Top 10 best activities for first-timers in Halong Bay

Swimming is the first and foremost must-try in Halong. Thanks to the unique formation of thousands of karst rocks scattering on the water, Halong Bay offers super calm water that no one can refuse. Jump into the emerald water of the giant natural pool and you can release all the stress and fatigue and totally revitalize. Swimming can be found in most cruise programs and is ideal from April to October.

Among water activities on the bay, kayaking is definitely the top 2 just after swimming. The calm ocean makes it easier for first-timers in Halong Bay and even first-timers for kayaking. Paddle the kayak by yourself, explore rocky islands, watch marine life up close, and totally relax while floating on the water! Kayaking would be so much fun and the highlight of your whole trip to Halong.

Halong Bay stuns travelers with a lot of limestone islands and islets. Many of them contain a dry cave where you can climb to go inside and witness majestic stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago. Some offer a path with artificial steps leading you to the top and open a panoramic view of the vast ocean to your eyes. Best spots for this activity are Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Cave), Dau Go Grotto (Wooden Head Grotto), Titov Island, and Soi Sim Island.

If swimming amidst the bay is not enough, spending hours lazing on a secluded beach will be the best way to feel the utmost relaxation. These beaches are normally small and easily swallowed by the sea tides but much more pristine, clearer, and perfect for sunbathing. You can choose cruising to Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay and experience some beautiful beaches namely Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peach Beach), Ban Chan Beach, etc.

Fishing villages are the best places to deeply understand the life of local fishermen from past to present. In the past, there used to be 7 villages in Halong Bay. Nowadays, although many households have relocated to the mainland to improve their life, there are still 4 villages maintained to preserve the culture and develop tourism. They are Cua Van Village, Ba Hang Village, Vung Vieng Village, and Cong Dam Village. From the sampan boat, you will see floating houses, squid fishing boats, fishing tools, floating classes, and especially learn about the tough life in the middle of the ocean.

Halong Bay is not only attached to kayaking or swimming, biking is among fun activities that you may not want to miss. If cruising to Lan Ha Bay - the extended part of Halong Bay, you have a chance to get on Cat Ba Island, the biggest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, and cycle around Viet Hai Village - a small village nestled in jungles. While biking along the rustic paths, you can enjoy the serenity, visit a traditional house, or communicate with locals to learn about their daily lives.

A cooking class amidst the bay, why not? If you love Vietnamese cuisine, a cooking demonstration would be a great experience while being on a Halong Bay cruise. It could be a fruit carving or a demonstration of how to make a traditional dish in Vietnam. Making food on your own is not only fun but also a chance to socialize with other travelers and exchange travel experiences.

Halong Bay is charming whatever time of the day and any season of the year but sunset on the bay is truly unbeatable. Finding a comfortable place, whether on your private balcony or the airy sundeck on top, ordering a favorite cocktail, and setting your camera on, your sunset photo hunting in Halong Bay would be the experience to cherish your whole life.

Experience like a local with night squid fishing onboard! This activity is suitable for travelers of all ages since it does not require much physical health but only patience and luck. Night squid fishing is usually offered on overnight cruises and is preferable in squid season from April to December.

Halong Bay is filled with diverse activities from dawn to dusk. If you are an early riser, morning Taichi is definitely worth trying. Feel the supreme quietness in the early morning, admire the tranquil sunrise, and follow every step of Taichi instructors, you will refresh not only your body but also your mind and regain full energy throughout the day.