26 Best Things to Do in Halong Bay

In addition to exploring Halong Bay and Halong City, you can also visit neighboring regions to experience various facets of local life. These activities can offer you unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip using our updated bucket list of 26 things to do in Halong Bay below for 2025/2026.

1. Discover marvelous caves

Exploring the caves is a must on Halong Bay. With significant geological and archaeological importance, the stunning cave system dates back thousands of years, making it a highlight for first-time visitors.

The caves and grottoes are adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites, featuring winding chambers that are both mysterious and alluring. Notable caves include Surprise Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Luon Cave in Halong Bay, as well as Dark and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay, and Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. These caves are conveniently located on prominent islands, easily accessible by tender boats, suitable for both adults and children.

Bo Nau Cave - Halong Bay

2. Visit ancient fishing villages and delve deeper into fishermen's daily lives

Halong Bay is home to several thousand-year-old rustic floating villages, where fishing is the primary livelihood. The largest and oldest of these is Cua Van floating village, offering a colorful panorama of houseboats and rafts. Visitors have the chance to meet local residents to learn about their daily routines and work tasks.

Viet Hai fishing village is another great destination, providing various activities such as cycling, trekking, paddling boats, and swimming.

Floating village in Halong Bay

3. Take a seaplane tour

Hai Au Aviation offers one of the most thrilling experiences for tourists in Halong Bay—a seaplane flight.

Although this type of tour can be more expensive, it is definitely worth the experience, especially on sunny days with clear visibility. Each flight lasts around 25 minutes, allowing you to take in the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay from an altitude of 300 to 150 meters and capture stunning photographs. Several flights are scheduled each day, and you can book this experience through Hai Au Aviation or through travel agencies.

Halong Bay from a seaplane sightseeing flight

4. Go kayaking

Kayaking is a quintessential activity on any traveler’s itinerary when visiting Halong Bay. This is by far the best way to appreciate the bay’s stunning beauty up close in a tranquil setting.

You and your companion can paddle across famous kayaking spots such as Luon Cave, Vung Vieng fishing village, Tung Sau pearl farm, Cong Do Island, Ba Trai Dao area, and Ao Ech area. Most day and overnight cruises incorporate this activity into their itineraries. Alternatively, you may opt for a bamboo boat ride led by a local for a more relaxed journey. The ideal time for kayaking is from March to June and from October to December, when weather conditions are more stable.

Kayaking through a cave in Halong Bay

5. Check in at 5-star hotels and resorts

In addition to its stunning vistas and rich cultural heritage, Halong Bay has become a significant destination for luxury getaways with its selection of luxury hotels and resorts. Top-rated accommodations include Vinpearl Resort and Spa Halong, Wyndham Legend Halong, Royal Halong Hotel, and Royal Lotus Halong Resort & Villas. These options serve as excellent alternatives to overnight cruises, giving you more time to explore Halong City.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hạ Long - The only 5-star resort in Halong area!

6. Stay overnight on a cruise ship

No visit to Halong Bay is complete without the remarkable experience of spending the night on a cruise. You may opt for either a 1-night or a 2-night cruise.

Beyond a restful night, an overnight cruise offers lively evening entertainment, such as board games, night squid fishing, karaoke, movie nights, and more. In the early morning, there are typically tai chi or yoga sessions on the deck before breakfast.

Overnight cruises docking near Ti Top Island

7. Participate in extreme sports (rock climbing, kite surfing, water motor riding)

Halong Bay is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering thrilling experiences. You can explore hidden lagoons and mysterious caves via kayak, climb challenging rock formations, or engage in parasailing. Additionally, trekking through dense jungles provides an exhilarating adventure for nature enthusiasts. These activities allow you to discover Halong Bay at your own pace.

Halong formations are suitable for rock climbing activities

8. Take a day cruise

If you're short on time but still want to appreciate Halong Bay's beauty, a day cruise is a great option. There are numerous day cruises available, with durations ranging from 4 to 8 hours, following five main routes to notable tourist spots in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. The most popular route leads to Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go, Dinh Huong, Fighting Cock Islet, Sung Sot Cave, and Ti Top Island.

Recommended day cruises include Jade Sails Cruise, Genesis Day Cruise, Estella Premium Day Cruise, and Paradise Luxury Day Cruise, among others.

Small day boat cruising around Halong Bay!

9. Explore Sun World Halong Park

Sun World Halong Park is a world-class entertainment complex in northern Vietnam that guarantees fun regardless of your interests. The park is open year-round, though the best time to visit is from May to September.

Located in the city center, just a short walk from Bai Chay area, the park encompasses three main sections: the Queen Cable Car & Mystic Mountain, Dragon Park, and Typhoon Water Park. Here, you can engage in water activities, enjoy thrilling rides, and experience extreme attractions like the Mystery Journey, Cyclone Dance, and Reptile Army. Entrance fees range from VND 750,000 to VND 550,000 for adults and children above 1.3m, and prices for children under 1.3m are lower.

Sunworld Halong Complex

10. Play at King Kong amusement park on Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is a magnificent jewel of Quang Ninh province featuring Tuan Chau Park, also known as King Kong Park—a vast entertainment area. The park boasts exhilarating rides, such as slides, fairy trains, spinning wheels, and roller coasters. Additionally, you can enjoy spectacular performances featuring dolphins and seals.

With its extensive coastline, Tuan Chau Beach is also an excellent destination for swimming, relaxation, kayaking, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the international-standard golf course comprising 27 holes located on the island.

Tuan Chau Island, Halong Bay

11. Watch the Water Music Show on Tuan Chau Island

Experiencing the Water Music Show is one of the most thrilling nighttime activities on Tuan Chau Island, about a 30-minute transfer from the mainland. This 40-minute show features spectacular music performances influenced by water and fire with vibrant visuals.

The show has a large scale, accommodating up to 12,000 spectators. Ticket prices range from VND 30,000 to VND 250,000 per person, depending on the seating choice.

Water music show in Tuan Chau Island (Photo: Dulichkhatvongviet.com)

12. Wander around Halong Night Market

A fantastic way to soak up local ambiance is to stroll through the Halong Night Market. This bustling market features over 300 stalls offering everything from clothing and souvenirs to local delicacies. A highlight is the opportunity to sample local specialties like grilled chopped squid, horseshoe crab, and nodding cake.

The night market offers a lively atmosphere and is generally safe, though it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, don’t forget to haggle for better prices on items.

Art crafts inside Halong Market

13. Sample local seafood and specialties

Halong Bay is celebrated for its fresh seafood and a rich variety of local cuisine. The area is famous for dishes like "cha muc" (grilled chopped seafood) available at local markets, as well as "sam" (horseshoe crab), oysters, "ngan" (austriella corrugata), and more. You'll also have the chance to try unusual dishes such as nodding cake, "sa sung" (sipunculus nudus), and delicious Halong yogurt.

Seafood in Halong Bay

14. Visit Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum is a popular destination for culture enthusiasts or those who prefer not to engage in outdoor activities. The museum features a unique black exterior inspired by coal, reflective of Quang Ninh province's heritage.

The museum consists of three floors. The ground floor hosts exhibits focused on the sea and nature, the second floor showcases artifacts and archaeological relics, and the third floor is dedicated to the historical significance of the coal mining industry. Open from 8 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, entry fees are VND 40,000 for adults and VND 10,000 for children.

Quang Ninh Museum

15. Visit 3D Funny Art Halong Museum

The 3D Funny Art Halong Museum is another delightful option for museum lovers. Situated inside the Marine Plaza shopping center in Halong City, this museum features various fantastic and vibrant exhibitions themed around Parody, Aquarium, Adventure, and animals. Families are particularly drawn to this attraction for photos and enjoyment. The ticket price is around VND 80,000 per person.

3D Art Halong Museum (Photo: Luxstay.vn)

16. Take part in teambuilding activities on Bai Chay Beach

The man-made Bai Chay Beach offers visitor-friendly amenities very near the Halong Bay coast. Many accommodations and recreational facilities surround the beach, making it a prime location for teambuilding activities.

Visitors can swim in the refreshing waters while enjoying various activities such as surfing, biking, and dining. Additionally, sampling fresh seafood and other culinary delights at nearby restaurants is a great way to round out your visit.

Teambuilding activities at Bai Chay Beach (Photo: Luxtour.com.vn)

17. Check in at Bai Chay Bridge

The stunning Bai Chay Bridge symbolizes the modern and rapid development of Halong City and Quang Ninh Province. Capture stunning photographs of the bridge illuminated at night.

Spanning 435 meters, the bridge connects the Hon Gai and Bai Chay districts along Highway 18. With its striking design, Bai Chay Bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Beautiful Bai Chay Bridge at Night

18. Visit Ba Vang Pagoda

Situated to the west of Uong Bi City, Ba Vang Pagoda boasts a rich history dating back to the reign of King Le Du Tong in 1676. Covering a large area, it plays a significant role in Vietnamese spirituality and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.

The pagoda features an iconic three-door entrance along with an extensive collection of wooden statues and valuable antiques. The best time to visit Ba Vang Pagoda is during the first lunar month, which coincides with festival season when many activities take place.

Ba Vang Pagoda, Quang Ninh (Photo by nhatminhcapital via Shutterstock)

19. Visit the Complex of Yen Tu Monuments and Landscapes

If you seek a blend of history, spirituality, and nature, the Complex of Yen Tu Monuments and Landscapes is an ideal choice. This site is one of Vietnam’s renowned religious destinations, housing major attractions such as Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, Dong Pagoda, Giai Oan Spring, and the Yen Tu National Forest, alongside various Buddhist sanctuaries. Moreover, Yen Tu Mountain offers a prime destination for hikers seeking to enjoy panoramic views from the summit.

Yen Tu Mountain Landscapes

20. Dine out at Cua Vang Restaurant

With a prime location at 32 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City, Cua Vang Restaurant stands out as one of the city’s top establishments. This dining venue can accommodate up to 250 guests across its three-floor layout, covering 350 square meters. Here you will find an extensive menu of fresh seafood and specialty dishes prepared in wooden pots.

Location: 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City

Opening Hours: 10 am - 10 pm

Tel: 0203 826 215

Price: Starting from VND 500,000 per person

Website: Facebook Page

Cua Vang Restaurant - One of the best seafood restaurants in Halong Bay area!

21. Swim on primitive beaches

Blessed with pristine beaches, Halong Bay is a perfect place for swimming and sunbathing. Surrounded by limestone islands, the beaches offer gentle waves and a refreshing environment.

Top swimming sites in Halong Bay include Ba Trai Dao Beach, Titop Beach, Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, and 3, and Soi Sim Beach. However, keep in mind that these beaches can become quite crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

22. Visit Halong Flower Park

Situated on Le Thanh Tong Street, Bach Dang Ward, Halong City, Halong Flower Park is a favored spot for both locals and tourists seeking leisure activities. The extensive park features a central floral square, recreational areas, and spaces for outdoor fitness and sports.

Halong Flower Park is especially popular in the evenings for watching the sunset, exercising, and capturing beautiful photographs. The park is free to enter and open all day.

Halong City

23. Explore Cat Ba Island

Alongside Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is a hidden gem that has been increasingly attracting visitors, particularly nature enthusiasts, in recent years. The majority of the island is encompassed by Cat Ba National Park, which is renowned for its dense jungles, diverse wildlife, and numerous endemic species, including the golden-headed langur.

Traveling to Halong Bay and then taking a high-speed ferry to Cat Ba Island is an excellent plan. Once there, you can indulge in activities like swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, and rock climbing.

Cat Ba Island from above

24. Take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour

Snorkeling or scuba diving in Halong Bay presents a spectacular underwater experience that shouldn't be overlooked. The bay’s emerald waters are teeming with remarkable marine life, including numerous coral reefs and diverse sea creatures, which contribute to a vibrant ecosystem.

Recommended snorkeling and scuba diving spots include Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Cong Do area, Vung Ha Island, and Co To Island. You can combine a snorkeling or scuba diving tour with a stay in a rustic resort on Cat Ba Island for a comprehensive experience.

25. Watch the sunset at Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort, a historic area on Cat Ba Island, is an excellent place to see the sunset. Situated on a hill with a height of 177 meters, you can reach the fort via a 30-minute hike through a narrow jungle path, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island. In addition to the stunning scenery, you’ll also have the chance to glimpse remnants of a former battleground. The entrance fee is VND 40,000 per person.

Sunset view from Cannon Fort, Cat Ba Island

26. Climb Bai Tho Mountain

Climbing Bai Tho Mountain, known for its poetry and mystery, offers breathtaking views. The peak is a well-loved destination for hikers looking to capture stunning views of the city below. Standing at 200 meters, the summit can easily be reached in about an hour. Remember to pack essential climbing gear and a high-quality camera to document the breathtaking views of Halong Bay.

Halong Bay view from Bai Tho Mountain