Recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. This article will recommend 14 best things to do in Ha Long Bay and must-visit tourist attractions in Ha Long city for you. Don’t forget to read this information below and maximize your experience in Ha Long Bay!
1. The best things to do in Ha Long Bay for a great sightseeing
As a World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay Vietnam is well-known for its many limestone mountains, pristine beaches, mysterious caves and grottos, and peaceful fishing villages. You should not miss out on these best things to do in Ha Long Bay!
1.1. Explore Ha Long Bay caves
Ha Long Bay is home to many breathtaking caves that have gone through millions of years of formation. The massive size of these caves, the magnificent beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites and the great archeological values make them one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ha Long city. Below are the top 5 Ha Long Bay caves worth exploring:
- Thien Cung Cave: a heaven on Earth thanks to the beauty of the colorful stalactites
- Sung Sot Cave: the most popular cave in Ha Long Bay
- Dau Go Grotto: one of the most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay
- Luon Cave: a famous destination for kayaking
- Trinh Nu Cave: one of the finest sunlight-filled caves with an emotional love tale
1.2. Visit Cua Van Fishing Village
Cua Van Fishing Village is the largest and most popular fishing village in Ha Long Bay. The village has more than 300 households living on floating houses tightly attached to each other to avoid being blown by strong winds. In front of every house, there is a small boat or a raft. If you want to immerse in the tranquility of a village or understand more about the daily lives of local people, visiting Cua Van Fishing Village is a perfect choice.
1.3. Contemplate Ha Long Bay on a seaplane
Taking a seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is a not-to-be-missed experience. The flight takes 45 minutes from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina. Passengers can see the beautiful landscape of Ha Long Bay from an altitude of 300 meters. The ticket price varies from 4,200,000 to 9,700,000 VND depending on the season and the departure time.
1.4. Take a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is technically right next to Ha Long Bay, but it is still off-the-beaten-track. Nevertheless, the bay impresses visitors with its amazing landscapes: pristine beaches, massive karst mountains, peaceful floating villages, numerous islands and magnificent caves. There are many cruises available for you to see some famous destinations in Bai Tu Long Bay such as Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Village, Ban Chan Island, Cap La Island and Cong Dam area.
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1.5. Get a tan at Ha Long Bay beaches
Ha Long Bay is well-known for many stunning beaches such as Ti Top, Ngoc Vung, Bai Chay, Ba Trai Dao, etc. Lying on the white sand, getting a tan, enjoying the cool sea breeze and immersing yourself in crystal clear water is one of the best things to do in Ha Long Bay. Thanks to the spectacular view of nature, tourists will experience true moments of relaxation.
>>> Book hotel rooms in Ha Long City and enjoy meaningful moments of relaxation!
2. What is Ha Long Bay famous for? Top 5 not-to-be-missed outdoor activities
Ha Long Bay is not only popular for the beauty of its natural landscapes but also for a lot of super funny outdoor activities. Don’t forget to put these top 5 things to do in Ha Long Bay on your bucket list!
2.1. Go swimming at Ti Top Beach
Aside from the splendid sceneries and charming mountains, Ti Top Island, a small islet in Ha Long Bay, attracts a large number of tourists thanks to the beautiful Ti Top Beach. The beach is not too big compared to others, but it has pure white sand and clear blue seawater in the four seasons. Ti Top Beach is an ideal destination for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and engage in the cool seawater.
2.2. Go rock climbing at Lan Ha Bay
Located to the East of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a laid-back alternative to the vibrant atmosphere of Ha Long Bay with a more soothing feeling. It is home to 400 limestone cliffs and numerous rocky mountains, making it suitable for rock climbing. Rock climbing at Lan Ha Bay allures a lot of enthusiastic adventurers, especially foreign visitors. If you want to challenge your mentality and bravery, you should try this once.
2.3. Go kayaking on Mat Rong Island
Kayaking is one of the most interesting outdoor activities you must try when coming to Ha Long Bay. It is the best way to explore the beauty of the natural landscapes at a close distance. Located to the South of Ha Long Bay, Mat Rong Island is a perfect place for kayaking with its shallow water and pristine beaches. What could be better than paddling slowly through the emerald water, discovering the limestone mountains, listening to the melody of birds and enjoying the cool breeze?
2.4. Go diving or snorkeling on Tuan Chau Island
Diving and snorkeling are definitely not-to-be-missed beach activities when coming to Tuan Chau Island. Lying in the Northwest of Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island has crystal clear water and magnificent underwater sceneries. Visitors can go diving or snorkeling and discover the diverse ecosystem there with rare corals, seagrass beads, sea turtles, sea horses, etc.
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3. What to do in the top-rated tourist attractions in Ha Long City?
In addition to beautiful natural destinations, Ha Long city also boasts a diverse local culture and history. These top-rated tourist spots will give you a different impression of Ha Long city.
3.1. Take photos in front of Quang Ninh Museum
- Address: Tran Quoc Nghien street, Hong Gai ward
- Opening hours: 8 a.m - 5 p.m
With simple but unique and elegant architecture, Quang Ninh Museum is described as a “black pearl” in the center of Ha Long city. The exterior of the building is entirely black and designed to function as a massive mirror. The museum is a famous destination to take beautiful photos. Besides, Quang Ninh Museum is a combination of museum, library and exhibition space which provides a better understanding of the nation’s history and culture.
3.2. Stop over in Bai Chay Old Town
- Address: Ha Long street, Bai Chay ward
- Opening hours: 24/7
If you are wondering what to do in Ha Long city, don’t hesitate to stop over in Bai Chay Old Town. Bai Chay Old Town has unique architecture with 2 different facades. One side is designed to recreate the ancient features of Hoi An Ancient Town and Hanoi Old Town, while the other side is a bustling trading space with many restaurants and cafes. This tourist attraction is also known as “Little Vietnam'' in the center of Ha Long city.
3.3. Come to see 3D Funny Art Museum
- Address: Marine Plaza Shopping Mall, Hung Thang urban area
- Opening hours: 9 a.m - 6 p.m
With an area of 1500 square meters, 3D Funny Art Museum has 2 floors and 6 art galleries with more than 40 3D paintings. The first floor displays the paintings of tourist attractions in Quang Ninh including Yen Tu Pagoda, Ha Long Bay, Quang Yen Fishing Village, Co To Island, etc. The second floor is a world of paintings with different themes: aquarium, animal, adventure, parody, etc. The art museum is also popular among young visitors who like to take photos.
3.4. Taste Ha Long specialties in Ha Long Night Market
- Address: Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Bai Chay
- Opening hours: 6.00 p.m. - 12.00 a.m
Ha Long Night Market is one of the most bustling destinations in Ha Long city at night. Visitors can savor the flavor of Ha Long specialties in more than 100 food stalls in 2 floors of the market. The first floor has mainly departments for shoes, bags and souvenirs. The second floor has a variety of local specialties such as squid sausage, horseshoe crab, sipunculus nudus, etc.
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3.5. Enjoy a luxurious stay in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
- Address: Reu Island, Bai Chay, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh
- Opening hours: 24/7
Situated just a 15-20 minute drive away from Tuan Chau Island, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is the first and only resort in Northern Vietnam to be built entirely on the sea. The architectural design is inspired by the French Rennes theater. The resort has an area of 47,000 square meters with 384 hotel rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, 3 private beaches and green premises. The hotel rooms are designed with large balconies for a spectacular view of Ha Long Bay.
The 5-star services, luxurious rooms and excellent culinary cultures at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long will maximize your trip enjoyment and fun. It is also convenient to visit other tourist attractions in Ha Long city such as Mat Rong Island, Quang Ninh Museum and Bai Chay Beach.
>>> Book rooms at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for a luxurious and exceptional traveling experience!
If you are making plans for a trip to this land, discover the best things to do in Ha Long Bay with our list of top tourist attractions in Ha Long city. You will enjoy true moments of relaxation and complete your trip with awesome activities. Don’t forget to book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for the most convenient accommodation!
