Halong day trip Foodie Guide: 5 Most Well-Known Places to Try Beef Noodle

If you’re planning a Halong day trip, It’s not just the emerald waters and limestone cliffs that will impress you, It’s also the authentic local cuisine. Among the top must-try dishes in Vietnam, pho bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) stands proudly as a national symbol of flavor and comfort.

Halong Bay, though known for its seafood, also hides some of the best beef noodle spots from street-side eateries loved by locals to modern restaurants perfect for families and international guests. In this guide, curated by 10 Travel, we’ll help you find the 5 most well-known places to try beef noodle in Halong Bay, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying overnight.

Feeling inspired? Check out our list of cruises that stop at these hidden gems!

Why Try Beef Noodle in Halong Bay?

Vietnam’s northern region is the birthplace of pho bo and Halong, being close to Hanoi, inherits that same soulful culinary tradition. But what makes Halong’s pho special?

A Northern Taste with Coastal Touch

Halong chefs often use locally sourced beef and homemade broth simmered for hours with cinnamon, star anise and grilled ginger. Some versions even include a seafood twist, blending the flavors of the bay with the richness of beef.

Perfect Morning Meal Before a Day Cruise

Otis - Halong bay day cruise — Otis – Halong bay day cruise

If you’re staying in Halong or departing on a Reina, Otis or Estella Day Cruise, a bowl of pho is your perfect pre-cruise breakfast. It’s light, energizing and comforting, ideal before a full day exploring caves, kayaking or relaxing on deck.

Perfect Deal: Halong Bay Day Cruise Tour with a Preferred Room at Marina Hanoi Hotel

Top 5 Well-Known Beef Noodle Places in Halong

Pho Ly Quoc Su – Halong Branch

Google map

Address: No 01, Mon Bay Halong, Ha Long City.
Price range: 50,000 – 80,000 VND.
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Pho Ly Quoc Su is one of the most famous pho chains in Vietnam and its Halong branch is no exception. This place serves authentic northern-style pho bo, with clear broth, tender beef slices and chewy rice noodles. The restaurant is spacious, clean and perfect for families or couples who prefer a reliable, high-quality dining experience. It’s located just a 5-minute drive from the Halong International Cruise Port, making it a convenient stop before or after your cruise.

Try this: Pho tai nam (half-done beef with brisket), the signature combination that balances texture and flavor beautifully.

Pho Thin – 30/4 Street

Google map

Address: No 70, 25/4 Street, Hong Gai, Quang Ninh.
Price range: 60,000 – 90,000 VND.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Located near the luxury hotels and cafes, Pho Thin offers a modern, air-conditioned space with a Hanoi-style beef noodle recipe passed down for decades. This place is known for its stir-fried beef pho, a smoky version of traditional pho where the beef is sautéed with garlic before being added to the broth. Indian and international guests often love it for its bolder flavor.

Tip: Pair your bowl with a local iced coffee (ca phe sua da) for the full Vietnamese breakfast experience.

Tho Da Beef Nood – Bai Chay Center

Google map

Address: 25 Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Halong.
Price range: 55,000 – 100,000 VND.
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM.

Pho 24 is a trusted brand that offers consistent quality across Vietnam. The Bai Chay branch is particularly convenient for travelers staying near Halong Plaza Hotel, Novotel or Wyndham Legend Halong. It’s also great for international travelers who prefer a clean, English-friendly menu and vegetarian or kid-friendly options. The broth here is mild and fragrant, great for first-timers who are trying Vietnamese pho for the first time. Good to know: Pho 24 also offers fresh spring rolls and banh mi sandwiches, ideal for takeaway before joining your day cruise.

Pho Co Ha Long – Nguyen Van Cu

Google map

Address: 570 Nguyen Van Cu, Hong Hai, Halong, Quang Ninh.
Price range: 40,000 – 70,000 VND.
Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM.

If you want a more local and traditional pho experience, head to Pho Co Ha Long. This family-run eatery sits on a quiet corner near Sun World Halong Complex and serves up bowls that locals line up for every morning. The broth is rich, beefy and slightly smoky, cooked over charcoal for 8–10 hours. You can choose from different beef cuts, from tenderloin to flank or beef balls.

Traveler tip: Arrive early (before 8:00 AM) to enjoy pho while it’s still steaming fresh, just like the locals do.

You pay Superior double room price but you get Suite executive room.

What Makes Halong’s Pho Special for Visitors

Fresh Local Ingredients

Halong’s proximity to both the sea and mountain farms means everything from herbs to beef is locally sourced and extremely fresh. Many pho shops buy beef early in the morning from Hon Gai market or Cai Dam market, ensuring unbeatable quality.

Adapted to International Tastes

Restaurants near the cruise ports and hotels, such as Pho 24 and Pho Ly Quoc Su, often cater to Indian, Western and Asian travelers with less spicy broths, vegetarian broth options and halal-friendly ingredients upon request.

Easy Access from Cruise Terminals

Most of the top pho places are located within 10 minutes of Halong International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau Marina, making it easy to stop for a meal before boarding your day cruise.

Best Time to Enjoy Pho in Halong

Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM)

This is when locals eat pho for breakfast. The broth is fresh and the atmosphere is lively with residents starting their day.

Evening (6:00 – 9:00 PM)

Ideal for travelers who’ve just returned from a cruise and want to enjoy a hot bowl of noodles after sunset over the bay.

Tips for First-Time Visitors Trying Pho in Halong

Add condiments carefully – Lime, chili, garlic vinegar and fish sauce are available at every table. Add them gradually to balance your taste.
Ask for “pho bo tai nam” – A classic combination of rare and brisket beef for authentic flavor.
Try iced tea or local beer with it – Common local pairing options.
Cash is king – Smaller local shops may not accept cards, so carry Vietnamese dong.
Respect local mealtime culture – Locals often slurp loudly, It’s a sign of enjoying the meal, not bad manners!

A Halong day trip isn’t just about scenic cruising

It’s about tasting Vietnam’s soul in every bite. From the iconic Pho Ly Quoc Su to the humble Pho Co Ha Long, each bowl tells a story of culture, craftsmanship and community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Halong’s beef noodle shops promise a flavorful connection to Vietnam’s heart. Before you embark on your cruise, don’t miss this simple joy, a steaming bowl of pho by the bay. Because sometimes, the best way to remember a place… is through its food.

Book Your Halong Day Cruise and Taste Local Pho!