Quan Lan island

Quan Lạn Island belongs to Bái Tử Long Bay; part of an island range on the outside of the gulf of Bắc Bộ. It has an area of 11 sq. km, and features eight populated hamlets. Quan Lạn Island stretch toward East – West from the foot of Vân Đồn Range to the Gót Mount with many high mountains to the east barring waves and winds, protect the villages. The island is situated on an important navigation route that connects China, Japan, Thailand and Philippines to Vietnam.

Along two sides of the island are tens kilometres of sand beaches. This is the endless resource for glass making which the sea gives to man and it is also the extremely interesting tourism

Since the 11th century, Quan Lạn had been one of the centres of the ancient commercial port of Vân Ðồn, which was animated and prosperous at the time. Today, there are still many vestiges linked to the ancient commercial port.

This also explains why the island, lying deep in the sea, has the large pagodas and archaeological sites seen today. On the island there is the Quan Lạn Communal House built in the 18th century; exceedingly beautiful and almost entirely preserved. Next to it is Quan Lạn Pagoda (Linh Quang Tự), which is dedicated to Buddha and God Liêu Hạnh.

The pagoda also worships the statue of old Hậu, a local person who made lots of contributions to the construction of the pagoda. The statue features a gentle and cheerful old woman, which adds an original character to the pagoda. Beside Quan Lạn Pagoda lies Nghè Quan Lạn (Ðức Ông) Shrine, which is dedicated to Phạm Công Chính, a local people who participated in the historical Vân Ðồn battle against the Yuan invaders. He was later honored as a god. Quan Lạn has many valuable sea products such as octopuses, butterfish, mackerel, holothurian, shrimp, and sái sùng.

Thien Cung Grotto and a dragon story

It is situated on the south-west side the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Ha Long City. The way to Thiên Cung is a perilous one, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales.

Going out of the Thiên Cung Grotto, we have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by nature, get out of the imagine, ability and intellect of man.

This grotto is recently discovered, one of the most beautiful grottoes in Hạ Long Bay.

Legend has it, that beautiful young lady named Mây (cloud), caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto.

In honour of the wedding, small dragons flew about through the stalactites and stalagmites, elephants danced together happily, snakes twined themselves around trees and two stone lions danced with their manes flowing in the wind. A large elephant, smartly dressed, waited for the bride and the groom. The genies of the south and north stars also came to attend the banquet, and the atmosphere was definitely animated and lively. All these scenes have been seemingly fossilized in the grotto.

In the centre are four large pillars supporting the "roof of heaven.” From the base to the top, many strange images seem to live in the stone: birds, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto a group of fairies seem to dance and sing in honour of the wedding. Under the immeasurably high roof, stalactites make a natural stone curtain. Somewhere there is the sound of a drum beating, but it is actually just the noise made by the wind blowing through stone.

Arriving at the last partition of the grotto, a natural gushing stream of water babbles throughout the year. Here are three small ponds of clear water. Legend has it, that this was where Mây bathed her 100 children, bringing them up wisely and happily into adolescence. One path meanders out of the grotto; it was the way Mây, together with 50 of her children, took to harvest new lands. The 50 remaining children, together with their father, were left to build the native land. Left behind by the mother was the natural stream described above.

Bai Chay Bridge - the 3rd longest suspension bridge in Vietnam

    Length: 1,106 meters (3,629 ft)
    Width: 25 meters (82 ft) (4 lanes and 2 pedestrian lanes)
    Spans: 5 spans, main span of 435 meters (1,427 ft)
    Navigable width: 150 meters (490 ft)
    Load: Class A standard Japanese
    Cost: about VND 1046 billions, 40-month construction period, to November 30, 2006 termination
    Owner: Ministry of Transport, representing the owner: Project Management Unit 18-PMU18
    Design consultant - Monitor: Institute of bridges and structures in Japan
    Construction Contractor: Shimizu-Sumitomo-Mitsui

The Bai Chay Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge on Highway 18, connecting Hon Gai with Bai Chay over the Cua Luc Straits, separating Cua Luc Bay with Halong Bay, the territory of the province Quang Ninh.

This is the type of cable-stayed bridge which has two outer span, reinforced concrete box beams prestressed with the width of the world record pace for this type of bridge. The towers are located on the huge-sized pneumatic caisson foundation system, first applied in Vietnam with modern construction technologies and advanced. Bridge is constructed by balanced cantilever technology, at head height of 50m above the water level, bridge beams are reaching out to sea and ends when connecting two aligned, this construction technology to assure that vessels still can operate normally during the construction process.

The work was completed and opened to traffic on December 2, 2006. Bai Chay bridge has been put to use to address the needs of the people of Quang Ninh, tourists inside and outside Vietnam, and also to end decades of operation of the Bai Chay ferry.

Kayaking in Halong bay

Over the last decade or so, kayaking has become a popular activity in Ha Long Bay, which covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers, offering many options for both the less and the more adventurous.

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Hạ Long bay has thousands of limestone peaks rising magically from crystalline emerald waters and many dramatic islets and deep, mysterious caves.

However,  conventional boat tours are not the best way to access all of them, say both experienced and greenhorn kayakers after doing their thing in the famous Hạ Long Bay . Therefore, over the last decade or so, kayaking has become a popular activity in Ha Long Bay, which covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers, offering many options for both the less and the more adventurous. Kayaking in Hạ Long Bay is more than an indulgence, it offers vistas not reachable by other means.

With modern kayaking equipment, visitors can maximize on speed and maneuverability as they explore the open sea and many hidden lagoons and stalagmite caves that are difficult to access by other means. After a day of paddling amongst islets, visiting hidden caves, lagoons, unspoiled beaches and floating fishing villages, they often unwind on the boat and enjoy a sumptuous dinner which bring tourists a great travel experience./.

Cooking class in Halong bay

Cruising on Halong Bay, you can join our cooking demonstration. The chef shows you how to prepare some traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Vietnam is very proud to get more of the recognition it deserves in the world for its cuisine, with fresh ingredients and imaginative flavors, and one of the best experience of any trip to Vietnam is the food. Even if you do not expect to do much Vietnamese cooking, a cooking class is a fun and interesting way to learn and understand the local Vietnamese ingredients and how to make some of the popular dishes.

A cooking class in Halong bay junk cruise tour

Generally, most cooking classes are half-day classes starting in the morning with a trip to the local market followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch where you can eat the dishes that were prepared.

Most of the classes tend to be aimed at casual tourists, rather than serious chefs, and many tend to be cooking demonstrations, rather than classes with individual cooking stations. Please inquire before you book. Also, please keep in mind that some of the smaller, ad-hoc programs may be more flexible to change the menu or request more interaction, especially if you arrange your own private lesson for your group.

Biking tour in Halong bay

Biking in Cat Ba Island to visit Bee farm, cucupine farm, Trung Trang cave, Hospital cave

Moutain Biking
Trek 4500 bike new
Rental:
• Half day: $8. (9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm).
• Full day: $12. (9am-4pm)
• Local guide on motorbike: $25. (9am-4pm)



To rent bikes, contact First Choice
Self-guided route:
1. Cross island jungle way (half day):
Phu Long harbour - Cat Ba town, or vice-versa (~25km).
Rolling hill all the way, no shade but good ocean views.
Sight seeing stops: Thien Long cave in Phu Long.

2. Cross island ocean way (half day):
Gia Luan harbour - Cat Ba town or vice-versa (~25km).
Sight seeing stops: Bee farm, cucupine farm, Trung Trang cave, Hospital cave

3. The loop (half day):
Start cycling in Cat Ba town touring the loop thru the National Park, Hien Hao village and Tran Chau fishing village. A good blend of coastal and jungle sceneries (~31km).
Flat road with two big climbs, shady and cool.
Sight seeing stops: Bee farm, Porcupine farm, Trung Trang cave, Hospital cave.

4. The Big loop (full day):
Start cycling in Cat Ba town to Phu Long fish farm via Ocean road 25km, visit Thien Long cave by boat.
Lunch at Hoang Long restaurant on mangrove wet land.
Cycle back to Cat Ba via the jungle route (25km), and visit Bee farm and cucupine farm on the way.
You also have the choice of seeing more caves such as Trung Trang cave, Hospital cave etc.

• 9.am: Start from Ben Beo cycling to Lien Minh valley (on road)
• Tea break in bee farm before heading to single trail to Suoi Goi hot spring resort. Lunch then relax.
• Cycle single trail to Hien Hao through National park, visit Hospital cave (very interesting).
• 4pm: Tour ends in Ben Beo.

Restaurant & Bar in Halong

All over Halong, you will experience traditional Vietnamese dishes - rice, steamed food, fresh green vegetables, seafood, and beef. As you would expect, seafood dominates the cuisine all over Vietnam, and Halong is no different. Since Halong plays host to many overseas visitors but does not have a large expat population, there are some restaurants offering a specific cuisine. You will usually find these in the Top End hotels.

While you are in Halong city, try "Ba La Lot" or grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf. The meat has a delicious smoky flavour to it with a hint of spice.

Halong Cuisine & Food Guide

There are many restaurants offering both local Vietnamese dishes and "Western" food. The Mid Range hotels will often have restaurants offering both national and local Vietnamese dishes as well as "Western" food. Smaller hotels and guesthouses will usually be able to offer at least some non-Vietnamese food, but it probably will not be "just like Grandma used to make".

We have collected the list of restaurants and eateries in Halong to give you a place to start. However, please keep in mind that some of the heartiest, tastiest and most nutritious food in Halong and all of Vietnam is served from nameless roadside stalls that appear on the sidewalk around 17: 00 and disappear about midnight. Try it, you might like it! 

Restaurants List
Ngoc Linh Restaurant

This is a small restaurant, which serves seafood and western food, especially pizza and spaghetti. With open air space, you can enjoy the delicious food while enjoying the charm of Ha Long Bay.

Price ranges

- Pizza: US$3/piece

- Spaghetti: US$2/dish

- Spring roll: US$2/dish

- Curry: US$2/bowl

Type: International

Address: Ha Long Rd., Bai Chay, Ha Long City (near Post Office)

Opening hours: 07: 00 to 23: 00

 
Harmony Cafe

Located on the slope, 50 m from the Post Office - free entrance.

Type: Cafe

Address: Ha Long Road, Bai Chay

Opening hours: 20: 00 to 23: 00

Queen Vosa

Classical and modern dancing on the 5th floor.

Open every evening. Drinks at normal prices.

Entrance fee: VND 15, 000

Type: Bar & Dancing

Address: Le Thanh Tong, Hon Gai

Phone: 033.826-193

Opening hours: 00: 00 to 00: 00

Karaoke

In the large hotels: Vuon Dao, Thang Long, Thuong Mai, and Tien Long.

In the restaurants along Ha Long Road, Bai Chay (opposite Hoang Gia Park). On Hang Noi St., street near Bai Tho Mountain and in Ben Doan, Hon Gai.

Type: Karaoke

Address: Various

Opening hours: 00: 00 to 00: 00

Cafe Trung Nguyen Cong Doan Hotel

A sea view cafe is located in front of Cong Doan Hotel. The cafe serves drinks and fast food or breakfast; prices range from US$1 to US$3.

Type: Bar & Cafe

Address: Ha Long Rd., Ha Long Bay

Phone: 844-338 Opening hours: 07: 00 to 21: 00

Le Coq Bar - Le Coq Hotel

On the ground floor of Le Coq hotel, the Le Coq bar offers all the drinks from soft drinks to cocktails or alcohol with slow and light music. The staff are well trained and speaks English fluently.

Type: Bar

Address: Le Coq Hotel

Opening hours: 18: 00 to 00: 00