The Best Activities to Do in Halong Bay – An Adventure of a Lifetime

Here is an ideal way to get in a cardio workout while enjoying some spellbinding scenery! The calm waters of the bay are perfect for this activity that is allowed in certain designated areas. It provides access to some key sites including limestone grottoes, beaches and islets while offering the kind of freedom explorers crave. Among the attractions in Halong Bay, you can visit as part of your kayaking excursions include the Trinh Nu Cave which is linked to a local legend and the Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

Of course, because the bay is so vast, the best way to explore and visit many of its sites is to take a Halong cruise. Depending on your budget and the kind of experience you want, there are several options to consider including the type of vessel; these can including everything from traditional junk boats to modern boats with accommodation which may offer half-day, full-day or even overnight tours. Operators the likes of Bhaya Cruises also provide diverse itineraries, added activities like kayaking and serve authentic local cuisine which adds to the experience.

The waters of the bay are rich in marine and coral life which make snorkelling and diving two of the most popular things to do in Halong Bay. While there are several hotspots you can enjoy these activities, the area around Cong Do Island is one of the most well-known; this destination with its picturesque lakes, unique corals, seagrass beds and diverse marine life is ideal for snorkelling.

The largest cave in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave with its stunning interiors is a must-visit attraction. Also referred to as the "Surprise Cave", this site can be found on Bo Hon Island and features two specific cambers. The first chamber is vast and has intriguing stalactites and stalagmites that are highlighted by way of multi-coloured lights; the second cavern is also quite large and has fascinating rock formations some of which resemble animals!

Because the area is so widespread and there are so many islands, beach hopping is not as easy to do as in some other destinations. That said, you can choose tours or excursions that take you to some key beaches in Halong Bay where you can enjoy soaking up the sun amidst pristine sands and inspiring backdrops. Popular places to visit include the white sand Ti Top Beach (a well-known area for rock climbing too), the unspoiled Ngoc Vung Beach and Soi Sim Beach bordered by emerald waters.

Located on Cat Ba Island, this thriving national park is rich in flora and fauna and offers rewarding excursions amidst nature's beauty. Home to fertile forests, karst mountains and flourishing mangroves, the park is ideal for trekking and spotting diverse birdlife as well as animals like the endangered golden-headed langur. You can also plan to visit such sites as the Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave and the Viet Hai Fishing Village.