy day. | Low. You will likely stay on the boat and enjoy the misty views. |
Conclusion
The true magic of a modern Ha Long holiday lies in the perfect balance between its two incredible worlds. It is the beautiful harmony of spending your day in the serene, timeless, and natural wonder of the bay, and then spending your evening amidst the vibrant, modern, and thrilling energy of the city. Ha Long City provides the exciting pulse, the dazzling lights, and the world-class entertainment that beautifully complements the peaceful soul of the limestone karsts. To experience both is to experience the complete and unforgettable story of this destination.
Your travel story deserves to be an exciting and multi-dimensional one. Allow Vietnamstory to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India that showcase both the timeless natural beauty and the vibrant, modern spirit of our country. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your surprising and spectacular Ha Long story together.