13 hidden Ha Long Bay attractions you need to experience now

Have you really seen Vietnam if you didn’t sail across the iconic Ha Long Bay? 

If you’re planning an adventure through the diverse cities, landscapes and mountainous terrain of Vietnam, then a cruise on Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters has undoubtedly appeared on your wish list. Famous for its dramatic limestone karsts, tranquil lagoons, sea caves, sandy coves and floating villages, the region has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Given Ha Long Bay’s proximity to the metropolis of Hanoi (around a three-hour drive away) it can easily be explored on a day trip. Junk boat tours, cruises and sea kayak expeditions are the most popular ways to see the bay. However, for those seeking a more meaningful immersion into this pristine environment, overnight or multi-day luxury cruises have become the activity of choice. Read on for our guide to the best Ha Long Bay attractions in Vietnam, from hidden gems to slow travel experiences.

13 best Ha Long Bay attractions

Ba Ham Lake

Tucked away off the well-worn tourist path, Ba Ham Lake is a peaceful and scenic escape with mountains, forests and chilled-out bays. Its dramatic landscapes have become popular among photographers, while nearby villages provide visitors the opportunity to engage in cultural experiences with local communities.

Cat Ba Island

Located within Cat Ba National Park, this island is a patchwork of limestone peaks, dense forest, sandy shores, restaurants, bars and markets. If you’re looking for Ha Long Bay attractions that offer animal sightings, this is the destination for you. Here, you’ll find the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, also known as the golden-headed langur. This primate is one of the rarest in the world, with 91 individuals remaining in the wild. This island also offers visitors hiking trails, rock climbing and motorcycle tours, and the opportunity to visit Viet Hai Village, a rural and authentic locale that provides insight into traditional ways of Vietnamese life.

Trinh Nu Beach & Cave

There are many caves in Ha Long Bay, but most are congested by groups of well-meaning tourists. If you’re looking for a quieter cavern to explore, Trinh Nu (which means ‘virgin’) was named after a local legend about a young woman who turned into stone in order to preserve her purity, and can be explored on foot. While there, go for a swim off the sandy shore.

Sung Sot Cave

Also known as the ‘Surprise Cave’, this cavern is the largest and most famous of the area, located on Bo Hon island. The narrow passages are accessible for people of all
fitness levels, and pass by incredible stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals, flowers and mythical characters.

Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave offers visitors a theatrical display of rainbow-hued light and stalactites and stalagmites shaped like all sorts of fantastical creatures, earning it the alterative moniker of ‘Heavenly Palace Cave’.

Ti Top Island

The crescent-shaped shores of this picturesque isle are perfect for swimming or sunbathing, while the summit of its small mountain offers panoramic views across Ha Long Bay.

Tien Ong Cave

Named after the sea god, Tien Ong Cave holds spiritual significance for fishermen and the locals of Ha Long Bay. Nestled on a small island surrounded by towering karsts, the cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Cua Van Floating Fishing Village

One of the most famous Ha Long Bay attractions is Cua Van Floating Fishing Village. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is positioned within the Hung Thang commune, around 20km from the mainland, and its history dates back more than a century. Historically home to fisherman, pearl farmers and other seafaring trades-people, the village can only be seen by boat or kayak.

Luon Cave

This natural wonder is found in the heart of Ha Long Bay, on the northeast side of Bo Hon Island, around 1km from Sung Sot Cave. Only accessible by kayak or boat, the grotto is filled with geological fascinations and sparkling waters, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Set within Bái Tử Long National Park in the northeast of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a quiet and less crowded area that offers an authentic experience and photo-worthy limestone scenery. Bai Tu Long Bay is also home to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, a network of floating homes with an active pearl farming industry. Jump aboard a bamboo boat ride, learn about pearl cultivation or spend time meeting the residents.

Bai Chay Beach & Town

Ready to plunge into the hustle and bustle? Make a stop at Bai Chay Beach while visiting the Ha Long Bay attractions. This bustling beachside escape welcomes sun-worshippers and water-lovers, while on land a range of restaurants, clubs, hotels, resorts, shops and markets provide endless entertainment.

Lan Ha Bay

Visitors who are comfortable veering off the typical tourist path should add Lan Ha Bay to their list of must-visit Ha Long Bay attractions. The island typically has less crowds, so a stop here almost always guarantees quiet, secluded lagoons, relaxation and quiet visits to the local villages.

Dau Go Cave

In the 13th century, Vietnamese soldiers drove wooden stakes into the Bach Dang River to trap the ships of Mongol invaders. According to local legend, Dau Go Cave is where the Vietnamese soldiers stored the wooden stakes before deploying them for action.

7 of the best luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay

• Orchid Premium Cruise Boutique, ultra-exclusive cruise with butler service and Indochine design; typically sails through Lan Hạ Bay with stops for kayaking, caves, and beaches.
• Indochine Premium Cruise (Indochina Sails) Modern yet heritage-inspired luxury line, famous for spacious decks and refined service; itineraries cover Hạ Long Bay and Lan Hạ Bay, often including caves and pearl farms.
• Mon Cheri Cruise Elegant, social-atmosphere cruise with pools, spa, and family-friendly activities; usually explores Lan Hạ Bay and nearby grottoes.
• Scarlet Pearl Cruise Sleek, eco-focused line with minimalist design and onboard Pearl Museum; its itineraries highlight Lan Hạ Bay’s quieter lagoons and floating villages.
• Elite of the Seas Super-yacht style luxury with a gold-plated infinity pool and European dining; typically sails Lan Hạ Bay with stops for swimming, kayaking, and cave visits.
• Capella Cruise Glamorous, versatile vessel with both indulgent and playful amenities (pool, water slide, cigar club); itineraries span Lan Hạ Bay, including remote beaches and caves.
• Catherine Cruise Brand-new ultra-luxury ship (2023) with oversized suites, spa, and fine dining; usually cruises through Hạ Long Bay and Lan Hạ Bay, with activities like cave tours and kayaking.
• Bhaya Cruises This fleet of small, bespoke ships offers passengers a variety of one and two-night itineraries (and a private charter option) to see the highlight Ha Long Bay attractions as well as lesser-known gems in the area.

Why is Ha Long Bay famous?

Ha Long Bay has become world-famous for its dramatic limestone karsts, islands, caves and emerald waters. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its geographic significance and aesthetic value. Ha Long Bay’s beautiful scenery dates back centuries, and its grottoes are some of the most picturesque in Vietnam. Tourists flock to Ha Long Bay not only for its natural beauty, but to see the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur on Cat Ba Island, to see the floating fishing villages and learn about the cultural myths that surround the region.

How many days do you need in Ha Long Bay?

While many people visit Ha Long Bay on a day trip from Hanoi, the region is best experienced with an overnight (or more!) cruise. This allows visitors to see more of the region, visit more caves and islands, go kayaking, swimming and enjoy the scenery, without feeling rushed. We recommend two days, with one to three days with an overnight stay.