Visitors to Vietnam must check out Halong Bay. This deeply cultural and scenic destination in Quang Ninh Province dotted with stunning limestone formations and lush forests is one of the best places in the country to enjoy an epic seaside adventure. Besides the seaside activities, there are many other enjoyable things one can do in this part of Vietnam that will have travelers coming back for more. For travelers heading to Asia and already yearning for how to get the most out of this exciting destination, here are the best ways to explore Halong Bay.
10 Go Kayaking
Kayaking on the waters of Halong Bay is one of the most relaxing things to experience in Vietnam. This activity will have travelers paddling on calm water and getting up close to the gigantic limestones where one will look like ants at their feet. The views of lush forests carpeting the unique rock formations, and the endless stretches of the sea and sky just makes this nature-inclined experience a must-do in Halong Bay.
9 Take A Cruise Around The Bay
Cruising is one of the top-rated things to do in Halong Bay. The unique turquoise colors of the waters and the limestone formations scattered across the bay are best explored from the water. The adventure easily takes travelers to the numerous islands across the bay presenting them with views of thousands of limestone formations of different shapes and sizes. While cruising along Halong Bay during the day is most popular among visitors but the night is also a great time to take a cruise around the bay to see a completely different scenery characterized by the moonlight and the silver color of the water.
8 Get On A Local Rowboat
A rowboat is a popular mode of transportation for the locals in Halong Bay. It is usually used by fishermen to get across the water and travelers who want a more local and intimate experience on the island can hop on one of these boats and get carried around the water by an experienced local. Besides being a relaxing experience, it brings one closer to the people and their culture.
7 Engage In Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a must-do activity in Halong Bay. This thrilling activity is popular among both locals and tourists as the island offers spots for all climbing levels from beginners to experienced climbers. Some of the best places for rock climbing in Halong Bay are the Lua Tam Biet, Cerro Torre, and La Plage Des Pirate.
6 Go Fishing
Halong Bay is filled with lots of fishing villages and travelers can visit one of these villages to engage in one of the bay’s most popular professions. Cua Van, Ba Hang, and Cong Dam are some great fishing villages to enjoy this experience. Squids are some of the popular sea creatures in the waters of the Bay, but others such as - crabs, snails, prawns, and shrimps can also be seen in the waters.
5 Eat Some Seafood
Halong Bay is a fishing area in Vietnam and this makes seafood one of the island’s most popular dishes. Even though there are lots of things to do in Halong Bay, a visit to this unique bay is not complete without a taste of at least one seafood dish. Cha Muc - a grilled squid dish, is a must-taste dish in Halong Bay. Other delicious seafood to taste in Halong Bay include - fried snails and seafood noodles.
4 Explore Some Caves
Halong Bay is endowed with numerous caves that present great opportunities for cave exploration. Many of the caves are characterized by unique rock formations and many interesting tunnels. Sung Sot Cave also known as Surprise Cave is the largest cave in Halong Bay and is one of the best to see while on the bay. Luon Cave - one of the bay’s most beautiful caves can only be accessed by kayaks thereby creating more opportunities for exciting adventures. Other interesting caves to see around Halong Bay include - Thien Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Grotto, and Dau Go Cave. The names of the caves are just as interesting as what one will be presented within the cave.
3 Relax On A Beach
The beaches in Halong Bay are characterized by turquoise waters and sugar-white sands. The numerous surrounding limestones carpeted with lush vegetation also add to the beach’s scenery. Activities such as - swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are popular on the beaches. While some beaches are usually overcrowded, others are located in remote places where one can enjoy a relaxing time on the water. Ban Chan Beach and Quan Lan Beach are such off-the-beaten-track beaches to check out while in Halong Bay as they feature unspoiled nature and a relaxing atmosphere.
2 Visit Sun World Halong Park
Sun World Halong Park is best suited for those seeking a recreational adventure in Halong Bay. This recreational center features lots of activities ranging from - thrilling rides to exciting water slides, and towering Ferris wheels. There are also areas where visitors can explore trees, and waterfalls, as well as many other interesting attractions designed to keep visitors.
1 Visit Quang Ninh Museum
Quang Ninh Museum is a popular spot for travelers seeking more details about the unique Halong Bay. This museum presents an impressive outdoor design and an interior endowed with artifacts that cover artistic, historic, and cultural aspects of the region. There’s also a part of the museum dedicated to the nature of the entire region. Here one can learn about the area’s fishing lifestyle as well as the fauna and flora surrounding the province.