Region in Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Limestone karst bay best seen on an overnight cruise or a day boat from Ha Long city or Cat Ba. Stunning scenery, but crowded cruises, weather cancellations and little to do for solo travelers on land.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$616–1,080Comfortable, one person · ₫16M–28MDetails
- Value for money94/100Better value than 93% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jun, 31°CDetails
- Internet301 MbpsFixed broadband, Vietnam medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water; cruises provide bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–46Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCruise operators and hotels take cards.Details
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bai Chay (Ha Long city) | Cruise departures, hotels and a tourist strip; functional, not charming |
| Cat Ba Island | Backpackers: hostels, kayaking, Lan Ha Bay cruises |
Apps that work in Ha Long Bay
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Works in Ha Long city; limited drivers elsewhere |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GrabFood | Limited to central Ha Long city |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Zalo
- VeXeRe: Booking buses and sleeper coaches
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce outside Bai Chay. Arrange hotel or cruise transfers in advance; metered taxis exist in Ha Long city.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Vietnam.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cruise operators and hotels take cards. Cash is needed for markets, boats, kayaks, small restaurants and Cat Ba.
- Currency: Dong (VND). US$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card fees run roughly 20,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal and limits are low (often 2–5 million VND); compare banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; VietQR needs a Vietnamese bank account or a linked regional banking app.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Vietnam
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.