1 Explore Ha Long Bay - World Heritage Site
Ha Long Bay is a scenic complex spanning 1553 km comprising more than 2,000 large and small islands. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This area features three major islands: Dau Go Island to the west, Ba Ham Lake to the south, and Cong Tay Island to the north. The ideal time to visit is from April to October every year, when the sunny and dry weather is favorable for sea excursions.
When touring Ha Long Bay, there are many routes to choose from with famous stops across the bay, such as: Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Tien Ong Cave… In particular, every cruise tour of Ha Long Bay passes by Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet) - the symbol of Ha Long in particular and Quang Ninh in general.
If you have the chance to visit Ha Long Bay, you should not miss Soi Soi Island. It is the only place on the bay where wild rose myrtle grows, allowing you to admire the seascape and watch the sim flowers bloom in summer. A little tip from MIA.vn: if you travel in a group, bring along a tarp and some snacks to enjoy a wonderful meal right on the beach. For adventure lovers, definitely try riding a jet ski around the island.
Another destination you cannot miss is Cua Van fishing village. This is one of the oldest and most famous fishing villages in Ha Long. Coming to Cua Van, you will be immersed in a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere and have the opportunity to learn about the cultural and spiritual life of the locals here.
Ha Long Bay is a must-visit attraction when coming to Ha Long
2 Tuan Chau Island
Originally an island isolated from the mainland with very few residents, Tuan Chau now boasts an overland road connection, the largest international cruise port, multiple entertainment centers, and an array of attractions for visitors. With an entrance ticket of 40,000 VNĐ/visit, you can freely roam the beach on this pearl island. You can have fun to your heart's content along the long sandy beaches and immerse yourself in the cool sea waters.
In particular, you also have the opportunity to try various adventure sports such as windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking… In addition, when visiting Tuan Chau Island, you should test your skills at the 5-hectare outdoor entertainment park featuring fascinating shows like seal, crocodile, and monkey circuses… along with thrilling rides such as the Kangaroo carousel, glamorous horse carousel, bumper car racing, mystery house, children's house… Furthermore, the surrounding tourist area offers many beautiful hotels, with prominent names such as Paradise Suite Hotel, Mon Bay Hotel, and La Paz Resort Tuan Chau.
Peaceful Tuan Chau Island in the morning sunlight
See more: Review of an extremely exciting 3D2N Ha Long travel itinerary for you
3 Entertainment spots in Bai Chay
3.1 Sun World Entertainment Complex
The Sun World complex is an indispensable part of the Bai Chay tourist area, featuring a 2m-long sea-crossing cable car system and the extremely exciting Ba Deo amusement complex for tourists. The cable car ticket price is also quite affordable at around 250,000 VNĐ/person, relatively pocket-friendly for travelers. Destinations you cannot miss on Ba Deo peak include the Mystic Castle indoor game zone, the Japanese Garden, and the Sun Wheel.
Inside Sun World is Dragon Park, a miniature world packed with thrilling rides for young adventurers. Exciting games here such as the mysterious journey, tornado dance, or reptile squad promise to bring you unforgettable moments with friends. The Dragon Park ticket price is also around 350,000 VNĐ/person.
Typhoon Water Park boasts 12 water attractions for children and adults alike. If you visit, make sure to experience free-falling from a height of over 20m on super-fast spiral slides and spinning 360 degrees in the tropical storm ride.
Sun World entertainment complex bustling at night
3.2 Bai Chay Old Town
Bai Chay Old Town is built in an ancient architectural style similar to what you can easily find in Hanoi Old Quarter or Hoi An Ancient Town. The area offers various dining options and coffee shops, looking most beautiful when the city lights up at night. You will enjoy wonderful experiences strolling through the streets and tasting delicious local dishes. According to MIA.vn's experience, prices here can be quite high, so if you plan on eating late at night or buying souvenirs, do not hesitate to bargain as overcharging tourists happens frequently here.
Ha Long Old Town also recreates the scenery of Hoi An Town
3.3 Bai Chay Beach
The beach here has been newly renovated with an artificial shoreline stretching up to 900m and is completely free to the public. Visiting Bai Chay Beach, you can immerse yourself in the clear blue water, gaze at Ha Long Bay, and especially participate in adventure sports such as: surfing, speedboat parasailing, kayaking…
Bai Chay Beach is always crowded with tourists coming for a swim
4 Scenic spots in Hon Gai
4.1 Bai Chay Bridge
Bai Chay Bridge serves as a vital link connecting the two areas of Bai Chay and Hon Gai. This bridge is regarded as a tourism symbol of Quang Ninh province and a prominent highlight attracting travelers to Quang Ninh. As night falls, Bai Chay Bridge becomes even more enchanting with shimmering lights that change colors continuously, creating an exceptionally magical ambiance. It is also considered a favorite check-in spot for many young people.
Bai Chay Bridge with its majestic beauty
4.2 Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain is situated in an ideal location where you can admire a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. It takes about 30 minutes to climb the mountain starting early in the morning; by 5:00 AM, you can already watch the sunrise from the mountain summit. This is also where you can find the best view overlooking the bay in Ha Long city, and foreign travelers love taking check-in photos at Bai Tho Mountain.
Right at the foot of the mountain lies Long Tien Pagoda, a large pagoda recognized as a famous historical relic in Ha Long city. Long Tien Pagoda possesses a poetic, charming landscape, serving as an ideal haven for those who seek tranquility and peace in a sacred Buddhist setting.
Poetic Bai Tho Mountain amid the vast sea
4.3 Quang Ninh Library
Quang Ninh Library is located along the coastal road in the eastern area of the city, featuring unique architecture and regarded as a source of pride for the people of Ha Long. The outer glass facade is coated in the jet-black color of coal. This serves as a giant mirror reflecting the sea and sky of Ha Long, creating a distinctive trait that leaves an indelible impression on visitors. For just 30,000 VNĐ/ticket, you can freely explore the entire 3-story library space filled with vivid, authentic paintings depicting the mining region. Among these, the exhibition section showcasing the culture and lifestyle of the 14 ethnic groups living in this land consistently attracts special interest from travelers.
Quang Ninh Library is a favorite check-in spot for many young people
Traveling to Ha Long is always an exciting journey for those who know, understand, and appreciate beauty. Ha Long not only possesses picturesque and majestic scenery, but also leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of visitors through the warm, hospitable nature of the local people toward travelers from all corners. MIA.vn hopes you will have a truly meaningful trip exploring Ha Long.