What to Do in Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is a paradise for photographers as each of its rock formations is unique to itself. Tour companies always offer tourists plenty of choices of where to stop and each stop is a guaranteed memorable one. Some of the most popular activities in Halong Bay are swimming, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking, trekking and cycling. It is truly a paradise for active visitors.

Swimming and Sunbathing

Halong Bay has thousands of limestone islands and grottoes. There are countless places to stop for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking when cruising around. On famous Cat Ba Island there are a few well-known beaches to relax on, some with easily remembered names like Cat Co One, Cat Co Two and Cat Co Three. The stunning scenery of sheer mountain cliffs rising out of the bay makes an ideal backdrop to water-based activities.

Trekking, Cycling

Trekking is a good option on Cat Ba Island. There are lots of rare animals to see, including green and hawksbill turtles and golden-headed langur monkeys. Visitors can choose from various trek routes; either way it's an impressive experience.

Another good way to enjoy a visit to Cat Ba is to cycle around the local villages.

Water Park

Cat Ba Island Resort and Spa offers a grand swimming pool with water slides and waterfalls. It is the only hotel in Vietnam that has a water park as such and is a brilliant place for families.

Viet Hai Village

Viet Hai Village is located in a remote corner of Cat Ba National Park. Many people still live in simple houses made of bamboo, wood, leaves and soil. It is a chance to experience the true roots of Cat Ba culture which have carried on for hundreds of years.

Sleeping On Board

Though many new hotels are being built on the bigger islands, experienced visitors recommend newcomers to spend a night on board a boat. This way, you will be able to admire the bay closer up and in quite a special way. The boats in question range from diesel-powered junks as well as higher standard cruisers. The junks are less expensive compared to cruisers but keep in mind that they are usually small and do rock a lot. Pick the boat/accommodation that suits your style and budget, then try it for at least one night.