Quang Ninh is a province located in northeastern Vietnam, famous for its World Heritage Site - Halong Bay. With breathtaking landscapes of thousands of limestone islands, emerald waters, hidden caves, Quang Ninh attracts sightseers from all over the world. Halong Bay is not the only alluring destination in the province, there are various places to visit, including Bai Tu Long Bay, Co To Island, Yen Tu Mountain, and Ha Long Night Market. The region is a blend of natural and cultural wonders, with a wide range of activities and experiences for all types of travellers.
The closest airport to Quang Ninh is Van Don International Airport, approximately 50 km away from Halong City. Visitors can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach the city center. Alternatively, travellers can take a bus from Hanoi or other northern Vietnamese cities to Halong City. Once in town, there are plenty of options to get around, including taxis, buses, and boats.
The best time to visit Quang Ninh is from September to November or from March to May, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, if tourists want to avoid the colder and cloudy weather, they should avoid visiting the province from December to February.
Quang Ninh has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. From June to August, the temperature can rise up to 35°C, while from November to February, it decreases to around 15°C. During the rainy season from May to September, visitors can expect occasional heavy downpours and typhoons.
Accommodation in Quang Ninh varies from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. A room at a mid-range hotel in Halong City costs around $30-40 per night, while a night in a five-star resort can cost more than $300. Alternatively, tourists can rent a room on a traditional Vietnamese boat to explore Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Quang Ninh is famous for its seafood, especially the fresh crabs, prawns, and clams from Halong Bay. A meal at a local eatery costs around $2-5, while a mid-range restaurant in Halong City charges around $15-20 for a meal for two. Cheaper options are available for tourists willing to try street food or prepare their meals.
Quang Ninh is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should take usual precautions, such as avoiding carrying valuables, not walking alone at night, and being aware of traffic when crossing the streets. Women and LGBTQ+ travellers should not face any issue in terms of safety.
The population of Quang Ninh is approximately 1.2 million, with Kinh people making up the majority. Ethnic minorities such as Tay, Dao, and San Chi also reside in the province. The main religion in Quang Ninh is Buddhism, although Confucianism and Taoism have a strong influence. Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
The most popular activities in Quang Ninh include a boat tour to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, cycling and trekking in Quan Lan Island and Van Don Island. Visitors can also relax at beaches, visit museums, pagodas, and temples, participate in local festivals and enjoy the nightlife of Halong City.