There are plenty of things to do in Halong Bay other than a cruise. Travelers can hike mountains, explore caves on foot, visit floating villages, kayak through hidden lagoons, relax on quiet beaches, ride cable cars, discover museums, and explore nearby islands like Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay, without staying overnight on a boat.
While cruising is the most famous way to see Halong Bay, it is not the only option. Many activities are land-based or short excursions that let you experience Halong Bay’s nature, culture, and adventure at your own pace.
This guide focuses on the best non-cruise things to do in Halong Bay, from outdoor activities and scenic viewpoints to cultural attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences, so you can plan a trip that doesn’t rely entirely on a cruise itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. Go Parasailing And Soar Above Halong Bay
For a more daring experience, parasailing should be on your list! It offers the chance to get a unique way to explore Halong Bay.
Parasailing will give you a chance to enjoy the seascape and experience the adrenaline rush of flying in the sky while enjoying the view of the rock formations from above.
2. Make A Whistle-Stop At Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Halong Bay area and boasts a wide range of bars, cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Almost all Halong Bay cruises depart from Cat Ba Island, allowing tourists to enjoy a day of sightseeing before embarking on their cruise boats.
The island’s beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. Visitors can also rent kayaks or speedboats or explore the more secluded beaches of Lan Ha Bay.
From lush forests to mangroves, the surroundings have a Jurassic Park–like feel that creates a sense of exploration not often experienced in other parts of Vietnam. It’s no wonder the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island was filmed there!
Cat Ba town also has an incredible nightlife scene, so it’s not a bad idea to turn your Cat Ba day trip into an overnight excursion. To find out more, check out our complete guide for what to do on Cat Ba Island.
3. Take A Hike And Go Trekking In Cat Ba National Park
Before setting foot on your cruise boat, why not go hiking?
UNESCO has recognized Cat Ba National Park as a world biosphere reserve, as its ecosystems include tropical jungles, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs. Try to spot the white-headed Langur which is one of the most endangered primates in the world.
Visitors can also get fantastic hilltop views of the small island throughout the national park!
4. Take A Scenic Flight Tour Of Halong Bay
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay from a truly unique perspective – aboard a seaplane! Take in the stunning views of the karst formations of Halong Bay and Cat Ba island from above, and don’t miss the iconic Fighting Cocks Island, whose two rock formations resemble two cocks fighting.
Tours depart daily from Hanoi, offering 25-minute Halong Bay scenic flight trips starting at just 99 USD. Starting your unforgettable holiday with a seaplane ride before your cruise trip is the perfect way to elevate your trip to superstar status.
Currently, Hai Au Aviation is the only company offering this one-of-a-kind activity in Halong Bay.
5. Go Explore Caves – Journey Into The Mystical World!
There are 59 ‘discovered’ caves in Halong Bay to date, and experts believe there could be as many as double this number still waiting to be found. The most famous caves of these are Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Paradise Cave), and Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) on Bo Hon Island.
Sung Sot Cave has two chambers that rise to a height of about 30 meters with a steep path, hence it’s perfect for spelunking. If you are a fan of folklore, there is also a legend about Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) that might interest you.
Take the opportunity to explore an underground cave. The oldest caves are at least two million years old with impressive chambers and amazing stalagmites and stalactites, Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Grotto.
Another cave that you should not miss when you visit Ha Long Bay is the Hospital Cave. Cat Ba Hospital Cave was used as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War as it could not be bombed or even found. Nowadays, the Hospital Cave is one of the main tourist attractions in Cat Ba National Park.
Not done with caves? Read our guide to the best caves in Halong Bay!
6. Capture Your Memories – Taking Snap Insta-Worthy Photos
Make sure your camera has a lot of memory left before heading to Halong Bay. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and capturing this beauty in photos is one of the obligatory things to do in Halong Bay. You’ll find yourself rewarded with vista upon stunning vista.
As your boat tour rounds Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau Island, or one of the lesser-known islets, you’ll be greeted by a completely fresh view of towering limestone cliffs. From high up on some of the islands to going deep in the underwater territory of others, you will capture some of the most Insta-worthy photos of your trip yet.
Running out of ideas? Read on for more insta worthy locations.
7. Feast On Fresh Seafood – Best Things To Do In Halong Bay For Foodies
Lovers of seafood will find their haven in Halong Bay! The food onboard some of the cruise boats is truly exceptional. Apart from being on deck, there is an abundance of seafood all over the place, fresh and affordable.
You could also simply stop by a floating village or even make your own self barbecue fire pits by the beach to enjoy fish or other seafood.
Insider tips: Seafood is always best served fresh and it comes no fresher than fishing it out of the water and tossing it straight on the grill!
A real foody? Here’s the ultimate guide to Halong Bay food!
8. Go Scuba Diving And Snorkeling
Most Halong Bay cruises offer the fantastic opportunity to go scuba diving or snorkeling around the famed karst of the bay.
Immerse yourself in the depths of the marine waters, and enjoy up to 163 kinds of colorful corals, including red and forest corals. You could also explore deep grottoes and seagrass beds that are home to sea turtles and sea horses on your scuba trip.
For divers, take a boat ride into the sea, and explore what lies below the emerald waters. There are plenty of PADI-authorized operators in the area for a safe and memorable experience.
Insider tips: Don’t forget your underwater camera!
Unlock 10 mind-blowing Halong Bay facts that will leave you breathless!
9. Climb Bai Tho Mountain
Rock climbing is one of the most appealing things to do in Halong Bay! The hills are alive and ready for rock climbers. Imagine seeing one of the Natural Wonders of the World from atop one of those rock formations!
Bai Tho Mountain or Poem Mountain is the mountain of choice, standing at 200 meters tall, it is located in the heart of Halong city. This mountain is quite special: half of its foothills rove over the land, and the other half is immersed in the ocean.
Its peak is an ideal location for you to admire the entirety of the bay and the city from above, and it is well worth the hike.
10. Ride The World’s Highest Cable Car
Budding landscape photographers flock to the Sunworld Amusement Park, which offers one of the best all-encompassing views of the UNESCO site!
The park’s main attraction is the Queen’s Cable Car, which provides panoramic views. This cable car holds a couple of Guinness World Records as the biggest reversible aerial tramway, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers, and the highest cable car, at a height of 188.88 meters.
It’s no surprise that tourists consider Sunworld Amusement Park as one of the top things to do in Halong Bay. The ride is comfortable, and the price is affordable, at 300k for adults and 200k for children under 1.3m.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for the golden hour, we know the best places to capture the best sunrise and sunset in Halong Bay.
11. Go Sea Kayaking And Canoeing
The tourist boats cannot navigate some of the narrow channels that cut between some of the 1960 islands, which is why taking out a kayak or canoe is one of the best things to do in Halong Bay. In some instances, you can paddle through tunnels in the rock to access secret hidden lagoons within the islands.
The best places for these activities are the beaches like Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Bai Dai, Quan Lan, Ti Top, and Tra Co. On a side note, Bai Chay is the closest beach to Halong Bay!
Discover more beautiful beaches of Halong Bay!
12. Be Amazed By the Sun World Halong Complex
Sun World Halong Complex is the epitome of amusement, excitement, and endless joy! The complex covers 214 hectares of land and is divided into two sections:
- The Mystic Mountain Complex is known as the Ba Deo Hill Park.
- The Coastal Amusement Complex.
The Queen Cable Car connects the two sections of the park and stretches 2km over the sea to reach Ba Deo Amusement Park.
Some must-visit attractions on Ba Deo Hill include the Zen Garden, the indoor game zone, and the Mysterious Castle. Of particular note is the Sun Wheel Halong, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.
Sun World is a great family activity, as it has rides for every thrill tolerance, from gentle rides to white-knuckle roller coasters. As such, it’s a great way to reacustom yourselves to the land after a family cruise in Halong.
13. Visit A Floating Village – Explore Life On The Water!
Visit the floating villages of Halong Bay to understand the unique culture of the people living within a UNESCO Heritage site.
Floating villages have existed for hundreds of years. By far one of the most famous is Cua Van floating village, with its brightly-painted huts and fishing boats. It has over 700 villagers and about 170 families, most of whom rely on fishing.
Come here to experience local life for yourself! Go to a tranquil and peaceful area, Cua Van Village to experience local life for yourself. Join the fisherman to take a boat trip and try your hand at night squid fishing, dragging fishing nets, and prawning.
Have a look at The Story Behind Halong Bay’s Floating Villages if you are interested.
14. Go Night Squid Fishing
As night falls on Halong Bay, flashlights can be seen all over the place, displaying the activity of night squid fishing. Most tour boats offer you the opportunity to test your skills at catching squid, providing a lovely way to enjoy the beautiful evenings in the Bay while surrounded by the huge squids that only make an appearance at night.
The squids are attracted to the light and will hopefully take the bait. Certain times of the year are better than others, but it is always fun to be out on deck in the stillness of the night, enjoying a beer and trying to catch these local delicacies.
15. Find Serenity On Lan Ha Bay Beaches And Islands
Many of the most beautiful Halong Bay beaches are no longer the easy-to-reach stretches you can just walk onto. Some are protected, remote, or managed for conservation purposes, which means access is limited to controlled visits only.
That’s where Lan Ha Bay comes in. Located just south and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is quieter, greener, and far less crowded than central Halong Bay. With more than 300 limestone islands and hidden coves, it’s home to some of the region’s most pristine beaches, powdery sand, clear water, and barely another footprint in sight.
However, many of these beaches are not accessible by road or day trip. They sit deep within the bay and can only be reached as part of an organized itinerary. The most reliable way to visit them is on Lan Ha Bay cruises, which include kayaking, swimming stops, and access to secluded lagoons and beaches that are otherwise off-limits.
If you’re looking to experience untouched beaches without the crowds and understand that exclusivity is part of what keeps them beautiful, Lan Ha Bay delivers one of the most peaceful beach experiences in the Halong region.
16. Get Lost In Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is located in the far east of Halong Bay. The bay is very quiet since it is not as famous as Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island. Bai Tu Long Bay caters to fewer tourists than the other attractions in the region, which makes it perfect for people looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Make sure to visit Vung Vieng Floating Village, one of the famous floating villages in the area. It is located in the center of Bai Tu Long Bay and is about 40 km from Halong City. Bai Tu Long Bay was a trade gateway between Vietnam and China, making this village a prime spot for traders and merchants.
Not sure which bay suits you? Consult our guide to the big 3 bays in Halong!
17. Discover The Hidden Underground Wonders Of Cannon Fort!
Cannon Fort can be found on Cat Ba Island. For the best panoramic views of the island, head to the top of the 177-meter hill where the fort is located.
Constructed during the Japanese occupation, Cannon Fort was later used by the French and Vietnamese during more recent conflicts. Visitors can explore two preserved artillery gun emplacements, a small museum, and underground tunnels.
Learn insider tips on how to save money on your Halong Bay cruise?
18. Go Trekking or Camping Off the Grid
Ha Long Bay is surrounded by a few islands, like Ban Sen Island and Van Gio Island, that are totally off the grid. They are not even mentioned by most tourist publications, so many people — even Halong City locals — may not have heard of them. The islands make great spots for trekking and even setting up camp for the night, as they’re both safer and less regulated than the more popular islands like Cat Ba Island or Tuan Chau Island.
Ban Sen Island is a thickly forested island with only a few inhabitants. Trekking on the island can make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to a prehistoric era.
Van Gio Island is less forested and more of a beach-lovers paradise, with white sand beaches and limestone pillars making it a beautiful spot. It’s still just as secluded, however. The island has hiking opportunities, exploring local villages, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area without the crowds typically found in more popular spots in Ha Long Bay.
Go Trekking in Halong Bay
19. Visit Quang Ninh Museum
Most things to do in Halong Bay or the surrounding area are about enjoying the natural beauty in the great outdoors, so it will likely be a welcome change to head inside for a more intellectual form of stimulation. The Quang Ninh Museum is spread out over several floors and houses a diverse range of exhibits.
One section of the museum is dedicated to the natural history of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This includes geological formations, local flora and fauna, and information on the ecological system of the bay.
Another wing of the museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the various ethnic groups that inhabit the region, providing visitors with an understanding of the area’s rich cultural diversity.
The Quang Ninh Museum building itself is pretty spectacular, too. The building’s exterior resembles a giant mirror reflecting the bay and sky. This design integrates the museum seamlessly with its surroundings in Ha Long City.
Quang Ninh Museum
