Looking for things to do in Halong Bay? Well, there are plenty of exciting activities awaiting you in this beautiful destination. From cruising on the emerald waters to exploring mysterious caves, Halong Bay offers an array of adventures for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s dive in and discover the top things to do in Halong Bay!
About Ha Long Bay & Why Is It Famous?
Ha Long means ‘descending dragon’ in Vietnamese. Legend says a dragon protected Vietnam with fire, emeralds, and jade. These gems became islands, stopping invaders. Ha Long Bay’s story adds magic to its ancient beauty, existing for 500 million years!
What is Halong Bay famous for? Ha Long Bay is famous for its beautiful scenery and special rock formations.
Best Time To Visit Halong Bay
What is the best month to visit Halong Bay? March to May and September to November are good times. It’s dry and sunny then, but not too hot. Don’t go from December to March; it can be cold and cloudy.
How many days should I spend in Halong Bay? According to VTJ, you should spend at least two days in Halong Bay to fully enjoy the experience.
Read more: You can travel by limousine in Vietnam and here’s how to do it
20+ BEST Things To Do In Halong Bay
Below is a list of Halong Bay attractions that you shouldn’t miss.
Cruise Through Halong Bay
Taking a cruise is one of the popular things to do in Halong Bay. There are many boats to choose from, big or small, fancy or simple, for a day or longer. The water is calm, so you won’t feel sick. There are lots of things to do, like kayaking, swimming (at certain times), exploring caves, visiting villages on water, and walking on islands. If you want to relax, just enjoy the view of the islands and rocks from the cruise.
Take A Seaplane Tour
Take A Seaplane Tour is an interesting things to do in Halong Bay. Hai Au Aviation offers a thrilling experience for tourists in Halong Bay with seaplane tours. Although it’s a bit pricey, it’s worth it, especially on sunny days with clear skies. Each flight lasts 25 minutes, giving you a chance to see the stunning beauty of Halong Bay from 300 to 150 meters high and take amazing photos. There are a few flights available each day, and you can book through Hai Au Aviation or travel agents.
Go Kayaking
There are many things to do in Halong Bay, such as kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to see the beautiful scenery up close. Mat Rong Island, south of Ha Long Bay, is perfect for kayaking with its shallow water and clean beaches. Paddling through the emerald water, exploring the limestone mountains, listening to birds, and feeling the cool breeze is a wonderful experience.
Visit Floating Fishing Villages
Visit Floating Fishing Villages is among the enjoyable things to do in Halong Bay. Because Halong Bay has calm water, floating fishing villages have developed here. People live and work on the water in these villages. Many of them farm fish and shellfish on floating platforms. Visiting a floating village is a special experience where you can see how people work and sometimes live on the water for days.
Relax On Beaches
Relaxing on pristine beaches is a relaxing things to do in Halong Bay. While Halong Bay has many islands, it’s not the top beach spot in Vietnam. Some islands lack beaches, and others have small, hard-to-reach ones. You usually need a cruise to get there, making beach visits extra special. If you want to visit beaches without a cruise, head to Cat Ba Island. You can stay there and explore its many beaches on your own.
Explore Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, like Halong Bay, is becoming more popular, especially for nature lovers. Most of the island is Cat Ba National Park, with dense jungles and diverse wildlife. You might even see the rare golden-headed langur there. After visiting Halong Bay, you can take a fast ferry to Cat Ba Island. There, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, and rock climbing.
Visit Lan Ha Bay Or Bai Tu Long Bay
Did you know that besides Halong Bay, two other beautiful bays are nearby? Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are smaller but just as lovely. The best part is, that fewer boats and tourists come here, so you can enjoy the beaches and caves without big crowds.
Discover Marvelous Caves
One of the fun things to do in Halong Bay is to visit caves. These caves are very old and have special rocks inside. Some famous caves include Surprise Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Luon Cave in Halong Bay, Dark, and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay, and Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Climb Bai Tho Mountain
When you climb Bai Tho mountain, you’ll see amazing views. The top is a popular spot to see the whole city. It’s 200 meters tall and takes about an hour to reach. Bring climbing gear and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay.
Take Part In Extreme Sports (Rock Climbing, Kite Surfing, Water Motor Riding)
Halong Bay has lots of adventures for travelers. You can explore hidden caves and lagoons by kayak, climb rocks, or go parasailing. If you love nature, you can also trek through the jungle.
Explore Sun World Halong Park
Sun World Halong Park is a big amusement park in northern Vietnam. You can visit all year, but it’s best from May to September. It’s in the city center, near Bai Chay. There are three main parts: Queen Cable Car & Mystic Mountain, Dragon Park, and Typhoon Water Park.
You can do lots of water activities and play exciting games like Mystery Journey and Cyclone Dance. Tickets cost between 550.000 VND and 750.000 VND per person, depending on your age and height.
Play At King Kong Amusement Park On Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island in Quang Ninh province is like a treasure with lots of fun things to do. At Tuan Chau Park, you can enjoy rides like slides, trains, and roller coasters. Plus, there’s a water park where you can watch dolphins and seals perform. The beach there is great for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. And if you like golf, there’s a nice golf course with 27 holes on the island.
Watch Water Music Show On Tuan Chau Island
One of the best things to do in Ha Long Bay at night on Tuan Chau Island is to watch the Water Music show. It’s about a 30-minute ride from the mainland. The show lasts 40 minutes and features cool music performances with water and fire, all lit up with bright lights. Tickets cost between VND 30,000 and VND 250,000 depending on where you sit.
Wander Around Halong Night Market
There are plenty of fun things to do in Halong Bay at night, such as wandering around the Halong night market. With over 300 stalls, you can find all sorts of things like clothes, souvenirs, and local food. Don’t miss trying grilled chopped squid, horseshoe crab, and nodding cake, local specialties. The market is lively and safe, but keep an eye on your things, and don’t forget to haggle for a better deal.
Sample Local Seafood And Specialties
Enjoying a seafood feast is one of the tasty things to do in Halong Bay. Halong is famous for its fresh seafood and delicious local dishes. You can try “cha muc” (grilled chopped seafood), “sam” (horseshoe crab), oysters, “ngan” (austriella corrugata), and more. There are also exotic dishes like nodding cake, “sa sung” (sipunculus nudus), and tasty Halong yogurt to try.
Visit Quang Ninh Museum
If you love culture or prefer indoor activities, you’ll enjoy the Quang Ninh Museum. It has a special black exterior that looks like coal, which is important in Quang Ninh province. Inside, there are three floors. The first floor has exhibits about the sea and nature, the second floor has artifacts and old objects, and the third-floor talks about the history of coal mining. The museum is open from 8 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is VND 40,000 for adults and VND 10,000 for children.
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Visit 3D Funny Art Halong Museum
The 3D Funny Art Museum is big, covering 1500 square meters, with 2 floors and 6 galleries. It has over 40 3D paintings. The first floor shows paintings of famous places in Quang Ninh, like Yen Tu Pagoda and Ha Long Bay. The second floor has paintings of different things, like animals and adventures. People, especially kids, love to visit and take pictures here.
Stop Over In Bai Chay Old Town
If you’re looking for things to do in Ha Long city, make sure to visit Bai Chay Old Town. It has special buildings with two different looks. One side looks like Hoi An and Hanoi, and the other side is busy with shops and places to eat. People also call it “Little Vietnam” in Ha Long city.
Visit The Complex Of Yen Tu Monuments And Landscapes
It’s a famous religious place in Vietnam with spots like Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, Dong Pagoda, and Yen Tu National Forest. You can also hike up Yen Tu Mountain to see great views.
Visit Halong Flower Park
Halong Flower Park, on Le Thanh Tong Street in Bach Dang ward, is loved by locals and tourists for fun activities. It’s spacious, with a flower square, a reserved area, and spots for outdoor sports. Many people visit in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset, exercise, and snap photos. Entry is free, and it’s open all day.
Take A Snorkeling Or Scuba Diving Tour
Exploring underwater with snorkeling or scuba diving is a fantastic activity in Halong Bay. The clear water is home to many colorful coral reefs and sea animals. You can enjoy these tours at Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Cong Do area, Vung Ha Island, or Co To Island.
Where To Stay In Halong Bay
Following a Halong Bay itinerary helps visitors plan their trip efficiently. Here are the top accommodations that you definitely can’t miss.
On A Cruise
Staying on a cruise is the best way to experience Halong Bay. It’s different from staying in a hotel or homestay and offers a unique adventure. You can choose from cruises in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, both offering great experiences.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is a top pick for many visitors looking for accommodation in Halong Bay. It offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and resorts. Another benefit is the island’s size, which provides plenty of activities. You can also arrange boat trips from here and enjoy freshly caught seafood, scooter rentals, and access to attractions like Cat Ba National Park.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is the main harbor for many boat trips. Besides the port, it has hotels, resorts, and beaches. But it’s missing the local feel. You can reach the island by road.
Halong City
Ha Long City includes two parts: Bai Chay and Hon Gai, linked by a bridge. Bai Chay is for tourists, while Hon Gai is more local.
What To Eat In Halong Bay: Food & Drinking
Taking a Halong Bay cruise is a popular activity for tourists. If you go on a cruise, meals are included, but drinks are not. In Halong City or Cat Ba, you’ll find lots of seafood restaurants, along with other dining choices.
Read more: All facts about drinking water in Vietnam you should know
How To Get There
Cruise packages often include transportation to and from Hanoi. If you’re heading to Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, this might not be included, but you can usually add it on.
Buses from Hanoi to Halong City take about three and a half hours and cost between $5 and $10. They depart from various stations in Hanoi. Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay allows tourists to experience the bay’s beauty. You can also book a minibus for pickup in the city center or opt for a private car. Additionally, there’s a seaplane option from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay.
Read more: How To Use Grab Taxi in Vietnam + Alternatives: A Complete Guide
How To Get Around
On Cat Ba island, you can rent a scooter or car with a driver to explore. Cycling is also popular, with many places offering free bike rentals. Enjoying a leisurely bike ride along the coastline is a relaxing things to do in Halong Bay. And if you want to see more of the bay, a boat trip is a must!
More Tips For Traveling In Halong Bay
Other Options Besides Halong Bay
Instead of just visiting Halong Bay, exploring other places to avoid big crowds is a good idea.
Where to Go Next?
After Halong Bay, many people head back to Hanoi. From there, you can easily travel to other parts of North Vietnam by bus or to the south by train. You can even catch a domestic flight to go further south. But if you prefer, you can also arrange transportation directly from Halong to Ninh Binh without going back to Hanoi.
Halong Bay with Kids
If you’re traveling with kids in Vietnam, Halong Bay is a great choice. There are lots of activities like swimming and kayaking that they’ll enjoy. Just make sure to choose a boat with activities that are suitable for children.
Read more: Golden Bridge Da Nang: Must-Visit Marvel, Unique Features & Costs Guide
In conclusion, there’s no shortage of things to do in Halong Bay. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this breathtaking destination has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey in Halong Bay! And don’t forget to keep following VTJ’s other articles!
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