1. Is Quang Ninh tourism expensive during Tet?
“Is Quang Ninh tourism expensive during Tet?” is a familiar question for many tourists as spring approaches. Quang Ninh has always been a popular destination year-round, but during Tet, this appeal becomes even more pronounced as resort tourism, spiritual spring travel, and entertainment simultaneously enter their peak season. This is precisely what makes many people worry that the cost of Quang Ninh tourism during Tet will be high, difficult to control, and prone to exceeding plans.
Quang Ninh during Tet strongly attracts tourists with resorts, spiritual spring travel, and entertainment. (Source: Collected)
In reality, Quang Ninh tourism during Tet usually has higher costs than normal days, which is unavoidable. Accommodation demand increases sharply, and a large number of tourists flock in while room and service capacity is limited, causing prices of many items to be adjusted. Hotels, resorts, cruises, entrance tickets, and entertainment services can all apply Tet holiday surcharges, especially during the period from the 29th of Tet to the 4th or 5th day of the Lunar New Year.
However, whether Quang Ninh Tet tourism is "expensive" or "not expensive" depends heavily on how each person plans. The total cost, high or low, is influenced by the length of stay, the type of services chosen, whether it's a package tour or self-guided, and the timing of booking services early or late. Some Tet trips to Quang Ninh can be at a moderate spending level, while others are high-end vacations with large budgets, depending on the needs and travel styles of each tourist group.
2. Detailed Costs for Quang Ninh Tourism During Tet
2.1 Hotel Room Prices in Quang Ninh During Tet
In the cost structure of Quang Ninh tourism during Tet, accommodation costs usually account for the largest proportion and are also the item that makes many tourists wonder most about whether Quang Ninh Tet tourism is expensive. In fact, room prices during this period do increase compared to normal days, but the increase is not uniform across segments, and it can be fully anticipated if the general price level is understood.
2–3 star hotels in Quang Ninh during Tet see a slight price increase but remain reasonable if booked early. (Source: Collected)
For 2–3 star hotels in the Bai Chay area or the center of Hon Gai, prices during Tet usually range from 700,000 – 1,300,000 VND/room/night depending on location, timing, and amenities. Compared to normal days, prices may increase slightly by a few hundred thousand VND, but are still considered “affordable” if booked early. This segment is suitable for young groups, small families, or travelers who prioritize spending on food, sightseeing, and experiences over high-end accommodation.
4-5 star hotels and resorts in Quang Ninh during Tet holiday are priced from two to four million per night. (Source: Collected)
In the higher segment, 4-5 star hotels and beachfront resorts usually have Tet holiday prices ranging from 2,000,000 – 4,500,000 VND/room/night, even higher for famous resorts or rooms with beautiful sea views. During Tet, room occupancy rates are typically very high, leading to holiday surcharges. In return, guests can enjoy spacious resort spaces, synchronized services, quality breakfast, and a Tet atmosphere that is well-invested from decorations to New Year activities. For families with elderly members or young children, this is a choice that helps the trip become lighter and more comfortable.
Overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay during Tet have high costs and often book up early. (Source: Collected)
Overnight cruises on Ha Long Bay are the most expensive accommodation category during the Tet holiday, and also the earliest to be fully booked. The popular price for a 1-night cruise usually ranges from 3,500,000 – 6,500,000 VND/person, depending on the ship class, room standard, and accompanying services. This price typically includes meals on board, bay entrance tickets, and some experience activities. Despite the high cost, for many couples or tourists wanting to start the new year with a special experience amidst the bay, this is still considered a worthwhile expense.
2.2 Ha Long Bay Sightseeing Tickets and Tourist Boats, Sun World Ha Long
Ha Long Bay entrance tickets during Tet remain stable according to general listed regulations. (Source: Collected)
Entrance fees are the next important factor when evaluating if Quang Ninh tourism during Tet is expensive. Ha Long Bay entrance tickets are currently applied according to popular routes and basic prices generally do not change much during Tet because they are listed according to general regulations.
However, the cost of bay tour boats varies depending on the form. Joining a shared tour is a cost-saving option, suitable for solo travelers or small groups, with costs usually including entrance tickets and boat. Meanwhile, renting a private boat offers privacy and itinerary flexibility but at a higher cost, suitable for large groups or multi-generational families.
Sun World Ha Long is an attractive entertainment spot, suitable for families traveling during Tet. (Source: Collected)
Sun World Ha Long is also a destination chosen by many families during Tet. Ticket prices for the Queen Cable Car and amusement park are usually adjusted slightly during peak season. With a vibrant spring atmosphere, many entertainment activities suitable for both adults and children, this is an expense that many tourists accept to make the trip more complete.
Welcoming the new spring, Sun World Ha Long offers a rich Tet activity program, harmoniously combining modern entertainment and traditional culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with lion dances to kick off the spring, receive lucky money at the beginning of the year, get calligraphy, participate in Dong Ho painting workshops, and experience the banh chung corner. Alongside are mini art shows, magic, and Tet xam performances, along with many folk games, creating an attractive spring travel destination for all ages.
2.3 Dining – Cuisine and restaurant costs
Food and drink is the most flexible expense when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. (Source: Collected)
Food and drink is the most flexible cost item for a trip to Quang Ninh during Tet. If you choose casual eateries, local eateries, or seafood markets, prices are usually quite stable and do not increase too much compared to normal days. This is a suitable choice for tourists who want to enjoy Quang Ninh cuisine in a familiar and economical way.
Conversely, large seafood restaurants, buffets, or eateries serving tourists in Bai Chay often have higher prices during Tet. The increased price comes with spacious ambiance, professional service, and a diverse menu. The Hon Gai area is often rated as having more local eateries with more "pleasant" prices, while Bai Chay is convenient for tourists staying near the entertainment areas.
3. Should you choose a package tour or travel independently during Tet?
A package tour is a safe choice for those worried about whether traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet is expensive. The biggest advantage of a tour is its fixed price, including transportation, accommodation, and entrance tickets. This helps limit unexpected expenses and makes it easy to control the budget, especially suitable for families with elderly members or large groups.
Traveling independently offers greater flexibility in choosing hotels, dining, and attractions. However, the total cost will depend heavily on when services are booked. If booked early and with a clear plan, independent travel can still be economical. Conversely, booking close to Tet can easily lead to high prices or unavailability.
4. Factors influencing whether traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet is expensive?
4.1 Timing: New Year's Day vs. Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year generally has higher prices than New Year's Day due to the longer holiday and larger crowds. Meanwhile, New Year's Day is shorter, service prices are usually "softer" and suitable for short trips with less cost pressure.
4.2 Influence from major entertainment and resort areas
Major entertainment areas and resorts in Quang Ninh often launch package deals during Tet. Prices increase but come with consistent service quality, decorated spaces, and many New Year's activities, making the trip more memorable.
5. Suggested Quang Ninh Tet Itinerary and Cost Estimate
5.1 Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary
For tourists with limited time, a 2-day 1-night itinerary is a reasonable choice to enjoy the Tet atmosphere in Quang Ninh while controlling costs. This itinerary is particularly suitable for families from the North, young groups, or couples wanting a short spring trip with sufficient experiences.
On the first day, tourists travel to Ha Long early in the morning to make the most of the day. After arriving and checking into the hotel or leaving luggage, the journey usually begins with a visit to Ha Long Bay – an unmissable highlight of any Quang Ninh trip. During Tet, the bay has a unique beauty, not too noisy like summer but still lively enough, with fresh air and cool weather, suitable for sightseeing and taking photos at the start of the year. If not visiting the bay, many tourists choose Sun World Ha Long for entertainment, riding the Queen Cable Car, enjoying panoramic city views from above, and immersing themselves in the bustling festive atmosphere.
In the afternoon, after completing the main sightseeing activities, tourists can return to their hotel to rest and relax before going out for an evening stroll. The Bai Chay area is a familiar choice with its spacious environment, many eateries, cafes, and a coastal road suitable for walking. During Tet, Bai Chay is often decorated with lights and flowers, creating a lively yet pleasant feeling. Dinner can be a seafood meal at a beachfront restaurant or a local eatery, depending on budget and preference. The first day concludes with a walk along the beach, admiring the city lights, and enjoying the Tet atmosphere away from home, yet still fully experienced.
The second day starts more gently. After breakfast at the hotel, tourists can choose to visit the Quang Ninh Museum – a famous check-in spot with unique architecture, serving both as a place to visit and to understand more about the history and culture of the mining region. The museum's space is large and airy, very suitable for a leisurely and experiential trip at the beginning of the year. If not visiting the museum, many people choose to wander around Hon Gai city center, visit the local market, buy some specialties, or simply sit at a cafe and observe the slower pace of life compared to the Bai Chay tourist area.
Before concluding the trip, tourists usually spend time having lunch in Hon Gai or Bai Chay with typical Quang Ninh dishes, then pack their belongings and head back. With a 2-day 1-night itinerary, the pace of the trip is not too rushed, enough to feel the Tet atmosphere in Quang Ninh while being suitable for those who want to optimize costs and not take too many days off.
5.2 Cost Estimate by Category
Transportation costs depend on the departure point and chosen mode of transport. Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of hotel, resort, or cruise. Food and entrance ticket costs for 2 days can be well controlled if planned in advance.
Overall, if you know how to choose suitable services, traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet is not necessarily as expensive as many people fear. The most important thing is to clearly define your needs, budget, and travel style. Once you are proactive in your preparations, the question "Is traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet expensive?" will no longer be a major concern, but simply a manageable spending calculation.