seafood in Halong Bay Vietnam (seafood in Halong Bay)

Seafood in Halong Bay: The vibrant taste of the sea in Vietnam

When talking about Halong Bay, many people think of the stunning limestone islands rising from the emerald green sea. But for me, mr.hotsia, visiting Halong Bay is not just about nature; it’s also about a unique seafood experience. The fresh flavors and the atmosphere of the markets and seaside restaurants truly reflect the local way of life.

I arrived in Halong on Vietnam’s National Day, just as seafood restaurants were bustling with both locals and tourists. Some places even had signs in Thai advertising Thai-style seafood dipping sauces. I couldn’t resist trying some.

Atmosphere of seafood restaurants and markets in Halong

Restaurants in Halong are not luxurious like five-star resorts but are lively and genuine. Most are located by the sea with open-air settings, where the sound of waves and sea breeze bring freshness. I saw locals selecting fresh seafood from tanks with live fish. The small seafood restaurant I chose was packed, and it was clear many Vietnamese also came to eat here.

The menu included grilled button squid, large prawns, and fresh sea crab. The grilled squid had the aroma of charcoal and Vietnamese spices, with tender and sweet meat. The prawns and crab were so fresh they almost melted in my mouth. I noticed the seafood dipping sauce here was a simple sauce, not as spicy or intense as the ones back home, which allowed the freshness of the seafood to stand out more.

Comparing the taste and price of Halong seafood with Thailand

For me, mr.hotsia, who has tasted seafood in many countries including Thailand, the flavors in Halong, while fresh, are distinctly different. The dipping sauce is not as spicy or rich as in Thailand. The fried rice I ordered was a bit hard, but the stir-fried noodles (mì xào) were well done with soft noodles and balanced flavor.

Regarding price, I must say seafood in Halong is considerably more expensive than in Thailand, even though the ingredients are equally fresh. This may be because Halong is a globally popular tourist destination with higher local market demand. I recommend that if you want to save money, try eating seafood at local markets or small restaurants favored by Vietnamese people.

Travel and accommodation in Halong Bay

For those interested in visiting Halong, I suggest staying at least one night to experience the seaside atmosphere at night and early morning. I have stayed in Halong city, which is convenient for travel and finding food. Many hotels are affordable and offer basic amenities.

Halong Bay is also a good hub for traveling to other provinces in Vietnam, especially if you want to explore the lifestyle and culture of northern areas such asLang Son Provincewhich I have visited and gathered experiences from. Additionally, for those who enjoy southern Vietnam’s beaches, I recommendNha Trang Seawhere I experienced a completely different atmosphere.

Summary from mr.hotsia’s real experience

Halong Bay is not just a scenic viewpoint but also a place for fresh and uniquely charming seafood. Although the flavors differ from what we are used to at home, it is a great opportunity to learn and open new experiences. Tasting seafood here helped me understand more about Vietnamese life, cooking methods, ingredients, and different tastes.

If you love traveling and trying local food, don’t miss Halong Bay in Vietnam. I guarantee the freshness and variety of seafood will make your trip as memorable as the scenery.