Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip

Halong Bay Night Market is one of the most vibrant and exciting places to explore when visiting Ha Long. Known for its lively atmosphere, diverse street food, and unique souvenirs, this market offers travelers an authentic glimpse into local life after sunset. Whether you’re looking to taste delicious seafood, shop for handcrafted items, or simply soak in the bustling night vibe, Halong Bay Night Market is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
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In this blog, we will guide you to discover the special things of Halong Bay Night Market, must try foods and souvenirs, as well as useful tips to help you enjoy your tour to the fullest.

1. Where is Halong Bay Night Market?

Halong Bay Night Market, commonly known as Bai Chay Quang Ninh Night Market, is located on Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Halong Bay Night Market has an area of ​​5,000 square meters with 335 large and small stalls, selling all kinds of goods, from souvenirs, cuisine, clothing to Ha Long specialties.
Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
This market is located in the Bai Chay tourist area, convenient for tourists staying near Ha Long Bay. The market is not only a place to shop and enjoy local cuisine but also a lively space, reflecting the cultural life of the city after sunset.
In terms of timing, the Halong Bay Night Market is open from around 6.00 PM to 11.00 PM, with some vendors starting as early as 5.00 PM, especially on weekends.
While Halong Bay Night Market is generally open every evening, the busiest and most colorful atmosphere is usually from Friday to Sunday, when more stalls and food vendors gather to serve both locals and travelers.

2. What things to buy in Halong Bay Night Market?

Halong Bay Night Market is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of goods that reflect the coastal spirit of Ha Long Bay as well as authentic Vietnamese culture. From pearls to dried seafood, the goods here are diverse and suitable for all budgets. Here are some must-buys

2.1. Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are one of the most iconic souvenirs in Ha Long, a region famous for its pearl farming. At Halong Bay Night Market, you will find pearl necklaces, earrings and bracelets, from affordable pieces to more high-end collections.
Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
If you decide to buy, remember to check the authenticity of the pearls, real pearls will be slightly rough when rubbed against your teeth, cool to the touch at first and rarely have a perfect round shape.
For high-value items, always ask for a certificate of authenticity or warranty card and consider buying from reputable pearl shops rather than just souvenir stalls.

2.2. Dried Seafood & Local Specialties

Dried seafood is one of the highlights of Ha Long Market, with popular choices including dried squid, shredded squid, dried fish, shrimp floss, and tamarind squid. These make great gifts because they are light and easy to pack.
Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip To ensure quality, check the label for production date, packaging type, and vacuum packing options, especially if you are planning to take them abroad. Note that some countries have strict customs regulations on meat or seafood products, so always check import regulations before bringing large quantities.

2.3. Shell & Sea-Inspired Handicrafts

Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
Stalls are filled with shell and seashell handicrafts, from wind chimes and keychains to photo frames and jewelry. These affordable, sea-inspired gifts are great for friends and family. For more unique souvenirs, look for stalls that sell handmade or artisan-crafted pieces, rather than mass-produced ones.

2.4. Textiles & Clothing

Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
The Halong Bay Night Market also sells a wide variety of embroidered scarves, Ha Long-patterned T-shirts, brocade bags, and even traditional costumes. While many of the items are cheap souvenirs, there are also shops that specialize in selling better quality silk or brocade textiles.

2.5. Small Souvenirs

A popular choice for tourists, the souvenir section at Halong Bay Night Market offers a wide variety of affordable keepsakes such as keychains, fridge magnets, postcards, traditional paper fans, and T-shirts printed with Ha Long Bay images.
 
Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
 Many vendors also provide custom engraving services, allowing you to personalize items for a more meaningful gift. These budget-friendly souvenirs are perfect for travelers who want to bring home small mementos without spending much.
 

3. Must -Try Dishes at Halong Bay Night Market

Halong Bay Night Market is not only a shopping paradise but also a culinary paradise for food lovers, bringing the authentic taste of Northern cuisine. The food stalls are always bustling, filled with the aroma of fresh grilled seafood and traditional Vietnamese street food.
 
Exploring the Ha Long night market gives you the opportunity to experience Ha Long’s culinary culture, from local specialties to classic snacks loved by many generations.
 

3.1. Fresh Seafood

Seafood is definitely the highlight of Halong Bay Night Market, thanks to its prime location right next to Ha Long Bay. Visitors can enjoy fresh dishes prepared on the spot, such as grilled clams with scallion oil, salt and chili prawns, steamed crabs and grilled squid skewers.
 
Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
 Each dish is seasoned with local spices, which enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood. Many stalls serve fresh, hot seafood, the perfect choice after a long evening of market walking.
 

3.2. Banh Cuon Cha Muc (Steamed Rice Rolls with Grilled Squid Patties)

Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
This dish is a must-try because it combines two Vietnamese favorites: soft, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and Ha Long’s signature cha muc (grilled squid patties). The squid patties are made from freshly caught squid, pounded by hand for the perfect chewy texture, and then grilled to perfection. When paired with rice rolls and a tangy dipping sauce, this dish captures the true essence of Ha Long cuisine.

3.3. Banh Gat Gu (Nodding Cake)

Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
Also known as “nodding cake” because of the way it bends when served, banh gat gu is a specialty of Quang Ninh Province. Made from steamed rice flour, the soft and chewy cakes are rolled and typically served with braised pork belly and a savory fish sauce. The dish has a unique texture and flavor.

3.4. Ha Long Pearl Yogurt

Halong Bay Night Market: A Must-Visit Spot in Your Ha Long Trip
Made from tapioca pearls, Ha Long pearl yogurt, a delicate delicacy, brings a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Although it has been present in many cities, the original flavor and texture of Ha Long pearl yogurt is always unique, making it a must-try dish for any tourist coming to this coastal area.

4. Other Markets & Night Spots to Explore in Ha Long

If you have explored the Halong Bay Night Market, the following other markets/nightspots are worth a visit:
Bai Chay Old Quarter: Nearby, this area has bustling streets, many cafes, and shops. Suitable for walking, enjoying local food and relaxing.
Ha Long Bazaar Night Market: The Bazaar Night Market covers an area of ​​10,014m2 with a total of 333 stalls, located at Sun Carnaval Square. The market offers a variety of goods, from street food, handicrafts to souvenirs. Visitors coming here will have the opportunity to enjoy impressive and classy water music performances.
My Gia – “Western Street” of Ha Long: Known as the “Western Street” of Ha Long, My Gia in Bai Chay is a lively nightlife hub filled with bars, pubs, cafés, and international restaurants. Unlike the traditional vibe of Halong Bay Night Market, My Gia offers a more cosmopolitan atmosphere where locals, tourists, and expats mingle. From live music bars and cocktail lounges to street-food stalls and late-night cafés, it’s the go-to spot for those seeking a vibrant mix of Western-style nightlife and Vietnamese flavors.
>>>Read more: A Complete Guide to Ha Long Bay Nightlife: 10 Things To Try

5. Tips for visiting Halong Bay Night Market

5.1. Secure personal belongings

Even though security in the market is generally good, the large crowds create chances for pickpocketing. Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables secure, use inside pockets or crossbody bags rather than backpacks. Be especially careful in very busy areas.

5.2. Check the weather forecast

Ha Long nights can be wet, rainy or windy, especially during the rainy season. Check the weather in advance so you can bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed. If rain is expected, it is better to postpone or choose the smaller, covered pavilions.

5.3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

The Halong Bay Night Market area is quite large; the pavements can be uneven in some places. Flats or sandals are better than heels. Choose light, breathable clothing as even after dark, Ha Long can be hot and humid.

5.4. Negotiate politely & compare prices

Bargaining is expected at many stalls. Don’t accept the first price, ask around similar stalls to get a sense of the going rate before buying. If you buy multiple items from the same vendor, you may be able to get a better deal. Always keep a friendly tone.

5.5. Be careful with fragile items

Many souvenirs are delicate ceramics, lacquerware, shell crafts, glass, etc. Handle them carefully and ask the seller for permission before trying them on. If you are buying for shipping, pack them carefully.

5.6. Mind peak times for crowds & traffic

The market is most crowded on weekend evenings and holidays. If you prefer a less hectic experience, visit on weekdays or earlier in the opening hours. Also, traffic around Bai Chay can get busy, plan your transport ahead (taxi, ride-sharing, or walk if near).

CONCLUSION

From unique souvenirs and delicious street food to the vibrant local atmosphere, Halong Bay Night Market is truly a must-see destination on your trip to Ha Long Bay. The night scene here perfectly combines culture, cuisine and community spirit.
At YESD Travel, we believe that travel is not just about sightseeing but also about connecting you with authentic local life. Joining our Halong Bay tours, you will not only discover the highlights of Halong Bay Night Market but also experience community-based tourism, supporting local people. So let YESD accompany you to discover the best of Vietnam, one meaningful trip at a time.
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