Things to do in Halong Bay fall into five groups: paddling and swimming, caves, fishing villages, activities on board a cruise, and attractions on shore around Bai Chay. Almost everything on the water belongs to a numbered sightseeing route, so the route printed on a ticket decides which stops a trip reaches. Live availability for these trips appears across the Halong Bay tours sold by Beka Travel.
A cruise in Halong Bay is often sold as a relaxing trip, yet the bay also suits active travelers. Kayaking through enclosed lagoons, climbing to the Ti Top viewpoint and cycling on Cat Ba Island all fit into one or two days. The sections below sort each activity by where it happens, what it costs and which route includes it.
Key facts about Halong Bay activities
| Heritage name since 2023 | Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, after the Cat Ba Archipelago was added, according to whc.unesco.org |
| Caves | Nearly 60 caves managed in groups by the bay authorities |
| Swimming | Ti Top is the main swimming beach on central bay routes |
| Busiest day ticket | Route VHL2 at 250,000 VND per person |
| No longer running | Seaplane sightseeing flights, stopped on April 1, 2026 |
| Day tour sold by Beka Travel | Halong Bay Day Tour from Hanoi, from $34 per adult |
| Overnight cruise sold by Beka Travel | La SEN of the Bay Cruise from $199 per adult, sailing Lan Ha Bay |
The sightseeing route decides which stops a trip gets
Every boat working the bay is licensed for a numbered sightseeing route, and the route fixes the stops. Route VHL2 covers Soi Sim, Ti Top, Sung Sot and Me Cung. Route VHL3 covers Cua Van, Tien Ong and Ba Ham Lake instead. A boat cannot move between routes on request.
This is why two tours at the same price can deliver different days. The route number is the first detail to check on any tour, before the photographs. It is also the first filter for any list of things to do in Halong Bay.
Two rules apply on every route. Single-use plastic is not allowed on tourist boats in the bay, so a refillable bottle is the practical choice. Safety checks are regular as well: an inspection in March 2026 covered 332 vessels, and all boats are tracked by GPS and AIS with VHF radio contact, according to baovanhoa.vn.
What are the best Halong Bay activities on the water?
Kayaking, swimming and the Ti Top climb are the three water activities open to most visitors on Halong Bay boat tours. All three take place at approved spots rather than anywhere on the bay. Kayaking runs at licensed sites, swimming centers on Ti Top beach, and the climb is a staircase to a viewpoint.
Kayaking through enclosed lagoons
Kayaking is the activity most travelers link with Halong Bay. Cruise boats keep to deep-water channels, while a kayak reaches the narrow spaces between islands. Low arches lead into enclosed lagoons, often called tunnel caves, where the water is still and the limestone cliffs rise on every side.
Paddling is allowed only at approved sites, each with a limit on the number of boats. Approved sites include Luon Cave and Ba Hang in the central bay, and Cua Van and Vung Vieng further out. Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes inside a marked area.
Tips for success: always wear your life jacket, even if you are a strong swimmer. Bring a waterproof dry bag for your phone. If you are a beginner, ask for a sit-on-top kayak, which is more stable than a sit-inside model. Early morning gives the softest light and the calmest water.
Beka Travel sells the Halong Bay Day Tour from Hanoi from $34 for adults and $25 for children. The kayak session and the route VHL2 ticket are included in the price.
For more time on the water, the Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay Day Tour costs from $60 and includes kayaking at Tra Bau.
Ti Top Island, the climb and the swim
Ti Top is the most photographed stop in the bay, and the reason is the view from the top. The climb is roughly 400 steps, or 15 to 20 minutes at a steady pace.
The beach at the foot of the steps is the main swimming spot on central bay routes. Boats cluster between 10am and 2pm, so early and late visits are quieter. Ti Top is on route VHL2, so the climb and the swim share one 250,000 VND ticket.
Swimming and snorkeling
Swimming inside a UNESCO World Heritage site is part of the appeal of a cruise. Some trips stop at a beach where guests walk into the water from the sand, while others offer a swim from the boat. The water is warmest from May to October, at about 27 to 30°C, and drops to about 21°C in January.
Tips for success: if you want to snorkel, ask the operator beforehand whether gear is provided. Fish and rock formations are visible below the surface, though the bay is not a colorful coral reef. Check for jellyfish before getting in, and consider a rash guard for sun protection.
Swimming from the back of a boat is common in Lan Ha Bay and less common in the central bay. Two partner cruises sold by Beka Travel include a swimming stop in Lan Ha Bay.
- Doris Cruise Halong Bay, from $151 per adult, with 25 balcony cabins for up to 50 guests.
- Dora Cruise Halong Bay, from $151 per adult, with 22 cabins for up to 60 guests.
Rock climbing and deep water soloing
Rock climbing at Butterfly Valley draws experienced climbers, with sport climbing and deep water soloing on the limestone cliffs.
Neither activity takes place in Halong Bay itself. Both run from Cat Ba town on the Lan Ha side, where local operators hold the permits. The difference between the two areas is set out in Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay.
Caves, and why they are not interchangeable
Caves are the most booked of all things to do in Halong Bay. Nearly 60 caves in the bay are managed by the authorities in different groups. Only a few are on the standard tourist routes, and they differ in size, lighting and crowd level.
Cave walks and viewpoints
Many limestone islands in the bay hide large cave systems, and several have lit paths for visitors. Sung Sot Cave and Dau Go Cave involve hundreds of steps and wide chambers full of stalactites. Some paths end at viewpoints with a wide view over the bay.
Tips for success: wear comfortable shoes with good grip and leave flip-flops on the boat. The caves are warm and humid, so light clothing works best. Bring water, as the climbs can be tiring. Main caves are well lit, but a small flashlight helps in quieter ones.
Sung Sot, the largest cave on the day routes
Sung Sot is the largest cave open to visitors and the one most day tours are built around. It has two large chambers about 100 steps up from the landing, and the visit lasts about half an hour. It sits on route VHL2 and is the busiest cave in the bay. The best times to avoid the crowd at Sung Sot Cave are covered separately.
Luon Cave, a passage rather than a cave walk
Luon is a low arch that boats pass under by kayak or bamboo boat into an enclosed lagoon. There is no walking and no lighting. The tide decides whether the arch is passable, so Luon is the stop most likely to be swapped on the day. Monkeys are often seen on the cliffs above, and the tide details for Luon Cave are covered separately.
Thien Cung and Dau Go, the pair on route VHL1
These two caves are next to each other on Bo Hon Island and share one hillside path, on route VHL1 at 250,000 VND. Thien Cung is lit in strong colors and gets busy. Dau Go next door is larger, darker and quieter.
Beka Travel does not sell a route VHL1 product, so neither cave appears on its itineraries. Travelers who want these two caves need a boat that runs route VHL1.
Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba
Trung Trang is a dry cave in Cat Ba National Park, about 300 meters long. Visitors walk it from one end to the other, and bats live inside. It is part of the Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay day tour. Each of the Halong Bay caves is compared side by side separately.
Fishing villages and the culture stops
Village stops are the quietest of the main things to do in Halong Bay. Four floating villages once housed several thousand people, and most residents moved ashore from 2014. Two villages remain open to visitors: Cua Van on route VHL3 and Vung Vieng on route VHL4.
Cua Van and its floating cultural center
Cua Van is about 20 kilometers southeast of Tuan Chau and was the largest village on the bay. A floating cultural center still stands there, with fishing gear, photographs and recordings of local folk songs.
Visits last about an hour, in a rowboat with a local rower rather than by kayak. These are working villages with moored rafts and nets. Day boats from Tuan Chau rarely reach route VHL3.
Vung Vieng, the pearl farm and the eastern bay
Vung Vieng is on route VHL4 in the Bai Tu Long direction, with a pearl farm and a rowboat circuit. Pearl farming is a working business here. The farm visit takes about twenty minutes and ends in a shop.The eastern part of the bay is covered under Bai Tu Long Bay.
What can travelers do on board an overnight cruise?
Some of the most popular things to do in Halong Bay happen while the boat is at anchor. Most overnight boats run three or four scheduled activities. On a 2 days 1 night trip these fill more hours than the sightseeing does, and almost none cost extra.
Squid fishing at night
Night squid fishing is a common evening activity on overnight cruises. Once the boat anchors, the crew switches on bright lights that draw squid to the surface. Guests get simple bamboo rods and try their luck from the deck.
Tips for success: be patient, because squid are hard to catch. The fun is in sitting on deck under the stars, away from city lights. Many boats offer to cook the catch as a late snack.
Cooking classes on the sundeck
Most overnight boats run a cooking demonstration in the late afternoon, usually for spring rolls. It lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and guests eat what they make. Sunrise Tai Chi at around 6:30am is on almost every itinerary, and the early light is another reason to be on deck.
Day trip or overnight, and how the activity list changes
A day tour covers one or two caves, one kayak session and one island. An overnight trip adds the on-board activities, a sunset, a swim and routes that a day boat cannot reach.
| Activity | Day tour | 2 days 1 night | 3 days 2 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caves | 1 to 2 | 2 | 3 to 4 |
| Kayaking | 1 session | 1 to 2 sessions | 2 to 3 sessions |
| Fishing village | Rarely | Usually | Yes |
| Swimming | Ti Top only | Yes | Yes |
| Squid fishing, cooking class | No | Yes | Yes |
| Routes reachable | VHL2, VHL8 | VHL2, VHL3 | VHL3, VHL4 |
| Sold by Beka Travel | Day tours from $34 and $60 | Partner cruises from $120 | On request |
The boats themselves are compared cabin by cabin across the Halong Bay cruise options.
Halong Bay attractions on Cat Ba Island and on shore
Not every entry on a list of things to do in Halong Bay happens on the water. Cat Ba Island has the best cycling, and Bai Chay is where most buses stop. Land attractions have their own tickets, outside the route system.
Cycling in Cat Ba National Park
Cruises with a stop on Cat Ba Island often include a bike ride. The island has a large national park with cycling trails through forest, villages and farmland. The ride shows the contrast between the bay and the tropical forest inland.
A sighting of the endangered Cat Ba langur is rare, as fewer than 80 are thought to remain in the wild. Most visitors do not see one, and the forest is worth the ride regardless.
Tips for success: check the brakes and gears before you set off. The terrain can be hilly, so ask your guide about an e-bike if you are not used to cycling. Carry sunscreen and insect repellent, and keep to the marked trails.
Queen Cable Car, the museum and the Bai Chay waterfront
The Queen Cable Car crosses Cua Luc Bay in two-level cabins and lands at a hilltop park with a large Ferris wheel. Tickets are about 380,000 VND for adults and 280,000 VND for children. Late afternoon gives the best view of the bay without a boat.
Quang Ninh Museum is the best choice for a rainy day. Bai Chay beach is man-made, shallow and busy, while the seafood streets in Hon Gai are a popular place to eat. The waterfront area is described in more detail under Bai Chay.
What can travelers no longer do in Halong Bay?
Two aerial options still appear on older lists of things to do in Halong Bay, and neither is available. Seaplane flights stopped in April 2026, and helicopter sightseeing flights were suspended in 2023. There is currently no regular way to see the bay from the air.
- Seaplane sightseeing stopped on April 1, 2026. Hai Au Aviation announced the decision on March 6, 2026, after operating 25-minute scenic flights since September 2014.
- Helicopter sightseeing flights were suspended after a crash in April 2023.
The Queen Cable Car and the Ti Top staircase are now the highest viewpoints open to visitors. Websites still quoting seaplane fares are using information from before 2026.
How much do things to do in Halong Bay cost?
Almost every activity on the water is covered by one sightseeing ticket, priced by route. Nothing is collected at the cave entrance or at the top of the Ti Top steps. Day routes cost from 70,000 VND to 600,000 VND per person, and overnight rates are charged separately.
| Route | What it covers | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| VHL1 | Thien Cung, Dau Go, Hon Cho Da, Ba Hang, Dinh Huong | 250,000 VND |
| VHL2 | Soi Sim, Ti Top, Sung Sot, Me Cung | 250,000 VND |
| VHL3 | Cua Van, Tien Ong, Ba Ham Lake | 200,000 VND |
| VHL4 | Hang Co (Thien Canh Son), Hang Thay, Cap La, Vung Vieng | 200,000 VND |
| VHL5 | Thien Cung through to Gia Luan pier on Cat Ba | 250,000 VND |
| VHL6 | Hon Chan Voi, Vung Ba Cua, Tung Lam island | 150,000 VND per day |
| VHL7 | All of routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 | 600,000 VND |
| VHL8 | Coastal water | 70,000 VND |
Overnight boats pay a combined rate that already includes sightseeing. Route 2 is 550,000 VND for one night and 750,000 VND for two. Routes 3 and 4 are 500,000 VND and 650,000 VND.
Exemptions and reductions:
- Free for children under 1.2 m or under 7 years old
- 20% reduction for children aged 7 to under 16, based on age rather than height
- 50% reduction for visitors aged 60 and over, Vietnamese citizens only
Route fees are published by the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board. Route VHL5 does not cover the public Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry, which counts as transport rather than sightseeing.
Which activities are already paid for, and which are not
Most Halong Bay activities on the water are covered by the ticket bought at the pier. The exceptions are kayak rental, village rowboats and everything on shore.
| Activity | Inside the sightseeing ticket? | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cave entry on the route | Yes | None |
| Ti Top climb and beach | Yes, route VHL2 | None |
| Kayaking at a licensed site | No | Rental, usually included in the tour price |
| Bamboo rowboat at a village | No | Paid to the village rowers, usually included on cruises |
| Floating village visit | Yes, routes VHL3 and VHL4 | Rowboat fee if taken |
| Swimming from the boat | Not applicable | None |
| Night squid fishing | Not applicable | Free on most overnight boats |
| Cooking class | Not applicable | Free on most overnight boats |
| Pearl farm visit | Yes, where the route includes it | Only purchases |
| Queen Cable Car and Ferris wheel | No, on shore | About 380,000 VND adult, 280,000 VND child |
| Typhoon Water Park | No, on shore | Seasonal prices that vary by date |
| Quang Ninh Museum | No, on shore | Separate ticket at the door |
| Seaplane flight | Not available | Service ended April 1, 2026 |
Once transfers, meals, drinks and tips are counted, the full Halong Bay trip cost is broken down separately.
Packing for an active day on the water
The bay is humid, boat decks are often wet, and the caves are warm inside. Six items cover most needs.
- Waterproof sandals or sport shoes with grip
- Quick-dry clothing for the humidity
- High-SPF, waterproof sunscreen
- A waterproof dry bag for phones and cameras
- A refillable water bottle, since single-use plastic is not allowed on tourist boats
- Insect repellent for island walks
Building a day or two out of this list
The right plan for Halong Bay depends on the number of nights. One day covers the water and the caves. Two days add a village, the on-board activities and a relaxed swim. Three days is the only option that reaches the eastern bay without rushing.
A typical day trip leaves Hanoi around 8am, kayaks at Luon, walks through Sung Sot, climbs Ti Top and returns by 9pm. That is the shape of the $34 day tour. A 2 days 1 night trip adds a second kayak session, a cooking class, squid fishing and a sunrise.
Weather is the main risk to any plan. Storms can affect the region from late May to early November, with the highest risk from July to October. Seasonal patterns are covered under best time to visit Halong Bay.
For travelers worried about crowds, a Lan Ha Bay cruise sails in much lighter boat traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Halong Bay with only one day?
Kayaking at Luon Cave is the strongest choice for a single day in the bay. Paddling under the low arch into an enclosed lagoon shows a side of the bay that boat decks cannot reach. Sung Sot is bigger and Ti Top is higher, but both are busier. A tour on route VHL2 covers all three.
Can you swim anywhere in Halong Bay?
No. In the central bay, swimming is mainly at Ti Top beach, and swimming from the boat is not allowed at most central anchorages. Lan Ha Bay is different, with many small bays where cruises anchor and guests swim from the boat. The water is about 27 to 30°C from May to October.
Is kayaking included in the price of a Halong Bay cruise?
Usually, but it should be confirmed in writing. Kayaking is not part of the sightseeing ticket, so operators either include the rental in the fare or charge for it on the day. The Ha Long Bay day tour sold by Beka Travel from $34 includes it. Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes in a marked area.
Are seaplane tours over Halong Bay still operating?
No. Hai Au Aviation ended its Halong Bay seaplane sightseeing service on April 1, 2026, after operating since September 2014. Helicopter sightseeing flights were suspended after a crash in April 2023. There is currently no regular aerial sightseeing over the bay.
What to do in Halong Bay when the weather turns wet?
Caves work in any weather. Quang Ninh Museum is the best indoor choice on shore. On board, cooking classes and the indoor restaurant carry on as normal. Rain mainly affects kayaking and swimming, while strong wind is what usually stops boats from sailing.
Which Halong Bay activities work with young children?
Bamboo boat rides, Ti Top beach, squid fishing and the cooking class all suit young children. The Ti Top staircase and the Sung Sot steps are harder for children under five, and both can be skipped while the boat waits. Children under 1.2 m or under 7 enter free on sightseeing tickets, and those aged 7 to under 16 pay 20% less.
How many things to do in Halong Bay fit into two days?
About eight or nine activities fit into two days: two caves, one or two kayak sessions, one island climb, one swim, one fishing village and the on-board program. Adding more shortens the quiet parts of the trip. A 3 days 2 nights cruise opens the eastern routes.
Beka Travel sells day tours and overnight cruises that combine kayaking, cycling on Cat Ba Island and swimming stops in Lan Ha Bay. The La SEN of the Bay Cruise costs from $199 per adult and includes kayaking at the Dark and Bright Caves and a swimming stop.
La SEN of the Bay Cruise has 25 cabins for up to 55 guests. It is operated by its own cruise company and sold by Beka Travel.
