1. Overview of travel costs in Quảng Ninh during the Tet holiday
1.1. Why does Quảng Ninh attract tourists during the Tet holiday?
Quảng Ninh is a destination chosen by many people every spring thanks to unique experiences hard to find elsewhere. Ha Long Bay possesses over 1,600 limestone islands, creating a magical scene amidst the thin spring mist. Yen Tu is known as the "ancestral land of Vietnamese Buddhism", attracting many pilgrims at the beginning of the new year. The festival atmosphere at Sun World Ha Long is also very vibrant with the "flower paradise" of the brilliant Sun Hill, along with lion dance activities to welcome spring and a lucky money-gifting program for the first 100 guests each day.
Bai Chay stands out with its 3 km long beach, offering an ideal resort space for tourists to enjoy the blue sea and savor fresh seafood. Travel costs in Quảng Ninh during the Tet holiday may be slightly higher than usual, however, the experiences combining "going to the mountains, going to the sea" in one trip make the money spent reasonable.
Quang Ninh is a destination chosen by many people every spring thanks to unique experiences not found elsewhere. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Characteristics of cost fluctuations during Tet season compared to normal days
Tet is when Quang Ninh welcomes the largest number of tourists of the year, service prices increase by 25% to 50% compared to normal days. A 4-star hotel room normally costs about 1,500,000 VND/night, but during Tet Nguyen Dan, the price can reach up to 2,800,000 VND/night. Ha Long Bay sightseeing boat services also have an additional charge of 200,000 to 300,000 VND/person compared to the usual price.
Entrance tickets to popular destinations like Sun World Ha Long remain unchanged at 380,000 VND/adult and 280,000 VND/child, with food vouchers included. Buses departing from Hanoi to Ha Long increase their prices from 130,000 VND/way to 160,000 VND/way, however, it remains a reasonable choice thanks to the new highway that shortens travel time to 2.5-3 hours.
1.3. Should you travel to Quang Ninh independently or with a package tour during Tet?
If organizing the trip independently, tourists can freely explore Quang Ninh according to their own itinerary, such as waking up early to watch the sunrise over Ha Long Bay, then choosing their preferred seafood restaurant, without being bound by fixed plans. The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh independently for 2-3 days during Tet is usually under 3,000,000 VND/person, especially economical when traveling in a large group as room and vehicle costs can be shared.
For families with young children or the elderly, a package tour is a reasonable choice to enjoy the holiday with peace of mind without worrying too much about transportation or booking services. 4-5 day tours usually cost from 9,990,000 to 13,990,000 VND/person with full services including airfare, 4-star hotel, meals, transportation, and knowledgeable local guides. This is an attractive option for those who want to combine experiences in Ha Long, Sa Pa, and Ninh Binh in one trip.
2. Price list for Quang Ninh travel costs during Tet
2.1. Cost of independent travel to Quang Ninh for 2-3 days
If choosing the independent option, tourists can experience Quang Ninh with reasonable costs, averaging less than 3,000,000 VND/person for a 3-day, 2-night trip. Traveling from Hanoi by modern limousine bus costs only from 160,000 VND/way, with 3-star hotel combos including round-trip bus tickets costing around 1,500,000-2,000,000 VND/person for 2 nights' stay.
Entrance tickets to popular attractions like the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Ha Long cost 380,000 VND/adult, including the Sun Hill experience with its vibrant flower gardens and modern amusement area. Meals range from 650,000 VND/person/day if choosing a BBQ buffet or enjoying local specialties with voucher discounts.
The total cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet independently can be kept under 5,000,000 VND/person for the entire trip, including additional activities such as exploring Sung Sot Cave, Cua Van fishing village, or enjoying seafood at Bai Chay night market.
If choosing the self-organized option, visitors can experience Quang Ninh at a reasonable cost.
2.2. Quang Ninh Tet 4-5 day all-inclusive tour prices from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
All-inclusive tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City cost around 9,990,000 VND/person for a 4-day, 3-night itinerary. This service package includes round-trip airfare, one night's stay on a luxury cruise ship enjoying the night view of Ha Long Bay, a 4-star hotel right in the city center, along with diverse meals ranging from local cuisine to international dishes.
For a 5-day, 4-night itinerary combining Ha Long - Sa Pa - Ninh Binh, the tour price is around 13,990,000 VND/person, departing from Hanoi with highlights such as exploring Fansipan peak, pilgrimage to Yen Tu pagoda, and visiting Trang An - Bai Dinh. Reputable companies like VnTour, Intour provide enthusiastic tour guides and new model vehicles, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.
The great advantage of an all-inclusive tour is convenience – visitors only need to pack their bags and be ready to explore, while all other tasks from booking rooms, purchasing entrance tickets, to choosing restaurants are meticulously organized.
2.3. Self-guided travel and package tours during Tet
In reality, traveling independently helps save 20-30% of the total cost, especially suitable for dynamic young groups or families with travel experience. Proactively planning the itinerary, deciding on stopover times at favorite spots, or exploring local eateries creates a rich experience that package tours find hard to replicate.
Package tours excel in convenience and safety, especially for families with young children or the elderly. With a local guide accompanying, the travel experience is enriched with interesting historical and cultural information, while the shuttle service significantly reduces fatigue for guests.
Quang Ninh Tet travel costs self-guided usually ranges from 2,500,000-4,000,000 VND/person for 3-4 days, while all-inclusive tours for the same duration cost from 9,990,000-13,990,000 VND/person. This difference is mainly due to upgraded airfare, hotel standards, meals, and services included in the tour.
3. Detailed review of costs for each item when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet
3.1. Airfare, bus, and limousine ticket prices to Quang Ninh during Tet
The road connecting Hanoi and Ha Long is now very convenient thanks to the Hanoi - Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway. High-quality limousine buses operate frequently with prices ranging from 160,000-220,000 VND/one-way, shortening travel time to 2.5-3 hours. Reputable bus companies like Hoang Long, Kumho Samco operate regularly every 30 minutes from My Dinh station, offering free WiFi and massage seats to make the journey more comfortable.
From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can choose to fly directly to Van Don Airport, about 50 km from Ha Long, with round-trip ticket prices ranging from 5,000,000-7,000,000 VND/person, depending on the airline and booking time. Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific often launch Tet promotions, offering significant savings when booking 60 to 90 days in advance.
To hunt for good ticket prices, it is advisable to follow reputable booking sites, register for promotion notifications, and be flexible with departure times. Quang Ninh Tet travel costs will be reduced if choosing early morning or late evening flights, or combining flight and hotel package bookings.
The road connecting Hanoi and Ha Long is now very convenient thanks to the Hanoi - Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway. (Source: Bao Tap chi dien tu Thuong Hieu va Cong Luan)
3.2. Hotel and resort costs in Quang Ninh
Accommodation types in Quang Ninh during Tet are very diverse, from affordable homestays to luxurious 5-star resorts. 3-star hotels in the center of Ha Long range from about 900,000-1,500,000 VND/night, 4-5 star resorts along Bai Chay beach are around 2,000,000-2,800,000 VND/night, including buffet breakfast.
Accommodation combos with shuttle service start from 1,500,000 VND/person for 2 nights, a reasonable choice that saves travel costs and ensures accommodation during the peak season.
Homestays and entire villas are suitable for large groups of 6-10 people, costing around 3,000,000-5,000,000 VND/night for the whole unit, which averages to only 300,000-500,000 VND/person/night. For better options, book rooms 45-60 days in advance.
3.3. Ha Long Bay entrance ticket prices
Sun World Ha Long maintains ticket prices at 380,000 VND/adult and 280,000 VND/child for the Nu Hoang cable car route, including the Doi Mat Troi experience with vibrant flower gardens and a modern amusement area. During Tet, visitors also receive a culinary voucher with delicious dishes such as nem hai san, banh cuon cha muc, and traditional Tet jam buffet.
Cruise costs for visiting Ha Long Bay vary greatly, with half-day tours starting from 400,000 VND/person, and overnight tours on 4-5 star cruises around 2,500,000 VND/person. Locations like Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Titop Island have separate tickets from 50,000-100,000 VND/site.
Visitors should purchase combo tickets combining multiple attractions to receive discounts of 15-20% compared to buying individually. The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet for sightseeing activities will be easier to control when traveling in large groups or taking advantage of lucky money promotions for the first customers at Sun World.
3.4. Food and dining costs, culinary experiences in Quang Ninh during Tet
Quang Ninh's cuisine during Tet is highlighted by its seafood flavors and diverse prices. BBQ buffet restaurants and Tet menus cost from 650,000 VND/person, serving a full range of dishes from fresh seafood like Cat Ba crab, lobster to traditional dishes such as cha ca, bun ca, banh da cua.
Sun World Ha Long also offers free culinary vouchers with nem hai san, banh cuon cha muc, and buffet mut Tet, providing an opportunity to enjoy special cuisine without worrying about extra costs.
Cho dem Bai Chay is considered an ideal place to explore local street food, with meal prices starting from 150,000-300,000 VND/person. Specialties like cha muc Ha Long, sam nuong, oc huong nuong mo hanh are freshly prepared on-site at reasonable prices. It is advisable to book tables in advance at high-end restaurants and be prepared for waiting times at popular eateries.
Quang Ninh cuisine during Tet stands out with the taste of the sea and diverse prices. (Source: Collected)
4. Suggested Itinerary and Estimated Total Cost for Traveling Quang Ninh During Tet
4.1. 3N2D Self-Guided Itinerary
Day 1: Start traveling from Hanoi at 8:30 AM by limousine bus (VND 160,000), arrive in Ha Long at 11:30 AM and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sun World Ha Long, experience the Queen Cable Car (ticket VND 380,000), explore the Sun Hill and try the free culinary voucher. In the evening, stroll through Bai Chay Night Market, enjoy seafood with an estimated cost of VND 400,000/person.
Day 2: In the morning, board a cruise to visit Ha Long Bay (VND 800,000/person), experience Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and have lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, travel to Yen Tu, stay overnight near the foot of the mountain for easy pilgrimage the next morning. Total cost for accommodation and dinner is about VND 600,000/person.
Day 3: Early in the morning, pilgrimage to Yen Tu, return to Ha Long at noon and take the bus back to Hanoi at 4 PM (VND 160,000). The cost of traveling Quang Ninh during Tet self-guided includes: Transportation VND 320,000, accommodation VND 1,200,000 (2 nights), entrance tickets VND 1,180,000, food and drinks VND 1,300,000. Total is about VND 4,000,000/person for a fulfilling 3-day trip.
4.2. 4–5 Day All-Inclusive Tour Itinerary
A 5-day, 4-night tour combining Ha Long - Sa Pa - Ninh Binh departing from Hanoi is scientifically designed. Day 1: Fly to Hanoi, travel to Ha Long, visit Yen Tu. Day 2-3: Explore Sa Pa with Fansipan peak, Cat Cat village and experience Sa Pa town at night. Day 4: Visit Ninh Binh, stop by Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Day 5: Shopping and fly back to Ho Chi Minh City.
The tour price includes round-trip airfare, 4-star hotel, meals, transportation, and an enthusiastic tour guide. The Fansipan cable car cost is optional, it can be free if booking a combo early or traveling in a group of over 15 people.
The all-inclusive tour is convenient and allows experiencing many destinations in a short time. To save money, compare prices between companies, pay attention to additional charges and tour cancellation policies.
4.3. Experience in Choosing an Itinerary for Combined Experiences
Combining Sun World Ha Long with Yen Tu in one trip offers an experience of both entertainment and spiritual exploration. The most reasonable 2-day, 1-night itinerary is to visit Sun World on the first day with exciting games and Tet flower gardens, stay overnight at a resort near Yen Tu for an easy pilgrimage the next morning when the weather is pleasant.
Combo tickets for Sun World Ha Long combined with other attractions often have discounts of 15-20%, very suitable for groups of 4 or more. The cost of traveling Quang Ninh during Tet is even more optimized if staying at resorts with holiday season promotions.
Choosing to stay in Quang Ninh will save time and travel costs, while also providing the opportunity to enjoy the night atmosphere on Ha Long Bay and the vibrant festivals.
Combining Sun World Ha Long with Yen Tu on a trip offers an experience that combines entertainment with spiritual exploration.
5. Tips for saving costs on travel to Quang Ninh during Tet
5.1. Book tickets early, choose flexible time slots to "avoid" high prices
Booking tickets early and choosing flexible travel times is the key to significant savings. Limousine bus tickets on the Hanoi - Ha Long route can be reduced from 220,000 to 160,000 VND/way if booked 30 days in advance; early or late trips during the day usually have better prices. Booking hotel rooms 60-90 days in advance helps save 20-30% with flexible cancellation policies.
Follow the official fan pages of bus companies and hotels to quickly update promotions. Many 4-5 star hotels offer promotions such as "book 2 nights get 1 night free" or "free room upgrade" when guests book in advance for Tet.
Travel costs to Quang Ninh during Tet are significantly reduced if you choose to depart on the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th day of Tet instead of the eve of Tet or the first few days of the year when service prices are higher.
5.2. Tips for hunting for travel combos and discounted tours during Tet
Websites and apps of travel companies like VnTour, Intour, Saigon Tourist often have a "Hot Deals" section offering discounts from 15-25% for early bookings.
DIY combos including transport, hotel, and attraction tickets, if purchased through these providers, are usually cheaper than buying individual services.
Join reputable travel groups on Facebook to get the latest updates on promotions and learn from the travel community. Many members often share discount codes or announce exclusive, short-term promotions.
A lucky money giveaway for the first 100 customers each day is a rare opportunity to receive valuable gifts. Food vouchers bundled with attraction tickets also help reduce meal costs.
5.3. Tips for saving on food and sightseeing while still having a full experience
Bai Chay Night Market and the food streets are ideal places to enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices. A full meal at a family-run eatery costs around 150,000-200,000 VND/person, with dishes like Ha Long squid cakes, crab spring rolls, and grilled snails being local specialties. Compared to hotel restaurants where prices range from 500,000-800,000 VND/portion, this is a cost-saving option.
Combo tickets for attractions are usually cheaper than buying tickets for each attraction individually. Sun World offers free food vouchers with admission tickets, helping visitors save on dining costs while visiting.
Traveling in groups of 6-8 people will save significantly when renting a private car (1,500,000-2,000,000 VND/day for the whole group), sharing accommodation costs, and booking group meals at good prices. Average travel costs to Quang Ninh during Tet can be reduced by 25-30% when traveling in large groups and splitting costs.
5.4. Special notes for traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet
Booking services 45-60 days in advance is a reasonable timeframe to have many options at good prices. If you book too early, there may not be many promotions available, while booking too late can lead to a lack of good rooms or high prices.
You need to prepare contingency plans for unpredictable weather changes, especially in February and March when Quang Ninh often experiences heavy fog that affects itineraries. Therefore, it is advisable to bring warm clothing and raincoats.
Many tourist attractions organize free workshops and cultural activities during Tet, offering opportunities to experience them without additional costs. Art programs at Sun World and folk festivals in Yen Tu are very captivating and completely free.
6. Answering questions about travel costs to Quang Ninh during Tet
6.1. How much are Ha Long Bay tickets during Tet?
Sun World Ha Long maintains ticket prices at 380,000 VND/adult and 280,000 VND/child for the Queen Cable Car, including the Sun Hill experience with its garden of vibrant spring flowers. The accompanying food voucher allows visitors to enjoy seafood spring rolls, rice rolls with squid cake, and a Tet jam buffet completely free of charge.
Cruises to visit Ha Long Bay range from 400,000 VND/person for a half-day tour to 2,500,000 VND/person for an overnight tour on a 5-star cruise. Popular tours such as visiting Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island cost 600,000-800,000 VND/person, including lunch on board and tickets to attractions.
The lucky money giveaway for the first 100 customers each day at Sun World is an opportunity to receive valuable gifts, creating the joyful spring atmosphere characteristic of Tet.
6.2. Should you buy a package tour to Quang Ninh during Tet?
Package tours are very suitable for families with young children, the elderly, or those visiting Quang Ninh for the first time who want to experience many places in a short time. The price for a 4-5 day tour ranges from 9,990,000-13,990,000 VND/person, including major expenses such as flight tickets, 4-star hotel accommodation, meals, transportation, and a guide.
If traveling independently, travel costs to Quang Ninh during Tet are usually under 4,000,000 VND/person for 3-4 days, suitable for couples and groups of friends who want the freedom to choose their itinerary and dining spots. The advantage is flexibility and proactivity, however, you will need to arrange services yourself.
All-inclusive tours are very suitable for families with young children, elderly people, or those visiting Quang Ninh for the first time and wanting to experience many places in a short time.
6.3. Notes on surcharges and hidden costs when booking tours and services during Tet
Some costs such as meals outside the tour menu, alcoholic beverages, and tips for tour guides and drivers are often not clearly listed in the contract. Appropriate tips are at the level of 200,000-300,000 VND/person/tour for tour guides and 100,000-150,000 VND/person/tour for drivers.
Read the contract carefully before booking, paying attention to items like "personal expenses", "peak season surcharge", and "tour cancellation policy". The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet will be better controlled if all fees are clearly discussed and priority is given to choosing all-inclusive packages to reduce unexpected expenses.
The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet, although higher than usual days, is completely worth the unique experiences this land offers. Planning early, comparing prices, and choosing a suitable travel method will help you have a meaningful Tet holiday while optimizing your budget. Book now to not miss attractive offers and create beautiful memories with family and friends during the Lunar New Year!
