Fried squid paste in Halong Bay leaves a lasting impression on diners thanks to its unforgettable taste. Halong fried squid paste (cha muc) is made from cuttlefish due to its thick and chewy flesh.

Vietnam in 2 weeks: A first-timer’s guide to Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An Published: Mar. 19, 2025, 11:27 a.m. Ethereal Halong Bay is about 110 miles east of Hanoi in Vietnam.

However, the dry Halong Bay, also known as Trang An, is not a seascape but is in the centre of the country, some 100km south of the capital Hanoi.

This week: From Hanoi to Halong Bay: Five days in northern Vietnam. Next week: Exploring the coast of central Vietnam: Hoi An ...