If you are seeking an exquisite weekend leisure and entertainment destination in the coastal city of Ha Long, you simply must not miss the Bai Tho Walking Street – a newly curated pedestrian and night zone nestled at the foot of the magnificent Bai Tho Mountain along the pristine shores of Ha Long Bay.
read more: Famous tourist attractions and experiences in Hon Gai
An Overview of Bai Tho Walking Street, Ha Long
The Bai Tho Walking Street is a distinguished new tourism initiative by the city of Ha Long, implemented pursuant to Official Dispatch No. 560 dated March 16, 2023, issued by the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province regarding the orientation list of new tourism products slated for launch in the province for 2023, aligned with the Ha Long City Tourism Development Master Plan to 2025, with a vision toward 2030.
As one of Ha Long City’s premier modern attractions, Bai Tho Walking Street was established to diversify and enrich the local tourism landscape. Situated along Long Tien Street (Bach Dang Ward) and Le Quy Don Street at the foot of the iconic Bai Tho Mountain , weaving through 17 residential quarters and encompassing over 500 households., the promenade extends for approximately 400 meters. Officially inaugurated on June 16, 2023, the walking street operates from 6:00 PM to midnight every Friday and Saturday.
Bai Tho Walking Street offers guests and city residents not only a breathtaking vantage point to admire the majestic Bai Tho Mountain—a treasured symbol of Ha Long—but also a vibrant cultural, artistic, and commercial hub designed to deliver novel and captivating experiences.
Cultural, Artistic, and Commercial Activities Along the Promenade
Along Bai Tho Walking Street, visitors can immerse themselves in dynamic street performances, including hip-hop and dancesport showcases, flashmobs, passionate flamenco melodies, and breathtaking solo and ensemble recitals featuring both contemporary and traditional instruments. Furthermore, guests are invited to partake in interactive culinary workshops, mastering the art of crafting traditional banh mi, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), hand-pounded squid cakes (cha muc), fresh tofu, artisanal beverage mixology, and other cherished heritage crafts.
Bai Tho Walking Street (illustrative image)
For connoisseurs of fine dining and boutique shopping, Bai Tho Walking Street promises an equally delightful array of offerings. The destination features numerous pavilions showcasing local OCOP (One Commune One Product) specialties and provincial handicrafts, alongside exquisite dishes prepared from freshly caught seafood, gourmet street fare, artisanal beverages, quick bites, and beloved culinary creations from all three regions of Vietnam as well as international cuisines. Visitors are welcome to explore and savor unique, high-quality delicacies at remarkably reasonable prices.
Current Operations After Two Months
Nevertheless, after operating for over two months, Bai Tho Walking Street has begun to lose its initial allure. Local residents, travelers, and vendors alike have voiced concerns regarding monotony, creativity deficits, and a lack of service diversity. Stalls predominantly offer mass-produced, low-value trinkets such as imported novelty toys or substandard snacks, failing to showcase the rich cultural heritage, artistic brilliance, or authentic coastal gastronomy of Ha Long.
Many observers also question the suitability of the location, noting that the area currently offers limited recreational or relaxing engagement. A true pedestrian promenade should immerse visitors in the spirited, joyful ambiance of a vibrant nocturnal city, rather than merely inviting a fatiguing stroll before an early return home. Without substantial revitalization, Bai Tho Walking Street risks descending into a desolate, quiet, and underutilized space.
Even at 8:00 PM on a weekend evening, the walking street sees only sparse visitors
Quiet shops stand completely devoid of patrons
Several vendors share that while the opening weeks attracted hundreds of visitors, business has since slowed to a sluggish crawl
Local residents bring out tables and chairs to the alleyways to foster a lively atmosphere.
The walking street is entirely deserted past 11:00 PM
