Ha Long Essence Hotel
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Yes, book it if you want a quiet, very well reviewed base in Bai Chay at a low price, with staff who help arrange tours. The only regular complaint is a limited breakfast choice, so do not pick it for the morning buffet.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This 3-star hotel is our Best Value pick for Ha Long. It suits couples, families and independent travellers who plan to book bay tours and want help doing so. Guests say the team speaks good English, which makes that easier.
Family rooms, air conditioning and free parking are listed. If you want a spa or gym, those are not confirmed among the listed facilities, so check before booking.
Skip it if a big breakfast spread is important to you. Guests enjoy dishes like pho but say the selection is often limited.
Location and getting around
The address is HD7-35 Đường Hướng Dương,Phuong Bãi Cháy, in the Bai Chay area. Guests describe a quiet spot a short walk from the beach. The property lists itself as beachfront, while guests talk about a short walk, so check the map to see exactly how close the sand is.
The location score is 9.3 out of 10. The only sight in our data is Bãi Cháy Bridge, about 3.2 km away, roughly 40 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. That is far for a walk, so plan on a taxi or other transport.
Our data gives no distance to bay tour departure points, so ask the hotel how long the transfer takes.
What guests say
The hotel scores 9.7 out of 10 from 1,533 guest reviews. That is the joint highest score among 13 eligible properties in our sample, and it comes from a large number of stays.
Guests praise a friendly, attentive team that speaks good English and helps with tours. They also like the quiet location close to the beach.
Breakfast is the weak spot. Guests call the food tasty, with options such as pho, but say the choice is often limited. Room size, noise and renovation condition have not been assessed in our data.
Price and what you get compared with our other picks
The reference price was €24.12 per night, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 (10 to 12 November) for 2 adults in one room. That is about 43% below the sample median of €42.58. It is not a live quote, so check today's price for your dates.
Our Budget pick, Sunland Halong Hotel and Restaurant, scored 8.8 with 4 stars at €19.79 per night. Our Luxury pick, The Watson Premium HaLong Hotel, scored 9.3 with 5 stars at €63.07. For about €4 more than the Budget pick, you get a much higher guest score here.
Breakfast is listed with many styles, including continental, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, Asian, American, buffet and breakfast to go. Whether it is included in your rate is not confirmed.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 13 eligible hotels in Ha Long. Our Best Value slot balances guest score, number of reviews and price. A 9.7 from more than 1,500 reviews at well below the median price made this an easy choice.
It is the strongest overall deal in our Ha Long sample.
Before you book
Check today's price and the cancellation terms. Confirm whether breakfast is included.
Look at the map to judge the walk to the beach yourself. Ask the hotel about tour bookings and transfers. If you want a spa or gym, confirm what is available, since our facility list does not include them. The restaurant, garden and terrace may have opening hours, so check those too.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is Ha Long Essence Hotel on the beach?
The property lists itself as beachfront, and guests describe a quiet spot a short walk from the beach. Check the map for the exact distance.
Can the hotel help book Ha Long Bay tours?
Guests say the staff speak good English and assist with tours. Ask the hotel for details and prices when you book.
How far is Bãi Cháy Bridge?
About 3.2 km, roughly 40 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. That is far, so a taxi or other transport makes sense.
What is breakfast like?
Guests find it tasty, with dishes such as pho, but the selection is often limited. Inclusion in the rate is not confirmed.
Is parking free?
Free parking is listed among the facilities. Confirm it applies to your booking.