This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hạ Long City.
Hạ Long City, Vietnam, is a small city, maybe much rather a town, in the famous Hạ Long Bay. This bay was voted a UNESCO Heritage Site and this is the main reason for people passing through here.
Hạ Long City has a touristic area, called Bai Chay, where you'll find lots of restaurants as well as Hạ Long City, Vietnam hostels and other types of accommodation. On the other side of the huge bridge is the area called Hon Gai; here, you'll be amongst the locals and you'll be able to enjoy some of the markets. This is a fishing town in the first place, so expect seafood to be fresh. There is a bus terminal in the city and of course several piers from where boats leave to explore Hạ Long Bay. There is not much to do in Hạ Long City, apart from visiting the museum, the plaza, and perhaps climbing a nearby mountain.
Hostels in Hạ Long City, Vietnam, are amongst the cheapest to be found in the area. This is probably due to the fact that the city serves merely as a transit point for those traveling from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay. Hạ Long City, Vietnam hostels prove to be colourful, pleasant, and social accommodation. Most hostels in Vietnam -- especially in touristic areas -- are a bit rundown, but not these. There aren't that many hostels in Hạ Long City, Vietnam, but then again this city does not have that many backpacking tourists that wish to stay for a long time. As is the case with all hostels in the country, Hạ Long City, Vietnam hostels have great staff who are very friendly and helpful and eager to help you arrange your trip to Hạ Long Bay. Public transport can be a bit confusing and chaotic, so for a few dollars more, the Hạ Long City, Vietnam hostel staff will deal with all that. Just relax and hang out with some fellow travelers.
Written by local enthusiast for Hạ Long City hostels
Margaret