What To Do In Halong Bay? Key Things To Explore

Ha Long Bay is a dreamlike scene where limestone peaks rise from the sea, resembling frozen waves shaped by time and enchantment. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this natural marvel stands as Vietnam’s top tourist destination. Covering an area of 1500 square kilometers, the bay nestles against Vietnam’s coast, just below the Chinese border, and is scattered with countless uninhabited islands, floating fishing villages, and intricate cave systems filled with fossils, rock formations, legends, and mysteries.

So, let Vietnam Dope check out what to do in Halong Bay now!

What To Do In Halong Bay?

Snorkel and Dive to Explore Coral Reefs

While many travel guides emphasize the scenery above water, there’s a vibrant world beneath the surface. Ha Long Bay hosts over 140 coral species, including some rare types. These reefs cover up to 30-60% of areas around islands like Cong Do, where legal protections and geographic isolation shield marine life from boat traffic, pollution, and human disturbance.

Embark on a dive trip to view marine animals such as starfish, seahorses, and sea turtles in the clear waters. You can also explore underwater grottos and intricate cave systems that harbor entire ecosystems. Both novice and seasoned divers can join a diving school, or alternatively, take a boat to deeper waters and snorkel.

Explore Ha Long by Cruise Boat

Discovering Ha Long Bay is most enchanting by boat. Various companies offer half-day cruises on traditional junk boats, which provide a serene experience with sails and a leisurely pace. For a quicker journey, faster yachts are available, swiftly transporting passengers between islands.

Though you can opt for a quick half-day or full-day cruise, a longer adventure is more rewarding. Booking a two or three-day trip on a ship that handles all meals, beverages, cocktails, and sightseeing allows you to simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking journey.

Spend several days aboard a yacht, sailing the bay by day and spending the nights on the boat. There’s a unique luxury in being gently rocked to sleep by the waves, and stargazing from a deck lounge in the open sea is a completely different experience compared to being on land.

These cruises often include buffet meals, cooking classes, and guided tours to secluded beaches and fishing villages. You can mix various experiences for an ideal trip: opt for a relaxing “spa cruise” featuring deep tissue massages and sunrise yoga, or go for an adventure with deep-sea diving and moonlit squid fishing.

Hike to Hidden Caves on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, the largest in its archipelago, is predominantly covered by lush rainforest. The national park on the island is a sanctuary for various native mammal species, including the critically endangered white-headed langur monkeys. The park offers fantastic hiking trails, and it is recommended to go with a guide to gain insights into the island’s flora, fauna, and history.

One of the most fascinating caves on Cat Ba is Hospital Cave, which served as a refuge for soldiers during the American War. Today, it has become a tourist spot, with its medical rooms and equipment preserved in their original state.

Spelunking in Sung Sot, Me Cung, and Thien Cung Caves

Outside of Cat Ba, Ha Long Bay features numerous caves of various sizes, each a unique archaeological artifact from Ha Long’s millions of years of formation. Notably, Sung Sot, Me Cung, and Thien Cung stand out as some of the most intriguing.

Sung Sot Cave is the largest and most renowned in Ha Long Bay, while Me Cung Cave is the oldest and narrowest. Archaeological findings reveal that the periwinkle fossils at Me Cung’s entrance date back over 10,000 years. Navigating the cave’s tight entrance leads to a complex network of chambers and tunnels, adorned with fossils and formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Visit Monkey Island

Monkey Island lies just 1 kilometer from Cat Ba town, accessible only by boat. Formerly known as Cat Dua Island or Pineapple Island due to the wild pineapples along its shores, it’s now famous for the playful monkeys that entertain visitors on the beaches.

With its beautiful shoreline, Monkey Island offers something for everyone. Sunbathe on the white sands, swim or snorkel in the clear waters, or explore the island’s natural beauty by kayak or on one of the many trekking trails.

Check out Hon Ga Choi 

In the heart of Ha Long Bay lies a pair of rugged cliffs protruding over 12 meters above the water’s surface, inclining towards each other as if poised for a battle or a tender embrace, depending on whom you inquire. 

Known alternatively as Fighting Cocks Island or Cock and Hen Island (Hon Ga Choi or Hon Trong Mai), this iconic site is among the most renowned landmarks in the area. The sheer size and precarious nature of these formations are impressive in themselves, but their true beauty unfolds during sunrise and sunset, when the sky paints the unlikely figures as bold silhouettes.

Kayaking

While cruising offers excellent views of the landscape, kayaking provides access to secluded spots inaccessible by boats. It’s a serene water activity, perfect for exploring Halong Bay’s calm waters without strong currents or waves, making it a top attraction. Kayakers can navigate through caves to discover hidden corners of the bay and visit secluded beaches. Most cruise packages, whether for a day or multiple days, include kayaking as part of their itinerary. However, if the weather isn’t favorable or if you prefer not to kayak, you can opt out of the activity.

Floating fishing villages

Vietnam has a deep affection for seafood, fueling a thriving industry that spans its picturesque coastline. Along the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, one can witness the unique phenomenon of floating fishing villages. Here, inhabitants have crafted a way of life intertwined with the sea, dwelling and toiling on the water’s surface.

These floating communities are not merely dwellings but also serve as platforms for fish and shellfish cultivation. Visitors to these villages are afforded a rare opportunity to observe the intricate workings of daily life, as locals navigate their tasks amidst the gentle sway of the waves. It’s an immersive experience, allowing guests to gain insight into the livelihoods of those who call these floating villages home, sometimes for extended periods.

Explore Cat Ba

Cat Ba stands out as the largest island within Halong Bay, boasting the convenience of accommodations not found on many other islands. Its expansive national park beckons with lush jungles perfect for leisurely strolls, wildlife sightings, and captivating panoramic views. 

Beyond nature walks, visitors can partake in cycling or scooter rides around the island, embark on kayaking adventures, or simply bask in the serenity of its beaches. For those craving a broader exploration of the bay, day boat tours departing from Cat Ba offer an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into Halong’s mesmerizing landscapes.

Visit Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay

While Halong Bay steals the spotlight, two neighboring bays, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, remain hidden gems awaiting discovery. Although smaller in size compared to Halong, these bays boast equal beauty. What sets them apart is the tranquility they offer; with fewer boats and tourists, there’s no need to worry about crowded beaches or caves.

Although a bit more distant from Hanoi, the journey to these bays promises breathtaking landscapes and familiar activities. From exploring floating fishing villages to delving into mystical caves and enjoying kayaking adventures, the experiences mirror those of Halong Bay.

Conclusion

We cover you the detailed guide on what to do in Halong Bay. Over the span of hundreds of millions of years, the geological marvels of Ha Long Bay have undergone a continual metamorphosis, shaped by the ceaseless impact of the ocean’s powerful waves. This intricate history serves as a poignant reflection on the transformative influence of time and water, acting as profound sculptors of the landscape. It’s no surprise then that Ha Long Bay has become a magnet for artistic souls, drawing upon its awe-inspiring beauty as a wellspring of creative inspiration over generations.