Bai Chay Walking Street at Night: Photo Spots, Food and Seaside Atmosphere
- Bai Chay Walking Street is a food street of just over 1 km in the old-town style quarter beside Dai Duong Park, close to Sun World and the foot of Bai Chay Bridge.
- According to information released at its opening (27 April 2024), it runs roughly 7 pm to midnight every day; it is busiest and most fun from about 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
- Snacks, grilled seafood and drinks cost an estimated 20,000–100,000 VND per item; a relaxed evening of eating and drinking comes to about 150,000–350,000 VND per person.
- For fireworks and shows, add VUI-Fest at Sun Porto Town (Lighthouse area); for a traditional night market, the Ha Long night market in Hung Thang is another option.
Where is Bai Chay Walking Street and what time does it open?
Bai Chay Walking Street sits in the old-town style quarter beside Dai Duong Park in Bai Chay ward, right next to the Sun World entrance and the foot of Bai Chay Bridge. The street is just over 1 km long and combines food stalls, bars, live music and a seaside promenade. It runs roughly 7 pm to midnight every day and is busiest from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Entry is free; you only pay for the food, drinks and services you use.
The street opened at the end of April 2024 to give visitors more to do in the evening, a time when Ha Long used to feel rather quiet. Hours and the number of stalls can change with the season and local regulations, so if you visit on a weekday in the low season, ask your hotel reception before heading out. If you are building a list of places to visit, our guide to things to see in Ha Long covers both daytime and evening spots.
What is the best time to visit Bai Chay Walking Street?
The best window is roughly 7:30 pm to 10 pm. By then the stalls are set up, Bai Chay Bridge and the Sun Wheel on Ba Deo Hill are lit, live music has started and the air is cooler. After 10:30 pm the crowds thin out and some food stalls close early, which suits people who prefer a quieter atmosphere or want to stay longer at a bar.
A suggested evening for travellers staying in Bai Chay:
- 4:30–6 pm: head to Bai Chay beach for a swim or a walk when the sun softens, and enjoy the bay in the late afternoon.
- 6–7 pm: go back to the hotel to shower and rest. The seafront road is busy with traffic at this hour, so there is no need to rush.
- 7–7:30 pm: take a ride-hailing car or motorbike to the Dai Duong Park area, park and start walking from the beginning of the street.
- 7:30–9 pm: have dinner from grills, seafood and street snacks; stop for photos of Bai Chay Bridge lit up.
- 9–10:30 pm: listen to live music, sit at a drinks bar, or go over to VUI-Fest for the show and fireworks if the schedule fits.
- After 10:30 pm: return to the hotel, or stay on at a bar if you do not have an early boat the next morning.
If you have an early bay cruise the next day, head back before 10:30 pm to get enough sleep. Our 2-day 1-night Ha Long itinerary shows how to balance the evening and the morning on a short trip.
What to eat on Bai Chay Walking Street and how much does it cost?
The walking street is mostly street food and small eateries: grilled seafood skewers, grilled squid, squid cakes, banh mi, fried snacks, ice cream, sugarcane juice, milk tea, beer and cocktails. Estimated prices are about 20,000–100,000 VND per item, while fresh seafood sold by weight costs more. It is a good place for snacking and soaking up the atmosphere; for a full seafood dinner, dedicated seafood restaurants usually offer more choice.
| Food group | Examples | Estimated price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snacks and skewers | sausages, octopus, squid skewers, fried balls | 20,000–60,000 VND/portion | easy to eat while strolling |
| Quang Ninh specialities | squid cake, squid cake banh mi, peanut worm (at some stalls) | 40,000–120,000 VND/portion | ask whether the price is per portion or per weight |
| Fresh seafood | snails, clams, shrimp, crab, grilled or steamed | 150,000–500,000 VND/plate or per kg | check the weight and price before cooking |
| Drinks | sugarcane juice, milk tea, coconut, beer, cocktails | 20,000–150,000 VND/glass | bars with live music usually charge more |
| Desserts | ice cream, sweet soups, fruit | 20,000–50,000 VND/portion | good for children |
These prices are reference estimates for the tourist season and can vary between stalls. A good habit is to check the menu or ask the price before ordering, especially for dishes charged by weight. For more on local dishes and choosing a seafood restaurant, our guide on what to eat in Ha Long lists dishes worth trying and tips to avoid being overcharged.
Where to take photos around Bai Chay Walking Street?
Most good photo angles are within a 10–15 minute walk of the street. You do not need to go far; just pick the right moment, when it has just got dark and the lights are on.
- Bai Chay Bridge lit up: the cable-stayed bridge linking Bai Chay and Hon Gai changes colour in the evening. A good angle is from the waterfront near the foot of the bridge, with boats moored in the foreground.
- Sun Wheel: the Ferris wheel on Ba Deo Hill glows at night and is visible from many points along the street. To ride it, you need to take the Queen Cable Car from Sun World; it usually stops around 8 pm and hours may change.
- Old-town facades: rows of buildings in a traditional style, lanterns and signboards make a striking street backdrop.
- Seafront promenade: a quieter stretch of shoreline to look out over the bay, listen to the waves and escape the crowds after 9 pm.
Sun World's Dragon Park is currently not open to visitors as it used to be, so do not plan it into your evening. If you are interested in the cable car and the Ferris wheel, our article on Sun World Ha Long and the Queen Cable Car has more detail.
Walking street, VUI-Fest or Ha Long night market: what is the difference?
All three are evening activities in Bai Chay but suit different needs. Bai Chay Walking Street is best for snacks and strolling. VUI-Fest at Sun Porto Town suits people who enjoy shows and fireworks. The Ha Long night market in Hung Thang suits those who want souvenirs and a traditional market feel. If you have two evenings, split them so you are not rushed.
| Criteria | Bai Chay Walking Street | VUI-Fest (Sun Porto Town) | Ha Long night market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | old-town quarter beside Dai Duong Park, near Sun World | Lighthouse area, next to Sun Carnival Square and the international passenger port | Ha Long Marine Plaza, Hoang Quoc Viet street, Hung Thang |
| Reference hours | about 7 pm–midnight | about 4 pm–midnight | about 5 pm–11:30 pm |
| Strengths | street food, live music, Bai Chay Bridge lit up | shows, scheduled fireworks, spacious grounds | souvenirs, clothes, budget food |
| Entry | free | free entry to the area; some shows are ticketed | free |
| Best for | couples, groups of friends, families | families, large groups, event lovers | shoppers and market lovers |
Fireworks and show schedules at VUI-Fest are announced by Sun World in phases. From late June 2026, the announced schedule was about 9:30 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30 pm and 9:45 pm Friday to Sunday; the main show at around 9 pm has a separate ticket of about 50,000 VND. Schedules can change, so check the latest announcement before you go.
Getting to Bai Chay Walking Street and parking
From hotels in central Bai Chay you can walk or take a ride-hailing car for about 5–10 minutes. From the Hung Thang area the distance is about 3–5 km, roughly 10–15 minutes by car, with an estimated fare of 40,000–80,000 VND. From Hon Gai across Bai Chay Bridge it takes about 15–20 minutes. If you ride a motorbike, use a ticketed parking lot rather than leaving it at the roadside.
- Ride-hailing car: the most convenient option in the evening; set the pick-up point at the start of the street or the Dai Duong Park gate so the driver can find you easily.
- Motorbike or rented e-bike: flexible if you want to add the night market or VUI-Fest; bring a helmet and the vehicle papers.
- On foot: suitable if your hotel is near Bai Chay beach; the seafront road is pleasant at night but busy, so stay on the pavement.
- Private car: parking near the street is limited at weekends, so arrive before 7:30 pm or park further away and walk.
When choosing where to stay, distance to the walking street is just one of many criteria. Our guide on where to stay in Ha Long compares Bai Chay, Hon Gai and Tuan Chau by evening atmosphere and distance to the port.
Tips for a more comfortable evening on the walking street
- Weather: summer (May–August) is the busiest time but evening showers are common; in winter (December–February) the sea breeze is chilly, so bring a light jacket. See also the best time to visit Ha Long.
- Payment: many stalls accept QR bank transfers, but carry some cash for small stalls and parking.
- With young children: go early, around 7–8:30 pm, before it gets too crowded, and avoid the loud music areas; our guide to Ha Long with young children has more ideas.
- Alcohol: if you drink beer or cocktails, take a taxi back instead of driving yourself.
- Personal belongings: keep your phone and wallet safe in crowded spots, especially during the fireworks.
- Rubbish and noise: use the bins and keep noise down when returning to residential areas and hotels after 10 pm.
Fitting the walking street into your Ha Long itinerary
Bai Chay Walking Street fits best on the first evening of your trip, after you check in and take a walk along the beach. On a 3-day 2-night trip, you can spend one evening on the walking street and another at VUI-Fest or the night market. On a day trip from Hanoi, you usually have to leave before the street gets busiest, so it should not be the main reason to choose a day trip.
See also our 3-day 2-night Ha Long itinerary, Ha Long day trip from Hanoi and things to do in Ha Long to decide how many evenings you need.
If you would like to stay in the quieter Hung Thang area while still being about 10–15 minutes by car from the walking street, you can consider A La Carte Hạ Long Bay by Anstay and Anstay Marina Hotel Hạ Long, then compare room types, breakfast and cancellation policies as you would with any other option.
Frequently asked questions about Bai Chay Walking Street
Is there an entrance fee for Bai Chay Walking Street?
No. Entry to the walking street is free; you only pay for food, drinks and services. Motorbike or car parking is charged separately at the parking lots.
Which days is Bai Chay Walking Street open?
According to information released at its opening, the street runs every day from about 7 pm to midnight. On weekdays in the low season fewer stalls may open, while weekends and summer are the busiest.
How far is Bai Chay Walking Street from Ha Long International Passenger Port?
Both are in Bai Chay, about 2–3 km apart, roughly 5–10 minutes by car. You can stroll the street the evening before your cruise without spending much time travelling.
Is Bai Chay Walking Street suitable for young children?
Yes, if you go early, around 7–8:30 pm, choose clean food stalls and avoid the loud music areas. A compact stroller or baby carrier helps, as the street is crowded at weekends.
Can I visit both the walking street and VUI-Fest in one evening?
Yes, if you have the energy and transport. Eat on the walking street from about 7:30 to 9 pm, then go to VUI-Fest for the scheduled fireworks. With young children or older relatives, it is better to split them over two evenings.
Is Dragon Park on Bai Chay Walking Street?
Dragon Park is an amusement area inside Sun World and is currently not open to visitors as it used to be, so do not plan it into your schedule. Near the walking street you can still enjoy Bai Chay Bridge and the Sun Wheel lit up at night.
For an overview of the whole trip, from transport and accommodation to costs, read our Ha Long travel guide from A to Z and Ha Long independent travel costs.
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