Things to do in Ha Long Bay
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Top 10 attractions in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay
• A well-known scenic spot in Vietnam that has been included in the World Natural Heritage List; • More than 2,000 diverse rock formations rise from the calm sea; • Take a boat tour and enjoy the picturesque sea and mountain views between the small islands. ▴ Cruise through the area with numerous small islands, marvel at the peculiar rocks on both sides, and catch sight of caves, floating houses, fish farms, and more. The specific sightseeing activities may vary depending on the itinerary. ▴ Many of the peculiar rocks have been given names, reflecting their imaginative and poetic qualities, allowing you to appreciate their lively postures.Ha Tu · 13.6 km from Ha Long Bay
Quanlan Island
Guanlan Island is on the outskirts of Halong Bay, with no shelter from other islands, and has not undergone a lot of commercial development. The environment is pristine and the scenery is pristine and beautiful. The water is clear and the sand is white, and the fruit is very fresh. It is a good place for leisure and vacation.Van Don · 49.5 km from Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island covers an area of 146 square kilometers and is the largest island in Halong Bay. The terrain of Cat Ba Island is complex and varied, with cliffs, deep canyons, sandy beaches, tropical forests, swampy depressions and secluded villages. In order to protect this diverse ecosystem and wildlife, about half of Cat Ba Island was listed as Cat Ba National Park by local authorities in 1986. The more famous species here is the endangered Cat Ba langur, a blond little monkey species with a cute punk rock hairstyle. The residents of the island are concentrated in the town of Cat Ba in the southern part of the island. The rolling hills on Cat Ba Island are surrounded by winding coastlines and calm bays, among the seaside rocky mountains. The most accessible beaches on Cat Ba Island are 1, 2 and 3 Cat Ba Island Beaches. Every summer, it becomes a paradise for people's joy.Haiphong · 19.6 km from Ha Long Bay
Fighting Cock Islet
Halong Bay in Vietnam is famous for its beautiful sea scenery. There are many strange-shaped islands in Halong Bay. But its typical symbol is the cockfighting stone. The so-called "cockfighting stones" are two adjacent small islands with peculiar shapes, like two fighting cocks facing each other. The two of them glared at each other, the corners of their mouths facing each other, as if ready to jump up and start a tragic duel.Haiphong · 9.2 km from Ha Long Bay
Dinh Huong Island
Located in the southeast of Mutou Island, it is about 5 kilometers away from the tourist pier. For the beliefs of ordinary Vietnamese and local fishermen, burning incense in an incense burner expresses the hope that they can connect with the world and ancestors. Therefore, the image of the incense burner is very kind in the hearts of the local people.Tuan Chau · 6.9 km from Ha Long Bay
Cat Co 1 Beach
The beaches on Cat Ba Island are named Cat Ba Island No. 1 (CatCo1), Cat Ba Island No. 2 (CatCo2), and Cat Ba Island No. 3 (CatCo3). They are all located about 1 km south of Cat Ba Town. is a leisure place. One of them, Cat Ba Island 2, is a quiet and attractive beach that also offers simple accommodation and campsites. Cat Ba Island 1 and Cat Ba Island 3 are being converted into tourist resorts. These beaches are located in their own protected coves, and Cat Ba Beaches 1, 2 and 3 can be reached on foot or by motor taxi along the D1-4 road in the southern quayside of Cat Ba town.Haiphong · 28.2 km from Ha Long Bay
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a charming part of Hanoi and the soul of its history and culture. Located north of Hoan Kiem Lake, its origins as a street district can be traced back to the Thang Long Citadel period. In the past, handicraft guilds gathered along the streets and organized markets by trade, which is why it earned the nickname "36 Streets." Today, many street names still begin with "Hang" (trade), and old names like Silk Street, Silver Street, and Festival Goods Street are still in use. Walking through them, one can still read the city's commercial memories of markets organized by trade from the street names. The charm of the old town lies in those tube houses with narrow frontages and great depth: the frontage is only a few meters wide, but the interior extends layer by layer, with shops in the front and residences in the back. Vietnamese and French styles intertwine in the narrow alleys; walking through them feels like traveling through time, making it a great place to experience the local cultural atmosphere.Vietnam · Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake was originally called Green Water Lake, and was later renamed after the legend that the Vietnamese monarch Le Loi received and returned a sword here. The lake is long and narrow from north to south, and the loop around the lake is less than 2 km, which can be walked in about half an hour. The lakeside path is shaded by trees and is a daily spot for Hanoi locals to cool off and exercise. The two small islands on the lake each have their own highlights: Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island in the north has the vermilion wooden arched bridge, Cau The Huc, in front of it, connecting to the east bank across the water. The reflection of the bridge on the lake is particularly photogenic. Thap Rua Tower stands on a small island in the center of the lake, surrounded by water on all sides. The area around the lake is also a great place to experience the pace of life in Hanoi: in the early morning, citizens gather to practice Tai Chi and exercise, during the day, elderly people fish and chat in the shade of the trees, and after dark, the benches are filled with people cooling off,Vietnam · Hanoi
St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral, also known as St. Joseph Cathedral, was completed in 1886 and is one of the oldest existing churches in Hanoi. It was built under the direction of French missionaries and is a Gothic Revival building. Its granite exterior walls, paired with pointed arch doors and windows, make it a highly recognizable French-style building in the Old Quarter. The interior main altar is crafted from gilded wood carvings, with decorative details incorporating traditional Vietnamese styles; the tall, pointed arch windows are inlaid with stained glass originally shipped from France; the nave ceiling features medieval European-style ribbed vaults, and on one side, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary placed in a palanquin niche according to local customs. Nha Tho Street, opposite the church, and the surrounding streets are home to many boutique shops and cafes where you can sit down for a cup of coffee, while the surrounding large trees and French-style architecture add a touch of romance to the area.Vietnam · Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is located on the west side of Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. It is a mausoleum housing the remains of President Ho Chi Minh and was completed in the 1970s. The entire structure is modeled after Lenin's Mausoleum at Red Square in Moscow, while incorporating local Vietnamese elements such as a sloping roof. Built entirely of gray granite, it is square, imposing, and over 20 meters high. The lintel is engraved with the name President Ho Chi Minh in deep red jade, and the viewing stands on both sides extend forward, integrating with the square. Inside, the mausoleum is paved with polished gray, black, and red stone, with soft lighting and a solemn, respectful atmosphere. The honor guards at the entrance change shifts every hour, and their synchronized marching and rifle-handling movements are a common sight that makes visitors stop and watch. The flower gardens surrounding the mausoleum contain over 200 varieties of plants from all over Vietnam.Vietnam · Hanoi
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Free things to do in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay
Ha Tu · 13.6 km from Ha Long BayQuanlan Island
Van Don · 49.5 km from Ha Long BayCat Ba Island
Haiphong · 19.6 km from Ha Long BayFighting Cock Islet
Haiphong · 9.2 km from Ha Long BayDinh Huong Island
Tuan Chau · 6.9 km from Ha Long BayCat Co 1 Beach
Haiphong · 28.2 km from Ha Long BayHanoi Old Quarter
Vietnam · HanoiHoan Kiem Lake
Vietnam · HanoiSt. Joseph Cathedral
Vietnam · HanoiHo Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Vietnam · Hanoi
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What travellers say about Ha Long Bay
_TI***7nOctober 7, 2026
5.0
Great day out, awesome place to see and baby long the tour guide was even better
Ha Long Bay
小思文May 24, 2021
4.0
Guanlan Island is also a very interesting island. You can enjoy the scenery of Halong Bay. The accommodation and hotels are all very new structures. The seafood here is of good variety and not expensive. It is mainly fresh and has relatively abundant fishery resources.
Quanlan Island
Bryan_22August 22, 2026
5.0
Cat Ba Island is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to combine stunning natural scenery with relaxing beach time and exciting island adventures. The emerald waters, limestone cliffs, and peaceful bays create an unforgettable atmosphere. I especially enjoyed exploring Lan Ha Bay and discovering the quieter side of the island. A perfect getaway for nature lovers and travelers seeking a refreshing escape from the busy city.
Cat Ba Island
喜欢猫的虎January 17, 2022
5.0
The Fighting Cock Rock is located on the south side of Mutou Island, about 800 meters away from the Incense Burner Rock. Two small rocky mountains about 12 meters high look like a pair of large chickens with their wings spread, standing face to face separated by a narrow trench. The two rocky mountains were chosen as the most unique image of Halong Bay. The Fighting Cock Rock was chosen as the symbol of Vietnam's tourism industry in 2000.
Fighting Cock Islet
牛奶海January 23, 2020
4.0
The Incense Burner Rock is located on the sea surface of Halong Bay in Vietnam. It is the first landscape you see on a cruise ship. The feeling at high tide is not as good as the image at low tide. The few feet under the Incense Burner Rock cannot be seen, so the time of visiting is very important.
Dinh Huong Island
judyjudy098May 13, 2023
5.0
It's great for playing in the water or just taking a walk. There's also a walking path along the beach.
Cat Co 1 Beach
SoghepardoSeptember 10, 2026
5.0
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter 🇻🇳, a vibrant maze of historic streets filled with local life, street food, shops, cafés, and the unmistakable energy of Vietnam.
Hanoi Old Quarter
HAB46October 4, 2026
5.0
The Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi is one of the most visited central attractions of the city. The atmosphere is leisurely and relaxing, which makes it an easy-going place to enjoy a nighttime or a daytime stroll, while taking pictures and taking in the views of the streets around, where there are many shops, cafes and restaurants as well as street eateries.
Hoan Kiem Lake
cientravelJuly 15, 2026
5.0
St. Joseph Cathedral is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Hanoi. Its stunning Gothic architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant surroundings make it a must-visit. Whether you come to admire the exterior, attend Mass, or simply enjoy the nearby cafés, it’s a wonderful place to experience the city’s charm and history.
St. Joseph Cathedral
梦中的阿尔及尔November 5, 2024
5.0
Vietnam and we share the same roots and similar systems. The location here is similar to Tiananmen Square, a very open square with Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in the center. When I visited, it was under maintenance and I was unable to pay my respects.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
