Best Things to Do in Halong Bay

When traveling to the magnificent natural world heritage site of Halong Bay, what can I do to explore the mysterious landscape and have a full enjoy the enchanting island scenery and cave wonders among the emerald-like water? Below is a to-do list for you to unwind on your Vietnam Halong Bay trip.

Enjoy a Relaxing Time on a Cruise

The most classic Halong Bay tour must include a cozy afternoon on a cruise ship. Pick one of the best seasons and lie back in a comfortable chair, you can feel the gentle sea breeze kissing your cheeks and the blue waves leaping on either side. Rolling green hills are listed on the water, as if you are shuttling from a sea world to the fairy forest.

The cruise ship is well-equipped and offers good meals, usually including seafood, entrees, and wine, as well as Vietnamese food like spring rolls, a delicacy of meat, vegetables, and sauce wrapped in a pasta skin. You can even try making spring rolls yourself. In addition, some luxurious cruises offer more fantastic activities, such as music parties, barbecues, golf, yoga, etc. They can be chosen based on your preferences.

Halong Bay Cruise

Take Kayaking

During the trip, you can leave the luxury of the cruise for a short time and enjoy the freedom of kayaking. Move on to the pure sea, take a close look at rolling hills, and breathe in the fresh, moist air. Join other kayakers to explore the small caves hidden somewhere and see the oddly shaped rocks, sometimes with cute monkeys around. Or have an interesting paddle race on the broad water, which will be great natural fun. Such beautiful landscapes could relax any tired mind. In Halong Bay can enjoy the charms of mountains and sea at the same time.

Kayaking on Halong Bay

Climb a Hill on the Sea

Halong Bay is famous for its countless hills. If you are a hiking enthusiast, it's recommended to try climbing a hill by the sea, which will be a very unique experience.

Tiptop Island in Halong Bay is the first choice of many hiking lovers, because its hilltop offers an excellent view overlooking Halong Bay. Tiptop Island is the largest of the many islands and is covered with dense vegetation, like an emerald wrapped in the blue ocean.

Go on a path up to the top, which is about two hundred meters high. Standing at the top, through the lush branches, you can see a fresh picture of blue and green unfolding before your eyes: the water is like a huge peaceful mirror, on which large and small hills are scattered.

Ships come and go through, leaving one and another straight line on the water. On the island, there is also a white, pristine beach. You can play volleyball or lie down to have a sunshine bath. On Tiptop Island, a few leisurely hours are enough to remove any tiredness.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

10 DAYS

Best of Vietnam

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta

Explore This Tour

15 DAYS

Luxury Vacation in Vietnam

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Islands

Explore This Tour

12 DAYS

Luxury Vietnam Tour with Lan Ha Bay

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay

Explore This Tour

Unwind a Sunset at Sea

If you spend a night on a cruise ship, then you will see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Cruise ships usually travel out into the open ocean, where you can get a perfect view. As the cruise ship slowly moves, the sun also turns brilliant red, spreading its lights across the sea without reservation.

Looking around, you are surrounded by a vast, pure blueness. Golden sunlight on the sea pulsates with the waves and then disappears along the horizon. Not far away, there are many other cruises where everyone is admiring the beauty in a peaceful mood. At this moment, being with your lover or friends, will be so romantic.

Halong Bay Sunset

Explore Stalactite Cave

On the islands of Halong Bay, there are some huge underground caves, such as Sung Sot Cave, Hang Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. These caves are also the products of a long geological evolution.

When you enter the narrow cave, it feels like you're in a mysterious world on an exciting adventure into the unknown. All kinds of strange-shaped stones shine in the light, some like bamboo shoots, others like clouds. So magical is the power of nature to form these caves! Marching along the winding staircase, you will finally come out and reach the top of the cave. As the view opens up suddenly, you can overlook the blue Halong Bay and enjoy a leisurely rest.

Cave Exploration

Visit Colorful Villages Floating on the Sea

After seeing all the charming natural scenery of Halong Bay, you must visit the colorful floating villages on the sea! These villages are built on bamboo rafts, with small houses and colorful roofs.

The fishermen of Halong Bay have lived in these houses for generations, in harmony with the beautiful nature. Watch the children playing, the men fishing from their boats, the colorful houses, and the rolling hills. It's a harmonious view that is perfect for photos!

Go Cycling Around the Island

In Halong Bay, there are several islands that are perfect for cycling, such as Keppel Island. The terrain on the island is relatively flat, with newly built bike paths. The paths go through dense forests, lush fields, low houses, and broad beachfront avenues. Warm sunlight pours down like gentle water on every corner, and the palm trees sway freely in the wind. Riding a bike, you can explore the unspoiled island to your heart's content and enjoy a pleasant afternoon.

There is always plenty to do in this enchanting natural wonder, whether on the water with a leisurely cruise or exciting kayaking, or back on land with cave exploration or simple hiking, read a Halong Bay travel guide for some inspiration and make some preparations before departure, you can always find the charm of this wonderland. Or just leave the planning to Odynovo for a carefree holiday.