Ha Long City Guide: Bai Chay, Sun World & Halal Food Near Halong Bay (2026)
What is there to do in Ha Long City? Ha Long is the coastal town that serves as the gateway to Halong Bay, about 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi by expressway. Most visitors stay in Bai Chay, the tourist side with hotels, the cruise port and Sun World Ha Long, while Hon Gai across the bridge is the older administrative and coal-mining side with the Quang Ninh Museum. For Muslim travellers it is the place to find halal meals before and after a cruise, as almost all of the area’s halal restaurants are in Bai Chay.
Note: in July 2025 Vietnam removed district-level government, so the former Ha Long City is now a group of wards (Bai Chay, Hong Gai, Tuan Chau and others) of Quang Ninh province. “Ha Long” remains the name everyone uses for the destination.
Why Spend Time in Ha Long City
- Sun World Ha Long and the Queen Cable Car give the best panoramic view of the bay from land.
- It is the base for day cruises and overnight cruises from Tuan Chau and the Ha Long International Cruise Port.
- Bai Chay has the region’s only certified halal restaurant and several Indian and Malaysian options.
- The Quang Ninh Museum is one of the most striking modern buildings in Vietnam.
Ha Long City at a Glance
| Location | Quang Ninh province, about 155–170 km east of Hanoi |
| Getting there | 2.5–3 hours by car via the Hanoi–Hai Phong and Hai Phong–Ha Long expressways |
| Nearest airport | Van Don International Airport, about 50 km east |
| Areas | Bai Chay (west: hotels, Sun World, cruise port), Hon Gai (east: museum, markets), Tuan Chau (island marina) |
| Queen Cable Car | About 380,000 VND per adult (2026); hours vary by season — check sunworld.vn |
| Quang Ninh Museum | 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00; adults about 40,000 VND |
| Time needed | Half a day to one day, plus the cruise |
| Mosque | None known in Quang Ninh; nearest is Al-Noor Mosque in Hanoi |
Top Things to Do in Ha Long City
1. Queen Cable Car and Sun World Ha Long
Opened in 2016, the 2,165-metre Queen Cable Car crosses the bay from Bai Chay to Ba Deo hill. It set two world records, for the tallest tower (188.88 m) and the largest cabin (230 passengers) of its type. At the top are gardens, a large Ferris wheel and views over the islands. Food inside the park is not halal, so eat before you go.
2. Bai Chay Bridge and the Seafront
The cable-stayed bridge joining Bai Chay and Hon Gai replaced the old car ferry and is lit up at night. The Bai Chay seafront promenade is pleasant for an evening walk after Maghrib.
3. Quang Ninh Museum
Opened in 2013, the black-glass building designed by Spanish architect Salvador Pérez Arroyo covers the province’s nature, history and coal-mining heritage over three floors. It is a good rainy-day option.
4. Tuan Chau Island
Linked to the mainland by a causeway, Tuan Chau has the international marina where many cruises depart, plus beaches and resorts.
5. Bai Chay Beach
An artificial sandy beach in front of the hotels; families come for the sunset rather than swimming.
Halal Food and Prayer in Ha Long
Nan n Kabab in Bai Chay became the first restaurant in Quang Ninh certified by Vietnam’s national halal certification centre (HALCERT) in 2025; other halal options are listed in our guide to halal restaurants in Halong. There is no mosque in the province, so pray at your hotel or on board your cruise; a compass app gives the qibla (roughly west-north-west).
Best Time to Visit
March–May and September–November are the most comfortable months. June to October is the storm season, with the highest risk from July to September, when cruises can be cancelled at short notice. December–February is cool (around 17–18°C) and often misty.
Plan Your Visit with Hanoi Muslim Tours
Every Hanoi Muslim Tours itinerary is private and planned around prayer times, with halal meals booked in advance and an English-speaking guide who knows which sights suit Muslim families. See our Halong Bay travel guide for Muslim travellers, browse Halong Bay Muslim Tour 2 Days 1 Night, Halong Bay Halal Cruises, or Contact Hanoi Muslim Tours Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ha Long City
1. How far is Ha Long City from Hanoi?
About 155–170 km, or 2.5–3 hours by car on the expressway.
2. Is Ha Long City the same as Halong Bay?
No. Ha Long is the town on the coast; Halong Bay is the sea and islands you explore by boat from the town.
3. Where should I stay, Bai Chay or Hon Gai?
Bai Chay, for hotels, the cruise port, Sun World and halal restaurants.
4. Are there halal restaurants in Ha Long?
Yes, mostly in Bai Chay, including Nan n Kabab, certified by HALCERT in 2025.
5. Is there a mosque in Ha Long?
We know of no mosque in Quang Ninh province; the nearest is Al-Noor Mosque in Hanoi.
6. How much is the Queen Cable Car?
About 380,000 VND per adult in 2026; check Sun World’s website for current prices and hours.
7. Which airport is closest?
Van Don International Airport, about 50 km away.
8. Is Ha Long worth a night on land?
Yes, if you want to see Sun World and the museum, or to break the journey before an early cruise.
