Halong Bay Cruises

Things to do in Ha Long Bay

Discover Ha Long Bay beyond the cruise

Ha Long Bay is more than cruises and caves; it’s a place full of hidden corners and unique experiences. Beyond the classics, you can try out a variety of experiences:

  • Night squid fishing under the stars

  • Sunrise Tai Chi with a view of the bay

  • Cycling through Cat Ba Island’s villages

  • Visiting a pearl farm to see how pearls are made

  • A cooking class to prepare Vietnamese dishes with fresh seafood

  • A scenic seaplane flight over the karsts

Best things to do in Ha Long Bay

Sung Sot Cave interior with illuminated stalactites and colorful rock formations.
Kayakers paddling in Halong Bay with limestone cliffs in the background.
Person standing on a cliff overlooking Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Grilled squid skewers cooking over open flame.
Woman rock climbing on a rugged cliff with safety gear in a mountainous area.
Cyclist on a rural path with lush greenery and mountains in Vietnam.
Aerial view of Ha Long Bay with boats and limestone islands in Vietnam.
Oyster baskets on a wooden dock during Ha Long Phoenix Cruise in Halong Bay, Vietnam.
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Cave exploration

Explore Sung Sot or Thien Cung, where dramatic stalactites and chambers tell stories millions of years old.

Kayaking

Glide through lagoons, limestone arches, and caves that larger boats can’t reach. On cruises, kayaking takes place at Stone Dog Islet (Route 1) or Luon Cave (Route 2)

Hiking

Scale Titop Island’s steps or trek through Cat Ba National Park for breathtaking views across the emerald seascape.

Vietnamese lunch

Taste the region’s freshest seafood or local specialties like grilled squid and clam soup in a variety of street stalls and restaurants.

Rock climbing

Ha Long’s limestone cliffs attract climbers from around the world with routes for both beginners and experts.

Cycling on Cat Ba

Pedal through quiet villages and rice paddies, discovering a peaceful rhythm of island life.

Seaplane flight

Take in a bird’s-eye view of the bay with its endless karsts and islands from above.

Visit a pearl farm

Learn how pearls are cultivated and shop for unique local souvenirs.

Top sights in Ha Long Bay

Dinh Huong Islet in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, with limestone formations.

Dinh Huong Islet

Shaped like an incense burner, a symbol of the bay.

Kayakers exploring Luon Cave in Halong Bay, Vietnam.
Stalactites and rock formations inside Thien Cung Cave, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Sung Sot Cave interior with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, Halong Bay, Vietnam.
Boats navigating around limestone islands near Titop Island, Vietnam.

Things to do in Hanoi

Since most trips start and end in Hanoi, don’t miss these highlights before or after your Ha Long Bay adventure:

Lotte World Aquarium

One of Vietnam’s biggest aquariums, showcasing marine life from local waters and around the globe.

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Thang Long Water Puppet Show

A traditional performance where wooden puppets dance on water to live folk music.

Tam Coc & Mua Cave Guided Tour

Cruise through rice fields, explore caves, and climb for sweeping countryside views.

Hanoi City Half-Day Guided Tour

Visit ancient temples, the Old Quarter, and French colonial landmarks.

Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

See the city’s main attractions at your own pace with flexible stops.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Ha Long Bay

Most travelers spend 2 days and 1 night, enough for cruising, caves, and kayaking. For deeper exploration, 3 days is ideal. To find out how long a cruise is, read our timings page.