1. Overview of travel costs for Quang Ninh during Tet
Traveling to Quang Ninh in the early days of the new year carries a very unique vibe. It's not just a simple vacation or sightseeing trip; many people also consider it a journey to "absorb good fortune," praying for a smooth and favorable new year. Therefore, the increased demand for travel also leads to many fluctuations in cost levels compared to normal days.
Travel to Quang Ninh in the early days of the year brings vibrant spring colors and a characteristic festival atmosphere. (Source: Collected)
1.1 Why do travel costs in Quang Ninh increase during Tet?
The first and most obvious reason is the surge in travel demand during the extended Tet holiday. When everyone wants to travel and relax, tourism services from transportation, hotels to dining, and entertainment fall into a state of "supply not meeting demand." This makes it difficult for prices to avoid increasing.
Besides, most hotels, resorts, and cruise ships on Ha Long Bay apply Tet holiday surcharges. This surcharge is usually announced clearly in advance and calculated as a percentage or a fixed price per room, per night of stay. Entertainment services and entrance tickets may also adjust prices or include additional service packages during peak periods.
Another factor directly affecting travel costs in Quang Ninh during Tet is the limited availability of rooms and transportation. In the days close to Tet or on the second and third days of the lunar new year, "sold out rooms" and "sold out tickets" are not uncommon, forcing many tourists to choose more expensive options if they do not book early.
1.2 Comparing tour costs versus independent travel
When planning a trip to Quang Ninh during Tet, many people wonder whether to go on a package tour or travel independently. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of cost.
A package tour often brings a more "worry-free" experience because the price is fixed from the start, including costs such as transportation, hotel, entrance tickets, and some meals. For families with elderly members or large groups, this is a safe choice that makes budgeting easier. However, the disadvantage of tours is the fixed itinerary, which is less flexible and sometimes not suitable for those who want to experience things their own way.
Conversely, independent travel allows you to be more proactive in choosing services, timing, and destinations. If you book bus tickets and hotel rooms early, you can completely optimize costs. However, during Tet, independent travel also carries the risk of incurring additional expenses if not calculated carefully, especially when service prices increase or options become limited.
1.3 Factors directly affecting the trip budget
The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet does not have a fixed figure for everyone, as the budget depends on many different factors. The duration of stay is the first factor to consider, as the longer you stay, the higher the costs for accommodation, food, and entertainment will be.
The type of accommodation also greatly affects the total cost. Choosing between budget hotels, homestays, or high-end resorts and overnight cruises on the bay will create a significant difference. In addition, the number of attractions and entertainment activities in the itinerary also largely determines the budget, especially for families with young children or groups of friends who want to experience many entertainment services.
2. Estimated travel costs for Quang Ninh by category
2.1 Transportation costs to Quang Ninh during Tet
For tourists departing from Hanoi, Quang Ninh is a convenient destination as the distance is only about 150 km. You can choose to travel by bus, limousine, or drive your own car. During Tet, bus and limousine ticket prices usually increase slightly compared to normal days, fluctuating at a moderate level but still considered reasonable if booked early.
During the Tet holiday, bus and limousine ticket prices increase slightly but are still reasonable if booked early. (Source: Compilation)
If traveling by personal vehicle, the main costs include fuel, road tolls, and parking fees. This is a suitable option for families or groups of friends who want to be flexible with time, and can combine sightseeing at multiple points along the way.
Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City and distant provinces often choose to fly to Van Don or Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
For tourists from Ho Chi Minh City and distant provinces, airplanes are the most popular mode of transportation. You can fly to Van Don or Hai Phong airport, then continue by car to Ha Long. Flight ticket prices during Tet are usually much higher than on normal days, especially if booked close to the date, so transportation costs will account for a significant portion of the total trip budget.
2.2 Costs of visiting prominent tourist attractions
Ha Long Bay is always a top attraction when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. (Source: Collected)
Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination when traveling to Quang Ninh. The tour routes on the bay have different ticket prices depending on the time and stops. During Tet, ticket prices usually remain at the listed rate, but large crowds may cause you to wait or book in advance.
Sun World Ha Long is a vibrant entertainment spot, especially suitable for families with young children. (Source: Collected)
Besides Ha Long Bay, Sun World Ha Long is an entertainment destination that attracts a large number of tourists, especially families with young children. Entrance tickets and games within this amusement park are also an expense to consider when planning.
Quang Ninh has many free attractions such as museums, night markets, and central areas. (Source: Collected)
Besides, Quang Ninh also has many free or low-cost attractions such as Quang Ninh Museum, Bai Chay night market, or strolling around the Hon Gai central area. These destinations help balance the budget while offering an interesting cultural experience early in the year.
2.3 Hotel and Cruise Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is one of the items that accounts for a large proportion of tourism costs in Quang Ninh during Tet. 2-3 star hotels usually have popular prices, suitable for those who travel on a budget or only need basic rest. However, during Tet, even this segment can increase in price due to high demand.
For those who want to enjoy a more luxurious resort space, 4-5 star hotels and beachfront resorts are ideal choices. The prices in this segment usually increase significantly during Tet, but in return, the service quality and experience are better.
Overnight cruises on Ha Long Bay are considered a "worth the money" experience and are suitable for couples or families who want a memorable holiday. This is the most expensive category among accommodation options, but in return, it offers privacy, all-inclusive services, and beautiful bay scenery.
2.4 Food and Entertainment Costs
Eating in Quang Ninh during Tet is quite diverse, from budget eateries, local stalls to high-end seafood restaurants. If you choose to eat at local eateries, the cost is not too different from normal days and still ensures quality.
Conversely, large restaurants, especially beachfront seafood restaurants, often have higher prices during Tet. However, this is also an opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood in a festive atmosphere, so many tourists are willing to spend more for this experience.
In addition to food, entertainment costs such as cable cars, experience areas, and games in entertainment complexes also need to be calculated in advance to avoid exceeding the budget.
2.5 Unexpected Expenses
Besides the main expenses, you should also set aside a budget for unexpected costs such as Tet surcharges, service fees, inter-provincial transportation, parking fees, or souvenir purchases. For families traveling in large groups or with young children, these unexpected expenses can increase significantly if not planned in advance.
3. Popular Quang Ninh Tet Tour Price List
3.1 Commonly Chosen Tour Types
A 1-day tour to visit Ha Long is often chosen by many tourists with limited time or who just want to "go fast - see briefly" the most outstanding points of the bay. According to the general market on Ha Long tour websites, the price for a 1-day tour ranges from VND 800,000 to VND 1,300,000 per person, including bay sightseeing boat, scenic spot tickets, and lunch on board. This is considered a budget-friendly option, suitable for day-trippers or those combining Ha Long into a short spring travel itinerary.
For those who want a more complete experience, a 2-day 1-night tour is a popular choice due to the balance between sightseeing, entertainment, and relaxation. These types of tours often combine Ha Long Bay sightseeing, overnight stays on cruises or in hotels, along with activities such as kayaking, cave visits, and playing at Sun World Ha Long. The reference price for a 2-day 1-night tour is around VND 3.5 – 6 million per person for standard cruises or hotels, and can increase to VND 7 – 9 million per person if choosing a luxury cruise, especially during Tet with a holiday surcharge.
Meanwhile, a 3-day 2-night tour is suitable for tourists who want to explore Quang Ninh more slowly and deeply. Besides Ha Long, the itinerary is often extended to nearby spiritual sites, which are very popular for spring trips at the beginning of the year. According to travel agencies, the price for a 3-day 2-night tour ranges from VND 2.3 – 3 million per person for standard tours staying in hotels, and can be significantly higher if combined with overnight cruises or luxury services. This is a suitable option for families or groups of friends who want to sightsee and relax without being too rushed.
3.2 Overview of Tet Tour Prices
Overall, short-day tours have lower costs and are suitable for limited budgets. Long-day tours have higher prices because they include more services, meals, and accommodation. Tour prices also depend on hotel standards, itineraries, and the number of people in the group.
4. Suggested Itinerary for Optimal Cost for Quang Ninh Tourism during Tet
Visiting Ha Long Bay or Sun World helps visitors fully enjoy the Tet atmosphere. (Source: Collected)
On the first day, you can travel to Ha Long early in the morning to save time. After checking in or dropping off your luggage, visiting Ha Long Bay or playing at Sun World Ha Long will help you fully enjoy the vibrant Tet holiday atmosphere. In the evening, strolling through Bai Chay night market and enjoying local cuisine is a fun and not too expensive experience.
On the second day, tourists can visit Quang Ninh Museum and wander around Hon Gai. (Source: Collected)
On the second day, you can spend time visiting Quang Ninh Museum or wandering around the central area of Hon Gai to feel the local rhythm of life. After lunch, you can end the trip and return, closing a gentle spring travel journey but still full of experiences.
5. Tips for saving costs on Quang Ninh travel during Tet
Booking services early is always the "golden" principle if you want to optimize costs for Quang Ninh travel during Tet. Booking bus tickets, plane tickets, and hotel rooms a few weeks to a month in advance not only gives you more choices but also helps you avoid price increases close to the holiday. Many hotels and transportation companies often have early booking price guarantees or slight discounts for advance bookings.
Choosing a reasonable travel time is also an effective way to save. If visiting on the first or second day of Tet is not a priority, you can consider departing before Tet or traveling after the fourth or fifth day. At this time, the number of tourists has decreased, and service costs are more affordable, but the festive atmosphere still remains.
When planning your itinerary, you should skillfully combine paid attractions with free or low-cost ones. Wandering through Bai Chay night market, visiting Quang Ninh Museum, or walking along the coast not only saves your budget but also offers very authentic, local experiences – something that expensive tours don't always provide.
Regarding accommodation, if you don't require high-end resort services, you can prioritize 2-3 star hotels or homestays in the central area of Ha Long. These options are usually significantly cheaper than beachfront resorts, while still being convenient for transportation and accessing main attractions. For large groups or families, renting a family room or a tourist apartment can also help divide costs effectively.
Eating during Tet can also be an expense that easily "exceeds the budget" if not careful. Instead of only eating at large restaurants, you can intersperse meals at local eateries or seafood markets, which is both economical and an opportunity to enjoy authentic Quang Ninh cuisine. Before ordering, don't hesitate to ask for prices to avoid unexpected expenses.
Finally, always set aside a small contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. Being prepared in advance will make you more comfortable during your trip, without the pressure of additional costs outside your plan. A complete Quang Ninh Tet trip is not about spending a lot or a little, but about how you enjoy the journey reasonably and within your financial means.
The cost of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet is not necessarily "too expensive" if you prepare thoroughly from the planning stage. Compared to many other famous domestic destinations, Quang Ninh still maintains a diversity of options, from budget travel to luxury resorts. You can completely adjust your budget flexibly based on your length of stay, mode of transportation, type of hotel, and activities in your itinerary.