If you want to visit the most beautiful places on the planet, you’d be silly to pass up Halong Bay, Vietnam. Located in Quang Ninh Province, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of hundreds of limestone islets, gorgeous blue waters and caves to explore. Sound like your cup of tea? Let us tell you a little bit more about what kinds of things you can do.

Boat Tours

There are endless options for boat tours in and around Ha Long Bay. Whether you want to rent a kayak or to book a tour on board a Junk ship (an ancient Chinese sailing ship that is still used widely in the region today) there are plenty of options. One of the most popular things to do is to take a one or two-day river cruise along the bay so you can see the sights and hop-on-hop-off at different locations.

The Islands

The two main islands are Tuan Cha and Cat Ba. There you will find the homes of most local residents, tourist attractions and unique dining experiences. When venturing off of these islands you’ll come across others that have pure (but far from simple) nature to explore. Most of these islands are actually hollow, which actually makes what’s beneath the surface that much more interesting.

The Caves

Halong Bay has plenty of caves to explore. Some of the most popular include Dau Go Cave, Dong Thien Cung and Sung Sot Cave. If you’re looking to cool down and get out of the sun, this is definitely the way to go. Many locals have associated several caves with myths based on the shapes of the stones resembling different characters. These cool underground gems definitely beat sitting in an air-conditioned hotel room.

Sun World Ha Long Park

If you’re looking for some more modern family fun, check out the Sun World Ha Long Park, which offers amusement park rides, a water park and games for all to enjoy! You can even jump on a cable car that overlooks the bay, making this a photo-friendly and fun ride.

Cannon Fort

While on Cat Ba Island, head to Cannon Fort if you truly want the best view. It’s a bit of a hike to get there but the path is well marked and the panoramic view of the island that you get at the top is more than worth the physical effort. Expect to spend about thirty minutes each way with a bit of difficult terrain.

Cat Ba National Park

If you’re seeking a good hike and some incredible nature, head to Cat Ba National Park. It is home to over thirty-two different types of mammals, including the only remaining golden-headed langurs in existence. You can either roam around on your own or ask a Must Do Travels agent to help you book a guided tour.

So now you know the basics about Halong Bay, Vietnam. As we said before, this is a must for nature lovers, especially those who are good with a camera. Ready to book your trip? We recommend going in the Spring or Fall when the weather is cooler but there really isn’t a bad time of year to go. Let’s get your trip planned! This popular region is just begging to be featured in your next travel album.