The name ‘Ha Long Bay’ means ‘the bay where the dragon descends into’, a literature explanation describing thousands of limestone islets scattering on 434 sqkm of greenish water. Halong Bay’s geographical landscape was the result of complex geological processes taking over 500 million years. Inside the caves, researchers found evidence of sea regression and transgression, earth’s movements and down-warping tectonics. Altogether has made a wonder of Vietnam landscape on above and under the ground.

Come to Halong, besides cruising the bay, you mustn’t miss visiting the impressive system of grottos and caves, or kayaking the hidden water cave, or visiting the nearby fishing villages. Here is the complete guide on the top things to do in Halong bay and how to get the most out of your trip to Vietnamese’s World Heritage Bay.

Tuan Chau International Port offers a capacity of harboring more than 1000 ships at a time, depth up to 17 meters and width of 300 to 800 meters. Tuan Chau Island is a great stop for your luxury cruise on Halong Bay.

To reach to Sung Sot Cave, you’ll walk under the foliage of the forest, climb a long stone stair while feeling all excited as if you’re in a game of finding treasure.

The cave covers a total area of 10000 kilometer square with a huge contribution of sparkling stalagmites and stalactites in all sizes and shapes, bringing a mysterious feeling throughout your journey exploring the Sung Sot Cave.

Visitors come to Dau Go Cave must pass 90 stone staircases to reach cave’s entrance. Once inside, you’ll be amazed by a marvelous architecture of a whole world under the ground carved by the hands of nature.

The cave is located in the southwest of Halong Bay, 4 km away from Dau Go Island, measured 10000 square meters in width.

One of the best places for kayaking in Halong Bay must be Luon Cave which is located just 14 km southeast of Tuan Chau Island. The cave is an open air cave, only accessible by boat. To enter Luon Cave visitors must pass through a 100m long arch which is 3m wide.

Passing this arch into a darker side will certainly give you thrills. Once you’ve passed the arch, an eye-opening sight of sheer, grey limestone cliffs on the green lake will welcome you. Do not miss this activity if you have chance to visit Halong Bay!

Watch Ha Long Bay Sunset on The Cruise's Deck

Cat Ba Island

Bai Tu Long has also become a world heritage together with Halong Bay so there is no reason for you to not expect it to be just as beautiful as Halong.

Lying just 30 kilometers northeast towards the Chinese border, Bai Tu Long promises a great getaway destination, a great return trip to nature.

Compared with 600 cruises on Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long humbles with only 30. Cruising in Bai Tu Long Bay can be very different from doing it on Halong Bay. The routes to Bai Tu Long are longer, with lesser stops for different activities.

You’ll find the formations inside are shaped in many shapes such as a lotus flower, a baby elephant, seals, etc. Thien Canh Son Cave is indeed smaller to Dau Go Cave but sure doesn’t have as many visitors. In beauty, the cave doesn’t lack anything in terms of structure.

Things you can do at Ban Chan Beach: swimming, kayaking, beach barbecue…

The marine ecosystem of the park is home to many genetic samples of rare animals and plants species recorded in the Red Book.

Bai Tu Long’s geological structure consists of many rocky islands such as Ba Mun, Big Tra Ngo, Small Tra Ngo, Sau Nam, Dong Ma, Hon Chinh, Lo Ho.

Cong Do is considered the most beautiful island in Bai Tu Long Bay with many natural lakes which are home to many aquatic lives.

The island is primitive, surrounded by limestone cliffs and thick forests.

You can visit the two other beaches on the island as well – Son Hao Beach and Minh Chau Beach.

Tai Chi Class - physical movements designed for relaxation, balance and health - on the sundeck of the boat while enjoying the panoramic views of the bay in early morning.

Happy Hour with “Buy One Get One Free”: You will have 30% discount off the special drinks menu including cocktails, mocktail and mixed drinks (from 16.30 pm to 19.00 pm.).

Local fishing communities have been living in Halong Bay for generations, preserving their native way of life with the main income coming from fishing and a bit from tourism. A trip to visit these villages will give you a more insightful into the local life of Vietnamese people in this region. And since you are at a fish farm, why not buy some seafood which is fresher and cheaper?

No private tour which sometimes means you would have to wait at the port until the ship gathers enough guests to leave. In peak season, this can be done quickly but you might feel little overcrowded. Budget tours to Ha Long bay are rather way below average with mediocre services and food. Mid-range cruises offer full day tour with cost $70 and an overnight tour $120-$150 and up. Activities on bay are same with luxury cruises but food and services are a bit pale in comparison.

Luxury cruises: $400 for a luxury overnight tour on the bay

Luxury cruises are indeed “movable hotels” which have everything stuffed inside one ship. Some even have the quality of a five-star hotel. You can expect a lot in the cruise amenities with modern LDC TV, DVD player, mini bar, air- conditioner, in house phone, bath tub, Jacuzzi…. With extremely luxury cruise operators, extra services like massage, spa or cooking class and Tai Chi class are also available.

Note: Regardless the level, most cruises offer packages that includes transfers from and to Hanoi.

Are you ready for your best trip to Halong Bay, Vietnam?! Contact us for even more insights and advice!