10 Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam That Will Blow Your Mind!

Halong Bay, Vietnam, is a prestigious site and a must-visit destination in the S-shaped country. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Halong Bay instills immense pride in the Vietnamese people. Planning to visit this world marvel? This article is for you! Read on to discover fascinating facts and all the practical information you need for a perfect visit to this site.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 08-04-2025

1 Comments

Where is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is located in the northeast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province, about 3 hours by road from Hanoi and approximately 3.5 hours from Ninh Binh, which is often nicknamed "Ha Long Bay on Land".

Covering an area of 1,500 km² and dotted with nearly 2,000 islands both large and small, Halong Bay is a landscape of wonder. Countless limestone formations rise from the emerald waters, many of them covered in lush greenery, creating breathtaking vistas to explore and admire.

Part of the Gulf of Tonkin in the Pacific Ocean, Halong Bay borders Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast and the Cat Ba Islands to the southwest. To the west and northwest, it connects to the Vietnamese mainland by about 120 km of coastline.

What Does "Ha Long" Mean?

The name "Ha Long" of Halong Bay means "descending dragon" in English. This name stems from the legend of dragons who came to the aid of the Vietnamese to defend their country against foreign invaders.

According to legend, to help the Vietnamese fight the invaders, a Mother Dragon, accompanied by baby dragons, poured out countless pearls that turned into majestic stone islands, blocking enemy ships. The place where the Mother Dragon descended from the sky into the sea was named "Ha Long."

>>> GOOD TO KNOW: The bay's namesake, Ha Long, means "descending" in the "dragon" way. This name was absent from ancient Vietnamese records up to the 19th century

When to Visit Ha Long Bay?

You can visit Halong Bay year-round, but the best times are from March to June and from September to November. During these months, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with sunny skies and moderate humidity, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the bay’s stunning scenery.

July and August are hotter and also sunny, though occasional storms may disrupt visits or cruises for a day or two.

From December to the end of February, the weather is cooler, between 15°C and 20°C. It’s generally dry but can get foggy and chilly at times. While not ideal for water activities, this season offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with fewer tourists compared to the peak months.

How to Get There?

Also, you can get to Halong Bay by local bus from Hanoi, a straight 3-hour drive away, and by Ninh Binh, the Halong Bay on land, almost a 3.5-hour drive from here. Most of the tourists will experience Halong Bay from those two prime access points.

Your hotel staff would be willing to help you secure tickets. It is a well-known destination, and there are many local buses running to get you over.

>>> Map of Halong Bay and surrounding areas:

Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility

Things to do in HaLong Bay?

Opt for a junk boat cruise to explore the magnificent Ha Long Bay and fully enjoy its exceptional panoramas. Relaxing on the top deck of the junk while admiring the splendid landscape is a favorite activity among travelers. During this experience, you can freely admire the thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters of the bay, all covered with lush tropical jungle.

Getting tickets for your Ha Long Bay vacation is simple. You can buy them at the counter or online from reputable travel companies or cruise websites. 

• Explore Nature on a Halong Bay Cruise

Opt for a junk boat cruise to explore the magnificent Halong Bay and fully enjoy its exceptional panoramas. Relaxing on the top deck of the junk while admiring the splendid landscape is a favorite activity among travelers. During this experience, you can freely admire the thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters of the bay, all covered with lush tropical jungle.

>>> Related articles: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2025

• Explore the Thousand-Year-Old Caves

Ha Long Bay is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site due to its geological and geomorphological value. It is a remarkable example of mature karst in the region. Its humid tropical climate has been shaped and transformed by the sea multiple times, giving rise to rocky islands with exceptionally beautiful caves.

The stalactites in Ha Long Bay's caves exhibit incredible diversity in shape, size, color, composition, and purity. Notable caves include Thien Canh Son Cave, Sung Sot Cave (also known as "Surprise Cave"), and Me Cung Cave, which houses a large blue lake surrounded by mountains.

A masterpiece of nature, covering almost 12,200 m², Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, is a must-see stop for all cruise ships. To explore this vast cave, you'll need to climb about 60 stone steps to reach the entrance. The path to the cave, winding through the forest foliage, will spark the curiosity of any first-time visitor. But the real surprise lies inside: giant, intricate stalactites.

Thien Cung Cave, located in the southwest of Halong Bay, boasts similar grandeur, spanning around 10,000 square meters. Although both are natural formations, Thien Cung Cave features a more elaborate structure of stalagmites and attracts even larger numbers of visitors. Additionally, its location is deeply rooted in a Vietnamese mythological tale known as the Dragon King.

In addition to land-accessible caves, Halong Bay also captivates tourists with opportunities to paddle through or travel by recreational bamboo boats through water cave.

• Admire the Beauty of Halong Bay by seaplane

Experiencing the sheer joy of soaring over Halong Bay at 300 meters provides sweeping bird's-eye views of this historic site’s captivating splendor. Exploring Halong Bay by seaplane offers a unique perspective, revealing the bay’s full magnificence with its thousands of islands, beaches, and mountains blending into the emerald sea.

This is not just an ordinary flight; visitors also experience the unique sensation of taking off from the water while enjoying intimate and luxurious onboard service. As you fly, take in the 1,969 large and small islands that are part legend and part history, having played a crucial role in protecting Vietnam's borders. The 25-minute tour leaves tourists with precious and memorable experiences.

• Savor Fresh Seafood and Fish

While visiting Halong Bay, don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a delightful seafood feast! You can enjoy a variety of freshly caught delicacies such as fish, shrimp, squid, crab, clams, and shellfish during your meals.

For a truly immersive adventure, venture to the floating villages. You can savor seafood straight from the source, offering unbeatable flavors. Some renowned floating fishing villages worth exploring are Vung Vieng, Cua Van, Cong Dam, and Ba Hang. Located approximately 20 km from the nearest Halong Bay tourist pier, reaching these villages requires a boat ride of about 45 to 60 minutes.

What is a cruise on Halong Bay like?

Cruises typically commence boarding at the port around noon, with departure times ranging from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the first day and conclude before noon the following day, with arrival times spanning from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You will have approximately 23-24 hours on board to fully relish the beauty of the bay. If you desire more relaxation, consider opting for a 3-day, 2-night cruise, which offers an extended duration on board.

Spending the night on the junk allows you to partake in magical moments: witnessing a breathtaking sunset followed by an enchanting sunrise. Guests can indulge in a candlelit dinner or participate in a traditional cooking class. Most importantly, you will have ample time to marvel at this natural jewel in all its glory.

Main activities during the Halong Bay cruise:

• Enjoy Breathtaking Panoramas

One of the highlights of a cruise is relaxing on the upper deck of the junk, enjoying the stunning panorama. You can peacefully gaze at the thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters of the bay, offering a true visual escape.

The boat anchors at select locations, allowing you to engage in activities like kayaking to explore hidden corners of the bay. You can visit floating fish farms, learn about traditional cage fish farming, and interact with fishermen and residents.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to disembark on charming small islands to swim, enjoy moments of serenity, and relax on fine sandy beaches. The gentle sound of the waves and breathtaking views of the surrounding islands will soothe your senses, allowing you to fully connect with nature.

• Indulge in On-Board Services and Entertainment

Enjoy an unforgettable moment aboard the Halong Bay cruise with its quality services, friendly entertainment, and excellent services. It will welcome any guests with a cocktail. The cruise has the recreational program, mouthwatering delicacies prepared by famous chefs, morning tai chi sessions, workshops in spring roll cooking, night fishing, or squid fishing activities that can allow for one of the richest stays.

You can also expand your culinary skills by learning how to make egg rolls or spring rolls. Alternatively, engage in night angling or squid fishing to enrich your stay with captivating activities.

• Kayaking or Boating 

Kayaking is a highly recommended activity for travelers during their cruise in this bay. The junks are equipped to offer a hands-on and immersive kayaking experience. You don't need to know how to swim to participate safely, and even children aged 5 to 10 can enjoy this activity accompanied by adults.

Imagine getting up close and personal with stalactites and limestone blocks that have formed over millions of years in the middle of this immense ocean, all dotted with lush green vegetation.

The Dark Cave (Sang Toi) and Luon Cave are two excellent spots for boating, bringing you closer to the wild and majestic nature of Halong Bay. The Dark Cave, known for its mysterious and shadowy atmosphere, requires a flashlight to explore its interior. Here, you can take a bamboo boat ride to delve into its depths. In contrast, Luon Cave is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, best explored by kayak.

• Visit the fishing villages

Take a cruise around the bay and you're sure to see fishing villages grouped in groups. It is a place where you can meet local people and admire the quintessential Vietnamese landscape.

Vung Vieng fishing village is the most appropriate for this trip, though there are several fishing villages found in Halong bay sea coast. In this place, you will come across a lot of floating homes which seem very close to each other. You would be surprised how well such wild nature goes along with people’s everyday lives in fishing communities.

What are the tips for a successful cruise?

When choosing a Halong Bay cruise, several questions arise: How long should it be? Which part of the bay should you explore? What type of junk should you select? Here are some tips to ensure this magnificent experience is a success.

📌 Halong, Bai Tu Long, or Lan Ha: Which Bay to Choose for Your Cruise?

This amazing natural wonder splits into three main sections: the north (Bai Tu Long Bay), the central part (Halong Bay), and the south (Lan Ha Bay). While each area boasts thousands of islands and islets, their landscapes are strikingly similar. 

Likewise, whether you're cruising in Bai Tu Long, Halong, or Lan Ha Bay, you'll find almost identical activities on offer. Expect awe-inspiring views, kayaking adventures, and chances to explore caves or floating villages, no matter which bay you choose to explore. 

However, your decision on which bay to choose will depend on your specific interests. Here's some information about what each bay can offer to help you make your cruise selection.

• Option 1: Halong Bay (Central Part)

Cruises in the central part of Halong Bay are recommended for active travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere. This area is also suitable for short-term cruises (day cruises) because it is the most accessible part of the bay.

You can marvel at magnificent ancient caves, with the most famous ones being Sung Sot, Ti Top, and Thien Cung...

• Option 2: Bai Tu Long Bay

If you seek tranquility and prefer smaller junks, then a cruise in the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for you. Less frequented than its more famous counterpart, Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is equally enchanting and will captivate you with its extraordinary marine karsts and pristine white sandy beaches.

• Option 3: Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island

Compared to the central part of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is also less crowded. This is where larger boats with more spacious and modern cabins depart.

While it may not have as many caves as the central part, Lan Ha Bay cruises offer the opportunity to explore Cat Ba Island by visiting a cave nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of Cat Ba National Park.

📌 Which Junk to Choose?

The cruise in Halong Bay is conducted aboard traditional wooden boats and modern steel vessel junks, offering a complete immersion to explore this extraordinary place.

Opt for a Wooden Junk Boat if you:

• Crave an authentic, boutique experience steeped in tradition. These boats evoke nostalgia and let you delve into Halong Bay's cultural heritage.
• Prefer a quieter, more intimate setting. The smaller size ensures a serene journey.
• Are budget-conscious. Wooden junk boats can be more affordable or comparable in price.

Choose a Steel Modern Cruise if you:

• Seek comfort and modern luxuries. These vessels offer a range of amenities for a lavish experience.
• Desire ample space akin to a land-based hotel. The larger size provides room for relaxation and recreation.

In addition options range from small shared junks with 10 to 12 cabins, accommodating around twenty people, to private cruises aboard smaller junks with one or a few cabins.

For those valuing privacy, a private junk offers an unparalleled experience, navigating peacefully through Halong Bay's hidden gems. Discover enchanting landscapes aboard a charming traditional junk for a truly unique adventure.

>>> Also read: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2024

In conclusion

Halong Bay is a magnificent and comprehensive natural site, offering a wide range of tours and activities just waiting for you. Regardless of the time you choose to visit, Halong Bay promises unforgettable moments and breathtaking landscapes. Don't delay any longer; come and explore the splendor of Halong Bay!

✈️Explore other attractions in the north of Vietnam:

• Cat Ba Island: A complete guide in 5 questions before your visit
• Hanoi: 7 essential things to know before visiting the capital of Vietnam
• Ha Giang: 6 Essential Things to Know Before You Go