Halong Bay Activities - Activities in Halong

Halong Bay is a recreational paradise, with plenty of exhilarating activities available. The importance of the area with naturalists also means there are many tours that cater to visitors with special interests, such as bird watchers and nature photographers.

The most popular way to see Halong bay is on a two or three day cruise aboard motorised replica traditional junks. For a large portion of the year the bay is shrouded in mist, despite putting a dampener on the weather it adds a mystical atmosphere.

Swimming in Halong Bay

Swimming is best from May to October, when the weather is hot and the water crystal clear. Swimming is possible at countless sites in Halong Bay, either off the shores of islands or in cave grottos. The peaceful waters of the bay means swimming is rarely dangerous due to strong currents, but care should be taken when swimming near rocky ledges that may be covered with oysters and other shellfish.

Cruising in Halong Bay

Cruising is the best way of seeing all the beauty Halong Bay has to offer. There are two basic cruise options; full scale five-star luxury boats or traditional junk. While the luxury cruise ships may be great for their range of facilities and amenities, nothing can beat the open deck of the timeless junk for capturing the magic of Halong Bay at all hours of the day and night.

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Kayaking is a rewarding way of exploring caves and getting close up and personal with the region’s natural wonders. Typically, kayaks are inflatable and your party is taken to a starting point by boat, which stays on standby and provides support when needed. With this arrangement and the calmness of the bay’s waters, kayakers can feel quite safe and fully enjoy their paddling.

Wildlife watching in Halong Bay

Wildlife watching in Halong Bay is very satisfying, with the variety of habitats supporting a wide variety of creatures. There are a few species of primates that inhabit the forests and mangroves, while the wetlands protect numerous species of birds. There is also a great range of reptiles, insects and bats.

Cultural excursions in Halong Bay

Cultural excursions take interested visitors to numerous archaeological and historical sites throughout Halong Bay, with scenic locations on many islands and locations on the mainland offering fascinating insights into the long and enthralling past of the region. Tourists can also visit traditional villages, witness the making of handicrafts and travel to mystical temples.

Helicopter tours in Halong Bay

Helicopter tours are a fantastic way of seeing the magic of Halong Bay from a different perspective. Helicopter tours operate from airports in Hanoi and Hai Phong, and can be arranged for any time of day. Dawn and dusk flights are particularly spectacular.