29+ Best Things to Do in Halong Bay

Your journey through Vietnam would be incomplete without a visit to Halong Bay, renowned as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Discover why exploring this bay is a must with these 29 top activities to do in Halong Bay and its surrounding city in Vietnam!

Things to Do in Halong Bay on Cruise

Sleeping on a Boat in Halong Bay

• Location: 2-day or 3-day cruise to Halong, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
• Duration: A day trip or overnight cruise (in 1 day or 2 days)
• Budget: Budget cruise, mid-range cruise or luxury cruise
• Destination: Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Cat Ba Island
• Boat types: modern style, wooden boat or small boat
• Types of vacation: family, honeymoon or private trip

First and foremost, one of the most wonderful things to do in Halong Bay is to embark on a cruise to admire the beauty of the bay up close and in a unique way. With a natural complex consisting of about 2,000 islands, the best way to explore the bay is by waterway on a 3-day 2-night or 2-day 1-night journey to visit famous or less touristy destinations.

Moreover, because the trip includes transportation, activities, meals, accommodation, and other amenities, you don’t have to worry about where to go or what to do.

Do Taichi on cruise in Halong Bay

The ideal way to kick off a new day in Halong Bay is to practice Tai Chi on the deck of the boat in the early morning. Most cruises in Halong Bay organize Tai Chi sessions in the early morning as part of their itinerary.

This is also an exciting activity that many travelers eagerly anticipate on every Halong Bay cruise. The Tai Chi class will be conducted under the attentive guidance of an expert, so wake up early to breathe in the fresh air at sunrise.

Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class Aboard a Halong Bay Cruise

The cooking class on board is suitable for all ages, helping travelers to understand the significance of Vietnamese cuisine in a more visual and profound way. It is provided on the itinerary of all overnight cruises for travelers to experience.

Travelers can learn about Vietnamese cuisine through this entertaining and practical activity, suitable for all ages.

Join the Sunset Party on the Sun Deck of Halong Bay Cruise

When visiting Halong Bay, don’t miss out on witnessing both the sunset and sunrise. Needless to say, the sunset scene on a cruise ship is even more breathtaking. At sunset, you can choose to relax and admire the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a cup of tea. Alternatively, you can opt to join the exciting sunset party on the sun deck.

Night Squid Fishing in Halong Bay

Having trouble sleeping in Halong Bay? Then consider night squid fishing. Although this might be one of the lesser-known activities in Halong Bay, all who participate will find it incredibly enjoyable. You’ll be provided with fishing gear such as rods and squid nets to join in on this exciting activity. During peak squid season, you may find large schools of squid around the cruise ships. The squid you catch can then be used to prepare delicious meals. Additionally, tourists can admire the beautiful Halong Bay at night as the lights from the nearby anchored cruise ships reflect brightly on the water’s surface.

Experience Massage and Spa Services on Halong Bay Cruise

During your journey, passengers aboard Halong Bay Cruises are encouraged to take advantage of spa therapies as this service will allow you to relax in a way unlike anything you’ve experienced at a spa before.

Travelers will have the rare opportunity to visit Halong Bay and enjoy absolute physical and mental tranquility. The staff on board will perform traditional Vietnamese spa therapies and massages here, providing a healing and serene experience harmonized with the romantic beauty of Halong Bay.

Discover Hidden Grottos and Caves in Halong Bay

There are numerous stunning caves in Halong Bay, all of which are worth visiting. Halong Cave boasts an invaluable archaeological system and exquisite beauty thanks to the formation of stalactites and stalagmites over millions of years. The top caves you must visit in Halong Bay include:

• Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave): A large cave in the Halong cave system with three breathtaking lakes.
• Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot): One of the highlights of a trip to Halong Bay, known for its steep pathway leading to spectacular scenery.
• Luon Cave: A must-visit spot in Halong Bay. Although shorter than other caves, measuring only 60 meters, its magnificent natural scenery will leave you amazed. Moreover, kayaking through the cave entrance is a great way to admire the beauty of the area from a new perspective.
• Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave): A beautiful cave with a maximum height of 25 meters.
• Dark & Bright Caves in Halong Bay: Also known as Dark Cave and Bright Cave, this is a unique cave system located on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay. It’s a fantastic destination not to be missed when visiting the bay.
• Virgin Cave (Trinh Nu Cave): A mysterious cave with a legend about a young girl forced into an unhappy marriage.
• Hospital Cave (Quan Y Cave): An underground cave that once served as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War.

All of Halong Bay’s caves are illuminated with colorful artificial lights to highlight different stalactites and specific points of interest. Here, you’ll uncover many mysteries and witness firsthand the marvelous gift of nature.

Explore Diffirent Bay alongside Halong Bay

Lan Ha Bay

As a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam, many islands in Halong Bay can become crowded during peak season. Therefore, consider taking a trip to Lan Ha Bay if you want to explore a less touristy destination. The islands here are famous for their diverse activities and white sandy beaches.

Among these activities are swimming, long-distance hiking, kayaking, and visiting the floating village of Cai Beo.

Cai Beo, one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, is a must-visit if you want to learn about the history of this place.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay, located to the east of Halong Bay, is another remarkable tourist destination. Covering an area of 15,000 hectares, the bay boasts a vast natural complex consisting of uninhabited islands, national parks, and rich biodiversity.

Quan Lan Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Ang Du Area, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, and Ban Chan Beach are some of the highlights of Halong Bay that you shouldn’t miss. It’s truly worth spending at least one night in Bai Tu Long Bay to experience the tranquility and allure of this hidden natural heritage.

Explore the Floating Villages in Halong Bay

Location: Floating villages in Halong Bay such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Ba Hang Floating Village, and Cong Dam Fishing Village.

An intriguing aspect of the local lifestyle in Halong Bay is their floating villages. Embarking on a journey on the emerald waters akin to precious jade and truly witnessing how people live amidst the gigantic and stunning limestone mountains, it’s hard to imagine, tourists may find this to be a unique experience.

The floating fishing communities have become a second home for many residents, where families across generations have adapted to the daily tidal changes. The sea provides a significant source of marine life for the livelihoods of the fishermen.

During a trip to Halong Bay, visitors can visit these communities and converse with the locals to learn more about their daily lives on the water. Surely, visiting one of these floating communities and meeting the cheerful children and fishermen living there will be one of the most captivating experiences in Halong Bay.

Join a Seaplane Tour in Halong Bay

This could be one of the most worthwhile activities in Halong Bay. With its stunning limestone mountains and beautiful caves, Halong Bay attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. To be honest, there’s no better way to admire Halong Bay than from a seaplane.

While cruises to the bay may allow you to admire the horizon, the numerous limestone islands and protruding mountains in the bay make it difficult to fully appreciate the scenery. From the seaplane’s altitude of 300m above sea level, you can observe most of the famous attractions such as Dau Go Cave and Tuan Chau Island.

Halong Bay Activities in Water

Sunbathing at Titop Beach

Although not the largest beach in Halong Bay, this crescent-shaped beach is certainly one of the most beautiful. The only way to reach Titop Island, a small island with calm waters and white sand, is by boat from Halong Bay.

This island is a favorite stop for day trips and is a great spot for hiking. However, boats only stay here for a short period, so if you want to explore longer, consider renting a private boat and spending more time relaxing on the sandy beach and admiring the magnificent scenery.

There is a small shop on the island that also serves as a cozy café. Along with beach chairs, visitors can rent swimming and snorkeling equipment at this shop.

Kayaking Amidst the Limestone Cliffs

Exploring the sea is a fantastic way to admire most of the beautiful attractions and appreciate the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. However, some tourists may prefer a more adventurous activity. Kayaking is the best activity in Halong Bay for those passionate about this sport. With thousands of small and large islands, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves, Halong Bay provides an ideal setting for this recreational activity.

All visitors to Halong Bay are welcome to participate in kayaking, organized at some of the bay’s most attractive locations with surrounding mountains, beaches, and water tunnel caves. The most popular destinations for kayaking are Dark Cave and Bright Cave.

Fishing in Halong Bay

Going fishing with local fishermen can be considered the most special activity among the famous tourist activities. You can get acquainted with some local fishermen here, explore some fishing legends, and try your luck fishing when you go out to sea with some fishermen at sunrise.

When cruising to the bay, you can not only admire the magnificent beauty of Halong and nearby bays but also watch the local fishermen catching fish and listen to their stories about how they survive at sea.

Swimming in Halong Bay

It’s hard to find a more refreshing activity than swimming in the cool sea water and admiring the magnificent beauty of the Halong Bay archipelago.

This activity is open to visitors of all ages. You can swim at many beaches in the bay, from famous beaches like Halong Beach, Titop Beach, and Soi Sim Beach to small and pristine beaches. Swimming is a great recreational activity that families or groups of friends can participate in while enjoying relaxation time in Halong Bay.

Swimming is often combined with visits to Ba Trai Dao Beach, Dark Cave, Bright Cave, and Viet Hai Fishing Village.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling in Halong Bay

In addition to being a spectacular tourist destination in Vietnam, Halong Bay is also a great place to engage in adventurous sports. In addition to kayaking, tourists can also go scuba diving. Recently, scuba diving has become popular in Halong Bay, making it one of the most interesting things to do there, especially for those who love underwater sports. The ideal time for diving in this bay is from April to December. During this season, the water temperature ranges from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Other activities in Halong Bay Cruises

Mountain Climbing at Halong Bay

In fact, Halong Bay is considered one of the most majestic rock climbing areas in the world. It is estimated that there are over 3,000 limestone islands in the Halong Bay area. Additionally, there are several rock climbing routes and plenty of potential for further development.

Enjoying Seafood BBQ on the Halong Beach

This will be one of your culinary experiences during your trip to Halong Bay. Believe me! Organizing a BBQ party on one of the beaches in Halong Bay will surely provide you with unique experiences that are hard to find anywhere else.

A variety of delicious meats and seafood such as grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, and grilled meatballs ensure that tourists will have a delicious and unforgettable dinner. Imagine yourself and your loved ones enjoying a delicious BBQ party and sipping a cocktail or a glass of fine wine at sunrise amidst the green islands, white sandy beaches, and blue sea. It’s hard to resist this activity, isn’t it?

Having a Romantic Dinner in a Cave at Halong Bay

Among all the activities available on Halong Bay cruises, enjoying a romantic dinner in a cozy cave is one of the activities that many tourists consider a unique experience. A special dinner arranged in a beautiful setting, lit by cozy candlelight, and served with delicious food will provide a truly romantic and unforgettable experience.

Cycling in Halong Bay

In Halong Bay, walking and cycling are two great activities that allow tourists to truly enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery on the beaches. Tourists can relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches and admire the beautiful ocean scenery while strolling along the beach. Those who want to explore the pristine nature can consider cycling and hiking. These activities can be combined with BBQ parties on the beach.

Hiking on Ban Sen Island of Halong Bay

If you want to engage in a truly adventurous activity, hike on Ban Sen Island. This is one of the most thrilling activities in Halong Bay. The island has dense forests and perhaps no inhabitants, providing you with a quiet retreat. Take a ferry from Cai Rong to Quan Lan Island, where you can relax in your own little paradise. You can also hire a tour guide who can tell you mysterious stories about local culture if you prefer.

Exploring Halong City on Land

Halong City is much more lively and interesting with many activities to do than the beautiful and peaceful landscape on the bay. Admire Bai Chay Bridge, taste local cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls, participate in nightlife activities, visit Halong Night Market, and buy local souvenirs, one of the most interesting activities in Halong.

Experience Thrills at Sun World Halong Park

The seaside amusement park is a great place if you’re looking for one of the most family-friendly activities in Halong City.

This entertainment complex includes Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, and the unique Queen Cable Car with stunning views.

Visit the Sun Wheel and watch it change colors in the beautiful light show of Halong City. You can also take a ride around the city to experience the sounds of life and visit tourist attractions.

The best places to stay in Halong Bay

Cruise Ships

As mentioned above, the best thing to do in Halong Bay is to go on a cruise. In addition to providing a special experience, staying on a cruise ship is a new alternative choice for the rest of your vacation instead of staying at hotels or homestays. Both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay can be reached by tourist boats.

Due to the many itinerary options, you can check out our list of top cruises in Halong Bay.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the most popular choice for accommodation among various islands in Halong Bay. Here, you can choose from many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. Another advantage of staying here is that the island is very large and offers a variety of activities. You can arrange a boat trip from here if you still want to go. Additionally, there are many restaurants serving fresh seafood, docking areas for boats, motorcycle rentals, and entertainment areas like Cat Ba National Park.

Tuan Chau Island

The port where most tourist cruises depart is located on Tuan Chau Island. This area has a large tourist landscape, including hotels, resorts, and beaches, in addition to the port. However, this island lacks a local atmosphere. Tuan Chau is an island accessible by road.

Halong City

Halong City is essentially formed from two cities, Hon Gai and Bai Chay, connected by a bridge. The former area is the tourist area of Halong City, while the latter is more local.

Halong Bay Restaurants & Eating

When you go on a cruise, all meals are usually included in the tour price. Each overnight journey typically has its own restaurant on board to serve passengers. However, beverages are often not included in the tour price and you will have to pay separately for them.

In Halong, most restaurants mainly focus on seafood, but there are also many different options available to travelers, including local and international cuisine.