If you are trying to figure out what to buy in Ha Long Bay, this guide makes everything simple. Ha Long Bay offers many meaningful souvenirs that reflect its culture, nature and everyday life. You will find beautiful pearls, fresh and dried seafood, handmade artwork, ceramics, tea and small gifts that are easy to bring home.
This guide helps you choose the best items, understand where to shop and avoid unnecessary spending. You will see what is truly worth buying, what to avoid and how to spot good quality products with confidence during your trip.
Table of Contents
Why Ha Long Bay is a great place for shopping
Ha Long Bay gives you more than stunning scenery. The region has a strong fishing tradition, skilled pearl farms and local craft villages, which makes shopping here both interesting and rewarding.
You can explore lively markets, walk through night stalls or browse shops near the pier. Each place offers a different experience and price range. Many products come directly from local families or artisan workshops, so you often get something with real local character.
Shopping here feels relaxed and enjoyable, especially when you know what to look for and where to buy it.
Quick answer: What are the best things to buy in Ha Long Bay?
If you want a quick list before diving into the full guide, here are the most popular things to buy in Ha Long Bay. These souvenirs are easy to find, fairly priced, and represent the culture of Quang Ninh.
Best things to buy in Ha Long Bay:
- Natural pearl jewelry: Pearls come from local farms, and you can find necklaces, earrings and bracelets in many price ranges.
- Dried seafood and local specialties: Dried squid, shrimp and cuttlefish are well known in the region.
- Hand-carved wood and stone art: Local artisans create boat models, dragon statues and sculptures inspired by the limestone mountains.
- Embroidered handicrafts and textiles: Bags, table linens and scarves made with traditional patterns.
- Ceramic gifts from the Quang Ninh region: Beautiful cups, bowls and decorative pieces that are easy to carry home.
- Local snacks and sweets: Coconut candy, rice crackers and dried fruit snacks you can enjoy during your trip or give as gifts.
- Ha Long herbal tea and natural wellness products: Lotus tea, green tea and herbal blends from nearby growing regions.
- Coal art, minerals and gemstones: Unique to Quang Ninh due to its mining history.
- Postcards, paintings and Ha Long Bay photography: Affordable and meaningful souvenirs that show the beauty of the bay.
This overview gives you a quick idea of what stands out, and the next section explains each item in detail so you can choose with confidence.
Best things to buy in Ha Long Bay
Below are the most meaningful and reliable souvenirs you can buy during your trip. Each one reflects a part of Ha Long Bay’s culture, nature or local craftsmanship.
1. Natural pearl jewelry (most popular souvenir)
Pearl jewelry stands out as the number one souvenir in Ha Long Bay. The area has several pearl farms that produce both freshwater and saltwater pearls, so you will find many pieces that fit different styles and budgets.
The quality varies, but many shops offer good options that make beautiful and meaningful gifts.
Pearls from Ha Long Bay often have a nice natural shine, and you can choose from many designs at friendly prices.
What you can buy: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, loose pearls.
Price range: From 200,000 VND for simple pieces to several million VND for high-grade jewelry.
How to choose: Look for smooth surfaces and strong luster. Real pearls feel slightly gritty when rubbed together, and trustworthy shops provide origin details or certificates for higher-value pieces.
2. Dried seafood and local specialties
Seafood plays a huge role in daily life around Ha Long Bay, so dried products are everywhere. Many travelers enjoy buying dried squid, shrimp and fish because the flavor is strong and distinct to the region.
Prices of dried seafood and local specialties are usually lower than in big cities, and the seafood is fresher since it comes directly from local fishermen.
What you can buy: Dried squid, cuttlefish, fish, shrimp, seaweed snacks.
Price range: 150,000 VND to 800,000 VND depending on size and quality.
How to choose: Choose products with a clean, natural smell and clear vacuum-sealed packaging. Good dried squid has a slightly pink tone and firm texture.
3. Hand-carved wood and stone art
Skilled artisans in Quang Ninh create small sculptures inspired by local legends and the limestone formations in the bay. These pieces make thoughtful gifts or unique decorations for your home. Each carving reflects local culture and is usually handmade, which adds personal value.
What you can buy: Boat miniatures, dragon statues, limestone carvings, decorative wooden items.
Price range: 100,000 VND for small pieces to over 1,000,000 VND for detailed or larger artwork.
How to choose: Check the weight and texture. Good carvings feel solid, stable and smooth with clean detail lines. Avoid pieces with cracks or rough patches.
4. Embroidered handicrafts and textiles
Embroidered products in Ha Long Bay come from local families and small craft communities. The designs often carry traditional patterns or simple nature-inspired motifs, which make these items charming and easy to gift.
Each piece of embroidered products feels personal because many items are handmade. They are lightweight and fit easily into your luggage.
What you can buy: Bags, scarves, table runners, pillow covers, small decorative cloths.
Price range: 80,000 VND to 300,000 VND depending on size, fabric and stitching detail.
How to choose: Look for even stitching, clean patterns and fabric that feels firm. Handmade pieces usually have slight variations, which add character.
5. Ceramic gifts from the Quang Ninh region
Northern Vietnam is known for beautiful ceramics, and you can find many practical and decorative pieces in Ha Long Bay. These items make great long-lasting souvenirs if wrapped well for travel. Ceramics are affordable, durable and come in many clean, simple designs suitable for everyday use.
What you can buy: Cups, bowls, plates, vases, coasters and small decorative sets.
Price range: 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND for small to medium pieces.
How to choose: Check for smooth glazing and even color. Good ceramics feel solid and balanced in your hand without cracks or white pinholes.
6. Local snacks and sweets
Snacks from Ha Long Bay make easy gifts for friends and family. You will see many familiar flavors along with classic Vietnamese treats that are popular with travelers. The snacks are inexpensive, easy to pack and enjoyable for both adults and children.
What you can buy: Coconut candy, peanut candy, sesame crackers, rice cakes, dried fruit.
Price range: 20,000 VND to 80,000 VND per pack.
How to choose: Pick items in clean, sealed packaging with a visible production date. Fresh snacks have a crisp texture and natural aroma.
7. Ha Long herbal tea and natural wellness products
Tea has a long history in northern Vietnam, and Ha Long Bay offers many fragrant blends that travelers enjoy bringing home. The flavors are gentle, calming and easy to pair with local snacks. Tea is light to carry, affordable and makes a simple, relaxing gift for anyone.
What you can buy: Lotus tea, Thai Nguyen green tea, jasmine tea, herbal blends from nearby mountains.
Price range: 40,000 VND to 150,000 VND per pack.
How to choose: Choose whole leaves with a fresh aroma. Good tea has a clean, natural scent and does not crumble easily.
8. Coal art, minerals and gemstones (unique to Quang Ninh)
Quang Ninh is known for its coal mining history, so you will find small artworks made from polished coal along with natural minerals and decorative stones.
These pieces are truly unique to the region. Coal art reflects the story of Quang Ninh and has a distinct look that you rarely find in other provinces.
What you can buy: Coal statues, decorative plates, gemstone pieces, mineral clusters.
Price range: 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND depending on size and detail.
How to choose: Pick items with a smooth finish and a solid feel. Avoid pieces that look flaky or feel too light, as they break more easily.
9. Postcards, paintings and Ha Long Bay photography
For something simple and beautiful, many travelers choose postcards or small artworks. These items capture the best views of Ha Long Bay and make thoughtful, lightweight souvenirs. They are affordable, easy to pack and remind you of the exact places you explored during your trip.
What you can buy: Postcards, canvas prints, watercolor paintings, local photography.
Price range: 10,000 VND to 200,000 VND.
How to choose: Look for artwork that reflects your own experience in the bay. Choose prints with sharp colors and sturdy paper.
What NOT to buy in Ha Long Bay (common scams & low-quality items)
Not everything in Ha Long Bay is worth your money. Some items look attractive at first, but the quality may be low or the price may be far higher than it should be. Knowing what to avoid helps you shop confidently and enjoy a better experience.
1. Fake or low-quality pearls
Pearls are the most common scam you will see. Some stalls label imitation pearls as “real farm pearls” and charge close to authentic prices. These fakes usually have perfect surfaces, identical shapes and very strong artificial shine.
Tip: Real pearl farms in the area produce beautiful pearls, but they take years to grow. Shops selling “real pearls” for extremely cheap prices are almost never genuine.
2. Overpriced dried seafood at tourist piers
Dried squid, shrimp and fish are famous regional products, but prices vary a lot. Stalls at cruise ports or along the pier often charge two or three times the normal price. Some even repackage older stock to look new.
Tip: Hon Gai Market usually offers fresher seafood at fairer prices. Locals rarely buy dried seafood at tourist piers.
3. Factory-made carvings sold as “handcrafted art”
Many travelers love traditional wood and stone carvings. However, not all pieces are local, and some come from large factories outside the province. Sellers sometimes claim everything is handmade to increase prices.
Tip: Real local carvings have slight imperfections or natural variations. They feel heavier and show more detail around edges and patterns.
4. Products without packaging or clear information
Some snacks or tea look appealing but lack production dates, ingredient lists or clear packaging. These items may be old, low quality or repackaged from bulk stock.
Tip: Most locals buy tea from recognized brands in Thai Nguyen or reputable herbal shops, not generic market stalls.
5. Fragile items that break easily
Ceramics and coal artwork are beautiful, but lower-quality items are very fragile. Some coal sculptures crumble with light pressure.
Tip: Good coal art feels solid and polished. Reputable ceramic shops allow you to check items carefully before paying.
6. Tourist packages that combine “free gifts” with higher prices
Some souvenir shops offer “free pearls,” “free snacks” or “buy one get one free” deals, but then raise the overall cost. These deals look attractive but are rarely good value.
Tip: Shops that rely on deals often target cruise groups. Independent travelers get better prices by browsing calmly and comparing a few places.
Can you bring these souvenirs through customs?
Most souvenirs from Ha Long Bay are easy to bring home, but a few items have special rules. Knowing what is allowed helps you avoid problems at the airport.
Pearl jewelry, gemstones, ceramics and coal art are generally safe to carry through customs. These items are processed, so countries rarely restrict them. If you buy a valuable piece, keep the receipt and pack it in your carry-on for safety.
Packaged snacks, sweets, tea and coffee are usually allowed as long as they stay sealed and labeled. Rules become stricter with dried seafood. Many countries limit or ban dried squid, fish or shrimp, especially the United States, Australia and New Zealand. It is a good idea to check your country’s guidelines before bringing these items home.
Items made from raw shells, coral or protected materials can cause issues. Some may be confiscated even if purchased legally. Choosing processed or clearly labeled products helps you avoid trouble.
A simple rule is to keep receipts, declare food when necessary and avoid anything without proper packaging. With these steps, most Ha Long Bay souvenirs pass through customs smoothly.
FAQs about what to buy in Ha Long Bay
Are Ha Long Bay pearls real?
Many shops sell real pearls, but fake ones are also common. Real pearls have small natural imperfections and a softer shine. Buying from pearl farms or cruise-certified shops gives you better quality and clearer origin information.
Is seafood cheaper in Ha Long or Hanoi?
Seafood is usually cheaper in Ha Long, especially in local markets like Hon Gai. Tourist areas and cruise piers often have higher prices. If you want the best value, compare a few stalls before buying.
Do cruise ships overcharge for souvenirs?
Yes, prices on cruises tend to be higher than markets on land. The convenience is nice, but you usually pay more. If you want better deals, shop in Bai Chay or Hon Gai instead.
Where can you buy authentic local products?
Local markets and small family-run shops offer the most authentic items. Pearl farms, artisan villages and trusted stalls in Hon Gai give you better quality and more accurate information about each product.
Final tips before you shop in Ha Long Bay
Shopping in Ha Long Bay is easy once you know the basics. Take a moment to check prices at two or three stalls, especially for pearls and dried seafood. This helps you understand the normal range and avoid paying too much.
Most sellers are friendly, so ask questions if you are unsure about a product. If something feels overpriced, you can simply smile and walk away. Another shop will often have the same item at a better price.
Keep small bills in your wallet to make payments faster. Wrap fragile items well and place them safely in your bag so they do not break during the trip home.
A little care goes a long way. You can enjoy your shopping time and bring home souvenirs that make you remember Ha Long Bay with a smile.
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