Ha Long in particular and Quang Ninh in general are renowned for their unique architectural masterpieces. Among them, the Quang Ninh Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace—affectionately known as the Ha Long Dolphin Palace—stands out as one of the most striking architectural landmarks. This is undoubtedly a must-visit destination during your luxury journey to Ha Long.

Read more: Famous tourist attractions and experiences in Hon Gai

Ha Long Dolphin Palace Suffers Severe Damage After Typhoon Yagi

Super Typhoon Yagi (Typhoon No. 3) made landfall in Quang Ninh on September 8, 2024, bringing sustained winds near the center of level 14 with gusts up to level 17, causing extensive damage throughout the city. Due to its isolated, open coastal location, the Ha Long Dolphin Palace bore the brunt of the storm’s fury.

The dolphin and pearl structures before and after Typhoon Yagi

 

Ha Long Dolphin Palace before and after the storm 1

The Ha Long Dolphin Palace left in ruins after Typhoon Yagi, with sections of metal roofing and tempered glass shattered

 

The entire metal roof of the Dolphin Palace was torn apart by the storm and scattered across the ground

Ha Long Dolphin Palace before and after Typhoon Yagi

Introduction to Ha Long Dolphin Palace

The Quang Ninh Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace is situated in Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City. Its design is creatively inspired by a dolphin bowing before a pearl along the shores of the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage site, hence its popular moniker, the Ha Long Dolphin Palace. The construction of this architectural marvel, undertaken by a consortium of contractors including Song Hong Corporation, LICOGI Corporation, and 319 Corporation, commenced on February 9, 2015, and officially opened in January 2019. Spanning a total land area of 62,363 m², the project required a total investment capital of VND 1.151 trillion (with VND 1.051 trillion allocated for construction, technology, equipment, and interior fit-out, and over VND 100 billion dedicated to the planning exhibition displays).

The Ha Long Dolphin Palace is part of the province’s prominent cultural complex, which also includes the Quang Ninh Museum-Library and October 30 Square. All of these iconic structures share the same visionary mastermind—the renowned architect Salvador Perez Arroyo and his associates. Regarded as one of Ha Long City’s most striking highlights, it has received high praise from architecture experts for its avant-garde design and captivating visual appeal. In 2019, the Ha Long Dolphin Palace was honored with the prestigious International Architecture Award, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, alongside The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, which celebrates the world’s most innovative and exceptional buildings.

How to Get to Ha Long Dolphin Palace

The Dolphin Palace occupies a prime geographical location at Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hon Gai, Ha Long City. It sits adjacent to the Quang Ninh Museum and October 30 Square, forming a magnificent architectural triad in this coastal tourism hub.

To visit the Ha Long Dolphin Palace, travelers must first reach Ha Long City using various convenient modes of transport. International and long-distance guests can fly into Van Don International Airport and enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Ha Long. Meanwhile, travelers departing from northern provinces can easily opt for express buses, private cars, or motorbikes.
How to get to Ha Long Dolphin Palace
Located about 8 kilometers from downtown Ha Long, the palace is easily accessible by taxi or motorbike. The most efficient route is to follow National Highway 18 straight to Ha Long Market 2, where you have two options to reach the dolphin landmark. You can turn onto Tran Hung Dao Street, drive straight toward CGV Vincom Plaza Ha Long, make a left onto Tran Quoc Nghien Street, and continue past the Quang Ninh Museum for a few hundred meters until the dolphin structure comes into view. Alternatively, from Ha Long Market 2, proceed straight along National Highway 18 toward Ha Long Specialized High School and take a left turn leading directly to the dolphin cape.

What to Expect Inside Ha Long Dolphin Palace

Standing at a height of 21.5 meters with a total construction area of 20,700 m² and a floor area of 31,194 m², the Ha Long Dolphin Palace is divided into two distinct exhibition blocks interconnected by a system of elevators, escalators, and staircases:

  • Block A (The Exhibition Block): Shaped like a giant pearl and featuring a two-story layout, this block encompasses a grand lobby, an exhibition space housing approximately 300 booths, and a 1,000-seat auditorium designated for hosting major events, trade fairs, exhibitions, and regional urban planning displays. The block is crowned by a striking 21.5-meter-high seashell-shaped dome architecture.
  • Block B (The Planning Exhibition Block): Designed in the arresting shape of a colossal dolphin measuring up to 320 meters long and 45 meters wide at its broadest point, this section serves as a showcase for architectural models, master development plans, and notable spiritual structures. Additionally, this block features a welcoming lobby, specialized planning exhibition zones, refreshment lounges, and administrative offices.
Second-floor interior of the planning palace

Second-floor interior of the planning palace

Third-floor area of the dolphin palace showcasing the urban planning of Ha Long City and Quang Ninh Province

Third-floor area of the dolphin palace showcasing the urban planning of Ha Long City and Quang Ninh Province

One of the most captivating highlights for visitors to the Ha Long Dolphin Palace is the 360° projection theater. Here, guests embark on an immersive journey to discover the breathtaking natural wonders and iconic destinations of Quang Ninh. Utilizing cutting-edge projection technology on a boundless circular screen, the theater vividly brings to life stunning imagery of nature, local culture, and the province’s future development visions.

Furthermore, visitors can immerse themselves in a uniquely simulated four-season natural environment powered by the world’s most advanced multi-dimensional projection technology. Combined with interactive viewer graphics, this creates an inspiring, highly educational space centered around natural environmental preservation.

Upcoming Events at Ha Long Dolphin Palace

  • The Quang Ninh – Japan Investment Promotion Conference 2023 on November 17 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace; The Green Growth Agriculture Thematic Seminar on November 17 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace;
  • The Tourism and Human Resources Development Cooperation Seminar between Quang Ninh Province (Vietnam) and Hokkaido Prefecture (Japan) on November 17 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace;
  • The Grand Opening of the Vietnam – Japan Trade Exhibition, Cultural Space, and Culinary Showcase 2023 on November 17 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace; The Opening Ceremony of the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long 2023 on November 17 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace;
  • Street art performance programs on November 18 at the Provincial Exhibition, Fair and Planning Palace; The inauguration of the Japan Cultural and Language Center at Ha Long University (Uong Bi City); The Friendly Golf Tournament at Tuan Chau Golf Course (Ha Long City), and much more…

Important Tips for Visiting Ha Long Dolphin Palace

  • The Dolphin Palace is open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. We recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and enjoy a leisurely visit.
  • Access to the “Dolphin Block” requires prior contact with the management board and entails a nominal entrance fee. Ticket prices and regulations are subject to change depending on current exhibitions and events, so it is advisable to inquire about rates and guidelines before entering.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture stunning photos at the palace’s picturesque angles. The venue boasts remarkable dome-shaped and seashell-inspired architectural designs.
  • Please observe all safety and hygiene guidelines during your tour. Refrain from touching or damaging exhibition displays, avoid littering, and maintain a courteous, quiet demeanor to respect fellow visitors.
  • You can easily combine your visit to the Ha Long Dolphin Palace with a trip to the adjacent Quang Ninh Museum or October 30 Square, as these three landmarks sit close together to form Ha Long City’s most magnificent architectural complex.