A visit to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without a traditional junk boat cruise around spectacular Halong Bay, with its iconic limestone peaks and emerald green waters.
While a peaceful cruise is the perfect way to kick back, relax and take in the iconic views that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer, there is plenty else to keep you busy in Halong Bay.
1. Discover hidden caves and grottos
Hidden among the thousands of jungle-covered peaks rising dramatically out of the emerald waters of Halong Bay are illuminated caves, isolated grottos and picturesque hidden coves of all shapes and sizes. Hop on board a row boat and venture out to explore these hidden gems for yourself, such as the beautiful Thien Cung Cave – nicknamed the Heavenly Palace Cave, famed for its many stalagmites and stalactites, and Dau Go Cave – known as the Cave of Wonders, featuring fascinating rock formations illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colour.
Thien Cung cave
2. Kayak between karst limestone outcrops
While a traditional junk boat cruise is an excellent way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay at a relaxed pace, the active among you can get your paddle out on an off-boat excursion and explore the beauty of the bay up close on a kayaking adventure.
Paddle out to the calmer, less-visited corners of the bay, which the bigger boats cannot maneuver, and discover hidden caves, isolated lagoons, unspoiled islands and much more with the direction of a local guide.
Kayak in Halong Bay
3. Visit a traditional floating village
For most of us a cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it may be difficult to imagine living day-to-day life surrounded by the incredible beauty of this famous bay. But for the families of Halong Bay’s floating fishing villages living in a water world is second nature. Rising and falling with the tide, these villages have been home to generation after generation of fishermen who earn their living from the bay’s bountiful supply of marine life and growing tourism in the region.
Pay a visit to one of these charming villages, meet grinning fishermen and playful children and learn about their fascinating way of life in Halong Bay.
The simple life in Halong Bay floating villages
4. Learn Tai Chi on deck
Dawn is especially peaceful in Halong Bay, and many cruises offer complimentary Tai Chi instruction in the early mornings. The sights, sounds and sensations of a gentle Tai Chi session at sunrise will seduce beginners and regular practitioners alike. To a soundtrack of bird calls and softly lapping waves, focus your mind on the slow, flowing movements of each form as you welcome another beautiful day in Halong Bay.
Learn Tai Chi on deck
5. Go cycling on Cat Ba Island
As if being the largest island in Halong Bay was not enough, Cat Ba also possesses some of the most impressive natural beauty found in the region, and not to mention an incredible range of species and fascinating natural habitats. Forming part of the Cat Ba archipelago on the south-eastern edge of Halong Bay, this beautiful isle can be reached by boat and is best explored on foot or bicycle (rented locally).
Explore the limestone hills and discover hidden waterfalls, lakes and grottos; spot wildlife (like the Cat Ba langue) hidden in coastal limestone forests and mangroves; or go snorkeling off the coast in search of underwater life – the possibilities are endless!
Go cycling on Cat Ba Island
6. Cruising around Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay occupies three quarters of Halong Bay World Heritage site and many islands in Van Don, Cam Pha district. Travelling to Bai Tu Long Bay is off the beaten track and promise to deliver many unique experiences, being far away from touristy sites.
Cruising around Bai Tu Long Bay
7. Sundowners on the Deck
The big question on any Halong Bay visit is where you’ll be during the golden hour. Every evening the sun slips below the karsts, staining the tropical sky in luminescent hues, creating dramatic silhouettes of the karsts and mesmerising reflections on the water. We recommend claiming a lounge chair on the deck of your cruise, cocktail in one hand and camera in the other.
Canfind a pristine beautiful natural landscape. Until now, Bai Tu Long still remains a wide unexplored area. Being as beautiful as neighbor Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long has many attractions to visit: Cong Do area, Vung Vieng fishing village, Da Xep Park, Cong Dam area, Thien Canh Son cave, Tra Gioi beach… There are some islands that people living there: Quan Lan Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Cong Dong, Cong Tay Island with many beautiful beaches. In addition, Bai Tu Long bay national park is rich in biological diversity, home of many different flora and fauna.
Sundowners on the Deck
8. Paddle Away
Get up close with Halong’s invitingly cool jade waters, small islets and deserted beaches on your own kayaking expedition. Aside from the friendly locals, many of whom live in floating homes within the bay, you’re also likely to encounter some of Halong’s thriving wildlife. The bay is home to several types of monkeys, as well as flocks of migratory birds and diverse marine creatures.
Paddle Away
9. Cruise Overnight
Many visitors who book a day-trip from Hanoi find themselves wishing they had made time to stay overnight. Halong is a four-hour drive from Hanoi, and day-trippers miss not only Halong’s marvellous sunsets and sunrises, but also the fun of sleeping overnight aboard a boat. There are numerous luxury cruise operators plying the bay, but for a unique adventure, climb aboard The Emeraude, a replica of a 1930s paddle wheel steamer that cruised these waters in the Indochine era.
Cruise Overnight
Halong Luuxry Travel co,, a tour operator offering adventure trips and tailor-made holidays not only in Vietnam but also the other country in Indochina.
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