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Halong Bay

Vietnam, Asia

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates visitors with its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests. Famous for its stunning sunsets, cruising through the bay reveals hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and vibrant marine life. Adventure seekers can kayak through caves, while those looking to relax can enjoy a peaceful night aboard a traditional junk boat. Halong Bay is an enchanting mix of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Coastal Area

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Noibai

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

13 Best Things to Do in Halong Bay

1. Explore the limestone caves

Visit stunning caves like Sung Sot for breathtaking views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Take a cruise on the bay

Enjoy scenic views and relax on a traditional junk boat.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

4 hrs

3. Visit Cat Ba Island

Explore Vietnam's largest island, rich in biodiversity.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

5 hrs

4. Kayak through the bay

Paddle through emerald waters surrounded by towering karsts.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2.5 hrs

5. Visit fishing villages

Experience local culture in floating fishing communities.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

6. Hike in Cat Ba National Park

Discover diverse flora and fauna on scenic trails.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

7. Enjoy seafood dining

Savor fresh seafood at local restaurants by the bay.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

8. Visit the Ti Top Island

Relax on the beach and hike for panoramic views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

9. Watch the sunset over the bay

Capture stunning sunset views with a backdrop of karsts.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

10. Visit the Pearl Farm

Learn about the pearl cultivation process in Halong Bay.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

11. Explore the islands by bike

Cycle around Cat Ba Island for stunning coastal views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

12. Participate in a cooking class

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes with local chefs.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

13. Visit the Quang Ninh Museum

Discover the history and culture of Quang Ninh Province.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-1 (#58 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Dong

Majority religion

No majority

Language

Vietnamese

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Phở

Vietnamese noodle soup with broth. (National dish)

Bánh Mì

Vietnamese sandwich with various fillings.

Bún Chả

Grilled pork with rice noodles.

Gỏi Cuốn

Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and herbs.

Bánh Xèo

Savory pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts.

Phrases to learn

English

Vietnamese

Hello

Xin chào

(Sin chow)

Yes/No

Vang / Khong

(Vuhng / Kohng)

Thank you

Cảm ơn

(Gahm uhn)

Excuse me

Xin lỗi

(Seen loy)

How much?

Bao nhiêu?

(Bow nyeu)