When thinking of Halong, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, taking a boat trip on one of the bay’s cruises.
But if spending the night on the blue ocean and enjoying the serene calm of the bay doesn’t appeal to you (who knows?), you might simply enjoy stopping by and exploring the city of Halong itself.
By reading this article, you’ll discover all the activities you can enjoy there.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to help you organize your stay in Halong.
How is Halong city organized?
The city can be divided into three main areas: Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, and Hong Gai.
Arriving from Hanoi, the first thing you’ll see (on your right) is the large gateway marking the entrance to Tuan Chau. Tuan Chau is an island (now practically a peninsula) connected to the mainland by a bridge. This is where the vast majority of cruise boats departing for Halong Bay set sail. The island is still largely under construction but already offers beautiful beaches with views of the bay’s karst peaks.
Bai Chay is the main tourist area of Halong, home to large hotels and now the Sun World Complex amusement park. It also has nice public beaches.
On the other side of the Bai Chay Bridge lies Hong Gai, a more local district with its market, the church perched on the hill, small hotels, and seafood restaurants. You’ll also find a beautiful seaside promenade from which you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the bay.
Here’s what we suggest you do during your stay in Halong.
Activities we recommend
Have fun at Sun World Park
Covering a total area of 214 hectares, Sun World Halong is an amusement and entertainment complex made up of two main areas:
# The coastal amusement park and the Ba Deo Hill park, connected by a cable car system.
# The coastal park on Bai Chay Beach, which includes a variety of exciting attractions such as Dragon Park (home to the most spectacular roller coasters in Vietnam), a water park called Tornado Bay, and Halong’s relaxing coastline, surrounded by sapphire-blue water and white sand beaches.
The Queen Cable Car connects Bai Chay and Ba Deo Hill and holds the record for the world’s highest cable line, reaching nearly 190 meters in height. This makes a cable car ride one of the best ways to admire Halong Bay. Each cabin can hold up to 230 passengers and is equipped with crystal-clear glass windows offering breathtaking panoramic views.
At the top of Ba Deo Hill, you’ll find the Sun Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels of its kind in the world.
Queen cable car in Halong, Vietnam
Visit the Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda
Also located at the top of Ba Deo Hill is the Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda.
There are two ways to get there:
# Take the Queen Cable Car and arrive at the large Ferris wheel; from there, a bridge will lead you directly to the pagoda.
# Take a small road located at the foot of the hill — turn right immediately after crossing the Bai Chay Bridge. The advantage of this second option is that it’s completely free! The pagoda can be visited on its own, without needing to buy a cable car ticket (though the ride is truly worth it). However, there’s one condition: you’ll need your own transportation — ideally a scooter or small motorbike.
Once there, you’ll discover several buildings constructed on the site of an ancient pagoda (as is often the case in Vietnam). The interiors are impressive, featuring numerous golden decorations. You’ll also notice that the site is not only a Buddhist pagoda, but also a temple where several other deities are worshipped — including Ho Chi Minh and General Giap! In addition, you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view from the top of the hill.
Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda
Relax on the beaches of Bai Chay or Tuan Chau
While the beaches in Northern Vietnam may not be as stunning as those in the Central or Southern regions, you can still enjoy a pleasant time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Bai Chay or Tuan Chau.
Most importantly, nowhere else (except on the islands within the bay) can you swim while admiring the extraordinary view of Halong Bay’s limestone karsts!
We recommend the large Bai Chay Beach, where many hotels and restaurants are located. You can easily spend a full or half day swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and enjoying delicious seafood. You can also relax on one of Tuan Chau Island’s beaches after returning from your cruise around the bay. Several hotels are conveniently located just a few meters from the shore.
Enjoy the sunrise from the seaside
The province has built a kind of promenade that allows you to walk or cycle safely along the seafront. It’s an ideal spot for a morning jog or exercise session — and the locals make the most of it! We recommend getting up early (around 5 a.m.) to take a stroll along the waterfront at sunrise. You won’t regret it, as you can see in the photos below…
Enjoy seafood with a view of the bay
We suggest watching the sunset while dining at a seafood restaurant. Some of them have terraces overlooking the bay, offering a breathtaking view before night falls.
We recommend two restaurants located side by side: Bim One and Talata.
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Try the famous Sua Chua Tuan Chau Halong
Let’s stay on the topic of culinary tourism with Sua Chua Tuan Chau, known as the favorite snack of locals and many Vietnamese! It’s a type of yogurt mixed with crushed ice and a variety of toppings — refreshing and delicious!
Here’s a list of the best places to try it in Halong:
Visit the Halong Market
If you’re still a bit hungry afterward, why not take a walk through Halong Market? Located in the Hang Gai area, the market is divided into two sections: an outdoor area where fish, seafood, meat, and vegetables are sold, and an indoor area for clothing, kitchenware, and votive objects.
Go early in the morning to see the market at its liveliest!
Visit the church on the hills of Hong Gai
Located on the heights of Hong Gai, the visit to the church — especially during the end-of-year holidays — is well worth it. Along the way, you’ll once again enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings.
Visit the Quang Ninh Museum
Finally, a stop at the Quang Ninh Museum and Library is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and culture of Quang Ninh Province. Designed by Spanish architect Salavador Perez Arroyo, the Quang Ninh Museum Library won the Works of 2013 Award thanks to its distinctive architectural design, symbolizing coal, the province’s main natural resource. From the outside, visitors are impressed by the twin buildings with their bold appearance. The dark glass façade gives them the look of a giant mirror, reflecting the stunning seascape of Halong Bay.
The museum has three floors, each representing different stages in Quang Ninh’s development — in both space and time — from ancient times to the present, from the mountains to the delta and the sea.
# First floor: Dedicated to the sea and nature;
#Second floor: Focused on the history and culture of Quang Ninh;
# Third floor: Displays objects related to the coal and mining industry.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A few years ago, it was possible to climb to the top of Bai Tho Mountain for a panoramic view of the bay. Today, access is officially prohibited, unless you go through a local resident’s garden for a small fee…
Now you know our best tips for visiting Halong, so — enjoy your stay!
