If you’re looking for things to do in Halong Bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a wide range of activities to offer. With its striking limestone islands and breathtaking scenery, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Paradise Vietnam has compiled the top 15 must-see attractions in Halong Bay to make your trip memorable. Whether you prefer leisurely cruising on the tranquil waters or seeking excitement through thrilling water sports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating destination.

Explore Halong Bay on a Cruise

When in Halong Bay, booking a boat for a cruise is the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty it has to offer. The bay’s calm waters make it easy to enjoy various activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and exploring caves. You can also choose to stay overnight at resorts in Cat Ba while taking opulent cruises for two or three nights. One of the must-visit places during your cruise is the Thien Cung Cave, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations that will leave you amazed. To make it easier to choose from the numerous boats sailing Halong Bay, read about the Best Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat 2023 for a Unique Adventure.
Exploring Halong Bay through Kayaking
Kayaking is a highly recommended activity for anyone visiting Halong Bay. It allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and explore places that boats cannot reach. There are numerous areas for kayaking such as Luon Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng fishing village, Tung Sau pearl farm, Cong Do Island, Digging holes, and Frog Pond area. Most cruise lines offer kayaking as part of their itinerary plan, from day trips to multi-day excursions.

Explore Tung Sau Pearl Farm
Upon arrival, friendly staff will guide you through the pearl culture process, where you can witness oysters up close and learn about the different types of pearls. The farm offers a variety of pearls for sale in their showroom, including white, black, and pink pearls in various sizes and qualities to suit your budget and taste.

Enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating experience in Halong Bay with Tai Chi practice on the sundeck. Paradise Vietnam offers early morning sessions with experienced instructors to guide you through a series of slow, fluid movements that promote balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Start your day energized by admiring the beautiful surroundings as the sun rises over the bay.
Don’t Miss Out on Visiting Sung Sot Cave in Halong Bay
One must-visit destination in Halong Bay is the Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave. Despite its steep path, it is worth a visit as you explore two compartments with the highest one being approximately 30m. Its inner chamber boasts unique stone formations that resemble soldiers and a general addressing his army. The cave’s natural lighting shines through the water, creating shimmering patterns and bringing the rock formations to life.

Explore Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay, is the perfect starting point for adventurers seeking to experience the beauty of Halong Bay. The island offers a range of activities such as kayaking, cave exploration, hiking through Cat Ba National Park, and rock climbing at Cat Ba Hospital Cave. With most of its area being Cat Ba National Park, visitors can enjoy a large jungle space, rich flora and fauna, and observe many wild species, including the endemic yellow-headed langur. Walking or biking around the south and east coasts is the best way to get around, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of the bay’s stunning beauty and sandy beaches.

There are few roads on Cat Ba Island, making walking and biking not only the easiest and greenest modes of transportation but also the best ways to experience the island. A visit to Paradise Grand on Cat Ba Island is a must-have experience.

Explore Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island, a stunning destination in Quang Ninh province, boasts Tuan Chau Park, or King Kong Park, a vast amusement park. The park features exciting rides like slides, mini trains, spinning wheels, and roller coasters. What makes this water park unique is the opportunity to witness stunning performances by dolphins and seals.

Moreover, Tuan Chau Beach, with its long and picturesque coastline, is perfect for various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, windsurfing, and jet skiing. For golf enthusiasts, there’s also an internationally acclaimed 27-hole golf course on the island.
Lan Ha Bay – A Serene Alternative to Ha Long City
Situated south of Ha Long City, Lan Ha Bay offers a tranquil and unspoiled experience compared to its famous neighbor. With over 400 islets and rocky formations scattered around the bay, visitors can enjoy photographing the stunning limestone mountains and ridges, exploring Trung Trang cave, and discovering more than a hundred secluded beaches. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets and bask in the golden sands all by yourself in Lan Ha Bay.

Explore Tien Ong Cave in Halong Bay
Experience the wonder of Tien Ong Cave by joining a cruise tour that includes a stop there. Journey through narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations, including hand-carved figures resembling animals, flowers, and human faces. One of the cave’s impressive features is its high ceiling, towering over 10m above the ground. Illuminated throughout, visitors can fully appreciate the intricate details of this natural wonder.

Explore Cua Van Floating Village in Halong Bay
Cua Van Floating Village is the biggest and oldest among the rural floating villages in Halong Bay, where fishing has been a way of life for generations. Visiting these villages while on a cruise is a unique cultural experience that allows you to interact with locals and witness their daily life. The colorful boathouses are a sight to see, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their work and routines firsthand.

Discover Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island can be reached by taking a boat cruise from Halong Bay’s nearby port. Climbing to the top is one of the activities that can be done on the island, and it takes around 20 minutes via a marked trail. Reaching the top will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay and its neighboring islands. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture amazing pictures and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. For those who are daring, attempting to climb on Ti Top Island is an option.

Moreover, make sure to stop by the souvenir shops and small restaurants on the island. There’s a wide variety of souvenirs available, including handicrafts and local specialties. If hunger strikes, you won’t go wrong with the fresh seafood and tropical cocktails that are on offer.
Discover the Thrilling Attractions of Sun World Halong Park
Sun World Halong Park, Vietnam’s largest amusement park, offers an exhilarating experience across 214 hectares. Divided into two sections – Mystic Mountain Complex and Coastal Amusement Complex (which includes Typhoon Water Park) – the park features the iconic Queens Gondola system that provides panoramic views of the bay and its islands.
Ba Deo Hill Park is at the peak of the cable car ride, where visitors can explore numerous attractions such as Dragon Park roller coaster, Sun Ferris Wheel, and Typhoon Water Park along with various video games and activities for all ages. Families with children will find it a perfect destination.
For a more calming experience, Zen Garden and park art sculptures provide a serene ambiance to stroll through. The park also boasts several restaurants and cafes to enjoy refreshments or beverages while taking in the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay.

Halong Bay can be explored on a cycling tour, providing a unique experience to admire its natural beauty. A variety of bike tours are available, ranging from easy coast rides to more challenging mountain biking routes. The Bai Chay coastal road is a preferred route, offering stunning views of the bay and islands. It’s ideal for families and those seeking a comfortable ride due to its smooth and easy-to-drive roads.
Experience the Pristine Waters of Halong Bay by Diving
Halong Bay’s tranquil and azure waters make it an excellent location for both novice and seasoned divers. With visibility up to 30 meters underwater, divers can relish the beauty of vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Divers may encounter a variety of sea creatures such as barracuda, grouper, lionfish, sea turtles, seahorses, and possibly even whale sharks or manta rays.
Numerous dive centers in Halong Bay provide courses and tours suitable for all levels, with qualified instructors and necessary safety equipment on hand. In addition to diving, there are countless other activities to enjoy in Halong Bay, including kayaking, cave exploration, rock climbing, visiting pearl farms, experiencing Tai Chi and cooking classes, as well as immersing oneself in local fishing nets.
Paradise Vietnam has compiled a list of the top 15 things to do in Halong Bay, a natural wonderland that captivates nature enthusiasts’ hearts. Contact us for more information on booking a cruise ship to experience these exciting activities.