1. Ha Long Market 1 – The Bustling Heart of the City's Seafood
Located in the city center on Bach Dang Street, Ha Long Market 1 is the largest and busiest market in Ha Long. From early morning, the bustling calls and the salty smell of the sea have made it an unmissable destination for anyone who loves fresh Ha Long seafood.
Why should you visit?
Diverse seafood: from rare sea worms and unique sea cucumbers to fresh green crabs and lobsters.
Dozens of stalls side by side, allowing you to compare prices and quality.
Large space, clearly divided areas: fresh seafood, dried seafood, ready-to-eat food.
Real experience: The market is busiest from 6am to 9am, when fresh seafood catches are brought in from the port. You can find groupers as big as your arm or jumping prawns in the baskets.
Reference price: Green crab 250,000-350,000 VND/kg, black tiger shrimp 300,000-400,000 VND/kg.
Ha Long Market 1 is an ideal place to shop while experiencing the vibrant life of the locals.
2. Ha Long Market 2 – The Perfect Combination of Fresh and Dried Seafood
If Ha Long Market 1 is the bustling "elder brother", then Ha Long Market 2 in Bai Chay area offers more diversity and convenience for tourists. The market is not only famous for fresh Ha Long seafood but also a paradise for dried seafood – the perfect gift to bring home after your trip.
Why is it outstanding?
Fresh seafood: black tiger prawns, grouper, squid freshly caught daily.
Dried seafood: fragrant hand-pounded squid cakes, chewy dried squid, flavorful one-sun-dried mackerel.
Many stalls offer vacuum packaging and shipping services.
Shopping tips: Don't hesitate to ask the seller about the seafood origin. The best squid cakes are yellowish, not too dry, and have a distinctive aroma. For dried squid, choose large, naturally pinkish-white ones, avoid those that are discolored.
Reference price: Squid cakes 400.000-500.000 VND/kg, dried squid 700.000-900.000 VND/kg.
This is an ideal place for those who want to combine enjoying on the spot and buying Ha Long specialties as gifts.
3. Cai Dam Market – Convenient Destination Near Bai Chay
Located in the Tien Ong area, near the Bai Chay tourist area, Cai Dam Market is a perfect choice for tourists who want to combine sightseeing and shopping. The market is not as crowded as the center, but it still ensures a plentiful supply of fresh, high-quality Ha Long seafood.
Strengths:
Fresh seafood: plump, fatty oysters, firm snapper, sweet mantis shrimp, fresh squid.
Dried seafood: bright red dried shrimp, fragrant yellow croaker, rich sun-dried squid.
Close to hotels and resorts, easy to visit after swimming.
Real experience: The sellers here are very friendly and willing to boil crabs or steam mantis shrimp on the spot if you want to try them immediately. Dried seafood is carefully packaged, convenient to bring home as gifts.
Reference price: Mantis shrimp 300,000-400,000 VND/kg, sun-dried squid 600,000-750,000 VND/kg.
With its prime location, Cai Dam Market is a place where you can buy delicious seafood and save travel time.
4. Hon Gai Fish Market – Fresh and Cheap Seafood from Fishermen
Hidden near Hon Gai harbor, Hon Gai fish market is one of the Ha Long seafood wholesale markets favored by locals. The market is not very "touristy", so the prices here are usually cheaper and the quality is beyond question.
Highlights:
Fresh seafood: plump crabs, fatty groupers, and shrimp still swimming in tanks.
Affordable prices, suitable for buying in large quantities for processing or taking home.
Operates from 4 AM, where fishermen sell their catch directly.
Practical experience: Go early to choose the best seafood. Don't hesitate to ask the sellers about how to prepare it – they are usually very enthusiastic about sharing, such as steaming crab with beer or grilling grouper with salt and pepper.
Reference price: Crab 200.000-300.000 VND/kg, Grouper 180.000-250.000 VND/kg.
Hon Gai fish market is where you can best feel the breath of the sea through every fresh seafood.
5. Bach Dang Fish Market – An Early Morning Market with Freshly Landed Seafood
Located along Tran Quoc Nghiem coastal road, Bach Dang fish market is an ideal destination for those who want to buy fresh Ha Long seafood that has just been caught for the day. The market is most active from 5am to 8am, when the boats return from the bay.
Special Features:
Freshest Seafood: Crabs with snapping claws, shiny mackerel, plump squid eggs.
Competitive prices, usually 10-20% cheaper than the central market.
Peaceful atmosphere, less crowded, pleasant shopping experience.
Tips for Choosing: Fresh fish should have clear eyes and bright red gills; good crabs are heavy and have firm claws. If you buy early, you may find unique seafood such as white bird fish or mantis shrimp.
Reference Price: Crab 200.000-280.000 VND/kg, squid eggs 350.000-450.000 VND/kg.
Wake up a little early to enjoy the unique atmosphere and bring home the best seafood from Bach Dang fish market.
6. Vung Dang Seafood Market – Wholesale Seafood, Rare Varieties
Located about 15 minutes from Ha Long city center, Vung Dang Seafood Market is a hidden gem. This is the ideal place for those who want to buy in bulk or hunt for rare seafood.
Why is it worth visiting?
Unique seafood: plump sea cucumbers, sweet oysters, cute baby lobsters.
Excellent wholesale prices, suitable for restaurants or buying large quantities as gifts.
Spacious atmosphere, few tourists, retains a rustic charm.
Real experience: The market is a hub for large wholesalers, so you can buy sea cucumbers – a type of "sea ginseng" – at half the price of supermarkets. Sellers also assist with processing if requested.
Reference price: Sea cucumbers 500,000-700,000 VND/kg, baby lobsters 800,000-1,000,000 VND/kg.
If you have time, don't miss Vung Dang market to discover unique seafood rarely found elsewhere.
Notes When Buying Seafood in Ha Long
For a perfect shopping trip at Ha Long seafood markets, you need to know these tips:
How to choose fresh seafood:
Shrimp, squid: Shiny shell, firm body, no strong fishy smell. Fresh shrimp still jump, fresh squid have a shiny membrane.
Fish: Clear eyes, bright red gills, good elasticity when pressed.
Dried seafood: Natural color (white-pink dried squid, golden squid cake), no dampness or chemical smell.
Bargaining tips: Ask the price at least 3 stalls, bargain gradually (reduce about 10-20% depending on the quantity). Sellers here are usually cheerful and easy to negotiate with.
Sending seafood home: Markets like Ha Long 2 Market and Cai Dam Market offer styrofoam box packing, cold storage, and shipping via passenger cars or post office services. The service fee is about 50,000-100,000 VND depending on the distance.
Conclusion: Which Market Suits You?
Ha Long is truly a "seafood paradise" with unique markets, each with its own distinct character. If you are looking for fresh, cheap seafood in Ha Long, visit Hon Gai Fish Market or Bach Dang Fish Market early in the morning. Want to buy Ha Long specialties as gifts such as squid cakes and dried squid? Ha Long 2 Market and Cai Dam Market will not disappoint you. If you are hunting for rare seafood at wholesale prices, Vung Dang Market is the ideal destination.
Plan a visit to these Quang Ninh seafood markets to bring home some delicious dishes! Which market in Ha Long have you bought seafood from? Share your experience below for everyone to learn!
Reference Price List (updated 03/2025):
Fresh Black Tiger Shrimp: 300.000-400.000 VND/kg
Green Crab: 250.000-350.000 VND/kg
Dried Squid: 700.000-900.000 VND/kg
Squid Cake: 400.000-500.000 VND/kg
Abalone: 500.000-700.000 VND/kg
Note: Prices vary depending on the season and time of purchase.
