Top Things to do in Halong Bay
The 9 Best Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam
Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore.
Restaurants in Halong Bay
1. Bai Tu Long Bay
Overall Ratings
5 based on 689 reviews
Bai Tu Long Bay is the name of an area located in the east of Halong Bay Vietnam. Although it shares many similar geological characters with Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is considered as off the beaten tourist track with many deserted and pristine Beaches, no less impressive karst Mountains. The Bay has a rich biodiversity with two ecosystems: a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest ecosystem; and a marine and coastal ecosystem. The area has scarcely seen any tourist development. A large number of guests, through online research, wish to visit the Bai Tu Long Bay because it is much less crowded than Halong Bay. The only disadvantage is that it does not have many grottos. The nearest place for a visit (Vung Vieng Fishing village) is at around 20 km from tourist port.
Reviewed By Wrongsideofforty - Southampton
A must see whilst in Vietnam, we took a night cruise with Paradise Cruises and it was just wonderful
2. Halong Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By David D
Just returned from my “bucket list” vacation that took us to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and ending in Hong Kong. One of the trips offered through Norwegian Cruise Line was a junk trip to Ha Long Bay.
What a beautiful place to visit. I am really glad that my wife and I had the opportunity to visit this world treasure. A great place to visit for the first time visit to Vietnam.
I have only one major complaint. The local fisherman have used the bay as there personal trash can for years. Trash all over the place. From plastic bags, cans old fishing lines and anything else you can think of. Very bad and something that the local government and the government of Vietnam must fix.
Also the bay has been overfished for years resulting in very meager catches for the local fishermen. Again, something for the local and nations governments need to fix.
Hopefully the next time I visit there will be an emphasis in these two problem areas.
DDSMPRET
3. Sung Sot Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sung Sôt or Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hòn Island, and is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay.Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks.Inside, it is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.
Reviewed By bandit153 - St. Pete Beach, Florida
Never expected to see such a beautiful large cave. Some of the negative things first. Nobody explained to the people that it was a difficult walk until you arrived at the site. Several people turned around and left disappointed because nobody on the boat explained that the walk was very difficult. If you can walk, this is a beautiful and worth while adventure. If is very crowded because all the boats arrive at the same time and you have 100's of people walking the same path making such a beautiful place over crowded. It is very large and it can handle a lot of people but once again this site should be limited on the amount of people allowed in one day. Loved the view and happy I did go.
4. Dau Go Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
Reviewed By Providence_RITom - New Haven, Connecticut
It was interesting to find out that several of the thousands of limestone Islands dotting Halong Bay contained caves. If you're taking a cruise there, your ship will probably stop at this or some other cave. After being on the boat for several hours, it's a treat to walk through this wonderland of rock formations.
5. Dong Thien Cung
Overall Ratings
4 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By roaming_kiwi58 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Similar to other caves in Halong Bay. We stopped here as part of a cruise around the bay. Worth doing a cave while in the area, as they are quite impressive. There are several different caves which are included in the various bay cruises. We did a different one on a previous visit.
6. Cua Van Floating Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By David B L - Los Angeles, California
The floating village is something out of a period travel book - a way of life you didn’t expect to still exist. Happy & friendly people in spite of viewing tourists. Fish farms, sea eagles, rowing boats & kayaks all around to enjoy. Nice cruise stop.
7. Castaway Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By Heathaduhdur11
A good portion of our three weeks here in Vietnam has been spent in many of the Backpackers' Hostels establishments. While we were at their newest hostel in Hoi An we booked their two night trip to their private beach in Halong Bay. This place was awesome! The sand on the beach is so soft. There's so many activities to do in-between drinking like ping pong, volleyball, kayaking, beer pong, etc. Every night turns into a party with a Dj spinning great music. The island is cashless and they use a ticket system which you purchase before you go. But fret not, if you run out of tickets you can start a tab which you'll pay once you're back in Hanoi. During day two they take you out on your own little booze cruise where you play drinking games, get to jump off the boat, and kayak as a group through Halong Bay. Our hosts for the booze cruise were Sam and Cat, two awesome chicks who were super personable and hilarious. The food is served buffet style and has many options for many tastes out there. I would highly suggest Castaways! Oh! And they also have Bioluminescent plankton! Seriously! Check it out for yourself!
8. Hon Ga Choi Island
9. Ti Top Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 760 reviews
Reviewed By Commz - Wales UK
This island is named after a former Soviet Union hero! There is a large statue of him to view. We climbed the mountain but didn't go beyond the cave as the weather was not good the view would have been obscured by the mist. The cave was well worth seeing and everyone in our group managed to climb the steps without problem.
