Halong Night Market: A Complete Guide to Experiencing Halong Bay’s Vibrant Nights

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During your stay in Ha Long Bay, the bustling Ha Long Night Market should undoubtedly secure a spot on your list of top activities. This travel guide aims to provide essential insights into this lively market, ensuring you make the most of your time by indulging in local delights, finding special mementos for loved ones, and relishing the energetic atmosphere that paints the bay’s nights.

If you are seeking the heartbeat of Ha Long’s nightlife, this article is your gateway to an unforgettable experience at Ha Long Night Market.

Where is Ha Long Night Market?

• Location: Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
• Opening Hours: starts opening at 5 pm

Halong Night Market, also known as Bai Chay Quang Ninh Night Market, covers a total area of 5000 square meters, it is divided into 335 stalls offering souvenirs, exhibition spaces, culinary delights, cafes, and more. This expansive setup plays a crucial role in boosting the overall tourism development of Ha Long.

The night market opens in the early evening, but it reaches its peak hustle and bustle between 9:00 PM and midnight, drawing in hundreds of visitors into a dynamic spectacle. This is the prime time when food stalls and souvenir shops are most lively.

Initially, just a makeshift market located by the sea, the Ha Long night market underwent significant development planning since 2015. 

Best Local Food to Eat at Ha Long Night Market

Once you’ve arrived in this coastal city, why not indulge in a plethora of fresh seafood offerings at the local stalls? Here’s a list of specialties that you’re sure to savor when exploring the Ha Long night market:

Squid Cake with Steamed Rice Rolls: 

A unique dish exclusive to Ha Long, squid cake with steamed rice rolls presents a distinctive twist. In contrast to other Northern provinces, where steamed rice rolls are paired with pork cake, Ha Long serves them with chewy squid cake. Golden brown and aromatic, these squid cakes are a must-try.

Fresh Local Seafood Dishes: 

Indulge in the delightful seafood offerings at Ha Long Night Market, prepared through various cooking methods such as deep frying, pan frying, grilling, boiling, and steaming. Served with distinct sauces, the tantalizing taste and aroma of seafood here are sure to leave a lasting impression. Despite the remarkably affordable prices for each dish, the quality is exceptionally flavorful, leaving you delightfully savoring each bite.

Authentic Local Street Food: 

Ha Long Night Market introduces you to a myriad of street snacks, including Vietnamese water drift cake, mussel porridge, Ha Long pearl yogurt, and pillowcake. Affordable prices make this night market a foodie’s paradise.

What Things to Buy in Ha Long Night Market?

If you find yourself at the Ha Long night market, consider purchasing some souvenirs to bring back as gifts for friends and family. Here are a few items worth considering:

• Ha Long Local Specialties: Dive into the specialty section to discover unique offerings like dried squid, tamarind squid, yellowstripe scad, bird’s nest, and dried seahorse. These distinctive local products make for memorable gifts, with prices ranging from 50,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND.

• The Brocade Products: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of beautiful brocade clothes and bags available at Ha Long Night Market. Priced at around 200,000 VND per product, these stalls offer an array of choices, attracting the attention of numerous tourists, especially those with an eye for foreign cultures.

• Souvenirs: On the first floor of the Ha Long night market, you’ll find a wide array of souvenirs. Here, you can easily purchase items such as lacquer paintings, pearl bracelets, wind chimes made from seashells, keychains, and more – all beautifully crafted and visually striking.

Tourist Attractions Near Ha Long Night Market

Extend your exploration beyond the night market by visiting nearby attractions that complement the allure of Ha Long Bay: 

• Bai Chay Old Quarter: Resembling the old quarters of Hanoi and Hoi An, Bai Chay Old Quarter boasts unique architecture, beautiful design, and captivating walking pathways. A perfect spot for those seeking a blend of history and modernity.
  
• Bazaar Night Market Ha Long: Located at Sun Carnaval Square, Bazaar Night Market sprawls over 10,014 square meters with 333 stalls. Revel in the diverse offerings, from street food and handicrafts to souvenirs. The market even hosts impressive musical water performances.
  
• Halong My Gia Western Street: Located in Hon Gai area, Halong My Gia Western Street captures the essence of diverse cultures. This street, styled after the “Colors of five continents,” seamlessly combines the nostalgic vibe of Hanoi Old Quarter with the vibrant atmosphere of Bui Vien Western Street in Ho Chi Minh City.
  
• The Museum of Quang Ninh: A unique attraction in the Ha Long travel itinerary, the Quang Ninh Museum stands as a mysterious black pearl with its distinctive 3-story architecture. Ideal for history enthusiasts, the museum offers insights into the rich history and development of Quang Ninh Province.

Helpful Tips for the Best Experience at Ha Long Night Market

Before embarking on your adventure at Ha Long Night Market, consider these essential tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience:

• Bargaining Tactics: Sharpen your bargaining skills as prices are often negotiable. Aim to bring down the initially offered prices by 20% or even 50% to secure the best deals on your purchases.

• Choose comfortable athletic shoes like sneakers or flat sandals instead of high heels when exploring the Ha Long night market to keep your feet comfortable while walking through the large 5000m2 market.
• Secure Your Belongings: Especially during peak seasons when the market is bustling with visitors, keep a close eye on your personal belongings. Use a secure bag or backpack and remain vigilant to avoid any mishaps.
• Check the Weather: Before heading to Ha Long Night Market, check the weather forecast. Being a seaside destination, the weather can influence your experience, and knowing what to expect will help you plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Ha Long night market is a source of pride for the locals and a noteworthy experience for international tourists. It truly stands out as a destination worth exploring for any traveler. I hope that the insights I’ve compiled here regarding the night market will contribute to making your visit to Ha Long a joyful one.

Feel free to bookmark this article if you find it helpful and share it with others to prepare for this fantastic experience!

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