Experience the Flavors of Quang Ninh at the 2026 Food Festival
When visiting Halong Bay, exploring its spectacular limestone islands and beautiful coastline is only part of the experience. The region is also known for its distinctive culinary traditions, fresh seafood and local specialties.
For travelers visiting northern Vietnam in November, the Quang Ninh Food Festival 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the local food culture in one lively setting. Taking place from November 20 to 24, 2026, the five-day event will bring together traditional dishes, regional specialties, local products and cultural performances.
With the theme “Quang Ninh – A Destination of Culinary Quintessence”, the festival is expected to become one of the highlights of the year-end tourism season in Halong Bay.
Quang Ninh Food Festival 2026: Dates and Location
The festival will be held at Vui Fest Night Market – Sun Marina Ha Long, in the Bai Chay area of Halong Bay.
Here are the essential details for visitors:
- Event: Quang Ninh Food Festival 2026
- Dates: November 20–24, 2026
- Location: Vui Fest Night Market – Sun Marina Ha Long, Bai Chay, Halong Bay
- Opening ceremony: Evening of November 20, 2026
- Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
The event is expected to feature approximately 150 booths representing destinations across Quang Ninh Province and other parts of Vietnam. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of traditional dishes, street food, regional drinks and local OCOP products.
Image Source: halongtourism.com.vn
What to Expect at Quang Ninh Food Festival 2026
1. Discover the Culinary Specialties of Quang Ninh
Food is at the heart of this festival. Visitors will have the chance to explore the diverse flavors of Quang Ninh through local dishes and specialties prepared by different vendors.
One of the most famous regional delicacies is Ha Long squid cake (Cha Muc Ha Long). Made from fresh squid that is traditionally pounded by hand, this specialty is known for its firm texture, distinctive aroma and naturally sweet seafood flavor. It is often served with sticky rice or steamed rice rolls and is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
Beyond squid cake, the festival will showcase a variety of local and regional foods, giving visitors an opportunity to sample different flavors without travelling across multiple destinations.
2. Watch the Traditional Art of Making Ha Long Squid Cake
One of the festival's special highlights will be a live demonstration of traditional hand-pounded squid cake making during the opening ceremony.
Rather than simply tasting the finished dish, visitors can observe how fresh squid is prepared and pounded using traditional techniques. This hands-on presentation offers an interesting look into the local culinary heritage and the craftsmanship behind one of Ha Long's best-known specialties.
For food lovers, it is a chance to understand why authentic Ha Long squid cake has become such a popular local delicacy.
3. Taste Local Drinks and Regional Specialties
Quang Ninh's culinary identity goes beyond seafood. The festival will also introduce visitors to distinctive regional beverages and local products.
Some of the specialties highlighted at the event include:
- Ba Kich Wine: A traditional herbal wine associated with the Ba Kich plant, a well-known specialty of Quang Ninh.
- Yen Tu Apricot Wine: A regional drink made with apricots, connected with the Yen Tu area.
- Golden Camellia Liquor: A distinctive local beverage associated with the golden camellia plant.
- Duong Hoa Tea: A regional tea specialty offering another taste of Quang Ninh's local produce.
These tastings and culinary exchanges will allow visitors to discover more about the ingredients, traditions and local products that shape the province's food culture.
4. Enjoy Street Music, Art Performances and Folk Games
The festival is not only about food. Throughout the five-day event, visitors can also enjoy street music, contemporary art performances and interactive folk games.
These activities will create a lively atmosphere around the festival venue, making it an enjoyable evening outing for couples, families and groups of friends.
The opening ceremony on November 20 is expected to feature special artistic performances, culinary showcases and professional mixology demonstrations.
Image Source: halongtourism.com.vn
Why Visit Halong Bay During the Festival?
November is a good time to include a culinary experience in your Halong Bay itinerary, particularly if you want to explore more than the usual sightseeing attractions.
The food festival offers several reasons to make your visit more memorable:
- Discover local food culture: Try traditional dishes and regional specialties in one place.
- Experience local traditions: Learn about traditional food preparation and regional products.
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere: Combine food tasting with music, performances and entertainment.
- Explore beyond the bay: Add a cultural and culinary experience to your cruise or sightseeing itinerary.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or in a group, the festival can be an enjoyable addition to your time in Halong Bay.
How to Include the Food Festival in Your Halong Bay Itinerary
If you are planning to visit Halong Bay between November 20 and 24, 2026, consider leaving an evening free to explore the festival.
You could spend the daytime enjoying a cruise through the bay, visiting its famous caves or relaxing on board before returning to the mainland in the afternoon. In the evening, head to Vui Fest Night Market at Sun Marina Ha Long to explore the food stalls, sample local specialties and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
If you are staying in the Bai Chay area, the venue is a convenient option for an evening outing. Travelers staying in other parts of Halong City can arrange a private transfer or taxi to reach the festival.
Travel tip: As the event is expected to attract a large number of visitors, it is a good idea to allow enough time to explore the food stalls and performances, especially during the opening evening.
Image Source: halongtourism.com.vn
Make the Most of Your Visit – Book Your Halong Bay Tour with Us
The Quang Ninh Food Festival 2026 is a wonderful reason to visit Halong Bay in November. But why stop at the food festival when you can discover even more of this beautiful destination?
Make your trip extra special by combining the festival with a Halong Bay cruise, where you can admire the iconic limestone karsts, explore magnificent caves, kayak through peaceful waters and enjoy the stunning scenery of the bay.
Whether you prefer a one-day cruise or a relaxing overnight journey, Halong Tours offers a range of Halong Bay tour options to suit different travel styles and budgets.
Let our local team help you arrange your cruise, private transfers and travel itinerary for a smooth and memorable experience.
Ready to explore Halong Bay? Browse our Halong Bay Tours and book your journey with us today. We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam