Halong Bay offers a variety of unforgettable experiences, from sailing through crystal clear waters to exploring hidden caves and exotic floating fishing villages.
Halong Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, is known as one of the most stunning natural sites in the world.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay offers thousands of towering limestone islands, crystal clear waters, and incredible biodiversity.
Activities in Halong Bay are varied, allowing visitors to experience nature, adventure, and Vietnamese culture all in one destination.
From sailing on calm waters to exploring hidden caves, here are the 10 best activities you must try when visiting Halong Bay.
1. Cruise Through Halong Bay
The first thing you should not miss in Halong Bay is sailing. Sailing provides the best way to explore the incredible natural beauty of Halong Bay.
On a cruise, you can enjoy views of towering karst islands, unique limestone formations, and crystal clear waters.
Not only sailing, you can also do various activities during the trip such as kayaking, swimming (depending on the weather), visiting floating villages, or exploring hidden caves.
This cruise can be tailored to your budget and preferences, from simple boats to luxury boats, offering an experience that suits what you are looking for.
2. Stunning Scenic Flight Over the Bay
If you want to experience Halong Bay from a higher perspective, you can try a scenic flight. Using a seaplane, you will fly for 25 minutes over Halong Bay, giving you an incredible view of the thousands of karst islands scattered across the waters.
This experience is very impressive because the plane will take off and land on the water, something you will not see every day.
During the flight, be sure to take pictures of the natural beauty of Halong Bay to capture this extraordinary moment.
If you’re looking for more adventures, exploring Things to do in Vietnam will introduce you to other exciting activities and breathtaking destinations throughout the country.
3. Kayaking Through Calm Waters
Kayaking is one of the best activities you can do in Halong Bay. With calm waters and no big waves, kayaking gives you the opportunity to explore corners of the island that cannot be reached by large boats.
You can explore caves that can only be explored by kayak and visit hidden beaches that are rarely visited by tourists.
Almost all cruises in Halong Bay offer kayaking activities, and many day tours or longer tours include time to enjoy kayaking around the beautiful bay.
4. Visit Floating Fishing Villages
All along Halong Bay, you can find unique floating fishing villages. These villages are inhabited by people who live and work on the water, relying on boats and floating rafts to catch fish and shellfish.
Visiting a floating fishing village gives you a first-hand insight into the lives of local people who rely heavily on the sea.
Here, you can see how they go about their daily lives, as well as enjoy the sea views surrounded by dramatic limestone formations.
5. Relax on the Beaches of Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the ideal place to relax if you’re looking for a beach holiday in Halong Bay. It’s the largest island in Halong Bay and has some beautiful white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing, swimming or soaking up the sun.
On Cat Ba Island, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere compared to other islands in Halong Bay, as it is far from the tourist crowds. The island also has many hotels and accommodation facilities, making it a perfect place to stay.
6. Exploring Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is more than just beaches – it also offers an incredible nature adventure experience.
The island has a large national park with hiking trails leading to peaks that offer spectacular views of Halong Bay.
You can enjoy the local flora and fauna while walking through the dense tropical forest. Cycling around the island, kayaking around the coast, or simply enjoying the natural beauty are highly recommended activities on the island.
If you want to explore further, you can also take a boat tour that takes you to explore Halong Bay from a different side.
7. Visit Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
For those looking to get away from the crowds of the famous Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are quieter and more intimate alternatives.
While smaller than Halong Bay, both bays offer similar scenery with towering limestone formations and calm waters.
One of the main advantages of these two bays is that you can enjoy a more private experience as they are less crowded with tourists. Here, you can do activities such as kayaking, exploring caves, and visiting exotic floating fishing villages.
8. Explore the Amazing Caves of Halong Bay
Halong Bay is known for its many caves hidden beneath its karst islands. Some of these caves are huge and beautifully lit, while others are smaller and more mysterious.
These caves are often included in cruises, and some caves offer dining experiences inside, giving you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the subterranean nature while you dine.
Exploring the caves in Halong Bay is a unique and rewarding experience, allowing you to feel the peace and wonder of the underground world.
9. Enjoy Spectacular Views from Viewpoints
If you want to enjoy the view of Halong Bay from a height, there are several viewpoints that offer incredible panoramas. The best viewpoints can be found at Bai Tho Mountain, Ti Top Island, and Cat Ba Island.
From these places, you can enjoy a vast view of the thousands of islands scattered in the sea. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of Halong Bay from above, especially at sunrise or sunset.
10. Rock Climbing in Halong Bay
For adventure sports enthusiasts, Halong Bay offers great opportunities for rock climbing. With limestone formations that are perfect for climbing, Halong Bay is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing.
You can climb these cliffs with professional guides who will help you reach the top. Alternatively, if you are a solo climber, you can try rock climbing over deep waters, providing a thrilling yet rewarding experience.
Halong Bay is a destination filled with natural beauty and adventure. With a variety of activities to do, such as sailing, kayaking, visiting floating fishing villages, and exploring hidden caves, Halong Bay offers an incredible experience for travelers.
Whether you are looking for tranquility or adventure, Halong Bay has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
In addition to Halong Bay, don’t miss exploring Tourist Attractions in Hanoi, where you can experience Vietnam’s rich history, culture, and vibrant city life.
So, be sure to include Halong Bay on your travel list and enjoy all that one of the most beautiful natural sites in the world has to offer.
