Things to do in Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, famous for its emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and spectacular caves. If you are visiting Ha Long Bay and wondering what to do to make the most of your trip, there are plenty of exciting experiences to discover. Discover the best things to do in Ha Long Bay in this guide.

Explore Ha Long Bay on a cruise

Exploring Ha Long Bay on a cruise is an experience you should not miss when visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cruise offers the perfect opportunity to admire the bay’s spectacular limestone islands rising from emerald waters while relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Prices vary depending on the type of cruise, itinerary, and duration. Before booking, make sure to check what is included in your package, as transfers from Hanoi, drinks, and some additional services may not always be included. Booking in advance is also recommended, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.

Discover Sun World Ha Long Park

Sun World Ha Long is a large entertainment complex offering a wide range of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. The complex includes several main attractions, such as Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, the Queen Cable Car, and Sun Hill.

Visitors can purchase separate tickets for each attraction or choose a combo ticket to enjoy multiple attractions during their visit.

Opening Hours

• Queen Cable Car: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it operates from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Dragon Park: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Typhoon Water Park: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Reference Ticket Prices

Queen Cable Car

• Children under 1.4 meters: 280,000 VND
• Adults: 380,000 VND

Dragon Park

• Children under 1.4 meters: 250,000 VND
• Adults: 350,000 VND

Typhoon Water Park

• Children under 1.4 meters: 200,000 VND
• Adults: 300,000 VND

Please note that opening hours and ticket prices may change from time to time, so it is recommended to check the latest information before planning your visit.

Visit Ha Long’s famous caves

Ha Long Bay is home to dozens of spectacular caves, featuring impressive limestone formations and unique natural landscapes that attract visitors from around the world. Exploring these caves is a must-do experience for first-time visitors to Ha Long Bay.

Some of the most famous caves include Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) on Bo Hon Island, Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) and Dau Go Cave on Dau Go Island, as well as Luon Cave and Tien Ong Cave. Each cave has its own unique beauty, from magnificent stalactites and stalagmites to peaceful waterways surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Go kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Kayaking is an exciting way to get a closer look at the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay. Paddling through the emerald waters allows you to admire the towering limestone islands, explore hidden corners of the bay, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Kayak rental prices usually range from around VND 50,000 to VND 150,000 per person, depending on the location. If you are not confident kayaking on your own, you can also choose a rowing boat or speedboat tour to explore the bay comfortably.

Visit Ti Top island

Ti Top Island is one of the most popular destinations in Ha Long Bay, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, and relaxing by the beach. Its crescent-shaped beach features clear, calm waters, making it a great place to swim and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

One of the highlights of visiting Ti Top Island is climbing around 400 steps to reach the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ha Long Bay and its spectacular limestone islands.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Bai Chay

Bai Chay is one of the liveliest tourist areas in Ha Long, offering a vibrant mix of beaches, entertainment, and modern attractions. Visitors can relax by the beach, stroll around the area, and enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout the day.

The area is also home to eye-catching architecture and colorful streets, creating plenty of great spots for taking photos. In the evening, you can visit Bai Chay Bridge and explore the local night market, where hundreds of stalls offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and a variety of delicious street food. Bai Chay is a great place to experience the energetic atmosphere of Ha Long after dark.

Go squid fishing at night

For a unique experience after dark, join a night squid fishing trip and try catching fresh squid in the calm waters of Ha Long Bay. Spending the evening on the sea, waiting for a catch and enjoying freshly prepared squid on board is a fun way to experience Ha Long from a different perspective.

Squid fishing tours usually cost around 300,000–500,000 VND per person, depending on the type of tour. Trips are commonly available from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM or from 10:30 PM to 3:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this memorable nighttime experience on the bay.

Visit Quang Ninh museum

Quang Ninh Museum is one of Ha Long’s most distinctive cultural attractions, famous for its striking black-glass architecture, which resembles a giant black jewel. Inside, the museum features three floors of exhibitions that offer visitors a closer look at the natural environment, history, and culture of Quang Ninh.

The first floor focuses on the sea and nature, displaying marine specimens, including large whale skeletons, while exploring the natural world and the evolution of life in the ocean. The second floor takes visitors through different periods of Quang Ninh’s history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, with exhibits and models that vividly recreate the lives of local people.

The third floor is dedicated to Quang Ninh’s coal mining industry, an important symbol of the province. Here, visitors can learn more about the history of coal mining and gain a deeper understanding of the challenging work that has shaped the lives of generations of local miners.

The museum is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Reference ticket prices:

• Children: 10,000 VND
• Students: 20,000 VND
• Adults: 40,000 VND

Please note that opening hours and ticket prices may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information before your visit.

Enjoy Ha Long’s local cuisine

Ha Long is famous for its fresh seafood and diverse local specialties, making food an important part of the travel experience.

One of the must-try specialties is Ha Long squid sausage (Cha Muc), made from fresh squid that is traditionally hand-pounded to create its signature chewy and crispy texture. Seafood lovers can also try sá sùng (sandworms) and ngán (a local type of clam), two distinctive local delicacies commonly featured in Ha Long’s cuisine.

For something sweet, don’t miss Ha Long pearl yogurt, a popular local treat combining creamy yogurt with coconut milk and chewy pearls. Trying these local specialties is a great way to experience the unique flavors of Ha Long beyond its famous landscapes.

If you haven’t planned your itinerary yet, don’t hesitate to contact Style Travel for personalized travel advice and itinerary planning. As an international tour operator, Style Travel can help you create a trip from A to Z, with a carefully designed itinerary tailored to your interests, preferences, and travel style.

Whether you want to explore Ha Long Bay at a relaxed pace, enjoy exciting outdoor activities, discover local culture, or combine Ha Long with other destinations in Vietnam, our travel experts can help you plan a memorable journey with ease.