Watch the sun rise and set over the bay

Halong bay things to do: What to expect when visiting

Ha Long Bay – one of the seven new natural wonders of the world has long been a top destination for tourists from all over the world. With thousands of majestic limestone islands rising from the clear blue water, Ha Long is not only a natural wonder but also a place that preserves many cultural and historical beauties. Whether you are an adventure lover, want to relax in the wild nature, or simply want to learn more about the culture and history of Vietnam, Ha Long has interesting things to welcome you. Below we suggest to readers what to do in HaLong Bay.

1. Kayak to explore HaLong Bay

Halong bay things to do - Kayaking

Halong bay things to do – Kayaking

Among the Halong bay things to do, kayaking is an activity you cannot miss. Kayaking is one of the fascinating experiences, helping you explore the mysterious nooks and crannies of Ha Long Bay. Instead of traveling on large boats, with a compact kayak, you will have the opportunity to weave between limestone islands, getting closer to pristine nature. When kayaking through the blue waters, you will see firsthand the diverse ecosystem and beautiful landscapes, from limestone caves with unique structures to stone arches hidden deep in the sea. This is your opportunity to feel peace and quiet, a rare moment in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. Experience wooden boat rowing with local people

If you want to understand more about traditional fishing village life, don’t miss wooden boat rowing with local fishermen. Unlike kayaks, wooden boats are controlled by experienced fishermen, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and listen to their daily stories. 

Floating on the water, surrounded by the rustic and peaceful atmosphere of the fishing village, you will feel the closeness and simplicity of the life of the people of Ha Long. This is not only an interesting experience but also a way for you to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and daily life of fishermen, from fishing memories to lifelong stories about the bay.

3. Challenging adventurous mountain climbing

With special terrain, Ha Long Bay is a paradise for those who love adventure and mountain climbing. The steep, sharp coastal cliffs are an ideal challenge for veteran climbers. Without a seatbelt, you can conquer high rocky peaks, and when you reach the top, you will see a panoramic view of the vast Ha Long Bay with deep blue sea water and thousands of large and small islands. 

After completing the conquering journey, jumping from the top of the mountain into the clear water is a great way to relieve fatigue and increase the fun. In addition, climbing Bai Tho mountain is also an option for those who want to have a panoramic view of the bay without requiring too much technique, thereby admiring the majestic natural picture of Ha Long.

4. Explore mysterious caves

Inside Sung Sot cave

Inside Sung Sot cave

One of Halong bay things to do Not to mention cave exploration. Ha Long Bay is famous for many magnificent caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. Each cave has a unique beauty, with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years, creating a space like being lost in a fairyland. Sung Sot Cave stands out with its large, cascading cave system like a natural stage. Meanwhile, Dau Go Cave is a place that marks history with the legend of Tran Hung Dao and the battle against the Yuan army. Exploring these caves is not only an underground adventure but also helps you learn more about the history and geology of the bay, opening up a mysterious and surprising world.

5. Relax at beautiful beaches

With fine white sand and clear blue sea, beaches like Bai Chay, Tuan Chau and Titop are ideal places for you to relax and enjoy the sea space. You can swim, sunbathe on the sand or simply sit and enjoy the vast ocean view. If you want to stay away from the crowd and find a quiet space, beaches far from the center will be the perfect choice, where you can immerse yourself in the fresh air and listen to the gentle sound of waves.

6. Enjoy local seafood

Cuisine is an indispensable part when coming to Ha Long, and you cannot miss the fresh seafood dishes. From fish, shrimp, crabs, and crabs to specialties such as sea horseshoe crab, grilled shrimp with onion fat, each dish has the rich flavor of the sea and is specially prepared in the local style. Dining at coastal seafood restaurants, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh, pure flavor of the sea. It’s not just a meal but also an experience about the cuisine and culture of the people of Ha Long.

7. Visit traditional fishing villages

Cong Dam fishing village

Cong Dam fishing village

Coming to Ha Long, you should not miss the opportunity to visit traditional fishing villages such as Cua Van, Ba Hang, and Cong Dam. This is where the rustic beauty of coastal people’s life is preserved. You can participate in night squid fishing activities, listen to daily stories from fishermen, and feel the bond between people and the sea. Visiting the fishing village is a way for you to explore the simple, close life and understand more about the cultural beauty of the people here. This is one thing to do in HaLong Bay.

8. Visit the wax museum

The Wax Museum in Ha Long is an interesting destination for those who love art. Each statue here is created in real size, with meticulous details, from costumes to facial expressions. You will have the opportunity to take photos with statues of famous figures and enjoy the feeling of standing next to them in real life. This is a new entertainment activity, suitable for all ages and gives you a different perspective on visual arts.

9. Enjoy panoramic views from the Queen cable car

The Queen Cable Car with a length of more than 2,200m is an interesting experience to see HaLong Bay from above. Sitting on the cable car, you will feel the majestic beauty of nature, with deep blue sea water and each undulating island stretching out like a vivid picture. The feeling of gliding across the water and enjoying the vast scenery from above will bring you a new, impressive perspective of Ha Long.

10. Have fun at Sun World Halong Park

Have fun at Sun World Halong Park

Have fun at Sun World Halong Park

Sun World Halong Park is an attractive entertainment destination with many interesting activities from thrilling games to water slides. You can try the giant wheel to enjoy panoramic views or participate in adventure games. This is the ideal place for family and friends to have fun together, relax, enjoy modern services and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Sun World Halong Park is not only an amusement park but also a place to preserve happy and meaningful moments during your journey.

11. Cycling to explore Cat Ba island

If you want to explore the wild beauty of the island yourself, cycling is a great way to fully enjoy Cat Ba’s natural scenery. With winding coastal roads, through lush forests and peaceful fishing villages, cycling will bring you a feeling of freedom, comfort and closeness to nature. On the way, you can stop to admire the scenery, take photos and chat with local people to understand more about life on the island. This is an experience that not only helps you exercise but also creates relaxing moments amidst beautiful nature.

Read more: How to get to Ha Long Bay for a memorable trip?

12. Learn to cook on a cruise ship

In the list of Halong bay things to do, learning to cook right on the yacht is the most interesting thing. One of the interesting experiences when coming to Ha Long is participating in a cooking class on a cruise ship. Here, you will be instructed how to make Vietnamese dishes, especially dishes from the bay’s fresh seafood. Under the guidance of professional chefs, you will learn how to choose ingredients, prepare and decorate dishes. Not only is it an entertainment activity, the class also helps you understand more about Vietnamese culinary culture and bring back new skills to apply when you return home.

13. Relax with yoga and meditation on the deck

Yoga and meditation on deck

Yoga and meditation on deck

Yoga and meditation on the deck are a great relaxing activity for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. At dawn or dusk, when the bay is covered with soft light, you can perform gentle yoga movements, breathe deeply and feel the breath of the sea. With the surrounding natural scenery, this is a moment to help you relax your soul, relieve stress and connect more deeply with nature.

14. Explore the mangrove forest of Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, located next to Halong Bay, is famous for its rich mangrove forests and biodiversity. You can rent a basket boat or kayak to visit the mangrove areas, see the unique ecosystem and admire wild animals in the natural environment. Exploring the mangrove forest is not only an adventure in nature but also helps you understand more about the important role this ecosystem plays in protecting the coast and maintaining the bay’s biodiversity.

15. Explore Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the history and culture of Ha Long and Quang Ninh province. With unique architecture, designed like a giant block of coal, the museum gives visitors the feeling of entering a cultural space that is both modern and traditional. 

Here, you will admire valuable artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern period, from archaeological artifacts and antiquities to documents about the daily life and profession of Quang Ninh people through the past. each period. The museum also has areas that vividly recreate the process of coal formation – the key industry of Quang Ninh province, helping you understand more about the history, culture and people here.

16. Try water sports

If you love being active, Ha Long is the ideal place to experience water sports. Scuba diving to see coral is one of the most popular activities, allowing you to explore the colorful and diverse world of marine life right under the clear blue water. In addition, sailing and surfing are also popular activities, bringing a feeling of strength and excitement when conquering the waves. You can easily find areas near the beach or resorts that offer this service, guaranteed to bring you fun and memorable experiences. This is also great in Halong bay things to do.

17. Watch the sun rise and set over the bay

Watch the sun rise and set over the bay

Watch the sun rise and set over the bay

One of the unmissable moments when coming to HaLong is watching the sunrise and sunset. In the morning, when the sun gradually rises, the entire bay glows in bright yellow sunlight, creating a fresh and vibrant picture of nature. This is the ideal time to breathe fresh air and feel the peace of the bay. In the afternoon, the sun gradually sets, covering the landscape with brilliant red-orange colors, reflecting on the water surface and rocky islands, creating a romantic and quiet space. Whether you are a photography lover or simply want to enjoy a peaceful moment, this scene will definitely captivate you.

18. See the whole bay from a seaplane

For a unique panoramic view of HaLong Bay, you can choose a sightseeing service from a seaplane. When taking off from the water, the seaplane will take you flying in the sky, opening before your eyes a breathtaking scene with thousands of large and small islands scattered across the deep blue water. From above, you will see more clearly Ha Long’s typical limestone structure, strangely shaped rocky islands and pristine beaches. This is a unique and impressive experience, helping you fully feel the majestic and unique beauty of Ha Long Bay that cannot be seen from the ground.

19. Camp overnight on a pristine beach

A night camping in the middle of the sea is an interesting experience for those who love peace and want to enjoy Ha Long’s nature closely. You can choose a pristine beach, set up a tent, light a campfire and hold a BBQ party with friends or family. When night falls, sitting by the campfire, looking at the starry sky and listening to the murmuring waves are unforgettable moments, helping you feel absolute freedom and relaxation.

20. Visit the pearl village and experience pearl farming

Visit the pearl village and experience pearl farming

Visit the pearl village and experience pearl farming

Pearl farming villages around HaLong Bay are an ideal place for you to learn about the pearl production process. You will be able to visit and directly observe the stages from cultivating to harvesting pearls. Experts will introduce how to choose pearl shells, culture them and care for them until they reach high quality. This is your opportunity to explore a traditional local craft, as well as buy pearls as meaningful souvenirs.

21. Participate in activities to clean up the marine environment

Ha Long Bay is not only beautiful but also needs to be protected from the impacts of tourism and pollution. Many environmental and cruise ship organizations organize trash cleanup programs on beaches and coastal areas. Participating in this activity not only helps you contribute to protecting the natural landscape but also brings a meaningful feeling when being part of the effort to protect the environment. This is a sustainable activity, allowing you to enjoy nature while creating a positive impact, contributing to making Ha Long Bay more clean, beautiful, and sustainable.

22. Join a scuba diving tour to see coral

Scuba diving is one of the most interesting activities in Halong Bay for those who love to explore the ocean world. Joining scuba diving tours, you will be fully equipped with equipment and guided by experts. These tours often take you to areas with rich coral reefs, where you can see vibrant marine life and admire the diverse beauty of the coral. The underwater world of Ha Long Bay will certainly make you amazed by the richness of nature, bringing a different and unforgettable experience.

23. Stroll around Dong Trieu Ancient Village

Dong Trieu ancient village

Dong Trieu ancient village

Dong Trieu ancient village is the perfect place for those who love exploring culture and history. Dong Trieu is one of the places with a rich history and is associated with many traditional cultural relics of Vietnam. When you come here, you will admire ancient buildings such as temples and pagodas with unique architecture, long-standing historical relics and exquisite handicraft products. Dong Trieu Village is not only a tourist attraction but also a place to preserve traditional cultural values, helping you better understand the life and spirit of the people here.

24. Participate in festivals and cultural activities

If you come to Ha Long during the festival, take the time to participate in the vibrant atmosphere of cultural festivals such as Carnaval Ha Long or Bai Chay Festival. With music performances, art, parades and fun activities, the festival is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy the joyful festival atmosphere. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the customs, traditions and people of Quang Ninh.

25. Enjoy the romantic night view on the yacht

One of the Halong bay things to do is simply sit and admire the night view. When night falls, Ha Long Bay becomes more sparkling and mysterious than ever. Many cruise ships organize nighttime activities such as BBQ parties, night squid fishing, or small parties on the deck. Sitting and enjoying dinner with fresh seafood, watching the lights from other ships and the night scenery of the bay, you will feel the romantic and peaceful atmosphere of this place, which is the perfect ending. for a long day of exploration.

26. Explore Bai Tu Long Marine Protected Area

Bai Tu Long Marine Protected Area

Bai Tu Long Marine Protected Area

Located next to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a little-known nature reserve, with pristine and peaceful beauty and a diverse ecosystem. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to admire colorful coral reefs, lush mangrove forests and many rich marine species. Participating in activities such as kayaking to weave through the channels between the rocky islands, or swimming in the clear water, will help you fully enjoy the natural beauty of Bai Tu Long. This is an ideal experience for those who love nature and wish to explore wild beauty.

27. Try the feeling of standing on the Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge

Rong May Glass Bridge, although not located right in Ha Long, is an attractive destination nearby, especially for those who want to challenge themselves with strong feelings. This is a glass bridge suspended in the air, looking straight into the abyss, bringing a feeling of suspense and excitement. From here, you can see the majestic panorama of the surrounding mountains and feel both nervous and excited. Rong May Glass Bridge is also a unique check-in point, where you can take beautiful photos and commemorate brave moments. 

Thus, Vietnam Allure Travel Suggested for readers 27+ Halong Bay things to do. With the mission of bringing the best experiences to each tourist, Vietnam Allure Travel is proud to be the leading tour organizer in Ha Long Bay. We not only provide a variety of tours from nature exploration, and cultural experiences, to adventure activities, but also commit to service quality, professionalism, and dedication in each journey. Each tour is carefully designed, helping visitors not only visit but also better understand the cultural beauty, people, and history of Vietnam.

Choosing Vietnam Allure Travel, visitors will have the opportunity to explore HaLong in their own way, served by a team of enthusiastic, experienced tour guides, always ready to share interesting stories and bring unforgettable moments. Let Vietnam Allure Travel accompany you so that the trip is not only a vacation but also a journey to discover, connect,t and experience the most beautiful values ​​of Ha Long Bay.

Read more: Bai Tu Long bay cruise: All you need to know BEFORE you go