Known for its iconic seascape, Halong Bay also hides caves, mountain paths, coral reefs, and traditional life on the water. These top 13 things to do in Halong Bay offer a more authentic way to explore the bay’s true character.
Take A Cruise In Halong Bay
Cruising remains the most iconic choice when it comes to what to do in Halong Bay, but the experience depends a lot on the type of boat and route you choose. You can take a quick half-day trip, a full-day itinerary, or an overnight cruise that includes meals, kayaking, and visits to caves or floating villages. Overnight cruises are especially recommended for travelers who want to enjoy sunrise and sunset on the water.
Cruises depart mainly from Tuan Chau Harbor and range from budget to luxury. Most tickets already include entrance fees, meals, and a guide, though some extra activities may cost more. Budget day trips start from 800,000 VND per person, while mid-range overnight cruises cost from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND.
Visit Quang Ninh Museum In Halong City
Quang Ninh Museum sits along the coastal road in Halong City and is easy to recognize thanks to its black glass architecture. Inside, the space is divided into sections that highlight geology, fishing culture, and the province’s coal mining history. There’s also a dedicated area showcasing ethnic minority life in northern, a meaningful stop if you’re looking for a culturally focused Vietnam tour.
The museum opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is around 40,000 VND, and signs are available in both English and Vietnamese. Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours here. It’s a quiet, informative stop that works well and adds cultural depth to your list of things to do in Halong Bay.
Kayak Through Luon Cave And Trinh Nu Cave
Kayaking is one of the most popular things to do in Halong Bay, and Luon Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are two of the best spots to experience this activity. Luon Cave is a long, low archway that opens into a calm lake surrounded by rock walls. Within a short distance, you will see Trinh Nu Cave has a sandy beach, and an appealing local story of love and loyalty.
Each kayaking wave usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is usually included in the cost of day cruises/overnight tours. The water is not very deep and is generally calm, making this experience beginner-friendly, and kids must be over 6 years old to kayak. To maximize the kayaking experience, you should get out on the water early in the morning or just before sunset.
Trek Through Cat Ba National Park
About 30 km from Halong City, the park has jungle trails, limestone hills, and wildlife in an uncommon tropical ecosystem. The most popular trek is the 9 km from the entrance to Ngu Lam Peak, where you’re treated to sweeping views of the island. You’ll also have the chance to see species native to the island, like macaques, civets, and the endangered Cat Ba langur.
The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip, and it is moderately difficult. Entrance costs vary but are usually around 80,000 VND per person or less. Most people will take the morning ferry to Cat Ba Island, then join a guided tour or rent a motorbike to reach the park. If you like nature and need a break from the water, this is one of the most exciting things to do in Halong Bay.
Scuba Dive At Cong Do Or Lan Ha Bay
Scuba diving in Halong Bay is a hidden treasure for those travelers who desire an underwater exploration. You will get an opportunity to observe starfish, sea horses, colored reef fishes, and soft coral gardens at a few meters beneath the water surface. Dives of around 5-12 meters are mostly done, depending on the instructions of the certified instructors, where all the equipment is provided.
It is possible to organize diving tours with responsible operators, leaving either from Halong or from Cat Ba Island. Normally, the cost of a half-day experience begins at 1,200,000 VND per person with equipment, a guide, and boat transfer. Discovery dives do not require any diving license, but you should feel free to swim and follow simple safety rules. Visibility is most likely to take place between April and October, with early morning most ideal.
Hike To The Viewpoint On Titop Island
An upward hike on Titop Island will take you to one of the most famous sights of Halong Bay. It is a 400-step trail that is partially shaded, so you must wear the right shoes and bring some water with you. The majority of the visitors come to spend time and party at the beach afterwards. It serves as an excellent way to take a break during a midday cruise.
It is always suggested to either go in the early morning or rather during the day after 4 PM, when the big tour groups are out of the way. It stands out as one of the most photogenic things to do in Halong Bay and is included in most cruise schedules, with no special admission or entry fee required. The climb lasts 15-20 minutes, but the view is one you definitely will not forget once you leave it.
Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
The entrance to Sung Sot Cave is just a small opening halfway up a cliff on Bo Hon Island. But inside, two massive chambers open up with wave-like ceilings, giant stalactites, and dramatic lighting that transforms space into something almost theatrical. Local guides love pointing out formations shaped like elephants, dragons, or even people.
Getting there requires a gentle climb and about 100 stone steps, but the path is paved and easy to follow. Sung Sot is included in nearly every Halong Bay tour and usually takes 45–60 minutes to explore. Come during the dry season (Oct–Apr) for the best experience, and bring non-slip shoes if it’s been raining. Among the caves in Halong Bay, this is the one most likely to impress.
Climb Bai Tho Mountain In Halong City
One of the views that visitors miss out on is the Bai Tho Mountains, which provide a panoramic view of Halong Bay. You can begin by going behind a small neighborhood bordering Hang Noi Street, and you may seek the assistance of a local to guide you to the entrance. Once on top, the city and the bay lie in full view, limestone peaks, fishing ports, and the sea extending beyond the structures.
The climb lasts approximately 30 minutes and may become steep in parts, especially when the steps are. No formal ticket or signage is present, and access may become limited at no notice at all. Most guests in homestays get help from their accommodation hosts to determine the status of the trail.
Visit Cua Van Floating Village
Cua Van is among the oldest and also preserved floating villages in Halong Bay. People here have been dwelling on the ocean for generations and are involved in fishing, net basket weaving, as well as small-scale aquaculture. Visitors may visit the region using such modes of transportation as a bamboo boat or a kayak.
The village is also located in most of the extended cruise packages, or more so, those that are culturally oriented. There is a small floating museum nearby, which has on display the old fishing equipment, cooking equipment, and anecdotes of the senior generations. Cua Van is normally offered in tours when this originates in Tuan Chau Park or Hon Gai, or used as a morning visit in some overnight cruises.
Try Night Squid Fishing On the Bay
The bay adopts a different mood when the sun sets. The majority of overnight cruises also have squid fishing available after dinner, with bright lights used to attract the squid to the surface. You will be provided with a plain bamboo pole with a bait and how to know there is some movement in the water. There is no experience attached to it, and the members of a crew are always close and ready to support.
The squid season has its peak from March to June, which also falls within the best time to visit Halong Bay. However, the activity is available year-round, contingent upon conditions. Some boats may cook it straight away as a late-night snack, if you get lucky enough to catch one. The cruise package involves using the equipment, and the whole experience takes just about 30 or 45 minutes.
Bamboo Boat Tour To Ba Hang Village
Although it is located close to Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, Ba Hang Village remains a largely overlooked destination by tourists obsessed with larger attractions. Taking a ride in this small fishing village will make you pass by floating houses and anchored boats and low caves, allowing you to look into a plane calm lagoon.
The journey takes around 30 and 40 minutes and is a quiet tour that will have close encounters with the karst cliffs. Compared to motorized tours, however, this tour is slow, and allows you to have time to see the way people have to live with the tide. It can be implemented in any age group, and it does not imply any physical activity.
Snorkel In The Clear Waters Of Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is south of Halong and similar to it concerning the same graphic limestone landscape, but with not so many tourist vessels. This is why it is a preferred choice for snorkeling, particularly when they are in closed beaches or in coral reefs. The water in this area is also clearer and shallower in most areas, and it is easy to see soft corals, sea urchins, and small reef fish.
Snorkeling tours are normally coupled with touring to the islands or kayaking, and they can be booked in Cat Ba Island. Operators will supply all the gear, such as life vests, masks, and fins. Short snorkeling is one of the more relaxing things to do in Halong Bay, especially in Halong Bay in June when visibility becomes better. It can be best in months April to September.
Go To Halong Night Market And Taste Seafood
Halong Night Market in Bai Chay area can be reached in 10 minutes by taxi from the main harbor. Evening is the time when the market becomes active as numerous stands offer souvenirs, clothes, and a great variety of local street dishes. The variety of food being served by the seafood vendors here includes grilled scallops, steamed clams, squid cakes, and stir-fried mantis shrimp. Prices are labelled, and most sellers can speak basic English or refer to calculators.
The quality of food differs on stalls, and it is better to see where residents are in queues. There are tables set out along the sidewalks, and it may also be ordered as a takeaway. The majority of the meals fall between 30,000 VND and 100,000 VND a serving. The market is open by 05:00 PM and gets busy at 07:00 PM, and more so on weekends.
Final Thoughts
Halong Bay has more to offer than just a cruise. Knowing which things to do in Halong Bay match your time and travel style can help. This list gives you a solid starting point to narrow down the best things to do in Halong Bay without wasting hours on research. You can bookmark this article for later or share it with your travel group. For more local tips or help planning your trip, Seni World is here when you need us.
