Top 5 must-do activities when visiting Ha Long Bay
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and the multitude of unique and exciting activities it offers.
1. Explore the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is famous for its thousands of islands and stunning caves, formed over hundreds of millions of years. Sung Sot Cave and Thien Canh Son Cave are must-visit spots that captivate tourists with their majestic and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, dazzles visitors with its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. As you venture deeper into the cave, the space opens up, revealing a mesmerising wonder that leaves travellers speechless. In contrast, Thien Canh Son Cave, though smaller, boasts a charming beauty with its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters just outside the cave. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk along the shore or a kayaking adventure around the cave’s vicinity.
2. Experience kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating activities in Ha Long Bay. Gliding gently over the emerald waters, you’ll feel the tranquillity of the majestic nature surrounding you. The best time to embark on this adventure is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, the sea is calm, and the scenery glows under the soft sunlight. In Ha Long Bay, you can choose to kayak at Luon Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, or Soi Sim Island. Each paddle stroke takes you into a different world where the grandeur of nature is felt intimately and personally. Exploring Ha Long Bay by kayak is not just about admiring the scenery; it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the bay, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and letting your soul drift in the enchanting serenity.
3. Enjoy luxurious comfort on the Grand Pioneers Cruise
The Grand Pioneers Cruise is the most eco-friendly, safe, and modern yacht in Halong Bay. This cruise features luxurious accommodations, highlighted by the President Suite and Owner’s Suite, as well as a variety of entertainment amenities, including the largest four-season pool in Heritage Bay, a Himalayan salt sauna, and the only cinema on the bay. On the Grand Pioneers Cruise, guests not only experience luxurious comfort but also become pioneers in discovering the Legacy Journey. This is the only cruise capable of completing a full journey through the four Heritage regions. On this unique voyage, you’ll witness the Da Xep Park—an outdoor geological museum preserved for over 340 million years, stunning twin beaches, and many pristine, uncharted landscapes.
4. Visit iconic landmarks in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, with its mystical and majestic beauty, is a natural masterpiece that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The bay is not only known for its awe-inspiring islands but also for its iconic landmarks deeply connected to the region’s culture and history. Among these, Trong Mai Islet and Vung Vieng Fishing Village are two unmissable sites. Trong Mai Islet, located in the heart of Ha Long Bay, features two natural rock formations standing parallel, resembling two giant roosters rising from the sea. This unique formation is not only a marvel of nature but also holds many mysterious stories in local folklore. In contrast to the grandeur of Trong Mai Islet, Vung Vieng Fishing Village offers visitors a sense of peace and closeness. Nestled among limestone mountains, this village retains the rustic charm and authenticity of a traditional fishing village. At Vung Vieng, you can experience the daily life of fishermen, from catching fish and making nets to exploring the unique floating houses. Undoubtedly, this exploration of iconic landmarks will leave you with unforgettable experiences and a deeper understanding of Halong Bay’s hidden beauty.
5. Savour the culinary delights of Ha Long
Ha Long, a land where the sea and sky converge, offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a culinary paradise brimming with the flavours of the sea. No discussion of Ha Long’s cuisine would be complete without mentioning Ha Long squid cake—a dish that has become a signature of this region. Made from fresh squid, Ha Long squid cake is hand-pounded to retain its natural chewiness and crispness. Once fried, the golden pieces release an irresistible aroma and a distinctive taste of the sea. Another popular dish at Ha Long’s restaurants is steamed veal, where fresh veal is carefully selected, steamed to perfection, and thinly sliced. This dish offers a refined flavour, combining the sweetness of the veal with the fragrance of accompanying spices. Grouper is a rare seafood delicacy with high nutritional value, featuring firm, white flesh with a sweet, mild taste and few bones, making it ideal for steaming, grilling, or cooking in sauces. This dish is a must-try for visitors looking to experience the true flavours of Ha Long’s seafood. Enjoying these activities in Ha Long Bay will undoubtedly create lasting memories of a journey through one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.