Things to do in Ha Long Bay: 14 SUPER FUN activities

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam, a stunning area consisting of hundreds of limestone islands surrounded by light green waters. You will find that there are surprisingly many things to do and attractions to visit which makes it hard to pin down your Ha Long Bay schedule. For your coming trip to be more exciting, here are my favorite recommended 14 things that you must do in Ha Long Bay!

1. Cruise Through the Islands
A cruise is among the most important activities that you cannot afford to miss when in Ha Long Bay. By so doing a boat tour enables you to move around the island either at close range or from a distance by offering vantage points for the majestic view. It is a good idea to stop for a swim, kayak, and explore the caves when in this marine park. Many cruises offer food and one can choose from the full service, middle range to the economy.

2. Trek Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the largest island of the Cat Ba archipelago and is one of more than 350 islands that make up the whole. Trek through the Cat Ba National Park and hike through the tropical rainforests, weaving valleys, and rivers to reach beautiful deserted beaches, interesting caves, and spectacular vantage points over the Island-studded sea. Don't forget your camera!

3. Relax on a Beach
It is very important to point out that there are some nice beaches all around Ha Long Bay. Bai Chay Beach is appreciated for its white sand, clear sea water, and some literary beach-side restaurants and pubs. As for Ti Top Island, it boasts a picture-perfect, powdery, golden sand crescent beach and a view of rolling green hills. Swim, sunbathe, or use your energy to try some exciting water activities.

4. Bike Ride Through Cat Ba Island
The most suitable method of transport I have found that can be used to tour around Cat Ba Island is through the use of bicycles. Ride through the beautiful coastal asphalt and the minor towns before descending and climbing through the valleys and the forests of the national parks. Take pictures at the scenic areas, or at any other point that seems good enough during the journey at the coastline. It is an effective way to have a naked experience of stunning views.

5. Go Paddling
Speaking of water sports, kayaking and paddle boarding are best done in the serene and green waters of Ha Long Bay. Sail through crevices linking the karst peaks and feel the fresh air of the natural environment. Kayaking can be arranged with most cruise operators or join a paddling-specific tour for flexibility to wander to the areas that are not frequented, such as lagoons. There are times when one may be lucky to find fish and corals through clear waters for them to be seen.

6. Rest and relax at Cat Ba Island
To my surprise, Cat Ba Island has quite a lively pub scene given the island’s off-the-beaten-track location with most bars located along the bayfront. Swim in or sip cocktails at modern bars and lounges while enjoying the sea and the sunset. Later, explore open-air clubs playing the latest EDM music if you are still young at heart! It could be so much fun after a day of exploring the island, you could just let out all the fun you have inside you.

7. Cave 4 – Appreciating Nature
The islands of Ha Long Bay are home to countless marvelous grottos that have been formed by the forces of nature acting over thousands of years. Explore large spacious halls some of which have ceilings more than twenty meters high, stalagmites, various minerals, and underground water-filled pools. Some examples of daring are Hang Sửng Sốt with a simulated forest of stalagmites and Hang jâng with the “Surprise Grotto” which has elaborate rock sculptures made to light up. Worth visiting!

8. Try Squid Fishing
After dark, take to the sea and even witness the actual procedure on how to catch squids by locals. Fishing gear used requires bright lamps and special jigging equipment to lure these slippery sea creatures. This is one of the most entertaining experiences no matter if you are a novice or experienced fisherman – besides having enormous fun you get your calamari afterward! A tasty cultural experience.

9. Climb Ti Top Island
For those who want to capture and experience a stunning view, there’s a 430-step staircase up to the top of Ti Top Island. These mountains may be insignificant but the bird eye view they offer across the scattered green islets of Ha Long Bay is enormous. It also has a very small patch of white sand beach on one side which invites photo opportunities. If possible, it’s best to arrive by boat or kayak to get the best feel of the<|reserved_special_token_281|>.

10. Shop in Bai Chay Market is convenient for a tourist as the market has a proper structure, and there are many similar markets on the island.
Bai Chay market could be the best place to interact with the locals and also to discover more about Vietnamese typical souvenirs and culinary delights. Stroll through its indoor and outdoor markets that offer a dizzying array of ripe fruits, aromatic spices and perfumes, clothes, and many more souvenir items. Some other local delicacies that cannot be missed are the bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) and other similar foods.

11. Cooking Class
Get an authentic cooking lesson from village locals and make a Vietnamese specialty such as spring rolls, phở, and bún chả at a cooking class in Ha Long Bay. A market tour may also be added to the list to allow for the hand-picking of ingredients. It is not only tasty but also serves as a perfect starting point to get an understanding of the Vietnamese culinary culture as well as meet friendly people.

12. Spend the night on a luxury Junk boat
Among the many unforgettable memories one could make in Ha Long Bay, one of them is certainly sailing the luxurious junk boat at night. Map it to sophisticated wooden interiors, gourmet dining, and sleeping under the stars in the open deck area. Wake up right in the middle of the rising islets of the bay and the swirling mists. Book into a cabin-style accommodation with the luxury feel of a hotel. A once-in-a-lifetime escape!

13. Attend the Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is one of the must-watch traditional Vietnamese arts that brings you the complete show called Bai Chay Theater where puppets crafted in artfully carved wooden figures perform on water. It also has live musicians and singers performing during the event or on the show. A fun way to spend a group of family members’ evening with excitement while watching the show.

14. Sail to the Incomparable Bai Tu Long Bay
If you want to avoid the large crowd and feel something more off-beat Ha Long, spend half a day cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay which is a neighbor to Ha Long. It, however, hosts fewer tourists compared to its neighbors, but equally beautiful islands and grottos shrouded in thick jungle vegetation unseen by man. Cruise through this serene top destination and discover your cove.

You can see that Ha Long Bay offers endless entertainment and there is so much to do that you will be spoiled for choice and there is more than enough to keep you entertained for more than a week. I deduce that it is ideal to spend at least 3 full days in the park to get the best out of the experience. First things first: what will be your initial action upon entering the new environment? Here is your chance to begin the Ha Long Bay experience!