When in Vietnam, do not miss out on the opportunity to spend a night or two on a traditional junk cruise in beautiful Halong Bay, where you can see its iconic limestone islands and islets. There are a ton of other sights to keep you busy in Halong Bay though. Here are nine of the most popular activities to do in Halong Bay.
1. Night aboard the junk
This is by far one of the most popular thing to do in Halong Bay. Spend a night aboard a junk so you won’t miss the wonderful sunset and sunrise in Halong Bay. There are many comfortable junks cruising the bay, but you have to choose wisely. Going through an agency is usually cheaper than on site and a place in comfortable junks is guaranteed. In Vietnam, as elsewhere, the principle is always the same: you get what you pay for. You can find everything from between $30 up to $200 or more. If you prefer luxury, be sure to check out Paradise Cruise, to get an unforgettable and comfortable journey to Halong Bay.
2. Sail in Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is home to three quarters of Halong Bay and many islands’ world heritage sites in Van Don, Cam Pha District. The trip to Bai Tu Long is off the beaten path and provides you with unique experiences, far more than just sights.
3. Sunset on the bridge
The big question of all visitors to Halong Bay is where to settle during the golden hour. Every evening, the sun glides below the karsts, a dye of the tropical sky in luminescent hues, creating dramatic silhouettes of karsts and reflecting on the water. We recommend lying in a deck chair on the deck of your cruise, cocktail in one hand and the camera in the other.
4. Kayak in Halong Bay
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities to do in Halong Bay, where you can paddle between limestone rocks and enjoy Halong Bay a bit more up close. Discover hidden caves and secluded lagoons, either with a guide or paddle by yourself.
5. Ride a bike in Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is one the largest islands in Halong Bay and has some impressive natural landscape. Head over here and explore it either by foot or rent a bike, which is a very popular option. Here you can explore hidden waterfalls, white sand beaches, lakes, caves and limestone hills.
6. Tai Chi
Tai Chi has been practiced in China for generations and is a good practice for the mind, body and soul. Why not try it in Halong Bay, one of the more peaceful places in Vietnam where you get to experience Tai Chi while enjoying the incredible beauty of Halong Bay in the background.
7. Pay a visit to the traditional floating villages
If you want to meet the locals in Halong Bay, one of the best options is to visit the so called floating villages. Here you can meet the fishermen and their families to learn about their fascinating life in Halong Bay.
8. Discover hidden caves
Ride aboard a boat and venture out to discover these hidden treasures by yourself, such as the beautiful Thien Cung Cave – nicknamed the Heavenly Palace Grotto, famous for its many stalagmites and stalactites and the cave Dau Go – known as the Cave of Wonders, with fascinating rock formations illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colors.
9. Fishing in Halong Bay
Apart from the magnificence of its imposing nature, Halong Bay is also home to hundreds of species of fish. Some boat cruises with the itinerary of 3 days 2 nights offer in the evening a small game of squid fishing from the bridge.
Has this list sparked your interest in Halong Bay? Why not give yourself a wonderful and memorable trip by coming to one of the worlds natural wonders.