Best things to do in Halong bay: Take an overnight cruise

There is no better way to appreciate the value of Halong bay than taking a styled cruise. This experience allows you to navigate through its picture-perfect islands, plunge into its warm water, explore the awe-inspiring cave, and rest at leisure at some sandy beaches. 
Whether your travel style is budget, luxury, or adventure-seeking, you`ll find many cruising options in Halong. 

Visit Cat Ba Island

The largest island in the Halong Bay area, Cat Ba Island is one of the most enchanting Vietnam travel destinations. It boasts a wealthy national park packed with historical sites and amazing beaches. 
Travelers who prefer a quieter part of the bay should choose Cat Ba as the alternative. There are rooms for a jungle trek, floating village kayaking, wildlife spotting, and fishing village visits. 

Trek through Cat Ba National Park

Before embarking on your cruise, take some time to explore the beauty of Cat Ba National Park. Recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, the park features tropical jungles, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs, making it a perfect place for hiking and trekking. Keep an eye out for the endangered white-headed Langur and take in the breathtaking views of the small island.

Get the bird-eye view of Halong on a seaplane tour

Get a bird's-eye view of Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island with a seaplane tour. The scenic flight will allow you to witness the stunning karst formations of the area, including the famous Fighting Cocks Island. 25-minute aerial sightseeing trips are available starting from as low as USD 99, making it a unique and affordable way to start your holiday. Hai Au Aviation is the only company offering this one-of-a-kind experience.

Explore the Caves of Halong Bay

With 59 discovered caves in the area and potentially many more waiting to be found, Halong Bay is a spelunker's paradise. The most famous caves include Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave, each with its own unique features and legends. Take a tour of these stunning caves and discover the wonders of Halong Bay for yourself.

Get closer to a local Floating Village

Discover the unique culture of the floating village inhabitants in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most notable floating villages is Cua Van, known for its vibrant huts and fishing boats. With over 700 residents and 170 families, most of whom rely on fishing for their livelihood, you can get a glimpse into the local way of life. Join the fishermen for a boat trip, try your hand at night squid fishing, and explore the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of Cua Van Village.

Treat yourself to delicious Halong Seafood

If you expect a distinctive cuisine in Halong Bay then you should try its seafood. Both onboard and in Halong city offers a wide range of seafood varying from shrimp to crab dishes. 
Here are some foods you should sample: Grilled Chopped Squid, Acorn Barnacle Porridge, Fresh Oyster.

 

Best Halong Bay viewpoint: Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain, also known as Poem Mountain, stands 200 meters tall in the heart of Halong city. With half its base on land and the other half in the ocean, it offers a breathtaking view of the bay and city from its peak. It's a hike worth taking for the stunning vista.
Bai Tho may not be included in a day trip or day cruise from Halong city. To make sure you have access to this picturesque peak, book an overnight cruise !

Take a Ride on the World's Highest Cable Car

Photographers will love the views from Sunworld Amusement Park, where the Queen's Cable Car provides panoramic views of the UNESCO Site. It's no wonder it's one of the top things to do in Halong Bay, as it's a comfortable and affordable ride (300k for adults and 200k for children under 1.3m). The Queen's Cable Car holds two Guinness World Records: it's the largest reversible aerial tramway, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers, and the highest cable car at a height of 188.88 meters.

Best exciting adventure in Halong Bay: Kayaking

If you want to immerse in the hidden sides of Halong Bay, kayaking is a perfect option. Imagine yourself paddling through the floating cave, and secret lagoons within the islands and take the freedom to stop at photographic sites as you want.
Some of the best places to kayak in Halong Bay are Luon Cave, Cong Do island, Ho Co island, Ba Hang fishing village. 

Explore Sun World Halong Complex

Sun World Halong Complex is a world-class amusement park that offers endless excitement and joy. Spread over 214 hectares, it's divided into two sections: the Mystic Mountain Complex (also known as the Ba Deo Hill Park) and the Coastal Amusement Complex. The two sections are connected by the Queen Cable Car, a 2km sea-crossing cable car system that takes passengers to Ba Deo Amusement Park. Must-visits in Ba Deo Hill include the Zen Garden, indoor game zone, Mysterious Castle, and the Sun Wheel Halong, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.

Try Squid Fishing at night

When night falls, it is the right time to challenge your fishing skills with Squid Fishing in Halong Bay. Squid fishing seems not difficult even for the first-timer. Some of the cruises even offer help to cook them. 

Find Tranquility in Lan Ha Bay's Beaches and Islands

Lan Ha Bay, just off the coast of Cat Ba Island, is quickly becoming the next big thing in UNESCO heritage sites. Its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly tourism has kept the area unspoiled, uncrowded, and full of hidden gems to discover. The bay boasts a stunning natural beauty that arguably can rival Halong Bay, with the added bonus of being much quieter and less touristy. Explore its 300+ karst islands and islets, and enjoy the pristine white sand beaches. 
Related article: Asia Travel Bucket List

Escape to Bai Tu Long Bay

Located in the far east of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a hidden gem, catering to fewer tourists than other popular attractions in the region. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this is the perfect destination for you. Visit Vung Vieng Floating Village, one of the most famous floating villages in Bai Tu Long Bay, located about 40 km from Halong City. This village was once a trade gateway between Vietnam and China, making it a significant location for traders and merchants.

Discover the Secrets of Cannon Fort

Located on Cat Ba Island, Cannon Fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island. The fort was built during the Japanese occupation and later used by the French and Vietnamese in conflicts. Today, it houses two preserved artillery gun emplacements, a small museum, and underground tunnels, making it an interesting destination for history buffs.

Halong Itinerary 

Expect a travel plan to enjoy the best that Halong has to show, these are some ideal choices:

Halong 1 day trip 

It is true that 1 day may not be enough to see all the things to do in Halong Bay but you can still see the most outstanding part of it.
For a day trip, head to Halong pier to book a cruise that takes you to stunning Fighting Cock rocks, Dinh Huong islet, and Thien Cung cave. You can leave in the afternoon time to swim at Bai Chai or Tuan Chau beach. 
If you grab a return trip from Hanoi, you may have only the cruise trip. 

Halong 2-day itinerary 

For 2 days in Halong, it is very common to stay on board, setting sail out to the waters of this Unesco Heritage site. Depending on the cruise, there are different routes to opt for. 
Here are some suggestions to spend 2 days in Halong Bay

1. Halong 2 days cruise

Routes to take:  Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sung Sot Cave - Fairly Lake Cave - Titop Island - Hanoi. Full range of activities on board including Morning Taichi Exercise, Sea kayaking, cave exploration, and beach hopping.

2. Halong 2 days with a 1-day cruise

Day 01: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Afternoon visit Halong city, its vibrant market, take a cable ride, and finish the day by Bai Chay beach.
Day 02: Sail to Halong islands. Visit Thien Cung cave. In the afternoon, visit Tuan Chau island. 

Halong 3-day itinerary  

Halong Bay 3 days cruise from Hanoi
Sample itinerary:
Day 01: Hanoi transfer to Halong Bay. Embark on a cruise at Tuan Chau Marina Bay. Sail to Lan Ha Bay then Dark-Bright Cave. Overnight on boat
Day 02: Sail to Viet Hai fishing village then drop at Cat Ba rainforest. Beach time at Ba Trai Dao islets
Day 03: Sail to Ao Ech and return to Tuan Chau Marina. Transfer back to Hanoi

Halong Travel Questions

When should you travel to Halong Bay?

The best time to visit Halong Bay is a matter of personal preference.

Best time to visit Halong Bay: Weather Factors

If you value pleasant weather, consider visiting from September to November or March to May, as the dry and temperate climate makes for optimal sightseeing and onboard activities.

Best time to visit Halong Bay for Budget:

For those on a budget, plan your trip between May and September, which is considered the low season. During this time, many cruise ships offer significant discounts on cabin prices, up to 40% off compared to other times of the year. 

How to get to Halong Bay 2023 - 2024 guide

There are many ways to get to Halong Bay. Here is some brief information about the transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by tourist bus

This is probably the best way to get around north Vietnam, especially Halong Bay. It is fast and you can enjoy door-to-door pickup. These buses are very comfortable with large seats, windows, and spacious rooms for entertainment. Importantly, they take the highway which cuts the time compared to the ordinary bus. 

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by plane

There is no direct flight to Halong Bay so far. The nearest airport is Cat Bi which is still over 100km from the bay. 
If you prefer a quick ride yet capture the whole panorama of Halong Bay then think about a luxury Sea Plane Tour mentioned above 

Travel by train to Halong Bay

It could be a good choice for those who have time. However, you should note that the train station is not inside the city and it takes longer than a bus to arrive at Halong Train station. For the whole journey, you need to take a transfer to the train station and from the train station to your hotel. In the end, it is not really cheap. 

Should I take a cruise or travel on my own

According to many travel experts, it is far better to take an organized tour or cruise to Halong Bay than take a do-it-yourself trip. The Halong cruise trip is a type of all-activities packed experience that is designed to show you the best of Halong with various things to do, to entertain. 
Undoubtedly, travel on your own provides the ultimate freedom yet you may have less possibility to explore the further side of Halong Bay.

How many days should I spend cruising Halong Bay

2 to 3 days is the best for a cruise in Halong Bay. 
It is understandable that everyone has their own preference for a holiday to Vietnam. Spending time in Halong Bay is totally worth and we in case you do not have time, a day tour is fine. 

Accommodation in Halong City

The  city of Halong has a wide range of accommodations from low-budget hotels to high-end resorts. Keep in mind that hotels are often fully booked at the weekend and Vietnam public holidays. We recommend you to book far in advance to enjoy the best of your stay.

Can I swim in Halong Bay?

You can definitely swim in Halong Bay. There are many islets to enjoy its emerald waters apart from the well-known Bai Chay and Tuan Chau beaches. 

Is it reliable to book a Halong Bay trip online? 

In general, online booking for Halong trips is very secure. Besides the international websites like booking, Agoda, the local tour operators are very trustworthy too. 
All that you should care is about their tourism license and contact numbers to make sure all the communication is good. Once you have a confirmation for your cruise, tour; you can also double-check with the cruise to make sure your trip is registered. 
Booking directly with a Halong Cruise is a very good idea as well. 

Is Halong Bay good for a honeymoon trip? 

Since Halong Bay is home to many romantic sights, it is always listed among the top destinations for a honeymoon in Vietnam. Whenever you take your honeymoon, you`ll be treated well on a cruise with a beautiful setup for only honeymooners. 
Related article: Asia Honeymoon destinations

Somewhere in Asia like Halong Bay but fewer tourists?

 For a very original sea-sun-sand experience without a tourist crowd, try the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. 
Con Dao archipelago with its spectacular national park is a gorgeous choice for a travel to Vietnam`s last tropical paradise.