Top 19 amazing things to do in Halong Bay 2025 That Can't be Missed
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a 2025 adventure with stunning cruises, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and rock climbing. Discover floating villages, cultural performances, and cooking classes, or unwind on a sunset cruise or junk boat. A truly unforgettable escape awaits.
1. Explore hidden caves and lagoons (Luon Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Co Cave)
Exploring Halong Bay’s pristine caves and mysterious lagoons offers a unique adventure. Discover ancient limestone stalactites, hidden cave entrances, and tranquil lagoons, creating an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and discovery.
Some famous caves that can be mentioned include:
- Luon Cave
- Trinh Nu Cave
- Co Cave
2. Visit floating villages and learn about local culture (Cua Van, Vung Vieng)
Visiting Halong Bay’s floating fishing villages, such as Cua Van or Vung Vieng, offers a unique cultural experience.
Discover the traditional lifestyle of fishermen, learn unique fishing techniques, and hear fascinating stories from those who call the bay home.
3. Relax on pristine beaches (Titop Beach, Bai Chay, Ngoc Vung Beach)
The beaches in Ha Long Bay are known for their stunning natural beauty, soft white sand, and clear emerald waters. Visitors here can comfortably relax on the smooth white sand and the gentle, deep green waves. There are many beautiful beaches that tourists can consider:
- Titop Beach: Known for fine white sand and clear blue water, perfect for swimming and enjoying panoramic views from the island’s peak.
- Bai Chay: A lively artificial beach in Ha Long City, offering activities like surfing, beach volleyball, and events.
- Ngoc Vung Beach: A peaceful 3 km-long beach with untouched beauty, perfect for relaxation and privacy.
Swimming in Ha Long Bay is not ideal during and after the storm season because heavy rains and strong winds can bring trash and debris into the water. It’s always best to check local weather conditions and water quality before swimming.
4. Hiking through lush rainforests (Cat Ba National Park)
Cat Ba National Park-a haven for adventure seekers. This national park is located on Cat Ba Island, belonging to the Lan Ha Bay area. This destination is perfect for trekking enthusiasts, with trails winding through ancient trees and lush greenery.
Along the way, enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, spot rare wildlife, and reach scenic viewpoints that reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the forest-a truly unforgettable natural masterpiece.
5. Dinner in a cave (Ngu Dong Cave)
The experience of dining in a cave will be one of the unforgettable memories for tourists on their trip to Halong Bay. Ngu
Dong Cave will be an ideal place to host such a special dinner. A dinner with just a few small tables, peaceful and romantic, accompanied by soothing music.
This would be a great choice for couples or families who want a private dining space together.
Bhaya Cruise is one of operator is offering the dinner in a cave experience, you can contact them at https://bhayacruises.com/
6. Spot diverse wildlife, including birds and monkeys
In Halong Bay, eco-tourism tours offer a chance to explore rich biodiversity. Visitors can spot rare species like long-tailed macaques and various birds, including migratory and endemic ones.
Cat Ba Island and nearby islands are home to seabirds, while reptiles like sea turtles can also be seen. These tours provide a unique opportunity to experience stunning landscapes and observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
7. Try stand-up paddleboarding
In Halong Bay, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is gaining popularity as a fun and unique way to explore the bay’s beauty. This easy-to-learn sport offers both exercise and a chance to enjoy nature. Paddling through clear waters, visitors can glide past limestone islands, explore hidden bays, or simply relax in the tranquil environment. SUP is one of the perfect things to do in Halong Bay for those seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Below are some SUP paddleboarding tours that you can consider:
- SUP Halong Club (Bai Chay area)
- VDS Travel (Hon Gai area)
- AHalong Tour (Halong Bay)
8. Biking in Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island)
Another quite interesting activity is cycling in Viet Hai Village, belonging to Cat Ba Island. Tourists can rent a bicycle for themselves and start their journey from the Viet Hai pier to explore all the paths in the village.
In this way, tourists can both feel the tranquility of a coastal fishing village and enjoy the beautiful scenery while exploring the lives of the locals.
In this way, tourists can both feel the tranquility of a coastal fishing village and enjoy the beautiful scenery while exploring the lives of the locals.
Au Co Cruise is one of the operator is offering itinerary that will visit Viet Hai Village. Contact them for more detail here https://aucocruises.com/
9. Go jet skiing
For thrill-seekers, jet skiing in Halong Bay offers an exciting adventure. Experience the rush of speed as you glide over the waves, passing through small bays and exploring pristine islands.
The sensation of controlling the jet ski while surrounded by stunning natural scenery makes this activity an unforgettable highlight of the trip. Below are a few reputable service providers that you can refer to:
- Vietyacht Club
- Halong Luxury Yacht
10. Hike to panoramic viewpoints (Titop Mountain)
Climbing in Halong Bay is a must-try experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of towering limestone formations and serene landscapes.
Each step brings a sense of achievement, rewarding visitors with moments of tranquility, the whisper of the wind, and the beauty of nature from above.
One of the places that tourists can consider for their experience is Titop Mountain.
With the mountain ascent designed as an easily conquerable staircase, this place offers an exciting climbing experience and the reward of a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay from above.
11. Kayak through stunning landscapes (Ho Dong Tien Lake, Lan Ha Bay)
Kayaking in Halong Bay is an unmissable activity, offering a unique way to explore hidden gems like Ho Dong Tien Lake and Lan Ha Bay.
Paddle through crystal-clear ponds beneath stone arches or glide past towering cliffs and secluded beaches, immersing in the bay’s untouched beauty.
12. Snorkel and dive in vibrant coral reefs (Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Cong Do Area)
Halong Bay is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem.
Destinations such as Cong Do Area, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island offer incredible opportunities to explore colorful reefs and marine life up close.
This immersive experience reveals the beauty beneath the sea while providing tranquility and a deep connection with nature, leaving lasting memories of Halong’s underwater wonders.
You can contact https://www.adventure-life.com/vietnam/ha-long-bay/tours/snorkeling to book a snorkel and diving tour.
Quick Cooking class in Bhaya cruise
13. Take a cooking class and learn to make Vietnamese dishes
Some resorts and Halong Bay Cruise offer cooking classes where visitors can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, fried spring rolls, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls.
Guided by professional chefs, participants explore Vietnam’s culinary culture, from selecting fresh ingredients to mastering local flavors.
This hands-on experience is a fun and memorable way to deepen understanding of Vietnamese cuisine.
14. Fishing with local fisherman
Tourists can interact with fishermen, learning about their techniques, seafood dishes, and practical skills like making fishing nets and repairing boats.
This enriching experience provides valuable insights into the community’s lifestyle, deepening the connection to the local way of life.
15. Visit traditional fishing villages
Visiting traditional fishing villages in Halong Bay offers a unique glimpse into local coastal culture and daily life.
Participating in the daily activities of fishermen and immersing oneself in the rhythm of life in coastal fishing villages is also one of the ways for tourists to learn more about the culture of the place they are visiting.
Folk Instrument playing in halong bay cruise
16. Attend a cultural performance
In Halong Bay, some resorts and tour operators offer evening cultural performances, featuring traditional music, dance, and iconic water puppet shows.
These colorful performances provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Traditional instruments like the zither, bamboo flute, and drums convey the country’s cultural values and emotions, often telling stories about life, nature, and human experiences.
17. Try local delicacies
Exploring Halong Bay is not just about admiring its stunning seascape but also indulging in its rich culinary culture. The region is famous for fresh seafood and unique local dishes that reflect its coastal charm. Among the must-try delicacies are:
- Grilled Squid Sausages: A specialty of Halong, these squid sausages are freshly prepared, fried to perfection, and best enjoyed with sticky rice or bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls).
- Horseshoe Crab Dishes: From grilled horseshoe crabs to stir-fried crab meat with tamarind, these dishes are both exotic and delicious.
- Pearl Oysters: Freshly harvested from local pearl farms, these are grilled or steamed to highlight their natural sweetness.
18. Visit a pearl farm
A unique experience in Ha Long Bay is touring the Tung Sau Pearl Farm, where visitors can learn about pearl cultivation from sea oysters.
Guests can witness the entire process and purchase exquisite pearl jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings, as souvenirs. These pieces hold both aesthetic value and cultural significance of the coastal region.
19.Enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional junk boat
A sunset cruise in Halong Bay is one of the perfect things to do in Halong Bay at the end of the day.
As the sun sets, it casts a golden light over the limestone cliffs and calm waters, creating a breathtaking view.
Whether sipping a drink, chatting with loved ones, or simply admiring the beauty, the sunset cruise provides a tranquil moment away from everyday stresses.
There are some places that tourists can watch the sunset on an overnight cruise:
- The Kissing Rock area
- Halong International Seaport
- Ha Phong Fishing Village area
Final Thoughts
Things to do in Halong Bay, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sunset cruises, traditional performances, and visits to fishing villages, offer unforgettable experiences.
A personalized itinerary ensures a complete and enriching exploration of the bay’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.