What to do in Halong Bay is probably the number one question people ask when initially planning a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its increasing popularity among tourists, both local and foreign, paved the way for the public and private tourism sectors in improving the services provided in the area. The rise of overnight cruises, high-end hotels, land tours, flights to Halong Bay, and even the continuous development of infrastructure in the region are just few of the signs that the province is doing its best to cater to all kinds of travelers.
From kayaking and trekking to staying onboard on a luxury cruise and doing Tai Chi exercise in the morning, Halong Bay, being the number one destination in Vietnam, has a lot of things to offer for everyone. Below is a list we’ve collected for your reference and guide on where, how, and what to do when visiting the world wonder.
#1 Cave Exploration
Tien Ong Cave
There’s possibly hundreds (or even thousands) of caves (known and unknown) that inhabit the Gulf of Tonkin, from Halong Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay. This we are not completely sure. But what amazes most visitors is the unblemished beauty that’s waiting to be discovered upon entering the islands and islets of Halong Bay. Few of these must-visit caves are the Surprise Cave and Dau Go Cave; both of which are included in most overnight cruise itineraries.
#2 Cooking Class
Something that should not be missed when you’re on a Halong Bay cruise. Cooking classes, which are also included in almost all overnight packages, are a great way to immerse yourself not only with your fellow passengers on board but also with the Vietnamese culture that cannot be compared anywhere else, all whilst looking out into the staggering panoramic views of Halong Bay. Please be reminded that during the rainy seasons, these cooking classes take place inside the boat instead of the sundeck.
Onboard cooking-class
#3 Tai Chi Demonstration
A popular Vietnamese exercise that has been practiced throughout generations, Tai Chi demonstration, which again is included in most overnight cruise packages, is something you should definitely try when visiting Halong Bay. Typically starts early in the morning before sunrise, it’s both a refreshing and rejuvenating way to wake up in the middle of the world wonder.
#4 Seafood Galore
Halong Bay is located on the east side of northern coastal Vietnam where there is an abundant supply of scrumptious and fresh seafood being delivered in major areas, including Hanoi and other nearby provinces every morning. Going on an overnight cruise, you’ll have a great opportunity to try them out yourselves throughout your voyage from breakfast, lunch, or your a la carte dinner on the bay. If you’re staying on land, you can expect to find them in the seafood market, which is located in major areas such as Bai Chay and Hon Gai.
Seafood Galore
#5 Kayaking
Surrounded by thousands of karst limestone islands and islets across an unimaginable serene landscape, hopping on a kayak either alone or with someone is one of the most satisfying ways to witness the beauty of Halong Bay up close and personal. No matter what the weather is, may it be cold or sunny, paddling through the thousand-years-old rock formations will be something you’ll probably remember for the rest of your life.
Kayaking
#6 Swimming
Advised mostly during summertime due to weather constraints, swimming in the waters of Halong Bay is a must. Depending on which cruise itinerary you choose, there are plenty of spots in the area where you can just literally plunge right into the open water once the boat anchors. For those who prefer to swim by the beach, the popular overnight itinerary is enough as it usually makes a stop at Titov Island, where a small beach is waiting to be occupied. Otherwise, you can always opt to swim by the Three Peaches Beach, another popular destination for swimming.
Swimming
#7 Sunbathe in Style
What’s the point of flying all the way from the other side of the world if you’re not going to experience some good old sunbathing, right? The great thing about Halong Bay is that the place allows you to do just that in a few yet very stylish ways. Want to go old-school and the old-fashion way? Then you may sunbathe by the beach during the island excursions. For those who prefer complete privacy, silence, and their own timing, then you may sunbathe by your cabin balconies. And for those who’d like to get most of the sun while still enjoying the panoramic views of the bay, then the cruise sundeck is your prime spot.
Sunbathing
#8 Enjoy the Spa Treatments
Actually one of the best things to do in Halong Bay on a cruise is to try the spa treatments. Think about the most relaxing therapy you’ve had in your life and imagine having that while cruising along one of the 7 New Wonders of Nature? A lot of these floating gems offer different kinds of techniques, but for sure, there’s not enough time for you to try them all on an overnight trip.
Enjoy Spa Treatment
#9 Overnight Cruise
The most popular way in discovering the wondrous landscapes and soaring limestone islands of world heritage Halong Bay, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. With a diverse option of cruises depending on your budget and preferences, from classic cruises to luxury cruises and to private cruises, you’ll never run out of options. Explore the islands, get to know the legends, and meet new people in an adventure of a lifetime.
Overnight cruise
#10 Visit Floating Fishing Villages
Initially built at the beginning of the 19th century, the remains of what’s left in the original floating fishing villages of Halong Bay is one of the most cultural immersions you’ll ever experience in the country. With the largest of four villages, Cua Van, as the main attraction for most luxury Halong Bay cruises, it has been by far the most exceptional excursion for the past visitors of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cua Van Floating fishing village
#11 Tea Ceremony
Mainly available through joining the three-day cruise itinerary on the Au Co, the tea ceremony is the perfect opportunity for those enthusiasts to learn more about the thousands of years old tradition of the Vietnamese people, its origins, its purposes, uses, and of course, its unique tastes. Participate in a unique activity that’s only available to a few select individuals.
Tea ceremony
#12 Climb up the Hill
Basically, there are two major hills that you need to climb when you’re in Halong Bay. The first one is the top of Titov Island, where you can witness the jaw-dropping 360° view of Halong Bay looking out into the horizon on one side the city center on the other. The second one, which probably gets less visitors because of its hard-to-find entrance, is the Bai Tho Mountain, where you can expect a bird’s eye view of both Halong City and the Gulf of Tonkin.
Climb up the hill
#13 Cycle Through the Jungle
Located in Halong Bay’s largest island, cycling through the jungles of Cat Ba is as bracing as you can imagine. It’s definitely one of the best ways to see Halong Bay. With so much fauna and flora available within just an arm’s length throughout the area, this one’s always included in the top activities for adventure travelers in the bay.
Cycle through the jungle
#14 Look Out for Rare Species
With thousands of fauna and flora scattered all over the archipelago that makes up Halong Bay, the idea of having some rare species lurking around these islands are not too far-fetched either. One best example of these rare animals that you can find while discovering Halong Bay is the Cat Ba Langurs, who are well-known for their tiny size and golden heads. But since they’re a bit extinct, it can be very hard to spot them.
Cat Ba Langur – Asia’s rarest primate
#15 Put Your Squid Fishing Skills to the Test
Everyone’s favorite after-dinner activity on the overnight cruises, the squid fishing is very popular not just because a lot of people haven’t done it before, but also because of the fact that it’s a way for the travelers to mingle with each other and with the staff on board before everyone calls it a night. Be prepared and try to learn how to do it before joining any cruise as success rates are quite low.
#16 Try Local Delicacies
As much as you’d like to enjoy the views, all the activities, and the excursions prepared for you, make it sure also that you get the chance to try the local delicacies that Halong Bay can offer. Specialized in seafood dishes, these mouthwatering recipes will put your taste buds in an adventure of a lifetime. For recommendations, we suggest you to try Banh Da Cua and Cha Muc for an introduction.
#17 Cocktails by the Sundeck
There’s nothing more peaceful than spending a quiet moment either by yourself or with someone else while sipping cocktails and looking out into the horizon of the magnificent silhouette of Halong Bay. With ‘Happy Hours’ available on every overnight cruise, spending your afternoon in Halong Bay can never be more perfect than this.
Cocktail by sundeck
#18 Discover the Art of Pearl Farming
An activity that is part of the overnight and 3-day cruises in Halong Bay, the art of pearl farming is something that every visitor should check out if time (and budget) permits. Although it hasn’t been established for a very long time, pearl farming is one industry that Halong Bay is becoming quite famous for because of the quality of the products they produce, and also the process they use in farming. Using the latest Japanese technology, these pearl farms attract more and more tourists that visit Halong Bay in the recent years.
Pearl Farm
#19 Learn New Vietnamese Words
And since you’re already on a boat filled with Vietnamese locals, then why not learn a few words and phrases for fun? Since there’s a lot of ample time in between the excursions on the boat and while doing some activities with your local guides, there’s no better way to spend those by learning a few phrases that you may find useful throughout your stay in the country. The best part of it is that you can end up making friends with the locals.
#20 Experience Mother Nature
Apart from the towering karst limestone formations that make up the majestic landscape of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is also a great place to experience Mother Nature in its purest and undiluted form. Surrounded by lush greens, exotic creatures, and unparalleled beauty like nowhere else, the bay’s natural appeal is definitely something to be anticipated with.
#21 Take Tons of Photos
The blue waters, sky-high mountains, lively fauna and flora, and the impeccably friendly locals of the floating fishing villages are more than enough reasons to take tons of photos in Halong Bay. Add the romantic views and spectacular sunsets to the scene and you’ll have countless picture-perfect moments to look forward to. And while you’re at it, make sure to get a glimpse of the 360° view of Halong Bay either from above from Titop Island or from the Bai Tho Mountain.
Take tons of photos
#22 Rock Climbing & Cliff Jumping
Specifically tailored for the adventure and active travelers, rock climbing and cliff jumping in Halong Bay are two of the most exhilarating activities you can do and something you can look back to in the years to come. Organized by only a few travel companies in the area, these options are surely not for the faint-hearted. Though you can book it throughout the year, the best time to do it is during the summer days when the weather is sunny, the skies are blue, and the waters are calm and warm enough for swimming.
#22 Meet New Friends
Traveling to another country can mean different things for different people. But when traveling to Vietnam, chances are, you’ll always end up making a friend (even a group of friends) by the end of your trip, especially when you join tours and overnight cruises to Halong Bay. And since you’ll be isolated for at least 24 hours on the boat, then making friends will come easy.
Meet new friend
#24 Explore the Outskirt Areas
Last but not the least, Halong Bay is more than just cruising. With so much history and culture, visitors of the area can explore more by traveling to the surrounding mountain ranges and villages that make up Quang Ninh Province. This option gives you an opportunity to witness hill tribe villages go about their daily lives, learn about the other industries such as mining and fishing, or just get a feel of what else is there to see aside from the towering limestone formations. You’ll never know, you might find something much more interesting and have a real sense of what makes Halong Bay really special.
#25 Be Amazed by the Sunsets
Imagine yourself sitting by the sundeck of a luxury cruise in Halong Bay while having a glass of wine, munching on some canapes, and watching the sunset at the same time. A mixture of orange and yellow hues paint the skies above and are reflected by the pristine waters and the soaring islands of the bay; dreamy and utopian yet a reality for those who take the time and effort to do so.
Amazing sunset
Tramaine Brock Authentic Jersey Devontae Booker Authentic Jersey
