1. General Introduction to Hon Gai Quang Ninh
1.1. Location and outstanding features
Located east of Ha Long, Hon Gai, now Hong Gai ward of Quang Ninh province. This place possesses a "golden" location, situated by the world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay, and conveniently connected to Bai Chay via Bai Chay Bridge - Vietnam's first cable-stayed bridge.
Not only favored by nature with its intertwined mountain and sea landscape, Hon Gai is also marked by the dynamic development of a modern urban area. Sun-drenched coastal roads, elegant rows of townhouses, new cultural and architectural works... All create a picture that is both classic and youthful of the heritage city.
1.2. Origin of the name and historical imprints
The name " Hon Gai " has existed for hundreds of years, associated with the history of coal mining, also known as the "black gold" of the Quang Ninh land. In the early 20th century, Hon Gai was once the busiest trading port in Indochina, where international merchant ships docked, bringing a vibrant life to the entire region.
Historical imprints are still present through every street, every old house nestled by the sea. This is where the transformation of the mining land has been witnessed: from difficult times to becoming a symbol of development for the Northeastern Vietnam region.
1.3. Outstanding cultural and tourism values
Hon Gai Quang Ninh is a place where tradition and modernity intersect. The people of Hon Gai are gentle and hospitable, still preserving ancient cultural values through festivals, cuisine, and coastal customs. At the same time, this area is also becoming a vibrant tourism and administrative center, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Visiting Hon Gai , you can not only admire the beautiful scenery but also fully experience the youthful rhythm of a city on the rise.
Hon Gai converges the natural beauty, culture, and modern rhythm of the coastal city of Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
2. Outstanding Experiences in Hon Gai, Quang Ninh
2.1. Unique Natural Landscapes and Iconic Structures
Quang Ninh Museum: A unique black architectural work on Tran Quoc Nghien street, nicknamed the “black pearl on the heritage coast”. Not only a place to preserve historical artifacts, the museum is also a famous check-in spot thanks to its mirror-like facade reflecting the stunning Ha Long Bay.
Bai Chay Bridge: An icon connecting the two heritage shores of Hon Gai – Bai Chay, this is the first cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam, possessing a modern beauty, especially at night when vibrant, color-changing lights shimmer over the Ha Long waters.
October 30th Square: Not only the administrative center of the province, it is also the venue for major cultural events and festivals such as Ha Long Carnaval, light festivals, and vibrant outdoor art performances.
Hon Gai Beach: Although not very large, the seawater here is clear, clean, and peaceful, very suitable for those who want to find a quieter place to swim compared to the crowded Bai Chay area.
Tran Quoc Nghien Coastal Road: Likened to a “balcony overlooking Ha Long Bay”, this route is currently the hottest check-in spot with a panoramic view of the entire bay. In the afternoon, you can watch the sunset paint the sea red.
Quang Ninh Museum - the "black pearl" by the heritage coast, an iconic structure of the mining region. (Source: Collected)
Bai Chay Bridge sparkling at night, connecting the two heritage shores of Hon Gai and Bai Chay. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Entertainment Experience at Sun World Ha Long
A journey to Hon Gai Quang Ninh would not be complete if you miss Sun World Ha Long – the leading entertainment complex in the North. From Hon Gai, you just need to cross Bai Chay Bridge to reach the park area.
Here, visitors can experience the Queen Cable Car, a world-record cable car line, admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above; play at Dragon Park with dozens of thrilling rides; or relax at Water Park.
Experience the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Ha Long, admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from a spectacular perspective. (Source: Collected)
3. Signature Cuisine of Hon Gai, Quang Ninh
3.1. Must-try Delicacies
Coming to Hon Gai, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the quintessence of Quang Ninh's coastal cuisine. Each dish here has its own unique, rich, and rustic flavor:
Hand-pounded Squid Cake of Ha Long: The iconic dish of the coastal region, hand-pounded, fried golden and fragrant, served with white sticky rice or banh cuon.
Horseshoe Crab: Steamed horseshoe crab, sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab, or grilled horseshoe crab with eggs always attract diners with their natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Steamed Ngan with lemongrass and grilled Sasung: Two rare seafood specialties, skillfully prepared by locals, preserving the pure sweetness of the sea.
Grilled Oysters with Scallion Oil: A familiar dish that never goes out of style, especially delicious when enjoyed by the breezy seaside.
Golden hand-pounded squid cake, an iconic specialty of Ha Long cuisine. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Renowned Food District
Hon Gai Market is a must-visit destination for food lovers. This is where dozens of fresh seafood stalls gather: from shrimp, crab, squid, fish to mantis shrimp, sea worms. Visitors can choose their seafood directly and have it cooked on-site to enjoy immediately. The bustling atmosphere and the aroma of grilled seafood spread throughout the market, making it hard for anyone to leave.
Hon Gai Market is a seafood paradise, where visitors can choose and enjoy delicious dishes on the spot. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Suggested outstanding local eateries
Hong Hanh 3 Restaurant: One of the most famous restaurant chains in Ha Long, serving a diverse menu, spacious atmosphere, especially near the Sun World Ha Long area.
Ngon Hon Gai BBQ: BBQ paradise for grilling enthusiasts, featuring fresh seafood and Korean-sauced grilled meats.
Golden Ocean Seafood 9999: Specializing in fresh seafood, reasonable prices, suitable for groups of friends or families.
Bim One Restaurant: Modern space, serving exquisite European – Asian dishes, suitable for a luxurious evening by the bay.
Com Nha 1982: Evokes a cozy, familiar feeling, an ideal place for a family meal in the heart of the coastal city.
Hong Hanh 3 Restaurant is a familiar stop for tourists in Hon Gai, famous for its fresh seafood and luxurious space. (Source: Collected)
4. Unique Festivals and Cultural Activities
Ha Long Carnaval: is the most anticipated event of the year, usually held in April or May, coinciding with the peak summer tourist season. This is a "grand feast" of music, light, and color, gathering hundreds of artists and dancers from home and abroad. Visitors can not only admire the magnificent outdoor stage but also experience street festivals, fireworks displays, hot air balloon rides, and music nights by the bay.
Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival : held annually in the 4th lunar month, is one of the most typical traditional festivals of Hon Gai, attracting a large number of local people and visitors from everywhere. It is not only an occasion to honor the national hero but also a space for community bonding, demonstrating hospitality and pride in the historical traditions of the mining land.
Long Tien Pagoda Festival: Located at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, Long Tien Pagoda is the largest and most sacred pagoda in Hon Gai Quang Ninh, and also the venue for the Long Tien Pagoda Festival on the 24th day of the 3rd lunar month annually. This is an occasion for people and tourists to offer incense, pray for peace, health, and luck for the new year, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and warm in the heart of the heritage city.
The Ha Long Carnaval Festival is vibrant with grand parades, music, and fireworks. (Source: Collected)
Additionally, on weekends, October 30 Square and the coastal area of Tran Quoc Nghien often host night markets, music programs, and street art performance spaces. The scene of locals and tourists immersing themselves in music, lights, and sea breeze has become a characteristic of Hon Gai's lifestyle: youthful, modern, yet very familiar.
5. Useful tips for traveling to Hon Gai Quang Ninh
Ideal time: Hon Gai Quang Ninh is most beautiful during two periods: March - May and September - October. This is a period with cool weather, little rain, suitable for swimming, strolling along the bay, or participating in major festivals such as Ha Long Carnaval or Long Tien Pagoda Festival. Summer (June - August) is the peak tourist season, the sea is more vibrant but can be crowded; while winter is suitable for those who love a quiet atmosphere, wanting to admire Ha Long Bay in the misty haze.
Suitable attire: When visiting Hon Gai, visitors should choose comfortable, airy clothing: t-shirts, maxi dresses, shorts, along with sneakers or sandals for easy movement between attractions. Bright colors like white, pastel blue, and light yellow will help you stand out when taking photos against the blue sea and sky. In the evening or on windy days, bring a light jacket as the air can be cooler.
Beautiful check-in spots: One of the most beloved spots to admire the panoramic view of Ha Long from above is the Sun Wheel at Sun World Ha Long. This is an ideal place to photograph the sunset as golden sunlight covers the bay, reflecting on the sparkling water. Additionally, the Tran Quoc Nghien coastal road and Quang Ninh Museum are also check-in coordinates that are easy to access, with modern, clean backgrounds, bearing the strong imprint of the coastal city.
Convenient transportation: Hon Gai is located right in the center of Ha Long, making transportation very easy. If traveling in groups or with family, you can rent electric tourist vehicles to travel and sightsee. Within Hon Gai, attractions such as Quang Ninh Museum, Hon Gai Market, Tran Quoc Nghien street, October 30 Square are all located quite close to each other, making it very convenient to walk or combine within the same itinerary.
The ideal time to explore Hon Gai is spring and autumn, when the sky is clear and the sea is calm, suitable for swimming, strolling, and checking in at the most beautiful spots by Ha Long Bay. (Source: Collected)
Hon Gai Quang Ninh is a convergence of past and present, between the imprint of the mining land and the breath of a young city. Here, you can stroll along the breezy Tran Quoc Nghien street, enjoy fresh seafood, explore the Quang Ninh Museum, or fully experience Sun World Ha Long. A day in Hon Gai is not just a trip, but also a journey to touch the rhythm of life, culture, and soul of the heritage land, where sea, people, and history blend into one.
