Ha Long Bay Travel Guide

1. Take a cruise to explore the bay

Nothing compares to the experience of floating on the emerald green waters, admiring thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea. A cruise in Ha Long Bay is not just a simple sightseeing trip, but a real vacation. From traditional wooden boats to 5-star luxury cruises, you will enjoy exquisite meals in the heart of the heritage, soak in the brilliant sunset, or watch the beautiful sunrise and romantic sunset. Almost all cruises offer relaxing activities, such as early morning Tai Chi classes, traditional cooking classes, or exciting night squid fishing experiences.

2. Explore majestic caves

Besides floating on the water, exploring magical caves in the limestone islands adds an exciting feeling of leisure. Countless stalactites and stalagmites sparkle under the shimmering lights and sometimes the natural rays that shine through the gaps. Sung Sot or Thien Cung is often included in 2-day, 1-night itineraries of tourist cruises, where you can lose yourself in the natural imagination of the underground palace.

3. Go kayaking to discover hidden gems

To truly touch the beauty of Ha Long Bay, there is nothing better than kayaking yourself. Gently gliding on the calm water, you can weave through narrow cliffs and explore mysterious caves leading to hidden lagoons. Feel the freedom of steering the oars yourself, quietly admiring the giant limestone rocks from a unique perspective, listening to the sound of the oars splashing through the water, and feeling the cool sea breeze. This is the perfect opportunity to get closer to nature, find quiet, pristine corners that large boats cannot reach, and have a memorable, adventurous, and intimate experience.

4. Visit unique floating villages

Ha Long Bay is not only a landscape, but also home to long-standing floating fishing village communities, such as Cua Van fishing village. Upon arriving, you will discover the different simple lives of fisherpeople in the remote ocean regions. Study how they live, how to grow seafish, crabs, and pearls in underwater cages. It is also an opportunity to witness the resilience of the locals facing the vast ocean and harsh life.

5. See Ha Long Bay from above

For a breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, experience it from above. Whether by seaplane, helicopter, or the Queen’s cable car, you’ll be amazed by the vast landscape of limestone islands rising from the blue sea. From above, the bay reveals an entirely different beauty: rocky mountains winding like sacred dragons playing with the clouds, and small boats floating like leaves. This unique experience offers one-of-a-kind frames and a sense of absolute freedom, helping you capture the boundless beauty of this natural heritage with your own eyes.

6. Savor local seafood cuisine

No trip to Ha Long is complete without experiencing the rich taste of its seafood. With the advantage of a fertile sea, fresh seafood always appears in local meals. Don’t forget to try crab vermicelli soup for its rich flavor, or the famous Ha Long squid cake (Chả Tôm), made from hand-pounded fresh squid and fried until golden brown. Almost all cruises that offer overnight journeys serve seafood dishes during meals onboard.