Best Things to do in Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of the most iconic destinations in Vietnam, known for its calm emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and peaceful hidden corners waiting to be explored.
But there’s more to it than just the view. From cruising between islands and kayaking hidden lagoons to exploring caves and visiting floating villages, Halong Bay offers plenty of ways to experience it beyond the surface.
In this guide, we’ll go through the best things to do so you can make the most of your time here.
Taking a cruise
Taking a cruise is one of the best things to do in Halong Bay, with many options available for travelers to choose from. Whether you're looking for a luxurious experience or an adventure-packed itinerary, there's a cruise that will suit your preferences.
One of the highlights of taking a Halong Bay cruise is the opportunity to explore the various islands and caves that dot the bay. Many cruises offer excursions to places like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, where you can hike, swim, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. For those interested in learning more about Vietnamese culture and history, some cruises also include visits to fishing villages like Vung Vieng or Tra Bau, where locals show off their traditional way of life.
Caving
If you are visiting Halong Bay, exploring the caves is an absolute must-do activity. Halong Bay is home to over 2,000 limestone karsts and islands that were formed millions of years ago, and many of them have fascinating caves.
The most famous cave in Halong Bay is the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). This cave got its name because it was a surprise discovery by French explorers in 1901. From Bai Chay Beach, you can take a boat or a kayak to the Surprise Cave, which is on Bo Hon Island. Once inside, you will be amazed at the sheer size of the cave, which covers an area of 10,000 square meters.
Swimming
Swimming in Halong Bay is an experience unlike any other. The stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unparalleled, with towering limestone cliffs jutting from the emerald-green waters below. There are few places on earth where you can swim in such a breathtakingly beautiful environment.
You'll swim amongst schools of colorful fish and coral reefs, as well as have views across to some of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks like Cat Ba Island and Ti Top Island.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Halong Bay is one of the best ways to experience its calm waters and dramatic limestone scenery up close. It’s peaceful, easy, and lets you reach quiet spots that bigger boats can’t enter.
Some of the best kayaking areas include Luon Cave, where you sail through a low cave opening into a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs; Ba Hang, a quiet area with floating houses; and the Tung Sau pearl farm area, where you can kayak between limestone peaks while learning about local pearl farming.
Seeing sunrise & sunset
Sunrise and sunset in Halong Bay are among the most beautiful moments of the day.
In the morning, the bay slowly lights up as the sun rises behind the limestone peaks, turning the water golden and the sky soft shades of pink and orange. In the evening, the scene becomes warm reds and deep oranges reflect across the calm sea as the sun disappears behind the islands.
The best way to enjoy it is simply from a cruise deck where the whole bay feels still and peaceful.
Try Seafood
Halong Bay is not only famous for its stunning natural beauty but also for its unique cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional Vietnamese dishes, Halong Bay has something to offer every food lover.
One of the most popular dishes in Halong Bay is grilled squid. The squid is caught fresh from the bay and grilled with a mixture of garlic, chili, and fish sauce to create a flavorful dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Another seafood delicacy you shouldn't miss is the shellfish soup. This soup is made using various types of shellfish, like clams, mussels, or scallops, cooked together with herbs and spices for an aromatic broth that will warm your soul.
Visit Sun World Halong Park
Located in the heart of Halong City, this amusement park offers a wide range of thrilling rides, attractions, and entertainment options that are sure to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
The park is designed to cater to both thrill-seekers and families with young children. Thrill-seekers can enjoy an array of adrenaline-pumping rides such as Dragon’s Run (roller coasters), giant swings, and Monster Spin (free-fall). Families with younger children will appreciate the calmer rides such as carousel horses, bumper cars, and smaller slides.
Aside from rides, Sun World Park also has several other attractions, including arcade games, carnival game stalls, etc. There are also food vendors offering a variety of delicious snacks, such as cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs.
Experience World Records Cable Car
Visiting Halong Bay, you will have the chance to explore the world’s highest cable car abutment. The cable car system spans over 2 miles from the Bai Chay beach area to Ba Deo Hill, offering breathtaking views of the bay along the way.
You can glide above the water and take in panoramic vistas of more than 1,600 limestone islands dotting Ha Long Bay while enjoying a comfortable and safe ride on one of the world's most scenic cable cars.
Binh Lieu Dinosour Spine
Binh Lieu is a district located in the northernmost region of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, about 100 kilometers from Halong City.
One of the most notable attractions in Binh Lieu is the famous "Binh Lieu Dinosour Spine". The viewpoint offers visitors a breathtaking view of the entire district, with stunning mountain ranges, lush green forests, and terraced fields.
The most common way to explore the area is by camping overnight. You can set up camp on top of mountain peaks to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There are also plenty of hiking trails that take travelers through dense forests and past cascading waterfalls, providing ample opportunities for adventure.
Visit Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the biggest island in Halong Bay, offering a mix of nature, mountains, and coastal scenery. Two of its main highlights are Viet Hai Village, a quiet hidden village surrounded by jungle where visitors can experience simple rural life, and Cat Ba National Park, a large protected area filled with hiking trails, wildlife, and viewpoints overlooking the island’s dramatic landscapes.
Cultural Events
Halong Bay is not only a landscape, but it also offers an array of cultural events that attract tourists from all over the world. The city’s cultural scene is very vibrant and varied, with festivals held at different times throughout the year.
One popular event in Halong Bay is the Halong Carnival, which takes place every April. The carnival features spectacular parades with dancers wearing colorful costumes and performing traditional dances to the sound of drums. There are also street performances by acrobats and magicians, as well as food stalls selling delicious local cuisine.
Another exciting cultural event in Halong Bay is the Quang Ninh Sea Festival, held every two years in June or July.
