Landmarks in Ha Long Bay
- 01
Bai Chay Bridge
A cable-stayed bridge over the Cua Luc strait that links Bai Chay and Hon Gai, opened in 2006.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dusk
- Tickets
- No ticket; the bridge carries Highway 18. Take photos from the shore.
- 02
Dau Go Cave
The largest grotto in the Ha Long area, with three large chambers and a folk link to a 13th-century battle against Mongol ships.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early in the day
- Tickets
- Normally included in the shorter day-cruise route; check with your operator. Hours and routing can change.
- 03
Sung Sot Cave
A large cave on Bo Hon Island, usually the first stop on the longer day-cruise route, with high chambers and a view over the bay.
- Time needed
- About 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning, before tour groups arrive
- Tickets
- Entry is usually part of the cruise fee or a separate cave ticket; confirm with your operator. Dress in shoes with grip.
- 04
Thien Cung Cave
A cave on Dau Go Island whose name means paradise cave, with a long chamber partly divided by stalactite and stalagmite walls.
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early in the day
- Tickets
- Usually included in the shorter cruise route or paid separately; check with your operator. Entry hours can change.
Experiences in Ha Long Bay
- 05
Ha Long Bay Cruise
A boat cruise among the bay's limestone islands, ranging from a half-day route to an overnight stay, with cave and island stops along the way.
- Time needed
- Half day to 2 days
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mornings in October to November and March to May
- Tickets
- Prices and inclusions vary by boat, route and season; compare written itineraries. A permit system covers cave and island stops, so confirm what the price includes. Book vegetarian meals ahead of time.
- 06
Luon Cave
A low, water-level cave on Bo Hon Island that you pass through by rowing boat or kayak into an enclosed tidal lagoon.
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Calm mornings
- Tickets
- Part of the longer cruise route; rowing boat or kayak can be an extra charge. Confirm what is included.
- 07
Ti Top Island
A small island named after a Soviet cosmonaut, with a crescent beach and a viewpoint reached by a long staircase.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Clear mornings
- Tickets
- Usually part of the longer day-cruise route; confirm with your operator. Swimming depends on water conditions.
Day trips in Ha Long Bay
- 08
Bai Tu Long National Park
A protected area of islands and sea in Van Don, in similar limestone scenery to Ha Long Bay with a quieter feel.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Clear days outside the wet season
- Tickets
- Access is by organised tour or boat from the park area; confirm permits and routes in advance.
- 09
Yen Tu Mountain
A mountain of the Truc Lam Zen tradition in Uong Bi, with temples, a monastery and a bronze pagoda near its summit.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Cooler, clear days
- Tickets
- Entry and cable car tickets are sold on site; confirm current opening times and fees with the operator.
Neighbourhoods in Ha Long Bay
- 10
Bai Chay
The mainland tourist district of Ha Long, with an artificial beach, hotels, resorts and the piers where most cruises begin.
- Time needed
- A few hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon and evening
- Tickets
- No entry fee for the public areas. Beach access and hotel facilities vary; check with your hotel.
Places of worship in Ha Long Bay
- 11
Cua Ong Temple
A national-level temple on a hill in Cam Pha, dedicated to the Tran dynasty general Tran Quoc Tang, with a view over the bay.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
- Tickets
- Entry rules and hours vary; confirm locally. Dress with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where asked.
Culture in Ha Long Bay
- 12
Cua Van Floating Village
A community of floating houses in the bay, where fishing and aquaculture shape daily life and some boats offer visits.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Daytime, calm weather
- Tickets
- Offered as part of some cruises or as a separate boat tour; residents may charge for rides or meals. Ask first before photographing people.
