Top Things to do in Halong Bay
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10 Nature & Parks in Halong Bay That You Shouldn't Miss
Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore.
Restaurants in Halong Bay
1. Bai Tu Long Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 963 reviews
Bai Tu Long Bay is the name of an area located in the east of Halong Bay Vietnam. Although it shares many similar geological characters with Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is considered as off the beaten tourist track with many deserted and pristine beaches, no less impressive karst mountains. The Bay has a rich biodiversity with two ecosystems: a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest ecosystem; and a marine and coastal ecosystem. The area has scarcely seen any tourist development. A large number of guests, through online research, wish to visit the Bai Tu Long Bay because it is much less crowded than Halong Bay. The only disadvantage is that it does not have many grottos. The nearest place for a visit (Vung Vieng Fishing village) is at around 20 km from tourist port.
Reviewed By BethanyPhillpstravel - Marin County, United States
Fantastic bay, more private and peaceful we were on the Indochina Junk tour on private boat for family of 5 Nice to have less people around for kayak, views really only saw other boats near key attractions like caves, or kayaking/beach point etc. Truly a highlight of our 10 Vietnam trip Weather okay in December - few quick rainstorms, misting and some foggy gray periods that would develop into blue skies and great views, needed a light jacket and layers especially when the sun went down but not as cold as I thought might be
2. Sung Sot Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,815 reviews
Situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sung Sôt or Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hòn Island, and is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay.Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks.Inside, it is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.
Reviewed By livingtheqlife - Colorado Springs, United States
Of the many fascinating places that we visited during our Halong Bay tour, seeing Sung Sot or Surprise Cave was certainly unique. There are many caves throughout the region, although most of the other ones that we visited were on the water. Surprise Cave is completely different as it is more of what we would consider to be a cavern with large ceilings, stalagmites, and stalactites. It is another very popular location, so the earlier in the day that you can arrive, the better off you will be. From our cruise ship, we took a small boat to the docks at Bo Hon Island where Sung Sot Cave is located. In order to get to the entrance of the cave, you must climb the approximately 50 stairs that rise high above the bay. The walls of the mountain is covered in plants and trees, but even so the entrance of the cave is visible from the docks below. Before you enter the mouth of the cave, you are rewarded with wonderful views of the bay below and all of the other ships that are there to visit the island. As you start to explore Surprise Cave, the first chamber that you enter is known as the “Waiting Room” with multicolored lights and a variety of stalagmites and stalactites. It is probably known as the waiting room because that is exactly what it is as different tour groups wait for their turn to enter the narrow passageway that takes you to the second chamber. The ceiling of the cave has unique, swirling patterns from the water that created the large caverns hundreds of years earlier. It is an opportunity for your tour guide to give a brief history of the cave and to get an appreciation of the beautiful rock formations. The second chamber, called the “Serene Castle”, is even larger and more impressive. There is a path that leads you around the various different formations, many of which that have been given different names because of things that they resemble. The most popular is one that looks like a turtle, which is a revered symbol, so people leave offerings as a blessing in order to receive long life. As you finally make your way out of Sung Sot Cave’s exit, you are once again greeted with wonderful views of Halong Bay. We visited Bo Hon Island on the final day of our Halong Bay tour and it only took us about two hours to walk through the interior of Surprise Cave. With the amazing geological features, it is certainly worth having to deal with the crowds in order to see the cave.
3. Dau Go Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
Reviewed By Yangyanggg
The cave was amazingly well preserved. The people in my tour was very well behaved and did abide by the rules. We grouped together with others and trekked the whole cave. The view at the TOP was worth the climb. The steps wasn’t particularly steep.
4. Halong Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,199 reviews
Reviewed By MarcPaol - Rome, Italy
Wonderful experience! Nothing to compare with any picture you can see. The real Halong is something never seen. We get a 2 days one night and it is sufficient to admire everything: Titop mountain (incredible view!), beach, kayaking, thai chi and the landscape with thousand of incredible islands. I will never forget the view. Food perfect and a lot of. The room with balcony was incredible. To do!!!
5. Tien Ong Cave
6. Castaway Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By Khayaa2020
My best mate and I booked Castaways through Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (beware of fake websites) and had the best time of our lives. The cruise of Ha Long Bay was awesome, the booze was flowing and our tour guides (big shout-out to Alex and Gaby) were COOL AS. Highly recommend doing the water sports and taking advantage of the SUP boards if you’re not too hungover from the party on the island the night prior. Don’t think about it, just BOOOK! We’ll be back for sure.
7. Dong Thien Cung
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By DRW44 - Salisbury, United Kingdom
We went on a 4-hour cruise around Ha Long Bay, including lunch, organised as part of a Viking river cruise. Towards the end of the cruise, we visited the equally amazing Golden Cave complex - massive caves with all the stalectites, stalegmites and wonderful rock formations you could wish for. Definitely not disabled friendly but good, firm steps throughout. It could be the highlight of the holiday but, as it's only day 2, only time will tell.
8. Ti Top Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,104 reviews
Reviewed By Puriandsue - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We decided to hike up Ti Top island which is about a 15-20 minutes climb to the top (lots of stairs!), and we've got a beautiful view of Halong Bay from the top! If hiking is not for you, you can choose to go for a swim or just lounge at the beach.
9. Soi Sim Island
10. Hon Ga Choi Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
This two chicken kissing rock formation is probably the most photographed scene in spectacular Halong Bay. It's on every boat itinerary, you cannot miss it and it reminds on alike formations in Capri, Italy.
