15 must-see attractions in Halong Bay

Halong Bay of Vietnam is a place of mystical beauty, befitting its name - Halong is where the dragons descended to rest, 'ha' means descending in Vietnamese and 'long' is a dragon. Legend has it that mythical dragons descended from the sky to protect Vietnam and its people during a time of aggression. Then the magical creatures chose to live in Halong Bay instead of returning home, as they were drawn to the unparalleled magnificence and beauty of the area.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay sits on the Gulf of Tonkin, 160 kilometres from the capital Hanoi. The 1,600 islands and islets rising from the waters, with picturesque limestone mountains, marvellous caves, sandy beaches and vast tropical biodiversity, characterize the seascape. It's no wonder that the Halong Bay area is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations.

Rich in history, Halong Bay was a bustling seaport in the 12th century and the scene of many naval battles against foreign invaders of the Chinese and Mongols. If you imagine what it must be like to navigate among the rock formations and explore this awe-inspiring landscape, look no further – here are 15 things to do when visiting Halong Bay.

1. Take a cruise around the bay

The best way to explore Halong Bay is undoubtedly taking a boat cruise. With a plethora of cruises in Halong Bay, you will certainly find the right one that meets your expectations and budget.

Length of the trip

Half-day boat trips to two-night cruises are available. If you're short in time, a day trip from Hanoi combined with a short boat ride is definitely possible. However, to truly experience the splendour of the region, night cruises are the way to go. These overnight cruise ships will take you on activity tours to visit the main attractions in Halong Bay, as well as visits to lesser-known areas and less touristy sites.

Panorama of Halong Bay with boats

>> Read more: 3 reasons for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Choose your route

There are 3 general travel areas - the three neighbouring bays of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Halong Bay is the best-known bay, it is the most accessible and the most developed and therefore the most visited. The other two are geologically similar bays, but more remote and less touristy.

Lan Ha Bay is a smaller area than Halong Bay and is located south of Halong Bay. Bai Tu Long Bay is huge, occupying three-quarters of the World Heritage Site, and lies to the east of Halong Bay. Shorter cruises will sail around a single area, and even longer cruises will often focus on one main area, with only a short detour to the others.

>> Read more: A boat trip in Halong Bay: the 5 circuits you need to know

Boat type and travel style

Decide if you prefer to sail in a traditional boat or a modern yacht. Some boats are small and intimate, with around 5 bedrooms, perfect if you are traveling with a small group of friends or family. Other cruises have up to 200 rooms available and can offer luxury amenities such as an on-deck pool, cocktail bars, restaurants, and even a spacious bathtub with majestic views. Some cruises are family-friendly, some are party boats, and some are for honeymooners. There is a cruise for everyone.

Beautiful Halong Bay with cruises

>> Read more: Halong Bay Cruise: Top 10+ Boats in Halong 2020

2. Visit Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park should be high on the list for new visitors to the bay. With an area of nearly 300 square kilometres, Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the region. Rugged, and steep, it has all the dramatic characteristics of Halong Bay.

A fascinating region with unique flora and fauna, nearly half of Cat Ba Island's landmass and its surrounding waters have been designated as Cat Ba National Park to protect its diverse ecosystems. It is home to 23 endangered animal species, including all of the world's remaining golden-headed langurs, the world's most endangered primate.

>> Read more: Cat Ba, the pearl island in the Gulf of Tonkin

Cat Ba National Park

UNESCO has also recognized Cat Ba National Park as a World Biosphere Reserve, as its ecosystems include tropical jungles, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs. There are good hiking trails in the park, including hiking to Ngu Lam peak or hiking to Viet Hai village. The hikes are relatively difficult and require proper walking/hiking shoes. You should prepare to spot deer, macaques, civets, hawks, hornbills, cuckoos, and more.

>> Read more: Visit Cat Ba Island - Travel Blog 2020

3. Spend time on Cat Ba Island

Besides exploring the forest in the national park, it is worth spending some time exploring Cat Ba Island itself, as it offers many other activities.

While in Cat Ba town, you can visit the seafood market and taste a local speciality, dried squid. Or visit the port of Cat Ba town during the evening for a beer. Bia Hoi (draft beer) stalls line the harbour, it’s the stuff of an affordable and cheerful evening. Please take a seat at one of the outdoor stalls, grab a pint in hand and enjoy the night-time harbour lights.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Cat Ba Island in Vietnam

During the day, you can visit the three beaches of Cat Ba Island called the Cat Co group of beaches. The pretty white sand beaches are all within walking distance of each other. There is also plenty of swimming, caving, biking, rock climbing and snorkelling to do. Sun loungers, umbrellas or activity equipment can be rented at the beaches.

>> Read more: Excursion in Cat Ba in 2 or 3 days, what to see and do?

View of Cat Ba Island

You are also a short walk from the Cannon Fort, which sits atop a 177-metre hill. The cannon fort was built during the Japanese occupation and used by the French and Vietnamese in more recent conflicts. Currently, there are two preserved artillery gun emplacements and a small museum. The cannon fort also offers a panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay.

Cat Ba Island is the starting point for many adventures, tours and cruises with a laid-back atmosphere, it's a nice place to relax and hang out before zooming in to see the rest of the bay.

>> Read more: Top 5 things to do on Cat Ba Island

4. Explore the caves

Part of its unique geology, among the karst formations, are picturesque hidden caves waiting to be explored. Here are 3 famous caves in Halong Bay that you would like to visit:

Hospital Cave, Cat Ba Island

The Hospital Cave was used as a secret bombproof hospital during the Vietnam War by the North Vietnamese Army to treat the wounded and as a place of shelter. A three-storey cave, it was used as a field hospital from 1963 to 1965. Now as a sort of museum, the Hospital Cave allows you to gain insight into its past function and the unique role it played during the war.

The Hospital Cave at Cat Ba Island in Vietnam

Sung Sot Cave, Bo Hon Island

One of the largest caves in Halong Bay and such a marvel, the French named it the "Grotte des Surprises – Surprise cave". Sung Sot Cave consists of two chambers, the first one, known as the "waiting room", is full of stalagmites and stalactites. The second chamber of Sung Sot Cave is called the "Serene Castle", a huge space with fascinating rock formations which could hold thousands of people.

Thien Cung Cave, north of Dau Go Island

4 kilometres from Halong City, Thien Cung Cave is also known as the Heavenly Palace. The cave was rediscovered in 1993 when fishermen stumbled upon the cave while seeking shelter from a large storm. The cave, with an area of more than 10,000 square metres, has four gigantic pillars that support the "roof of heaven" and is the wedding place of a mythical king and queen.

Thien Cung Cave

>> Read more: The top 6 most beautiful caves to visit in Halong Bay

5. Visit the floating villages

Fishing in the waters of the majestic bay and cruising around its limestone mountains have long been a way of life for locals. You can visit the floating villages of Halong Bay to understand this unique culture of people living in a wonder of the world.

Cua Van Floating Village

Cua Van Floating Village continues to preserve a traditional way of life. It has over 700 villagers and around 170 families, most of whom depend on fishing.

Cua Van Traditional Floating Village in Halong Bay

A quiet and peaceful neighbourhood, Cua Van lets you experience local life for yourself. Hop on one of the fishing boats with the local fishermen and try your hand at night fishing for squid, trolling fishing nets and shrimp.

Vung Vieng Floating Village

Vung Vieng Floating Village is located in the centre of Bai Tu Long Bay and about 40 km from Halong City. Bai Tu Long Bay was a commercial gateway between Vietnam and China, a hot spot for traders and merchants. Vung Vieng was a wealthy village, known for fishing and pearl farming. It's a bit off the beaten track and well worth a visit to enjoy the idyllic floating village set against green limestone islands.

Vung Vieng Floating Village

>> Read more: 3 fishing villages to visit in Halong Bay

6. Snorkel in Lan Ha Bay

The geological extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay has more than 300 islets and limestone karst formations. Less touristy than Halong Bay, it is more pristine and less polluted, making it an ideal place for snorkelling.

Snorkelling in Lan Ha Bay

Torture Island, Monkey Island and Nam Cat Island are some of the most popular places for snorkelling. Calm and serene waters teeming with marine life await your exploration. Many hotels and boat cruises in the area offer snorkelling excursions.

>> Read more: Lan Ha Bay, paradise of the Tonkinese Sea

7. Scuba dive at Cong Do Island

Cong Do Island is a small island located in Bai Tu Long Bay, about 3 hours by boat from Halong Bay port. Compared to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a little more remote, and therefore more secluded and pristine, making Cong Do Island a top destination for scuba diving.

Scuba diving is always an interesting activity

Cong Do Island has beautiful white sand beaches and a coral reef 7 kilometres long and 300 meters wide. It also has its own system of five lakes spread among the limestone peaks.

The vibrant marine ecosystem gives divers a chance to mingle with shellfish, shrimp, crabs, and fish, in an amazing underwater world.

>> Read more: Bai Tu Long Bay, beautiful cousin of Halong

8. Kayak through the Dark and Bright Cave

If you're feeling particularly up for an adventure and fancy combining two activities, consider kayaking through the Dark and Bright Cave.

The Dark and Bright Cave is made up of two separate caves located at the end of Halong Bay, near Cat Ba Island. The Dark cave stretches for a hundred metres with little light, requiring you to bring a flashlight, while the Bright cave is flooded with natural light that enters through gaps in the ceiling. This journey begins on a sweet note, by a giant lake with tall trees and exotic orchids.

Sightseeing and kayaking in Halong Bay

The only way to explore this cave system is by sea kayak, a great opportunity for thrill seekers.

9. Sunbathe on the endangered beach of Ba Trai Dao

Ba Trai Dao or the islets of the Three Peaches are three small limestone formations that look like peaches when seen from afar.

Located in the southeast area of Halong Bay, emerald, clear and shallow waters surrounding the Three Peaches, making it an especially safe place to swim.

The Three Peaches islets are the ideal place for sunbathing

The main attraction of Ba Trai Dao is its arc-shaped beach which embraces the three mountains. Fine white sand covers the beach, an ideal place for sunbathing and relaxing. The unique appeal of the beach is that it is only exposed and usable for about two to three hours a day. Be sure to visit at low tide to enjoy this treat.

10. Attend a cooking class

Many cruises offer cooking classes as part of their itineraries. Don't miss this special experience of cooking onboard a boat!

You can learn about Vietnamese culinary cuisine and put your own chef skills to the test to create Halong Bay specialities. These could include grilled clams, steamed horseshoe crabs, or even making a dish from sandworms (sa sung), which are only found in the bay. Digging into your own creation at the end is well worth the trip.

Cooking class on the cruise @ Internet

Cooking on board your cruise is a delightful way to spend a few hours, and unlike most other activities, it's a skill you can take home and impress your future guest.

11. Visit Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is the most developed resort destination in Halong Bay, located right next to Halong City. It is connected to the city by maritime routes and by a two-kilometre-long road.

The island is not for those looking for a secluded getaway, but rather for the traveller who wants comfort and amenities close by. There are many beach resorts known for their soft white sand.

Tuan Chau Island @ Vietnamnet

Officially, the island was a vacation destination for President Ho Chi Minh along with other political leaders. The octagonal house in which he spent his holidays is now a place of memory.

Tuan Chau Island will continue to be a top tourist attraction. A mega marina is currently under development in the southwest of Tuan Chau Island, which will accommodate 600 to 800 luxury yachts.

12. Take a seaplane

You can take in the views of Halong Bay in the most exhilarating way - by seaplane! A really special way to enjoy the region's seascape is from the seat of a seaplane. Diving between karst formations, gliding over verdant islands, admiring pristine beaches – taking in the views from a seaplane is simply unbeatable.

Regular sightseeing flights are offered daily by Vietnam's only seaplane service, Hai Au Airlines. Take-off and landing are the highlights, as the seaplane performs a water take-off and landing from Tuan Chau Island Marina.

Halong Bay Views by Seaplane @ Internet

Seaplanes only have 12 seats, making the experience more personal, and pilots often share insights and information with passengers as they fly over the wondrous bay.

There's even an option to take the seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay, cutting the journey from around 2.5 hours to 45 minutes.

If you feel like making a change, a seaplane ride gives you a very different perspective of Halong Bay compared to a cruise. Sit back and admire the magnificent mountains from the air.

13. Take a photo of Halong Bay from the top of Titov Island

Titov is a small island in Halong Bay, accessible only by boat. With its pristine white sand beaches, Titov is a charming islet where it is good to spend time. It was named by President Ho Chi Minh in honour of Gherman Stepanovich Titov, a Russian cosmonaut, after the latter's visit to Halong Bay in 1962.

Titov Island is not intended for overnight guests but has a small shop that doubles as a cafe and rents out beach loungers and snorkelling gear.

Cruises will often only stop at this island for a few hours. For the adventurer who wants to climb the peak, hire your own boat from Titov so you can spend more time there. It's a tough climb that will take around 2 hours and you will need to be relatively fit to reach the top.

The panoramic views of Halong Bay are well worth the hike, this is probably the best place to view and photograph the majestic bay from an island.

>> Read more: The 7 most beautiful islands to visit in Ha Long Bay

14. Spend time at the Quang Ninh Museum

Located in Halong City, Quang Ninh Museum is an architectural spectacle. Designed by Spanish architect Salvador Perez Arroyo, its dark exterior is inspired by coal, a vital mineral for Quang Ninh province.

The complex of buildings, a museum, library and congress centre, is connected by an air bridge and assembled with 14,000 square metres of glass. It is meant to look like a massive mirror reflecting the beauty of the bay.

Full view of Quang Ninh Museum @ Internet

The Quang Ninh Museum sheds light on the region's past, from prehistory and protohistory to the modern era. It also introduces the different ethnic groups in the province and their distinct cultural identities.

15. Visit Sun World Halong Park

Of all the Halong Bay attractions on offer, Sun World Halong Park is of a completely different variety. A mega theme park covering 214 hectares, it is the largest theme park in Southeast Asia.

The area is connected by a large cable car which is easily the highlight of this excursion. The cable car takes you above the waters and karst formation, providing two kilometres of unparalleled views. At the cable car terminal, you'll find a large Ferris wheel that takes 20 minutes to complete a full cycle, which also offers aerial views of the seascape.

Sun World Halong Park @ Internet

Often touted as one of the seven wonders of the world, Halong Bay is a surprisingly breath-taking place. Whether you are a nature lover, a beach lover, a thrill seeker or a regular on a cruise, there is something for you in Halong Bay.

Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with its sisters Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, should be on everyone's bucket list. While the number of tourist attractions and things to do in Halong Bay are endless, we leave you with 15 must-see highlights. Whenever you visit, pack sunscreen and a light waterproof jacket. Both will serve you well on your adventures. Enjoy!

>> Read more: How to choose among Halong bay, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long?