What to Buy as Gifts When Visiting Halong Bay

Shopping is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable parts of any trip. After spending several days in Ha Long and admiring its stunning beauty, you'll likely want to bring home a souvenir to remind you of this spectacular bay with its islets and caves. If you're unsure what to buy or where to shop at the best prices in Halong Bay, this guide will help you find the perfect souvenirs.

I. What should to buy as gifts on visiting Halong Bay?

1. Dried squid

Ha Long seawater is saltier than others, giving the local squids a unique and special flavor. The two most famous forms are dried squid (Mực một nắng) and grilled chopped squid (Chả mực), both considered must-buy items for Vietnamese visitors to Halong.

Dried squid is first cleaned with seawater, then dried under the sun for one very sunny day. The result is pinkish, half-dry, fragrant, and crispy squid. It tastes best when grilled or fried with vegetables, making a delicious dish. Bring it home, deep-fry it, and you'll feel as if the breathtaking scenery and flavors of Halong are right in front of you.

Price for every types of dried cuttle fish: 

- Large dried cuttlefish (6 -7 cuttlefish per kilograms): 700.000 dong /kg.

- Medium dried cuttlefish (8-9 cuttlefish per kilograms, 20-25 centimeters in length): 600.000 dong/kg.

- Smaller dried cuttlefish ( 14 - 15 cuttlefish per kilograms): 500.000 dong/kg

2. Dried sipunculus nudus (sá sùng) 

Sipunculus nudus, an ivory-white, chubby peanut worm about 10 centimeters long, is unique to Ha Long. Though their appearance may be unappealing, these worms are highly nutritious, rich, aromatic, and delicious when fried with garlic or roasted, especially when paired with a cold beer. Due to their rarity, Sipunculus nudus commands a high price, around 4 million VND ($170) per kilogram.

3. Seashell Jewelry

In addition to seafood, seashell jewelry is another charming souvenir from Ha Long that will capture your heart. These simple yet unique pieces are crafted from the abundant seashells found in the area. While cruising Ha Long Bay, you'll likely encounter female vendors on coracles selling a variety of delightful items made from seashells, including bracelets, keychains, and conch-shaped ornaments. The artisans select the most beautiful shells and use their creativity to fashion these attractive accessories. With a range of colors from light orange to greenish and emerald, seashell jewelry makes a wonderful gift for your relatives and friends.

II. Address to buy gifts in Halong 

1. Ha Long I Market

Ha Long I Market is a top shopping destination, being one of the largest wholesale markets in Quang Ninh province and offering a wide variety of goods. This 16-year-old market is known for its cleanliness and well-organized stalls. On the first floor, you'll find an array of spectacular souvenirs such as jewelry, handicrafts, toys, pottery, embroidery goods, house appliances, kitchenware, and coal statues. The second floor is dedicated to clothing and seafood.

Shopping at Ha Long I Market ensures you get high-quality products, especially for high-priced items like seafood, instead of buying from random street vendors. Despite being crowded on weekends, it is definitely worth spending three hours of your trip here.

Address: Van Xuan Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long

Opening hours: 2 a.m – 9:15 p.m every day

2. Ha Long II Market

Located about 1 km from Ha Long I Market, Ha Long II Market is easily accessible, being situated just outside National Road 18. This market offers a diverse range of goods, from seafood to souvenirs, with a special focus on dried seafood. While similar in structure to Ha Long I Market, Ha Long II Market has two floors and a smaller seafood section.

Tip: Buy dried seafood here for good quality at a cheaper price.

Address: 433 Le Loi Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 5 p.m

3. Hon Gai Market

Hon Gai Market captures the essence of a traditional fishing village. Located by the sea at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, it receives fresh catches directly from fishing boats. This ensures the freshest seafood at the best prices.

Tip: It's highly recommended to buy oysters, fish, squid, and shrimp here if you plan to cook them right away before leaving.

Address: Hon Gai Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Ha Long

Opening hours: 7 a.m – 9 a.m every day

4. Ha Long Night Market

The night market is a lively spot to visit after sunset, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of souvenirs. Located near the scenic Bai Chay Beach, the market features hundreds of stalls selling items from clamshell key chains and “I love Ha Long” T-shirts to magnets depicting “The Kissing Cocks of Ha Long Bay.” You can also find jewelry, handicrafts, bags, and seafood. After shopping, enjoy supper at one of the food stalls offering Ha Long specialties.

Address: Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long (near Bai Chay Beach)

Opening hours: 6 p.m – 11 p.m every day

5. Bai Chay Shopping Center

For high-end shopping, Bai Chay Shopping Center is the place to go. Developed from a small local market on Vuon Dao Street, it has expanded into a modern commercial area popular with shopaholics. You can find everything from everyday items like clothes, house appliances, and electronics to luxury goods like handbags, sports shoes, and high-end clothing.

Address: Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 10 p.m

Shopping in Ha Long Bay is the final touch to your enjoyable and unforgettable experience. After an amazing time exploring, there's nothing better than bringing home special items to remember your trip.

Halong Booking Tours.

(Source Image: Internet)