Halong Bay, which means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994

Halong Bay Vietnam: A Brief Guide for First-Time Visitors

Officially recognized as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, Halong Bay Vietnam has gained a global reputation and become one of the seven landmarks forever remembered by history. Let’s embark an exciting journey to Halong Bay with Asia Legend Travel and explore the charm of this magnificent wonder!

Overview of Halong Bay Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam, which means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This place was also officially recognized as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world by the New 7 Wonders Foundation on November 11, 2011.

Halong Bay Vietnam, with the name meaning “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994
Halong Bay Vietnam, with the name meaning “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994

Located on the Gulf of Tonkin in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, Halong Bay covers some 150,000 hectares. Besides its size, the most impressive thing about the bay is the 1,600 islands and islets in various shapes and sizes rising out of the emerald waters.

The most impressive thing about Halong Bay Vietnam is the 1,600 islands and islets in various shapes and sizes rising out of the emerald waters
The most impressive thing about Halong Bay Vietnam is the 1,600 islands and islets in various shapes and sizes rising out of the emerald waters

Nowadays, Halong Bay is a travel paradise for those who are into outdoor adventures. Rowboat tours and sea kayak expeditions are good choices to take tourists past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog, Teapot islets, and so on. Scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking are top favorites, particularly in the mountainous Cat Ba National Park.

Best Things to Do in Halong Bay Vietnam

Below is a list of top activities recommended to enjoy a fantastic trip in Halong Bay Vietnam.

Visit Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum is an iconic landmark of Halong Bay, lying on the most beautiful coastal road of Ha Long. This museum includes three modern buildings presenting a local lifestyle, regional history, and natural environment. It will indeed be a good place for those who are culture vultures.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - Visit Quang Ninh Museum
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – Visit Quang Ninh Museum

Visit Sun World Halong Park

Sun World Halong Park is a theme park that offers a wide range of entertainment activities, from thrilling adventure spots to natural areas where visitors can explore trees and waterfalls. For this reason, the park can attract several hundred thousand visitors each year.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - Visit Sun World Halong Park
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – Visit Sun World Halong Park

Relax on the beaches & Explore some untamed caves

Boasting of turquoise waters, sugar-white sands, and fresh seafood, Halong Bay Vietnam is a popular relaxing destination in Vietnam. Ban Chan Beach and Quan Lan Beach are the greatest beaches that are off-the-beaten-track.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - Relax on the beaches & Explore some untamed caves
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – Relax on the beaches & Explore some untamed caves

Besides the picturesque coastline, numberless Ha Long caves provide marvelous opportunities for cave exploration, including Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) , known as the largest; Luon Cave, known as the most beautiful; Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace); Trinh Nu (Virgin) Cave; Dau Go (Driftwood) Cave; and so on.

View the local life and go fishing in floating villages

One of the highlights of Halong Bay is floating fishing villages where holidaymakers can immerse themselves in the scenery of turquoise waters and magnificent limestone rocks. Cua Van, Ba Hang, and Cong Dam are some of the most well-known floating fishing villages in Halong bay. Tourists can also go fishing and enjoy fresh, tasty sea creatures here, such as squids, crabs, snails, prawns, shrimps, and so on.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - View the local life and go fishing in floating villages
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – View the local life and go fishing in floating villages

Take part in rock climbing

Due to the specific terrain features of rugged cliffs, Halong Bay has become one of the most worth-visiting destinations to thrillseekers. Visitors can embark on a Halong Bay kayaking trip to come to those challenging but fascinating climbing spots.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - Take part in rock climbing
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – Take part in rock climbing

Take a cruise around the Bay

One of the top-rated activities in Halong Bay is going on a Halong Bay cruise. There is a wide range of choices for visitors, from small boats to large ones, from low-priced boats to luxurious cruises, and from Halong Bay 1 day tour overnight one. Taking a cruise in the moonlight is suggested to see an entirely different scenery with the silver color of the sea compared to the scene in the daylight.

Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam - Take a cruise around the Bay
Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam – Take a cruise around the Bay

Go kayaking

Kayaking will provide a great chance to get a closer view of enormous rugged limestone mountains, lush forests carpeted on unique rocks, and endless stretches of sea and sky. Those all make this nature experience one of the most relaxing activities in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Vietnam is truly a travel paradise for every traveler
Halong Bay Vietnam is truly a travel paradise for every traveler

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay Vietnam

The fall, from October to December, is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Viet Nam. Thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, vacationers can enjoy a relaxing holiday in this place. However, they may face double the crowd compared to other times of the year.


Above are some essential details to consider before your trip to Halong Bay Vietnam. We hope this information is helpful in ensuring you have the best vacation in this enchanting Vietnamese paradise. So, pack your bags, embark on a Ha Long Bay tour, and get ready to create countless unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.


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