There is no better way to appreciate Halong Bay's beauty than when sailing among the small islands and towering limestone cliffs that populate the bay. But the type of boat experience you choose makes all the difference, and there are options ranging from short half-day tours that take place throughout the day to overnight trips that leave from Hanoi.

You can choose between a traditional junk-boat trip with sails or a more modern yacht-style boat that is faster. A one-night cruise starting from Hanoi may be enough because Halong Bay is only about 140 kilometers from the capital. Because food, accommodation, and sightseeing are all included in the cruise ticket, these two-day, one-night cruises are ideal if you want to relax without having to make any own travel plans. Cruises to and from Halong Bay typically have air-con and sun loungers with a clear view of the water. If you book a two- or three-night cruise, you may also have the choice of staying at a resort on an island (usually Cat Ba).

The best place to stop in Halong Bay if you want to do something other than explore the incredibly clear waters is Cat Ba Island, which is the largest island in the region.

The island is home to some nice hotels, Cat Ba National Park, which occupies a third of the island, as well as a number of Vietnam War-related tourist destinations, most notably the Hospital Cave, an underground hospital and safe house that was bomb-proof. Adventurers who want to explore Halong Bay up close and personal can begin their journey from Cat Ba. The best places to rent kayaks, go on tours to explore the island's caves, go on a stroll through the national park (the trails are well marked so you won't get lost), or go rock climbing are here. While organized tours are available, many tourists just pay a local to take them on their boat if you'd like to experience something that isn't covered by your cruise package.

Despite the fact that more and more tourists are now coming to this part of the bay, it still primarily remains unknown. This is mainly because getting there requires navigating a labyrinth of limestone mountains, so only those on longer cruises (at least three days) will find their way here.

You may easily (and safely) explore the area in a kayak because the waters surrounding Bai Tu Long Bay aren't as crowded with big ships. There are numerous caverns in Bai Tu Long that can only be accessed from the water, and there are also tucked-away corners of breathtaking, unspoiled beauty almost wherever you turn. The island is home to many critically endangered, including the leopard cat and the giant Indian civet, and is covered in mangroves and rainforest.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the top things to do in Halong Bay because of the crystal-clear waters, but the areas near Cong Do Island and Van Gio Island are especially good starting points because of their remote location, which means less boat traffic and a large choice of marine species.

Cong Do Island has its own system of five lakes that are tucked away behind limestone peaks but still connect to the sea, providing a unique and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular snorkeling site. The island is also home to seagrass beds, which are the favored habitat for sea turtles and sea horses, in addition to rare corals including red and forest corals. Once on land, you can quickly locate stone crabs, lizards, and hornbills that live in the wet areas near the coast. Once you're off the water, the islands also provide lots of trekking options where you can find ancient trees and hidden lagoons.

The largest theme park in Vietnam is called Sun World. It spans 214 hectares and is divided into two parts: the Coastal Amusement Complex, which also has the Typhoon Water Park, and the Mystic Mountain Complex, also known as the Ba Deo Hill Park.

The Queen Cable Car, which spans two kilometers of gorgeous photo opportunities high over the water and the island, links both parts of the park. With its own sandy beach that gently slopes into the surrounding turquoise waters, the park's coastal area has plenty of thrill rides to choose from, including a roller coaster, water slides, and giant slides. The Sun Wheel Halong, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world with 64 cabins, is located in Ba Deo park and offers breathtaking views of the bay. Along with these attractions, there is an arcade, a gaming area inside, a wax museum, and a Zen garden with bonsai trees, waterfalls, and a miniature Mount Fuji.

Despite not being the largest beach in Halong Bay, this crescent-shaped beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. The only way to get to Tip Top island, a tiny islet with calm waters and white sands, is by boat from Halong Bay.

The island, which is a famous spot for rock climbing, is also a popular stop for day cruises. However, boats only stay here for a short period of time, so if you want to stay longer, rent your own boat and spend some additional time just lying on the sand and watching the magnificent bay nearby. There is a small store on the island that also serves as a mini café and rents beach chairs, snorkeling gear, and swimming equipment.

This combination of a museum, library, and exhibition space is located in Halong City and has a 24,000 square meter floor space. It has a very eclectic collection that ranges from sailboat models to objects related to Buddhist culture and the resistance effort against the French Colonial empire.

Not only that, this museum is where you can discover large collections that give a broad view into the land and people (including minority ethnic groups) of Halong Bay. The library has a large book collection in addition to a theater, coffee shop, screening room, and bookstore. This complex is great for learning more about the city because it has reading rooms, kid-specific spaces, and places where rotating exhibits are available. It's also a great place to go when you're in the region to take a peaceful break from the heat.

It's not surprising that Halong Bay has a lot of caves given the number of cliffs and mountains there; Driftwood Island is a great location to explore and find something interesting.

Two caves may be found on this small island to the southwest of Halong Bay: the massive Thien Cung cave and the tall but shallow Dau Go grotto. The entrance to Dau Go cave, for instance, is "only" 12 meters high, but the highest dome within reaches 25 meters tall and is covered in stone pillars and stalagmites. Both caves are at least two million years old and feature several remarkable chambers. Three ponds are located inside Thien Cung Cave, which is also illuminated with vibrant lights, which creates a dancing of ghostly images on the walls as visitors walk by.

As one of the two major monasteries of Quang Ninh city, the Cai Bau pagoda in Quang Ninh is an attractive tourist destination for pilgrims to visit and admire.

The large pagoda, which is 20 hectares in size and is situated high on a hill overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay, is home to shrines, gates, and towers that offer a spiritual retreat and numerous photo opportunities. Even though there were temples here over 700 years ago, the current pagoda was entirely rebuilt and expanded in 2007. The pagoda's well-kept gardens have bells, statues, small ponds, and two sizable legendary creatures guarding the gate. There are also numerous quiet spots where you may relax and take in the cool breeze and the stunning views over the water.

In the center of Bai Tu Long Bay is the fishing town of Vung Vieng. It was founded by local fishermen in the 19th century, and today there are more than 300 inhabitants, some of whom now reside inland but still spend most of their time working in the village.

While being the largest of four such floating villages in the Halong Bay region, Vung Vieng has also succeeded in keeping its originality, with sustainable fishing still providing most of the community's income rather than tourism. Fortunately for visitors, the village has also converted one of its larger floating buildings into an open center where people may stop by to buy food and handicrafts or attend workshops. For the most realistic experience, you can spend the night in one of the homes and go night fishing with the locals.