Halong Bay Places to Visit

With numerous stunning islands, caves, and beaches, Halong Bay has many places to visit. The most well-known attractions are Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go, and Luon Cave, where you can witness gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites. If you want a less-visited route, let’s travel to the pristine Lan Ha & Bai Tu Long Bay.

Halong City Top Attractions

1. Bai Tho Mountain

The number one place to visit in Halong City is Bai Tho Mountain, the mountain of poetry and wonderful mysteries. This mountain is among the highest ones in Halong City, located at an altitude of 200 m with half lying on land, and half lying on the sea. 

The best time to visit Bai Tho mountain is early morning and evening when you can catch the dawn or the sunset. On the top of the mountain, you can take hundreds of beautiful photos of Halong Bay: blue sea, white sands, ships rowing far away, the crowded city surrounded by various houses, the fanciful sun rotation, and queen suspension cable.

Unfortunately, this mountain has been closed to the public for conservation purposes since 2017. Hope that it will be reopened when you reach Halong Bay.

2. Bai Chay Market

It is believed that the best way to know more about local people and local life is to visit the local market, therefore Bai Chay market is somewhere you should not miss during your trip to Halong City. 

Located in Vuon Dao street in the Bai Chay area, Bai Chay Market or Bai Chay shopping center is a large-scale shopping mall in Halong, selling a variety of goods from ordinary to luxurious items.

The price of products in this market is a little bit cheaper than in other shopping places for tourists. You can easily find fresh crops, cheap clothes, handicrafts, accessories, and souvenirs in this market. Eating here is also quite affordable. Must-try dishes are Squid Sausages, Ngan, Sa Sung, Snail, etc. However, like in any other market in Vietnam, do not forget to bargain while shopping in this market.

3. Quang Ninh Museum

• Opening Times: 8:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Entrance Fees: 40,000 VND for one person.
•  

About 2 km away from Bai Tho Mountain is Quang Ninh Museum, an ideal place for tourists who want to learn more about culture and history. From the outside, the museum looks like a giant mirror as the building is assembled with 14,000 m² of glass. 

Its exhibitions on Vietnamese culture, history, nature, and the different stages of development of the Quang Ninh province are the key features of this museum. Visitors can witness the periods of this district, from prehistory, proto-history, Bach Dang victory, resistance to war against the French Colonial and American Empire, and up to the present day.

The highlights of the museum that attract a lot of tourists, especially children, are the whale skeletons and sailboat models on the group floor.

4. Tuan Chau Island

Another attraction in Halong City is Tuan Chau Island, also known as "Pearl Island". The island is considered the most beautiful island among the 2,000 islands of Halong Bay. 

Located 8 km away from downtown Ha Long, the whole area of this island is about 2.2 m², consisting of multiple sloping hills. It offers a beautiful landscape and clean water with the blue sea.

The two most visited places on the island are the artificial Tuan Chau Beach and Tuan Chau amusement park.

Places to Visit in Halong Bay

5. Ti Top Island

Moving from City Center to the Bay, tourists will have a chance to admire a lot of amusing caves and beautiful islands, and Ti Top Island is one of them. Located about 14 km to the east of Bai Chay tourist harbor, the island is shaped like a crescent moon.

Many cruises such as Heritage Cruise, Indochina Sail, Aphrodite Cruise, etc. stop here for 1-2 hours, so tourists can just enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful still blue waters on the island, or join outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.

There is no accommodation for the overnight stay on the island, however, you can find a bar where you can rent all kinds of swim gear, or buy some drinks and food.

6. Sung Sot Cave

• Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND for one person.

Not far away from Ti Top island is Sung Sot Cave, also known as Grotte Des Surprises, or The Cave of Surprises. This cave was found in 1901 by a French traveler.

To reach the cave, tourists need to take a cruise, or boat from the harbor to Bo Hon Island. Then walk about 10 minutes through a path covered by evergreen plants, and step on the rock.

Climbing to the top of Sung Sot Cave, tourists have a great chance to admire the beautiful landscapes of the royal garden, clear water lakes, and some kinds of trees and birds living here. Glory Legend Cruise, Indochina Sail, and Aphrodite Cruises are some of the top Halong Bay cruises that include a visit to this cave in their itinerary.

7. Thien Cung Cave

• Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND for one person.

Thien Cung Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia. It has a super high ceiling and is home to a complex inner structure at different levels and sections. There are four huge pillars, which had relief sculptures of bizarre creatures like fish, birds, trees, and human daily life. 

If visiting the cave with a tour guide, you will be told about the legend of the Dragon King, who brought peace and prosperity to the country and was praised not by the people but also by the animals.

As exiting the cave, you’ll be at an impressive vantage point that overlooks the whole of the bay. Booking Signature Cruise, you will have a chance to visit this beautiful cave.

8. Dau Go Cave

• Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND for one person.

Dau Go Cave, meaning Wooden Stakes Cave, is the biggest one in Halong Bay. Thanks to high humidity, Dau Go cave has developed a diversified flora and fauna system, including fishes, seaweeds, corals, sandworms, timber trees, mosses, ferns, etc.

Moreover, the cave is home to beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of different shapes. When coming to the end of the cave, tourists can see a clear freshwater lake that is home to many kinds of marine species.

9. Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Besides the cave system, Halong Bay attracts a lot of tourists with its local fishing villages. Out of many fishing villages, Vung Vieng is the least touristy, a perfect place for travelers seeking to experience local life. Cruises such as Swan Cruises, Oriental Sails, and Legend White Dolphin Cruise bring their customers to this village.

To reach the village, tourists need to disembark the mother boat and get transferred by rowing boats or kayaks. Then, they will be able to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, see the charming landscape, discover the cultural life of the fishermen, and learn how to make fishing nets and process fish.

10. Luon Cave

Located on Bo Hon Island about 14 km southeast of Tuan Chau Island and only 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave is among the most unique sites in Halong Bay. 

It is an open cave with a small entrance. You cannot walk into the cave but only travel by boat to get there. The cave was originally a huge limestone rock that has undergone erosion for thousands of years, thus featuring small gaps in the bottom and creating the uniqueness of a Halong cave.

At Luon Cave, tourists can enjoy the fresh air, and cool wind, enjoy a beautiful landscape where mischievous monkeys climb on the cliffs, the trees spread from the rocky cliffs, or the fig trees hang down on the cliffs. Booking Heritage Cruise might be the top choice if you want to visit this extraordinary cave in Halong Bay.

11. Thien Canh Son Cave

The next cave on the list is Thien Canh Son cave, a small and rather unspoiled cave located on Hon Co Island, Cong Do area in Bai Tu Long Bay. 

The cave is well known for its unique natural beauty and picturesque surrounding scenery, which attract thousands of visitors coming to visit every year. To reach the cave, you will need to climb about 100 stone steps. 

Outside the cave, visitors could enjoy the vast, panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay including the rocky islands, the brown sails of the ships, the blue sea, and the white sand beach. Below Thien Canh Son Cave is a smooth, long white sand beach where tourists can swim, kayak, or just relax on the beach. Some Cruises that have a journey to visit Thien Canh Son cave are Indochina Junk, Oriental Sails, Swan Cruise, and Athena Cruise.

12. Bai Tu Long Bay

This bay is one of the off-the-beaten-track places to visit in Halong. It has numerous karst limestone formations, untouched beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Bai Tu Long promises to offer more unique experiences and more pristine landscapes without crowds.

13. Tien Ong Cave

Officially opened for tourism in 2010, Tien Ong Cave draws the attention of a lot of tourists and archaeological experts. The cave covers an area of nearly 1,000 m² and is divided into two chambers by a tall rustic stone pillar. The system of stalactites inside looks stunning, they are in many forms and shapes.

There is a block of stalactites, which looks like an old man with a gentle face, long hair, and a beard, that is the reason why the local people call it Tien Ong cave, meaning “fairy godfather”. 

14. Soi Sim Island

Another attraction in Halong Bay is Soi Sim, a small island located approximately 12 km from Bai Chay Tourists Wharf and 700 m from Tops Island.

The whole island is covered by a green primeval forest including endemic and valuable tree species of flora. The highlight of the area is the central display house and the viewing platforms simulating a 9-petal flower.

Moreover, the island with a beautiful sand beach has become an ideal place for water sports such as kayaking and swimming. 

15. Dark Cave & Light Cave

Dark & Light Cave is included in the itinerary of many Halong Bay cruises like Heritage Cruise, Era Cruises, etc. This cave system has two separate caves: the Dark cave which is 100 meters long, that can be swallowed by the tide and is difficult to pass through; the Light cave which is shorter, but always available.

The best thing to do in this area is kayaking and swimming through the tunnel. When exploring the cave, you will see stunning limestone structures, a tranquil round lake, and an interesting natural habitat: monkeys, benjamin fig trees, and many orchids.

16. Cap La Fishing Village

Cap La Fishing Village is the smallest among the 4 remaining floating villages in Halong Bay. The village is home to 80 household holders with over 200 people, who mainly live on fishing and aquaculture. There is no national electricity system in the village, local people have to use electricity generators.

The children have to go to Vung Vieng fishing village to learn how to read and write. Most of them stop school to work as fishermen before the age of 12. The people of Cap La village have a simple local life, and as a traveler, you can fully enjoy a peaceful atmosphere here.

17. Lan Ha Floating Village

More option for visiting the floating village in Halong Bay is Lan Ha floating village. Lan Ha fishing village or Cai Beo fishing village in Lan Ha Bay is probably the largest and most famous floating village in Southeast Asia.

The village is located only about 2 km from Cat Ba town and only takes a 10-minute drive from the Beo seaport. There are 300 households that live mainly on fishing and fish farming here.

Tourists can take a small boat, speedboat, or tender to visit the village. When entering the village, you will be able to see how hard but simple and happy the fisherman’s life is. Choose the Sealife Legend Cruise or Calypso Cruise to visit this village on a 2-day 1-night tour.

18. Cua Van Village

Cua Van floating village, one of the world's top 16 most picturesque historic settlements, is an extraordinary wonder for fishermen and attracts hundreds of tourists every day because of its age and preservation of a particular traditional culture. 

Around 750 people live in this village. Their major source of income is fishing. Travelers are immediately drawn to the calm village's beauty in every little detail, from the small boats parked next to the colorful traditional homes to the fishing nets soaring above the clear, green lake.

Booking a cruise tour is a wonderful option for tourists who want to see the Cua Van floating town because it is located a long way from the mainland. There are numerous overnight boat cruises available nowadays that may ensure you have a successful visit to the floating village of Cua Van.

19. Ba Hang Village

Ha Long's Ba Hang fishing village is a well-known tourist site that tourists to Ha Long Bay should not miss because of its understated and serene beauty.

It is about 3 km south far from Tuan Chau International Port, Ba Hang village roughly has 50 houses primarily involved in its fishing community. When visiting this location, travelers can still observe the upbeat and welcoming smiles of the Ba Hang fishing locals.

Travelers are drawn to Ba Hang's fishing village not only for its tranquil, uncomplicated environment but also for its lovely natural surroundings. While traveling by boat, tourists can get a firsthand look at local life as a fisherman. In addition to the thrilling fishing experience, visitors may take part in various other fascinating activities, such as exploring the nearby bay and island to discover more about Ha Long Bay's natural beauty.

20. Lan Ha Bay

Being an extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is an alternative option for a hidden place to visit, which is more serene and less crowded compared to other attractions. Lan Ha Bay is a gulf-shaped bay of 400 islands covered with vegetation and contains a management area of Cat Ba National Park.

You won’t have any problem finding what to see while visiting Lan Ha Bay as a variety of white-sand beaches give perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, a sailboat, a beach barbecue, or an overnight camp.

21. Ba Trai Dao Islet

A lot of tourists, especially romantic couples would love to visit Ba Trai Dao Islet (Three Peaches Islet). Locating 22 km far from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf to the Southeast, it is a group of three small mountains that look like three peaches from afar. Three mountains have an average height of 23 meters.

Thanks to secluded and unspoiled beaches in each islet, Ba Trai Dao Islet has become one of the most ideal destinations in Lan Ha Bay. Tourists enjoy kayaking and surfing on the crystal clear water, relaxing on white-sand beaches, etc., and have the chance to know about the origin of the islets through a sad but romantic love story of a couple.

Top Attractions on Cat Ba - Halong trip

22. Trung Trang Cave

• Entrance Fees: 40,000 VND for one person.

Located in Trung Trang Valley about 15 km northwest of Cat Ba town, Trung Trang Cave is 300 meters long, passes through the mountain, and can accommodate hundreds of visitors at the same time.

This cave has its own ecosystem in mysterious darkness and is home to many species of creatures such as reptiles, insects, and birds. Moreover, tourists admire thousands of unique and sparkling stalactites when coming to visit this cave. Under the yellow light, the stalactites of Trung Trang cave look very impressive.

23. Cannon Fort Cat Ba

For those who love to learn more about Vietnam's history during the war, Cannon Fort Cat Ba should be on the list of must-see places.

The tunnels and gun posts in this area were built by the Japanese during World War II, they were used by Frech during the Indochina War, and by Vietnam soldiers during the Vietnam War. Cannon Fort is not only a good place to study Vietnam history, but also offers tourist scenic views of the bay. Capturing the sunset moment at Cannon Fort might be the best thing to do on Cat Ba Island.

24. Cat Ba National Park

• Entrance Fees: 80,000 VND for adults, 50,000 VND for 1-1.4m tall children, and free for children under 1m tall.

Cat Ba National Park is 2 km far from Trung Trang Cave. The national park is established in 1986. It covers 17,362.96 ha of islands, and 6,450.45 ha of marine ecosystems, which is a suitable habitat for many types of plants and animals. The national park is home to 2,320 different plants and animals.

Visiting the national park, tourists will have chances to join a lot of activities such as trekking through the primeval tropical rain forest or mangrove forest, discovering many unique animal and plant species, immersing themselves in the local culture, or just relaxing on isolated beaches in Lan Ha Bay.

25. Viet Hai Village

An amazing place to visit in Halong Bay is Viet Hai Village, a small village surrounded by high mountains, thick jungles, and a vast ocean. In the past, this village was absolutely separated from the outside world, however, in recent years, this village attracts thousands of tourists coming to visit.

The natural landscapes and friendly people of this village create an impression in the minds of tourists. Local people here are very optimistic, sincere, and hospitable. They live together and help each other without any attempt to profit. Pick one Cat Ba Island cruise among Scarlet Pearl Cruise, Heritage Line Ginger Cruise, and Stellar of the Seas Cruise to visit this beautiful village.

26. Hospital Cave

The hospital cave is a historical site in Halong Bay among many small and large caves to discover. It used to be a makeshift hospital to treat the wounded for over 10 years during the Vietnam War. The cave could not be seen from the ground or the air, making it the perfect spot for a hospital.

Over three thick layers of the entrance door are the hospital with 3 floors: the 1st is the main area with 14 function rooms such as operating rooms, waiting rooms, and medicinal room; the 2nd is the cinema and practice room, fitness test; the 3rd is the reception, rooms for guards and officers.

The hospital cave is equipped with a system of entrances and exits, drainage, and ventilation. It was abandoned after 1975, but now it is a popular tourist attraction on Cat Ba island. 

In general, discovering Halong Bay on a cruise may be the best option, as you can visit the island, explore the cave, relax on the beach, or visit the local fishing village when signing up for the cruise. Each cruise has its own detailed itinerary with specific places to visit, therefore let's find the best Halong Bay Tours and travel to places on your list.

Halong Bay Maps