1. Quang Ninh – Shopping Paradise by Ha Long Bay
Not only a famous tourist destination, Quang Ninh is also a vibrant intersection of culture and economy, especially at the attractive shopping spots in Quang Ninh. Tourists coming here can not only admire the natural beauty but also have the opportunity to explore bustling markets such as Ha Long Market, Mong Cai Market, or luxurious shopping malls like Vincom Plaza. Besides that, Quang Ninh souvenirs and specialties such as squid cakes, pearls, and art coal are also gifts not to be missed when visiting this land.
2. Attractive Shopping Spots in Quang Ninh
2.1 Ha Long Market 1 – Traditional Shopping Center
Ha Long Market 1 is one of the oldest and largest markets in Ha Long City. Located on Bach Dang Street, this is an ideal destination for those who love the bustling atmosphere of a traditional market. The market is divided into many areas:
Floor 1: Selling jewelry, pearls, handicrafts, and electronics.
Floor 2: Specializing in clothing, shoes, and dried seafood such as squid and fish.
Outdoor area: A paradise of fresh seafood at affordable prices.
In particular, Quang Ninh specialties such as hand-pounded squid cakes here always attract tourists with their alluring aroma and rich flavor. The market operates from 6 am to 6:30 pm, very convenient for sightseeing schedules.
2.2 Mong Cai Market – Intersection of Vietnamese and Chinese Culture
Located near the international border gate, Mong Cai Market is a unique shopping spot in Quang Ninh, a place of economic and cultural exchange between Vietnam and China. The market has 3 main areas (Market 1, Market 2, Market 3), of which Mong Cai Central Market (Market 1) is the most prominent with over 700 stalls.
Abundant goods: Clothing, fabrics, electronics, Chinese candies and cakes.
Local specialties: Fresh seafood, dried shrimp, Mong Cai shredded pork.
Cultural highlight: Traditional Chinese medicine stalls and practitioners offering on-site pulse diagnosis.
The market operates from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, so plan your visit early to fully explore its diversity.
2.3. Cai Dam Market – A Seafood Paradise in Bai Chay
If you're looking for a place to buy Quang Ninh specialties like fresh seafood, Cai Dam Market in Bai Chay is the perfect choice, an attractive shopping spot in Quang Ninh. The market isn't very large, but it's very famous with domestic and international tourists because of:
Fresh seafood: Shrimp, crab, lobster, squid at reasonable prices.
Clean environment, easy to choose goods.
Cai Dam Market is especially crowded in the morning, from 6 AM to 10 AM, which is the ideal time to visit and shop.
2.4. Vincom Plaza Ha Long – Modern Shopping Center
For those who love a luxurious shopping experience, Vincom Plaza Ha Long is one of the leading shopping centers in Quang Ninh. Located in the Cot Dong Ho area, Bach Dang ward, it offers a high-class shopping experience:
Fashion and accessories: Famous brands such as Giordano, PNJ, Elise.
Food and beverage: Multi-style restaurants from Vietnam to international.
Entertainment: CGV cinema and VinKE amusement park for children.
Vincom Plaza is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, an ideal place to relax after a day exploring Ha Long Bay.
2.5. Halong Marine Plaza – Shopping and Entertainment Paradise
Halong Marine Plaza, located in the Hung Thang urban area, Bai Chay, is the largest shopping, culinary, and entertainment complex in Quang Ninh. With an area of over 110,000 m², it features:
Shopping: Hundreds of shops selling fashion, Quang Ninh souvenirs, and household goods.
Culinary: Fresh seafood prepared on-site, restaurants with diverse styles.
Events: Halong Carnaval festival, year-round music performances.
This is a must-visit destination if you want to combine shopping in Quang Ninh with entertainment experiences.
2.6. Ha Long Night Market – Night Shopping Colors
Ha Long Night Market, located within the Halong Marine Plaza complex, is a great place to explore local culture at night. Open from 6 PM until late, it attracts visitors with:
Quang Ninh Souvenirs: Seashell keychains, T-shirts with Ha Long Bay images.
Grilled Seafood: Enjoy on-site at affordable prices.
Vibrant atmosphere, attracting many foreign tourists.
This is an attractive shopping spot in Quang Ninh, an ideal destination to combine shopping with enjoying the night atmosphere of Bai Chay beach.
2.7. Specialty and Handicraft Shops
Besides markets and shopping malls, Quang Ninh is also famous for its shops selling Quang Ninh specialties and handicrafts:
Ha Long Pearls: Shops in Bai Chay and Hon Gai areas offer high-quality pearl jewelry.
Art Coal: Unique coal carvings, bearing the strong imprint of Quang Ninh.
Dried Squid and Seafood: Available at Ha Long Market, Vuon Dao Market, or reputable specialty stores.
These gifts are not only beautiful but also embody the characteristic cultural value of the mining region.
3. Useful Shopping Tips in Quang Ninh
To have a complete experience at attractive shopping spots in Quang Ninh, please note the following tips:
Best Shopping Time:
Traditional Market: Early morning (6am-10am) to buy fresh seafood.
Night Market and Shopping Mall: Evening (6pm-10pm) to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Bargaining: Ask for the price first, offer 50-70% of the original price for souvenirs or clothes at the market.
Reference Prices:
Dried Squid Cakes: 300,000-600,000 VND/kg.
Dried Squid: 600,000-1,300,000 VND/kg.
Pearls: Depending on quality, from a few hundred thousand to a few million VND.
Quality Check: Especially for electronics at Mong Cai market, check carefully to avoid low-quality goods.
Tax Refund Policy: Some large shopping malls like Vincom may offer VAT refunds for international tourists – ask staff for details.
Quang Ninh not only captivates visitors with its natural beauty but also with the richness of its attractive shopping spots. From the bustling atmosphere of Ha Long Market, Mong Cai Market, to the modernity of Quang Ninh shopping malls like Vincom Plaza or Halong Marine Plaza, each place offers a unique experience. Don't forget to bring back Quang Ninh specialties such as dried squid cakes, pearls, or Quang Ninh souvenirs as gifts for relatives and friends.
Plan your trip today to explore Quang Ninh – where shopping and tourism blend perfectly! Have you ever visited any of the places on this list? Share your experience in the comments section!
