Indulge in the top 10 things to do in Ha Long – A Northern tourist paradise

• August 16,2023
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Ha Long – A Northern tourist paradise, has long conquered the hearts of tourists with the majestic beauty of nature with enchanting limestone mountains and clear blue beaches. So what are the top 10 things to do in Ha Long? What makes this city attract millions of tourists every year? Let’s check it out now!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HA LONG?

Ha Long is located in the Northeast of Vietnam and belongs to Quang Ninh Province. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is about 170 km. Ha Long has thousands of islands, large and small limestones, and beaches that create a beautifully natural picture.

Ha Long's economy mainly relies on profits from tourism, mineral exploitation, processing, and production. Mining activities of coal, bauxite ore, and limestones also make an important contribution to the local economy.

Ha Long – a natural wonder in Vietnam stands out among the deep blue sea

Ha Long Bay is a famous tourist destination of Ha Long with beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Tourists often visit by boat to explore the islands, caves and enjoy the sea scenery.

Ha Long has a diverse cuisine with fresh seafood dishes such as oysters, scallops, squid, fish,… These dishes are often uniquely prepared and delicious. Some famous dishes such as Banh Gat Gu, Cha Muc, and Bun Be Be have the typical flavor of the sea. 

So don’t be hesitant, just find out and learn about the top 10 things to do in Ha Long right below!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HA LONG FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCES

With a reputation as a world natural wonder, Ha Long is not only a tourist destination but also a magical journey of discovery. In this article, we will discover the top 10 things to do in Ha Long that this city has to offer.

RELAX ON STUNNING BEACHES

Ha Long is the land of magical limestone islands and a clear blue sea. It is also home to a series of beautiful beaches. Let’s find out which beaches this city has to add to your top 10 things to do in Ha Long list.

Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay is an artificial sand beach with the largest area in Ha Long. In spite of the artificial beach, it has natural beauty and fresh air all year round. Along the coast is an endless line of pine trees that create a fresh, peaceful, and relaxing atmosphere.

The sea breeze combined with green trees attracts locals and tourists to visit every day. Nature favorably bestows a wonderful beauty with clear blue water and beautiful clean beaches. 

Bai Chay Beach is the perfect rendezvous for those who love to relax and have fun on the soft sand or active sea sports activities

Visitors coming here can freely swim, enjoy being immersed in interesting games on the sea or enjoy music and dance shows. Not over yet, when coming to Bai Chay Beach, you will hear interesting stories about history or why it has such a special name.

Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peaches Beach)

In the top 10 things to do in Ha Long, you cannot ignore visiting Ba Trai Dao Beach. In the middle of a busy and bustling Ha Long, there is a beach with a lovely name with wild, poetic beauty like a picture.

This is a special beach amidst the mysterious nature of the pearl island. The reason this island is called Ba Trai Dao is because it is surrounded by 3 small mountains. From a distance, these mountains are similar to 3 giant peaches in the middle of the sea. 

Ba Trai Dao Beach is a paradise of peace and quiet, where visitors can immerse themselves in the gentle waves, and swim in the unspoiled natural space

Besides, Ba Trai Dao Beach is surrounded by mountains that are close to each other. This beach is well known for its white sand and cool blue water. With an airy and fresh space, along with the wonderful natural scenery, Ba Trai Dao Beach becomes an ideal place to visit and relax for those who want to find a peaceful place.

Ti Top Beach

Ti Top Beach is the most beautiful island in Ha Long Bay, located on Ti Top Island. Seen from above, Ti Top Beach has a crescent moon shape surrounding the island with clear blue water. 

Ti Top Beach possesses the beauty of a charming natural landscape. Although Ti Top Beach is small, it’s extremely airy, peaceful, and clean. The sand here is always pure white with clear blue water. 

Ti Top Beach is a beautiful picture of nature with clear blue sea water and outstanding limestone cliffs in the middle of the sea

Therefore, swimming is an experience that you cannot ignore in the top 10 things to do in Ha Long. In addition, an interesting activity at Ti Top is kayaking. Visitors will sit on a small kayak, rowing away by themselves to explore the beauty of the surrounding nature. 

There are also many interesting sea sports such as skydiving, buoy pulling, windsurfing,… that you must try.

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DISCOVER ALL THE BEAUTIES OF HA LONG BAY

Ha Long Bay is the most famous tourist attraction in Ha Long. This bay is well known for its majestic nature beauty including thousands of large and small floating islands, and mysterious caves with unique shapes.

Ha Long Bay has an area of more than 1,500 km2 with the number of up to 1,900 large and small limestone islands with diverse shapes. It has been voted by UNESCO as one of the natural wonders of the world.

Ha Long Bay distinguishes itself with its beautiful system of rocky islands and caves. It has a system of beautiful and shimmering caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave,… Or not forget to mention islands such as Dau Nguoi Island, Dragon Island, La Vong Island, Canh Buom Island, and so on. 

The islands and limestone rocks stand out in Ha Long Bay as natural and mysterious sculptures full of charm

There are many types of tours for you to explore this stunning bay, the most prominent is the Ha Long Bay Cruise, also known as the night tour on the bay. In addition, you can participate in kayaking, swimming in the bay, and watching the sunrise and sunset in the vast bay.

Moreover, one of the top 10 things to do in Ha Long is to see the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. You can choose to sign up for a seaplane service with a flight time of about 30 minutes. Looking at the beauty from above, you will understand why Ha Long Bay is also known as "paradise bay".

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HA LONG – EXPLORE MAJESTIC CAVES

Ha Long not only contains the breathtaking beauty of the sea but also hides in the ground the mysteries and impressive natural wonders. Those are unique caves. So go with Vietnam-Evisagov.com to find out what the caves are here!

Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave is located at Bai Tu Long Bay in Cong Do Island Reserve. Local people often call Thien Canh Son Co cave. The pristine natural beauty of this place is likened to a fairyland right here on earth or a pearl of the ocean.

The road to Thien Canh Son cave is located under the forest canopy, made of stone steps, and lasts about 400 steps. The entrance to the cave is quite small, but after entering the cave, visitors will admire the mysterious and magnificent beauty of Thien Canh Son. 

Inside Thien Canh Son Cave are millions of sparkling stalactites

Inside the cave are millions of sparkling stalactites. The ceiling of the cave is decorated with many shimmering stalactites hanging down. This scene makes people think of the domes of medieval theaters with long-lasting stalactite hanging lights. 

After exploring the cave, visitors step outside the cave and will continue to be amazed by the sight of Bai Tu Long Bay seen from above. Lush green plants and flowers blooming on the rocks show the intense vitality of this land. How can you miss this experience in your top 10 things to do in Ha Long, right? 

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is one of the destinations not to be missed in the top 10 things to do in Ha Long. The first time you come here, visitors will surely be surprised by the shimmering and fanciful beauty of the cave.

Sung Sot Cave is situated on Bo Hon Island, at the heart of Ha Long Bay. In 2012, Sung Sot Cave entered the top 10 most beautiful caves in the world voted by the Czech Association of Travel Agents and Brokers.

Upon arriving at Bo Hon Island, tourists are required to ascend a flight of 50 tall stone steps and then continue down 10 stone steps to reach the mouth of Sung Sot Cave. The way to the cave is through the forest foliage and is joined by craggy stone steps.

Exploring Sung Sot Cave is like stepping into the depths of the earth

Sung Sot Cave comprises 2 main compartments. In the first compartment, the ceiling of the cave is covered with a layer of silky velvet carpet with glittering stalactite chandeliers. The stone statues, flowers, seals,… appear vividly.

Moving to the second compartment is a completely different scene with a vast cave that can accommodate up to thousands of people. Additionally, going to the highest peak of the cave, in front of your eyes is a beautiful scene with a clear lake, all kinds of plants, and many species of birds.

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TRANSFORM INTO A FISHER IN CUA VAN FISHING VILLAGES

Have you ever tried to imagine yourself as a fisherman? Just come to Cua Van fishing village, and you will experience delight. And don't forget to add this activity to your list of the top 10 things to do in Ha Long!

Cua Van fishing village is located in Hung Thang commune, Ha Long City. The village is nestled within the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, behind each temporary house is the Va Gia rocky mountain range.

This fishing village is far from the center and not close to the shore, so it still retains its wild and lyrical features with cool fresh air. A special feature of Cua Van every fisherman lives in a small house of about 30m2. Each house has the same striking color scheme and floats on water. 

Going to Cua Van fishing village, you will sit on a boat and walk around looking at the wooden houses on the sea

Coming to Cua Van fishing village, you can witness the life of more than 300 households living. In front of each house, there will be a boat and a junk park. The image of traditional simple wooden ships decorated with outstanding, shimmering, and fanciful colors on the bay.

The inhabitants of the fishing village are very simple, friendly, and hospitable. Visitors can enjoy the experience of life as a fisherman by participating in rowing a basket boat, casting a net to catch fish, or going out to sea to fish for squid. 

This experience doesn't come easily for things to do in Ha Long City, right?

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TAKE ON A CRUISE ON THE BAY

Have you wondered if there is any experience that allows you to admire all the beauty of the sea? Choose to take on a cruise on the bay, you will not be disappointed! This journey will give you an unforgettable memory of your top 10 things to do in Ha Long. 

In Ha Long, there are countless types of cruises for you to choose for your trip such as Ambassador, Athena, Cozy Bay,… Each type has a different price depending on your needs and finances. Ranging from 3,500,000 VND (152.1 USD) to 2,500,000 USD (108.6 USD) per person.

Each of these Ha Long Bay cruises is fully equipped with the same amenities as a modern hotel room. There are bedrooms with televisions and refrigerators,… a restaurant with skilled chefs, and a bar for entertainment. And especially there is a sundeck – where visitors can relax or watch the sunset.

Check-in on a cruise in Ha Long – an extremely luxurious background

Instead of sleeping in hotels or homestays like normal travel, cruises in Ha Long will give visitors a new experience of staying overnight in a cabin. This experience helps you to stay away from the hustle and bustle of life, there is only the sound of waves crashing, the feeling of relaxation, without worrying left.

Besides, when you go on a cruise, you can also enjoy tours to visit nearby attractions such as bays and caves. Or you are able to participate in a variety of activities like sailing, scuba diving, swimming,… How great!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HA LONG – EXPERIENCE NIGHT SQUID FISHING

One of the things to do in Ha Long Bay at night that you can ignore is experience night squid fishing. Night squid fishing is a favorite activity of many tourists who love to explore.

In the past, night squid fishing was originally an extra livelihood to increase the income of the fishermen here. After the development of tourism, this activity has become an interesting experience for tourists. This is considered an extremely rustic hobby, but no less emotional and attractive.

A tourist enjoys catching squid during her journey

You can choose a night squid fishing tour service with a price from 300,000 VND (13.04 USD) to 500,000 VND (21.7 USD) for 6 hours. You will be able to sail to the marked fishing spots outside the bay and begin the journey.

The crew will install water surface lighting to attract squids to the side of the boat. Tourists will be provided with a fishing rod with a line and a net racket to start fishing. Just believe in your luck, the squids will bite!

After obtaining the results, you can enjoy those fresh squids on the spot. Squid can be steamed and then dipped with a little salt and pepper or grilled. Ha Long’s squid is famous for its crispy and sweet taste. There are no words to describe this taste!

CLIMB ON BAI THO MOUNTAIN

One of the top 10 things to do in Ha Long which is considered the most ideal place to see Ha Long is Bai Tho Mountain. With mesmerizing scenery, the journey to discover Bai Tho Mountain will bring you fascinating experiences with many different emotions.

Bai Tho Mountain has an altitude of over 200m and has a convenient location near the center of Ha Long City and near the sea. Therefore tourists can easily arrive here. This is a fascinating masterpiece that nature has bestowed on this coastal land.

Ascending Bai Tho Mountain is relatively easy. Visitors just need to move through the stairs, then follow the small dirt road for about 20-30 minutes to arrive. The cost of climbing is super cheap, only about 10,000 VND (0.43 USD) per person.

From the top of Bai Tho Mountain, thousands of limestone islands emerge in the middle of the azure sea that form a magical sight

After climbing to the top, the first thing you see is the national flag of Vietnam fluttering in the wind. And what makes you full of admiration is the magnificent scenery that appears before your eyes.

You can see a very different Ha Long City which is much more poetic and lyrical. The blue water is marked by clouds, undulating mountains, or ships in the distance,… Or you can choose to climb the mountain in the early morning to be able to see the moment when the sun rises behind the mountains.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these wonderful moments on Bai Tho Mountain. This will definitely be a great experience for the top 10 things to do in Ha Long.

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VISIT QUANG NINH MUSEUM

Quang Ninh Museum is a famous Ha Long tourist destination loved by many tourists. This place is considered a cultural center that contains many spiritual values ​​of the mining land.

Quang Ninh Museum is located on Tran Quoc Nghien Street and just over 7 km from Ha Long city center. With a unique design, this place is considered the pride of Ha Long people in particular and Quang Ninh people in general.

The museum appears with an original appearance that makes many visitors admire it. The entire exterior is paved with black glass covering all sides. From afar, the museum looks like a black pearl and a giant mirror that reflects the majestic Ha Long sea and sky.

Quang Ninh Museum brings a unique background for stunning photos

The museum consists of three floors within its premises. The first floor is the exhibition space with the theme of the sea and nature. Here, visitors will admire the skeletons of whales, and giant sharks, or knowledge about the sea, and the evolutionary history of the ocean floor.

The second floor is the exhibition area of relics and artifacts of historical value in the period from prehistory to modern times. On the third floor is the place to recreate the entire history of coal mining – the key industry in this land.

The opening time of Quang Ninh Museum is the whole week but except the last Monday of every month or public holidays. The ticket price is from 10,000 VND (0.43 USD) to 30,000 VND (1.3 USD) depending on age. 

Quang Ninh Museum is an interesting place to discover. Don’t miss your chance to come here and remember to put this destination in your top 10 things to do in Ha Long!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HA LONG – TASTE ALL THE SPECIALTIES

Ha Long is not only a paradise of natural beauty but also a feast for culinary elites. The specialties of this sea are not only delicious and fresh but also contain the taste of the sea. Let's explore and enjoy the unique and exclusive delicacies only in Ha Long.

Cha Muc (Squid rolls)

The dish that leaves a mark in the hearts of diners of this land is Cha Muc. Squid is pounded to blend with flour and traditional flavors. The grinding process is done completely by hand. 

Cha Muc – a dish that every visitor who come to Ha Long must try once

Cha Muc after pounding will be fried and then eaten with white sticky rice, vermicelli, or steamed rolled rice pancake. When enjoying Cha Muc, you will feel the rich taste, crunchy texture. In particular, Cha Muc in Ha Long has a sweeter taste than other regions. Therefore, it gives diners an unforgettable aftertaste.

Bun Be Be (Mantis shrimp noodles)

The following dish that you must try when carrying out the top 10 things to do in Ha Long is Bun Be Be. This dish is a combination of chewy noodles with fresh seafood such as mantis shrimp, crab meat, and attractive fish balls. 

The broth is carefully stewed from boiled shrimp water with the bones, so it is very rich and fragrant. Diners can choose to eat Bun Be Be with herbs, a few more slices of lemon slices are also great.

Horseshoe crab

One of the dishes considered Ha Long’s specialty is Horseshoe Crab. This is a crustacean that looks quite like a stingray but has a crab-like shell. The horseshoe crab is currently not farmed but must be caught from the sea.

Horseshoe Crab creates many delicious dishes that show the talent of local cuisine

Horseshoe crab meat is very delicious, fragrant, and chewy. The dishes from Horseshoe Crab are very diverse. It can be processed into delicious food such as salad, fried sweet and sour, fried with chili, or steamed,…

Oyster milk porridge

A dish that you must try after having a good time at the sea is Oyster milk porridge. This porridge is a specialty in Ha Long and it is both delicious and nutritious.

Fresh milk oysters are carefully selected, then lightly fried, and cooked with rice into porridge. Oyster milk porridge has a delicious taste mixed with a little sweetness, so it is chosen by many tourists as a snack.

In addition, this dish adds many vitamins and nutrients to the body and has the effect of supporting the treatment of diseases such as hypertension, headache, dizziness, and diabetes. With all advantages, don’t forget to add tasting Oyster milk porridge to the top 10 things to do in Ha Long.

Banh Gat Gu (Gat Gu Cake)

Banh Gat Gu is not only known as an outstanding specialty of the bay but also a breakfast dish loved by many locals and tourists. Banh Gat Gu is made from pureed rice flour and mixed with water and then steamed.

Banh Gat Gu has a light white color with a supple texture that makes everyone fall in love

The cake has a pure white color, chewy but fragrant and soft when eaten. The type of dipping sauce served must also be carefully selected. It must be pure fish sauce distilled with chicken fat, and add fried onions and fresh chili.

When eating, you should swipe the cake with a piece of chili sauce to feel the pungent taste on the tip of the tongue and stimulate the flavor from the first bite.

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WANDER AROUND HA LONG NIGHT MARKET

One of the things to do in Ha Long City must be to wander around the night market. Coming here, you will have interesting experiences, enjoy many attractive dishes and carry many unique souvenirs to bring back as gifts.

In the past, this night market was just a toad market with a few makeshift shops. In 2015, tourism activities were promoted, and a new market was opened. From that moment, Ha Long night market became an attractive tourist destination for tourists with a bustling scene of buyers and sellers.

Spanning across an expansive 5,000 square meters, the night market accommodates a total of 335 business stalls. Including all kinds of items, this night market has become spacious with a solid infrastructure. It has concrete floors, lighting systems, electric fans, and a parking lot,…

You can freely choose a variety of souvenirs to bring back as a gift for family and friends

Entering the market, you will immediately feel overwhelmed with bright lights, and a series of stalls selling beautiful souvenirs, handicrafts, and jewelry. Besides, there are also traditional handmade items made by skilled artisans such as lacquer paintings, pearl rings, and shell wind chimes,…

In particular, the most attractive thing about the night market is the food stall. The seafood dishes are processed directly which makes you unable to hold back. Special dishes such as Cha Muc, yogurt, Banh Gat,… are also served here. 

Visiting this market is also deemed to discover things to do in Ha Long Bay at night. So don’t miss it when you make the top 10 things to do in Ha Long!

WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE A TRIP TO CARRY OUT THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HA LONG? 

Ha Long City is located in the North, so the climate has 4 seasons all year round. Each season here has its own beauty and gives you a completely different experience.

• April to June: This is considered the most ideal time to come to Ha Long. During this period, it just enters summer. The weather does not have rain, the sunshine is warm and not too harsh as well as the climate is quite cool. Therefore, it's very suitable for you to carry out the top 10 things to do in Ha Long with family and friends.

• June to August: During this time Ha Long officially entered summer. This is considered the peak period of Ha Long tourism. At this time, the coastal city receives a large number of tourists to participate in many sea activities or exciting festivals. However, you should also pay attention to the weather because in July there are often storms and tropical depressions.

• November: This is the time when Ha Long returns to its inherent peacefulness. Visitors can come here to relax and have a lot of private space to enjoy, unlike the peak season.

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Ha Long is not only a tourist destination but also a wonderful picture showing the perfect harmony between people and nature. We have shared with you the top 10 things to do in Ha Long in the article above. Let’s move to this city now. Wish you have a great trip with memorable memories!

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