The city is the provincial capital of Quang Ninh province, and was created within the nineties by amalgamating Bai Chay, a tourist area, with the a lot larger industrial and commercial area of Hong Gia. The considerable differences between the two parts, and their separation by a busy car ferry crossing the Cua Luc estuary, made them uneasy bedfellows at first, however time and the approaching development of a bridge is bringing them together. 

Surprisingly, the tourist area of Bai Chai is the less attractive area for the intense traveler. The lengthy seafront suffers from uncontrolled and inappropriate improvement, and apart from the hotels, eating places and souvenir shops (mostly poor quality), and the Royal Park, an extended seafront growth with few distinctive attractions, there may be little motive to spend a lot time there. Nearly invariably, we advocate our shoppers to spend the night time on a properly-geared up boat on Ha Long Bay. 

After all, Ha Long City’s fame is its location facing the World Heritage Area of Ha Long Bay. The primary access point is a goal constructed wharf to the west of Bai Chai. Its location implies that the large numbers of day-trip visitors by-go Ha Long City altogether, thus depriving the local group of much-needed income. If time permits, a go to Hong Gia is worthwhile. 

Though a number of the coal mines and related heavy industries have been moved further east, the commercial nature of Hong Gia is instantly evident.  

Not like Bai Chay, there has been no try to ‘internationalize’ Hong Gia. Practically all the buildings are comparatively new: almost your entire area was flattened by blanket bombing throughout the war.  

Luckily, a small area within the south of Hong Gia escaped the destruction. In its centre is Bai Tho (‘Poem’) Mountain, the title derived from the number of verses carved into its nearly vertical seaward face by famous kings and poets. The limestone peak is unexpectedly wealthy in bio-variety and presents stunning views of the bay and the purple backs of sea eagles swooping below. 

It's also steeped in Vietnamese culture, not just for its position in wars and conflicts by way of the ages, but additionally for its religious associations. Two enticing temples, one on each side of the mountain, are worth a visit.  

Elsewhere, Hong Gia bustles with life, and is a good example of Vietnam’s emerging industrial cities. A stroll around the market and port is pleasant and informative. 

Ha Long City is already rising rapidly. However, it’s inevitable that the speed of progress will accelerate as it lies upon the primary road to southern China. At present, the heavy Lorries have to use the ferry - once the bridge is built, and the street to the border gate is upgraded, goods traffic will escalate. 

The 160km journey to Ha Long City takes about 2½ hrs. Almost all accommodation is in Bai Chai. At present, there are 5 good quality hotels but, although comfortable, none is up to deluxe standard. There is a limited variety of cheap mid-range hotels and an abundance of budget lodging, much of it poor quality. 

Restaurant menus are fairly restricted, but the seafood is superb, especially that served on the boats we use. A good various is the floating restaurant close to Bai Tho Mountain. Apart from the ever present karaoke institutions and numerous shows and leisure in the Royal Park, there’s not much to do within the evenings aside from strolling among the promenade or around Hong Gia. 

On the western outskirts of the city, Tuan Chau is a small soil island near the mainland that has been transformed to a large resort area. Although nicely performed, and boasting a few of the best lodging in Ha Long City, it has been designed to draw Vietnamese and Chinese language guests and is unlikely to enchantment to those from developed nations elsewhere.