What to Do in Halong on $60: A One-Day Budget Guide

 A One-Day Budget Guide (Food, Cruise & Local Tips)

Halong travel tip for budget traveller
Halong travel tip for budget traveller

Halong is famous worldwide for its breathtaking bay, limestone cliffs and unforgettable seafood. But what if you only have one day and $60 (about 1.5 million VND) to spend here? Don’t worry—you can still enjoy a fantastic day filled with food, culture and adventure without overspending.

Here’s a guide to how you can make the most of $60 in Halong for one perfect day.

Morning: Start Your Day With a Local Breakfast (Under $5)

To fuel up for your Halong adventure, start with a Vietnamese breakfast at a local eatery.

  • Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls): $1.50
    Considered a food paradise, Vietnam has lots of mouth-watering specialties to offer to tourists and banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice roll) is one of them. It is often served as a dish for breakfast. Make sure that you don’t miss this dish during your Vietnam travel or you will definitely regret it.

Halong steamed rice rolls
Halong steamed rice rolls

  • Pho ga (chicken noodle soup): $2
    Chicken pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with chicken instead of beef, in a fragrant broth flavored with ginger and grilled onions. The dish consists of soft rice noodles, boiled or shredded chicken and is often served with raw vegetables, herbs, lime and spices. Chicken pho is known for its light, delicate flavor and is easy to eat, making it a popular choice for breakfast or any time of the day.

    Chicken noodle
    Chicken noodle

  • Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da): $1
    Vietnamese iced coffee is an iconic Vietnamese beverage made by blending strong filter coffee with sweet condensed milk and ice, creating a rich, slightly bitter taste mixed with a creamy sweetness. To make it, you use a filter to drip hot coffee into a cup of condensed milk, then add ice and stir.

    Vietnamese iced coffee
    Vietnamese iced coffee

Budget spent: ~$5

Not only is it affordable, but it also gives you a taste of authentic Halong mornings surrounded by locals.

Vietnam Launches Remarkable Cave Dining Accompanied by Cultural Spectacle

Late Morning: Explore Halong Bay on a Day Cruise (Around $35)

A visit to Halong isn’t complete without seeing the bay itself. Luckily, even on a budget, you can hop on a 4-hour day cruise.

  • What’s included: boat ride, entrance tickets and sometimes lunch.

  • Highlights: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Dog Islet and stunning limestone karsts.

Budget spent so far: ~$40

This cruise experience is the highlight of your trip and easily the best value for money in Halong.

Afternoon Snack: Halong’s Famous Squid Patties (Under $5)

After the cruise, it’s time to try Halong’s signature dish: squid patties (cha muc Halong). Recognized as a local specialty, they are crispy, fragrant and served with sticky rice or banh cuon.

  • Price: about $3–5 per portion.

  • Where to try: Bai Chay food stalls or Halong Market.

Budget spent so far: ~$45

Evening: Stroll and Dine at Halong Night Market (Around $8–10)

The night market in Bai Chay is a must-visit for atmosphere, souvenirs and street food. With your remaining budget, you can try:

  • Grilled seafood skewers – $2

    Grilled seafood skewers
    Grilled seafood skewers

  • Sea horseshoe crab dishes (sam bien) – $4–6

    Halong Sea Horseshoe Crab dish
    Halong Sea Horseshoe Crab dish

  • Sugarcane juice or fresh fruit smoothie – $1–2

    Sugarcane juice
    Sugarcane juice

Total budget spent: ~$52–55

Not only do you enjoy dinner, but you also soak in the lively vibes of Halong nightlife.

Where to Enjoy the Best Squid Patties in Halong: Top Spots & How to Choose

Bonus Options (If You Still Have a Few Dollars Left)

  • Visit Quang Ninh Museum: entry ~$2

  • Grab a local beer (bia hơi): $1

  • Buy small souvenirs at the night market: $2–3

These extras round out your day while staying within budget.

Budget Breakdown: One Perfect Day in Halong for $60

  • Breakfast: $5

  • Halong Bay Cruise: $35

  • Squid Patties: $5

  • Night Market Food & Drinks: $8–10

  • Optional Museum/Beer/Souvenirs: $2–3

Total: ~$60

Final Thoughts

Even with just $60 in Halong for one day, you can:

  • Enjoy authentic local food.

  • Explore the stunning Halong Bay.

  • Taste famous squid patties and seafood.

  • Experience the lively night market.

It’s proof that you don’t need a big budget to have an unforgettable Halong adventure.