Top Halong Bay homestay like La Casa The Bay or Brika offer great bay views and central locations with affordable prices from 25 AUD to 50 AUD for your travels.
During my recent trip, I was very impressed with the Halong Bay homestays thanks to the warm hospitality of the hosts and the stunning bay views. For just 25-50 AUD, I could easily find a comfortable apartment right in the heart of Bai Chay to enjoy my vacation.
10 most impressive homestays in Ha Long Bay, prices starting from just 30 AUD
For a foreign tourist like me, Ha Long Bay is not only about limestone wonders. Instead of 5 star hotels in Halong Bay Vietnam, cozy homestays with a budget of just 30 AUD (around 500,000 VND) offer great comfort and convenient locations for exploring.
#1. La Casa Homestay | 1B Anh Dao Street, Bai Chay
I chose this place because it’s right in the heart of the tourist area. At around $35 AUD, the rooms are decorated in a minimalist style, extremely clean, and smell wonderfully of essential oils.
The biggest plus is the location: I only need to walk 3 minutes to get to the beach and the old town of Bai Chay. In the evening, I strolled around Anh Dao Street, stopping at any roadside stall to enjoy delicious mantis shrimp noodle soup. Catching an electric tram to explore the Bai Chay bridge from here is incredibly easy.
#2. Banana and Rose | Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau Island
If you’re looking for a tranquil, verdant retreat, spend $45 AUD to enjoy a wooden bungalow here. The size is truly impressive, with a spacious 300m² area, including 6 bedrooms accommodating up to 16 people and a private pool.
Although located on Tuan Chau Island, a bit far from the hustle and bustle of Bai Chay, it’s a prime location for me to walk to the harbor to explore the bay early in the morning without worrying about traffic. The home-cooked meals prepared by the hosts were the warmest experience I’ve ever had.
#3. Almor Homestay | New Life Tower, Bai Chay
This homestay Halong Bay apartment offers exceptional convenience at a price starting from just $30 AUD. I love going to Cai Dam market a few hundred meters away, buying fresh shrimp and crab, and cooking them myself in the fully equipped kitchen.
From New Life apartment, you can just step out of the lobby and find a taxi or Grab ready to take you to Sun World in just 5 minutes. This location is the perfect balance: close enough for fun, yet far enough for a peaceful night’s sleep.
#4. The Leaf Homestay | 2 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hong Gai
At just 28 AUD for a room of about 18m2, The Leaf allowed me to experience life like a true local in the peaceful Hon Gai area. The lovely pastel-colored rooms offer stunning views of the bay and Bai Tho mountain.
From here, it’s a short walk to the Quang Ninh Museum, and the surrounding food paradise is much cheaper than in Bai Chay, especially the famous snail and squid spring roll restaurants.
#5. The Dreamers’ House | New Life Tower Apartment, Bai Chay
This is a haven for dreamers, with its Boho-style decor and sun-drenched balcony. For 35 AUD, I got a washing machine and a separate kitchen area, incredibly convenient for a long trip.
The location in Cai Dam gave me easy access to affordable seafood supermarkets, which is a big plus for anyone choosing a homestay Halong Bay. In the evening, sitting on the balcony watching the boats glittering on the bay while sipping a cold beer was the most romantic experience I’ve ever had.
#6. Brika Homestay | 16th Floor, Green Bay Premium Building, Hung Thang
Brika boasts an impressive view from its 65m2, 16th-floor apartment for only around 40 AUD. The two-bedroom layout is perfect for groups of friends who appreciate complete privacy and a distinctive vintage industrial aesthetic. Although the Hung Thang area is about 3km from the city center, the roads are spacious and modern.
I often rent a motorbike to cruise around Marina Plaza for shopping or dining; it only takes 7 minutes to get to the bustling city center. You can also book rides on apps like Grab or Xanh SM for easy transportation.
#7. Ha Long Ginger Homestay | 33 Group 2, Zone 1, Hung Thang
Staying in a triangular wooden cabin for AUD 32 amidst a ginger flower garden was truly a healing experience. Compared to other houses A-frame similarly at Australia or Bali usually costs from 150 AUD. Above all, Ha Long Ginger offers a comparable “healing” experience but at five times the price.
The service here is highly personalized, something Western homestays often lack: the owners not only lend bicycles for free to explore Hung Thang beach but also assist with booking tours of the bay at original prices.
Around the homestay is a paradise of affordable food, featuring local dishes like clam porridge and seafood, offering authentic flavors that allow you to experience the local culture rather than just being a tourist observing the sights.
#8. Moc Chanh Homestay | 174 Anh Dao Street, Bai Chay
This is the best value option, costing only around 25 AUD and located right on the main road opposite Sun World. The townhouses offer various room types, but my favorite feature is the spacious rooftop terrace perfect for outdoor BBQ parties.
Because of its central location, I can walk from the night market to the beach without spending a dime on transportation. There are plenty of lemonade and crab noodle soup stalls all around, ensuring you’ll never go hungry.
#9. Bun Homestay Ha Long | Green Bay Village Apartment, Hung Thang
If you value safety and privacy, choose Bun for 35 AUD. This studio is spotlessly clean and tidy in the Muji style. The apartment complex has a swimming pool and a convenient supermarket right below the lobby.
It’s very close to the cinema and indoor entertainment area at Marina Plaza. Although not in the tourist heart, Grab is incredibly fast, allowing me to get to attractions more easily.
#10. Camellia House | New Life Tower, Bai Chay
Camellia offers a luxurious, hotel-like feel at just 38 AUD. The direct bay view from the bedroom made me not want to leave my bed every morning. The host was very professional, assisting me with everything from renting a car to booking a complete bay tour package.
Around the building there are many beautiful cafes and seafood restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, catering to all your culinary needs.
06 Booking tips and notes for international tourists visiting Ha Long
After my firsthand experience in Ha Long, I realized that travel Vietnam can be overwhelming without proper planning, making it easy to waste money or miss great experiences. To help first-time visitors, I’ve compiled 5 essential tips to enjoy Ha Long while optimizing your budget.
- Location is the top priority: If you love a lively atmosphere, choose homestays in the area.c Bai Chaynear Sun World and the pedestrian street. Conversely, the area Hon Gai. It will be suitable for those who want to experience the peaceful local life and enjoy inexpensive seafood.
- Where to book a room: You can easily find these homestays on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda. These are the safest platforms for international travelers, with transparent information and real reviews. Additionally, direct messaging is available Fanpage Facebook. The homestay experience can sometimes be helpful. You get a better price.
- Payment method: Most major booking apps require linking a card. Visa/MastercardHowever, in Ha Long, many small homestays are preferred.Bank transfer or cash payment (VND). When checking in. Always prepare some cash because local eateries often don’t accept card payments.
- Booking time: Ha Long is usually very crowded on weekends (Friday – Sunday) and major Vietnamese holidays. To secure rooms with beautiful sea views like Brika or Camellia, I recommend booking in advance.at least 2 weeks.
- Communication and support: Don’t hesitate to use Google Translate if your host isn’t fluent in English. Most homestay owners in Ha Long are very helpful; they can assist you in booking bus tickets to Hanoi, Sun World tickets, or bay tours at cheaper prices than buying them yourself at the counter.
Conclusion
After all, for me, Ha Long is not just about the towering limestone islands rising from the water, but also about the peaceful feeling of returning “home” to these thoughtfully designed homestays. Choosing the right Halong Bay homestay not only saves you money, but is also your “ticket” to connect more deeply with the rhythm, atmosphere, and culture of this heritage land.
