UNESCO recognized Halong Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Heritage Site, making it an attractive destination worldwide. For those who plan to visit this famous attraction of Vietnam in 2025, there are the top 6 must-experience things to do in Halong Bay.

 

Experience an overnight cruise

Taking overnight cruises  is one of the most amazing activities you should try when traveling to Halong Bay, especially suitable for honeymoons and family gatherings. These cruises can be considered “a package tour” because most of them include accommodations, meals, tickets and activities in the bay.

Luxury cruises such as Sea Stars Cruise, give you a 3-day journey to immerse in the jade-green waters, enjoy limestone karsts, and visit floating fishing villages. Besides, these cruises  offer full high-quality services containing modern amenities like kayaking, cooking classes, Tai Chi classes, and onboard dining.

 

Discover Mysterious Caves in Halong

According to The Ha Long Bay Management Department (HLBMD), the Bay has a total of 59 caves, including 19 caves opened for tourism purposes. However, there are the top 6 famous caves attracting thousands of tourists visiting every year. They are Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Me Cung Cave, Dark and Bright Cave, and Thien Cung Cave.

Besides, Sung Sot Cave is a must to discover when known as one of the largest, most stunning, and most famous caves in the Bay. The cave owns spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, and an expansive and spacious space with an illuminated grotto.

 

Visit The Bay’s Beautiful Island

With thousands of breathtaking and majestic islands, the islands in Halong Bay possess pristineforests and natural landscapes. The highly recommended island is Ti Top - a unique tourist attraction here. Ti Top Island brings you a variety of experiences. For instance, you can hike up to the top of the island to sightsee the panoramic views of Ha Long Bay or relax and swim on the sandy beach at the base of the island. Besides Ti Top Island, Three-Peach Island, Co To Island, and Tuan Chau Island are worth visiting due to their amazing scenery and lasting white sand.

 

Kayak Through Hidden Lagoons and Beautiful Caves

In Ha Long Bay, kayaking has soon become an appealing activity for visitors to discover new perspectives and get closer to Mother Nature. Paddling through narrow waterways and exploring secret lagoons like Ba Ham Lake creates a new interesting and memorable experience for you. Also, you will have an opportunity to explore magnificent caves like Luon Cave and connect with the bay's serene beauty as well as the floral and fauna in Halong.

In Halong Bay, 8 locations are licensed to offer kayak services including Ba Hang, Dong Tien Lake, Luon Cave, Vung Vieng, Co Cave, Cong Do, Trinh Nu Cave, Tung Sau Cove, and Cua Van. Cost would be pretty reasonable.

 

Visit Traditional Fishing Villages

The top thing to do to get to know more about the traditions and local life is to visit fishing villages in Halong Bay such as Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Located about 20 kilometers from Tuan Chau Marina, Cua Van fishing village is the largest floating village in the Bay. The village has peaceful natural landscapes, home to simple-hearted fishermen, who associate their life with the blue sea.

Like Cua Van, Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a floating village belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay - a less touristy part of Halong Bay. This village still preserves its unspoiled beauty, so the space is extremely peaceful and airy. Getting there, you not only have a chance to admire pristine sceneries but also join several activities like trying bamboo boat rides led by locals, learning how to fish, and tasting fresh seafood.

Conquer Rock-climbing in Halong

For adventurers, you should not miss a chance to experience mountain climbing in Halong Bay. Visitors normally reach a maximum height of 30 meters when climbing the rock cliffs. When finishing, visitors will jump into the water to feel the excitement.

This activity is not too difficult but ensure you are the one who knows how to swim well, modify your position, and evaluate the right position when jumping to avoid injury. Furthermore, protective equipment, such as a belt, is essential when you decide to participate in this adventure sport.