15 Unmissable Halong Bay Attractions for Adventurers & Nature Lovers

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stuns with its emerald waters scattered with thousands of towering limestone islands. These mystical formations, sculpted by wind and water, create a landscape unlike any other.  

And the beauty of the top Halong Bay attractions even extends beyond the bay itself. Cat Ba Island offers kayaking and hiking, while hidden caves await exploration. Are you ready to discover the magic of every concern in Halong Bay? Join Asia Trip Deals as we explore the hidden wonders and iconic places to visit in Halong Bay.

Top Halong Bay Attractions for Island and Beach Enthusiasts

Halong Bay isn’t just about the dramatic limestone karsts; it’s also home to beautiful islands and pristine beaches! If you’re an island and beach enthusiast, here are some must-visit spots to add to your itinerary.

Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island, dubbed “Pearl Island,” stands out among Halong Bay’s 2,000 islands for its stunning beauty. Situated 8 km from downtown Ha Long, this 2.2 km² island boasts picturesque sloping hills and crystal-clear waters that blend seamlessly with the azure sea. 

The island’s highlights include Tuan Chau Beach, a meticulously crafted artificial beach, and the lively Tuan Chau amusement park. These attractions draw island and beach enthusiasts seeking relaxation and fun amidst Halong Bay’s serene natural splendor.

• Tips: Tuan Chau Island is a great choice for families or those seeking a lively atmosphere. Consider booking your accommodation here for easy access to the island’s offerings.

Ti Top Island

Moving from the city center to Halong Bay, tourists are treated to many captivating caves and stunning islands, with Ti Top Island being a standout. Situated approximately 14 km east of Bai Chay tourist harbor, the island boasts a crescent moon shape.

Popular cruises like Heritage Cruise, Indochina Sail, and Aphrodite Cruise often make stops here, allowing visitors 1-2 hours to bask in the tranquility and clear blue waters. Activities abound, from swimming and snorkeling to various water sports. While overnight stays aren’t available, visitors can rent swim gear at a local bar and indulge in drinks and snacks to complete their island experience.

• Tips: Bring your swimsuit and beach essentials! You can also rent kayaks here to explore the surrounding coves. Be aware of the monkeys that inhabit the island; avoid feeding them and keep your belongings secure.

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Soi Sim Island

Soi Sim Island, situated about 12 km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and 700 m from Ti Top Island, is a picturesque gem in Halong Bay attractions. Covered in lush green ancient forest, it hosts endemic and valuable flora species. A central display house and viewing platforms, designed like a 9-petal flower, offer stunning panoramic views.

The island’s beautiful sandy beach makes it perfect for water sports enthusiasts, with activities like kayaking and swimming being popular choices. Soi Sim Island stands out as an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay.

• Tips: This island is ideal for escaping the crowds. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a tranquil beach day.

Ba Trai Dao Islet

Ba Trai Dao Islet, or Three Peaches Islet, is a favorite among tourists, especially romantic couples. Located 22 km southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, this islet consists of three small mountains resembling peaches, each standing at an average height of 23 meters.

The secluded and pristine beaches on each islet make Ba Trai Dao a top destination in Lan Ha Bay. Visitors can kayak, surf on crystal-clear waters, and relax on white sandy beaches. Adding to its charm is a touching love story about the origin of the islets, making it a perfect spot for romance and adventure.

• Tips: Combine visiting Three Peaches Islet with kayaking to explore hidden caves and capture stunning photos of the rock formations.

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Places to Visit in Halong Bay: Cave Lover’s Ultimate Guide

Sung Sot Cave

Not far from Ti Top Island lies Sung Sot Cave, also known as Grotte Des Surprises or The Cave of Surprises. Discovered in 1901 by a French traveler, this cave offers a breathtaking experience. Tourists can take a cruise or boat from the harbor to Bo Hon Island and walk about 10 minutes through a path covered with evergreen plants to reach the cave entrance. 

Climbing to the top of Sung Sot Cave, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the royal garden, clear water lakes, and various trees and birds that inhabit the area. This journey promises a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Sung Sot Cave is one of the stops on Route 2 of Halong Bay tours. Therefore, to visit this mysterious cave, travelers must purchase Route 2 tickets for Halong Bay.

Ticket prices for Route 2 are as follows:

• Day trip ticket: 11.41 USD (290,000 VND) per person
• 2-day-1-night ticket: 23.21 USD (590,000 VND) per person
• 3-day-2-night ticket: 31.08 USD (790,000 VND) per person.

Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia, is renowned for its high ceiling and intricate inner structure with multiple levels and sections. Inside, four massive pillars adorned with relief sculptures depict bizarre creatures such as fish, birds, trees, and scenes of daily human life.

A tour guide can share the legend of the Dragon King, who brought peace and prosperity to the country and earned praise from people and animals. Upon exiting the cave, visitors are greeted with an impressive vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the entire bay, making Thien Cung Cave one of the must-visit Halong Bay attractions.

• Entrance fee: 5.71 USD (145,000 VND) per guest. The combined tour ticket for Dau Go Cave and Thien Cung Cave is 11.41 USD (290,000 VND) per guest.

Dau Go Cave

Dau Go Cave, also known as Wooden Stakes Cave, is the largest cave in Halong Bay. Due to its high humidity, the cave supports a rich ecosystem, including fish, seaweeds, corals, sandworms, timber trees, mosses, and ferns.

The cave features stunning stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes. At the end of the cave, visitors will find a clear freshwater lake teeming with diverse marine species. Dau Go Cave’s natural beauty and ecological diversity make it a fascinating destination for tourists exploring Halong Bay.

• Entrance fee: 4.33 USD (110,000 VND) per guest. The combined tour ticket for Dau Go Cave and Thien Cung Cave is 11.41 USD (290,000 VND) per guest.

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Luon Cave

Located on Bo Hon Island, about 14 km southeast of Tuan Chau Island and just 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave is one of the most unique Halong Bay attractions. This open cave has a small entrance, accessible only by boat. It was initially a massive limestone rock that eroded over thousands of years, creating small gaps at the bottom.

At Luon Cave, tourists can enjoy the fresh air and calm winds while admiring the beautiful landscape. Mischievous monkeys climb on the cliffs, trees spread from rocky outcrops, and fig trees hang down, adding to the cave’s natural charm. 

• Tips: Before embarking on your journey to explore Luon Cave, negotiate the boat fares in advance. Typically, kayak rentals cost around 1.97 USD (50,000 VND) per trip, while renting a rowboat is approximately 1.18 USD (30,000 VND) per trip per person.

Thien Canh Son Cave

Located on Hon Co Island in Bai Tu Long Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave is a small yet pristine destination celebrated for its natural beauty and picturesque surroundings. Accessible via a climb of about 100 stone steps, the cave captivates visitors with its unique formations and tranquil atmosphere.

Outside the cave, tourists are treated to a breathtaking panorama of Bai Tu Long Bay, featuring rocky islands, sailing ships with brown sails, the azure sea, and a pristine white sand beach. Below Thien Canh Son Cave stretches a smooth, inviting beach where visitors can swim, kayak, or unwind amidst the serene coastal landscape.

• Entrance fee: To visit Thien Canh Son Cave, purchase Route 4 tickets from the Halong Bay Management Board. The ticket price for Route 4 is 9.44 USD (240,000 VND) per ticket.

Dark Cave & Light Cave

This cave system features two distinct caves. The Dark Cave, stretching 100 meters long, can be submerged during high tides and poses a challenging passage. The Light Cave is shorter in length but accessible at all times.

The highlight activity in this area is kayaking and swimming through the tunnel connecting these caves. Explorers will encounter stunning limestone formations, a serene round lake, and a diverse natural habitat, including monkeys, Benjamin fig trees, and numerous orchids. 

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages and Secret Bays

Bai Chay Market

To truly immerse yourself in local life and culture in Halong City, visiting Bai Chay Market is highly recommended. Situated on Vuon Dao Street in the Bai Chay area, this bustling market or shopping center is a prominent hub offering a wide range of goods, from everyday items to luxury products.

Bai Chay Market is known for its relatively affordable prices compared to other tourist-centric shopping spots. Here, you can browse and purchase fresh produce, inexpensive clothing, handicrafts, accessories, and souvenirs. Dining options are also budget-friendly, with must-try dishes like Squid Sausages, Ngan (a mollusk), Sa Sung (peanut worm), and various snails.

• Tips: A useful tip for shopping at Bai Chay Market, as with any Vietnamese market, is to bargain to get the best deals. 

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Cap La Fishing Village

Cap La Fishing Village is the smallest of the four remaining floating villages in Halong Bay. It is home to 80 households and over 200 residents whose livelihoods primarily revolve around fishing and aquaculture. Due to the absence of a national electricity system, locals rely on electricity generators for their daily needs.

Despite these hardships, Cap La Village offers travelers a glimpse into a simple and peaceful local life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere and gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of Halong Bay’s fishing communities.

Lan Ha Bay

An extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a serene and less crowded alternative for travelers seeking hidden gems. This gulf-shaped bay boasts 400 islands covered with lush vegetation and includes a management area of Cat Ba National Park.

Exploring Lan Ha Bay reveals numerous attractions, including pristine white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, kayaking, sailing, beach barbecues, and overnight camping. Whether relaxing on the shores or adventuring across the islands, Lan Ha Bay promises a tranquil and immersive experience amidst its natural beauty.

• Fee: Day cruise: 3.15 USD (80,000 VND)/ person and 11.80 USD (300,000 VND)/ person for 1 night cruise.
• Tips: When cruising on Lan Ha Bay, you won’t need to pay this entrance fee as it’s already included in the cruise package along with other services.

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Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, established in 1986, is located just 2 km from Trung Trang Cave. Encompassing 17,362.96 ha of islands and 6,450.45 ha of marine ecosystems, the park is a rich habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals, totaling 2,320 species.

Visitors to Cat Ba National Park can engage in various activities, such as trekking through primeval tropical rainforests and mangrove forests, where they can discover unique flora and fauna. The park also offers opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture and relax on secluded beaches in Lan Ha Bay, providing a blend of adventure and tranquility amidst stunning natural landscapes.

• Adult ticket price: 3.15 USD (80,000 VND) per person.
• Children between 1 to 1.4 meters price: 1.97 USD (50,000 VND) per person.
• Children under 1 meter: Free 

Lan Ha Floating Village

For exploring floating villages in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Floating Village, also known as Cai Beo Fishing Village in Lan Ha Bay, stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most renowned. Situated a mere 2 km from Cat Ba town, it’s just a quick 10-minute drive from Beo Seaport.

Home to 300 households predominantly engaged in fishing and fish farming, the village offers a glimpse into the daily lives of fishermen. Visitors can access the town via small boats, speedboats, or tenders, immersing themselves in the simple yet fulfilling lifestyle of its residents. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the resilience and contentment of those living on the waters of Lan Ha Bay.

Halong Bay’s Island Treasures: Discover It All with Asia Trip Deals

Beyond the awe-inspiring limestone pillars, Halong Bay attractions lie on its captivating islands and beaches. From the lively resort scene of Tuan Chau to the secluded paradise of Soi Sim, each island offers unique experiences.  

So pack your swimsuit and sense of adventure, and let Asia Trip Deals help you craft the perfect itinerary to explore these unforgettable places to visit in Halong Bay. Build your dream Halong Bay escape with us today!