Ha Long Bay

Things to Do in Ha Long Bay

Explore Ha Long by Cruise Boat

The best way to explore Ha Long Bay is by taking a cruise boat! Choose from half-day trips on traditional boats or faster yachts at Halong International Cruise Port. Opt for longer two- or three-day cruises for an ideal adventure with food, drinks, and sightseeing included. If you choose an overnight cruise, you can sleep in the comfy beds and have a unique stargazing experience.

Enjoy different activities like buffet meals, cooking classes, and visits to private beaches and floating fishing villages for a memorable trip. If you also want some adventure, you can try deep-sea diving or squid fishing around the bay!

Visit a floating fish village

Explore the floating fish villages of Ha Long Bay to see a unique lifestyle that has existed for centuries. Hop on a boat tour to places like Cua Van Fishing Village for a fascinating look into this rare and beautiful way of life. It's not just a UNESCO-listed site; it's a living community with a rich history on the water.

Explore different caves

Go on a cave exploration adventure in Ha Long Bay to see the wonders beneath its ancient karsts. Sung Sot Cave, one of the bay's biggest caves, has unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Another must-visit cave, Me Cung, gives you a look into history with periwinkle fossils dating back over 10,000 years.

Finally, Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves, is popular for a local legend about the Dragon King and his wife's mythical wedding ceremony. As you go through these caverns, illuminated by soft-colored lights and natural light beams, you'll be captivated by the enchanting stories and dramatic scenery they hold.

Try your hand at rock climbing

In Halong Bay, there are so many paths and walls for climbers to explore. An exciting type of climbing called deep water soloing has been gaining popularity in stunning places like Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with Butterfly Island being a favorite spot for climbers. It's a cool way to challenge yourself and have fun while surrounded by beautiful views.

Squid fishing

Squid fishing is a fun thing to do at night on cruises in Halong Bay. It's most popular from November to February when the squids are breeding. This time offers a better chance to see coral reefs and catch bigger squids. Local guides help out with equipment and methods for fishing. You can even have your fresh catch cooked for dinner. It's a cool experience to try when you're there!

Do some island hopping

Exploring different islands can be a blast! One great place to visit is Titop Island, where you can get an amazing view of Halong Bay from the top. Soi Sim Island is another cool spot with a panoramic view from its peak. Island hopping lets you see lots of beautiful places and enjoy awesome sights from high up.

Popular Attractions near Ha Long Bay

Sun World Ha Long 

A 15-minute boat ride from Ha Long Bay, Sun World Ha Long is a fantastic place to visit with lots to see and do. You can hop on exciting rides at the amusement park, like roller coasters and water slides. For a top view of the bay, you can ride the cable car. There are also fun performances to watch and delicious food to try.

Tuan Chau Island 

In Tuan Chau Island, you can relax on its sandy beaches, take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, and enjoy thrilling water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The island also offers fun cultural shows, delicious seafood to try, and even dolphin performances to watch. It's just a 10- to 15-minute boat ride from Ha Long Bay, so you can easily travel between these places!

Bai Tu Long Bay

A 30- to 45-minute boat ride from Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a stunning destination with lots to see and do. Visitors can enjoy cruising on emerald waters surrounded by limestone karsts, exploring hidden caves and grottoes, and taking up the peaceful ambiance of nature. You can also try kayaking to discover secluded beaches and fishing villages, or simply relax on the pristine shores while taking in the breathtaking scenery.