9 Best Things to Do in Ha Long: Must-See Attractions & Entertainment
What to Do in Ha Long: Overview
Looking for the best attractions and things to do in Ha Long? Beyond its world-renowned scenery, Ha Long offers theme parks, beaches, museums, and entertainment that keep every trip full. This guide covers best things to do in Ha Long you should not miss: from UNESCO Ha Long Bay cruises and Tuan Chau Island to Sun World Ha Long Park, Dragon Park, and the best viewpoints and culture spots. Whether you prefer nature, family fun, or local culture, here are the places to visit in Ha Long for an unforgettable stay.
1. Ha Long Bay: World Heritage and Cruises
Ha Long Bay is one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Ha Long tours are a top choice for domestic and international visitors thanks to its majestic, pristine beauty. The bay is famous for its “watercolour” landscape of countless islands and mysterious limestone caves, and it appears on the 200,000 VND polymer note as a symbol of Vietnamese culture.
Must-See Spots on Ha Long Bay
Do not miss: Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot), Thien Cung Cave, Ti Top Island, Cua Van Fishing Village, Luon Cave, Fighting Cock Islet (Hon Trong Mai), and Bai Tu Long Bay. These are iconic things to do in Ha Long attractions; skipping them would leave regrets. They are spread across different cruise routes, so you may need more than one tour to see them all.
How to Explore Ha Long Bay
You can charter a private boat and follow a set route. Route 1 (Thien Cung Cave) usually takes 3–4 hours. With more time, Route 2 (Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island) is often considered the most scenic. Join a day tour or an overnight cruise on the bay for the fullest experience —one of the most popular things to do in Ha Long
2. Tuan Chau Island: Resort, Beach and Shows
Tuan Chau Island Resort is about 2 km from central Ha Long. The 220-hectare site is shaped by gentle hills, with a 2 km concrete road linking the island to the mainland.
Facilities and Dining
Tuan Chau offers villas with international-standard infrastructure; a food street with five restaurants and round pavilions in royal-style architecture, serving over 1,000 guests with European, Asian, and local cuisine; and a dolphin, seal, and sea lion show club in a modern, distinctive building.
Tuan Chau Beach and Activities
Tuan Chau Beach has a 2 km stretch of sand; next to it are 50 five-star rooms and over 300 other rooms. Activities include jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, fishing, rowing, hot-air balloon tours over the bay, climbing, and camping. Entertainment: dolphin, sea lion, and seal shows, animal circus, and martial arts — 3 shows per day (except Monday), plus a musical fountain park.
3. Bai Chay Tourist Area: Beach, Old Quarter and Night Market
Next to Ha Long city, Bai Chay Tourist Area is the number-one spot for dining, entertainment, and leisure when visiting Ha Long.
Artificial Beach and Seafood
Artificial beach — the largest in the North with clear water and long white sand; a long strip of seafood restaurants; hotels and villas with unique architecture.
Bai Chay Old Quarter (Little Vietnam)
Recreates the old towns of Hoi An and Hanoi with a pedestrian street and photogenic corners.
Bai Chay Bridge
At night the bridge lights up like a colourful harp across the city and has become a symbol of Ha Long.
Bai Chay Night Market
Typical bay souvenirs (shell wind chimes, bay paintings, coal crafts); electronics and household goods; handicrafts, cosmetics, gifts; shoes and clothes for all ages and genders.
4. Sun World Ha Long Park: Cable Car and Ba Deo
Sun World Ha Long Park is a 169-hectare coastal entertainment complex on Bai Chay: thrill rides including Vietnam’s most extreme roller coaster, Vortex Bay Water Park, and a cultural seaside village. A 2 km cable car over the sea takes you to Ba Deo — Japanese Garden, Mysterious Castle, and Sun Wheel (one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels). The cable car offers panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from above.
A Sun Group project (like Ba Na Hills, Asia Park, Fansipan Legend Sapa). Plenty of restaurants and shopping for gifts and souvenirs with a strong Ha Long seaside identity.
5. Dragon Park: Rides for Kids and Families
Dragon Park spans 23 hectares with a design inspired by world-class modern theme parks.
For Kids
A fairy-tale world with rides like Magic Cup, Childhood Train, and Fairy Tale Train.
For Families and Young Adults
Tour de Paris (Eiffel Tower), Wonder Swing, Tropical Cruise, and more.
Highlight Rides
Asia’s longest roller coaster “Phi Long Than Toc” (1.1 km track, B&M); “Rhino Sling” — spinning and free fall up to 65 km/h. Other rides: Pirate Ship, Footprint Trail, Explorer Train, Dragon Land. Plus restaurants and premium services.
6. Typhoon Water Park: Summer Fun for All Ages
Typhoon Water Park draws inspiration from Typhoon Lagoon (USA), Blizzard Beach (Walt Disney World), and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi — a top summer getaway in the North.
Three zones: adventure (for young adults), family, and kids (colourful, playful themes).
- Kids: “Sun Bay”, “Magic Island” — float on tubes and enjoy the cool water.
- Families: “Serpent Challenge”, “Pirate Island” — excitement and splashing on the waves.
7. Quang Ninh Museum: Culture and History
Quang Ninh Museum and Library stands along the eastern coastal road of Ha Long — a striking cultural project with over 900 billion VND invested.
- A black glass shell like a huge mirror reflecting Ha Long’s sea and sky.
- Outdoor display: Vietnam’s largest raw coal block (28 tonnes) and sculptural art.
- Three floors: Quang Ninh’s land through space and time (mountains, plains, sea); white-dominated interior to highlight artefacts.
Connected to Bai Tho Mountain, Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple, Long Tien Pagoda, Ha Long Marine Plaza, and Vincom Center Ha Long.
8. Ha Long Flower Park: Strolls and Street Music
For visitors in Hon Gai, Ha Long Flower Park is a must: stroll along the bay, visit the ornamental and flower exhibition areas, and enjoy outdoor sports and entertainment. On weekends there are street music nights with bands and music-loving crowds.
9. Bai Tho Mountain: Best Viewpoint in Ha Long
Bai Tho Mountain is a famous landmark in the Ha Long Bay scenic complex. The nearly 200 m-high mountain sits in the heart of Ha Long city, right on the bay. Its old name was Truyen Dang (Lighthouse); in 1468 King Le Thanh Tong had a poem carved on the cliff, so it was renamed Bai Tho (Poem). It is the best viewpoint in Ha Long.
The path up starts in a small alley on Hang Noi Street, Bach Dang Ward — ask locals for directions. The trail is not long but quite steep, with stone steps; both sides are limestone cliffs and plants, with a cool atmosphere; you may see goats and monkeys. About 30 minutes on foot to the top — stone stele with the poem, flagpole; full view of the bay and countless karst islands; views of Bai Chay, the cable-stayed bridge, town, and mining area — the vitality of a young city.
