1. Why is Ha Long the top attractive tourist destination in Vietnam?
Ha Long belongs to Quang Ninh province, located along the Bac Bo Gulf, only about 165 km from Hanoi, convenient for short trips. This place possesses Ha Long Bay with 1,969 large and small islands, magical caves, turquoise sea water, and fresh air all year round. In addition, Ha Long has strongly developed its tourism infrastructure with international standard hotels, resorts, entertainment areas, and shopping centers.
Ha Long is a top attractive tourist destination in Vietnam. (Source: Vietravel)
The harmonious combination of wild nature and modern amenities has turned Ha Long into the most beloved "resort paradise" in the North. And if you are wondering what to do in Ha Long, rest assured that this place offers all kinds of experiences, from gentle relaxation to thrilling adventures, from eco-tourism to modern check-ins.
2. Guide to the most convenient way to travel to Ha Long
From Hanoi to Ha Long, the distance is only about 165 km, so travel is extremely convenient. Visitors can choose various means of transport depending on their needs and preferences. If you want to save money and keep it simple, a bus is a popular choice with many daily routes departing from major stations in Hanoi such as My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Nuoc Ngam. For those who prioritize comfort, a limousine bus is an ideal option, offering a convenient experience, spacious reclining seats, and door-to-door pick-up.
If you want to be proactive about your time and explore beautiful routes, driving yourself along the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway is a worthwhile option. This route is quite flat, modern, and only takes a few hours to travel.
For visitors from Ho Chi Minh City or distant provinces, the fastest way to get to Ha Long is by flying to Van Don Airport or Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong). After landing, you can easily take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to the center of Ha Long city. The journey takes just over an hour, saving time and being convenient for planning your leisure and vacation. Thanks to the increasingly improving transportation infrastructure, reaching Ha Long from any part of the country has become simpler and easier than ever before.
Traveling by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
Once you set foot in the coastal city, getting around Ha Long is also very flexible. Taxis and electric cars are the most popular means of transport, especially in major tourist areas like Bai Chay or Hon Gai. If you love the freedom to explore, renting a motorbike will be an interesting choice, allowing you to easily stop at any check-in point along the way.
Besides, a characteristic experience not to be missed is cruising on Ha Long Bay. Visitors can both admire the scenery and fully feel the majestic beauty of the bay from the heart of this world natural heritage site.
3. What to do in Ha Long? Top outstanding entertainment experiences in Ha Long
3.1. Sun World Ha Long
When talking about what to do in Ha Long, Sun World Ha Long is definitely a must-visit, the most modern and famous entertainment complex in the North. Located right in the center of Bai Chay, this place is likened to an "entertainment paradise" in the heart of the heritage, offering diverse experiences for all ages, from thrilling sensations to gentle relaxation.
The first highlight is the Queen Cable Car and the Sun Wheel, two characteristic symbols of the city. From a height of over 200 meters, visitors can admire the majestic panorama of Ha Long Bay. Besides, Dragon Park offers dozens of thrilling games such as dragon speed, rage rhino, along with a children's play area for families. In the summer, the Water Park is an ideal destination to cool off, with water slides, wave pools, and a vibrant swimming pool area.
Enjoy endless fun at Sun World Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
Spend a day exploring Sun World, and you'll feel the youthful, dynamic, and vibrant rhythm of the coastal city. This is definitely an unmissable stop when you want to find joy and new sensations during your journey of what to play in Ha Long .
3.2. Cruising Ha Long Bay by Yacht
If you're looking for an experience that is both relaxing and visually stunning, cruising Ha Long Bay by yacht is the ideal choice. This is an unmissable activity when mentioning what to play in Ha Long , offering visitors the chance to fully admire the majestic beauty of the world natural heritage. Sitting on the deck, breathing in the salty sea breeze, and admiring the overlapping limestone karsts emerging amidst the jade-green water, you'll understand why Ha Long is always on the list of Vietnam's most beautiful destinations.
Cruise itineraries in Ha Long are very diverse, suitable for both short trips and longer stays. If you want a quick tour, the 4-hour route will take you to famous spots like Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, or Cho Da Islet. With a 6-hour itinerary, you'll have more time to explore Luon Cave and Dau Go Cave, destinations with a mystical beauty and wild natural charm. Especially, overnight cruises on the bay are memorable experiences for those who want to enjoy luxury and tranquility, with private cabins, onboard dinners, cooking classes, or kayaking activities at sea.
Nothing is more wonderful than waking up amidst the vast space of Ha Long Bay, sipping a hot cup of coffee, and watching the brilliant sunrise cast its light upon hundreds of majestic limestone islets. It's a moment that makes anyone who has set foot here want to return, and it's certainly one of the most memorable experiences in your Ha Long exploration journey.
3.3. Check-in at Sun Marina Town and Bai Chay Walking Street
Afternoons and evenings are when Ha Long becomes most sparkling and vibrant, so if you are looking for what to play in Ha Long at this time, Sun Marina Town and Bai Chay Walking Street are definitely unmissable choices. These two areas are the vibrant 'heart' of the coastal city, where visitors can stroll along the beach, take photos, enjoy cuisine, and soak in the youthful, modern atmosphere.
Sun Marina Town boasts a modern European style, located along Bai Chay beach. This area stands out with its luxurious high-rise buildings, a high-class marina, and numerous beachfront cafes and restaurants. Under the golden sunset reflecting on the sea, the scenery here transforms into a beautiful painting, providing a perfect backdrop for impressive check-in photos.
Meanwhile, Bai Chay Walking Street offers a more vibrant and youthful atmosphere. As night falls, this place is illuminated by dazzling lights, music, and the aroma of street food filling the air. Visitors can stroll, enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and feel the bustling rhythm of the coastal city.
3.4. Enjoying Ha Long Night Market and Bai Chay Area
As dusk settles, Ha Long dons a sparkling and bustling beauty. This is also when visitors start looking for places to enjoy the nightlife to the fullest. Among countless options, Ha Long Night Market is always the most beloved stop. Here, you can stroll, enjoy local cuisine, and feel the vibrant rhythm of the coastal city.
The night market starts bustling around 6 PM and lasts until late, attracting visitors with hundreds of stalls stretching out, brightly lit. This is a place that gathers everything, from clothing, accessories, souvenirs to dried seafood and exquisite handicrafts. But the most attractive part is the food area, where you can enjoy famous specialties such as charcoal-grilled squid, banh cuon with squid cake, stir-fried snails with tamarind, mantis shrimp with salt and chili, or refreshing rolled ice cream. Each dish carries its own unique sea flavor, making visitors reluctant to leave.
Besides shopping and dining, the Bai Chay area at night is also lively with street performances, music, and modern dance. The lively music mixed with the sound of the waves creates an atmosphere that is both youthful and romantic. Whether you are with friends or loved ones, you can find complete joy here.
3.5. Experiencing Nature and Sea Sports
If you want your trip to be more exciting and memorable, then outdoor activities will surely be a great answer to the question of what to play in Ha Long . Not only modern entertainment areas or chic check-in spots, Ha Long is also a paradise for nature-related experiences – where you can freely explore, exercise, and fully appreciate the heritage beauty amidst the vast sea and sky.
Start your day at Bai Chay Beach, the city's most famous beach. White sand, golden sun, clear blue water, and fresh air create a perfect space for sunbathing, relaxing, or strolling along the shore. If you love exploration, try kayaking. You will steer the paddle yourself, weaving through small caves and rocky islets in the Luon Cave or Cong Do Island area. Each paddle stroke reveals a new scene, peaceful and charming.
Not only that, visitors can also take a canoe to Ti Top Island to admire the entire Ha Long Bay from above. For those who love a challenge, climbing Bai Tho Mountain will be an unmissable experience. Although the path to the summit is a bit steep, reaching the top, the view of the city and Ha Long Bay appearing in the brilliant sunset will surely leave you awestruck. It's a moment that makes the Ha Long exploration journey more complete and memorable than ever.
4. Festivals and Special Events in Ha Long
4.1. Ha Long Carnaval
When mentioning special events in Ha Long, Ha Long Carnaval is certainly the most anticipated name each year. The festival is usually held around late April or early May, kicking off the vibrant summer tourist season of Quang Ninh. In the festive atmosphere, the coastal streets are brightly colored, with thousands of artists and dancers in splendid costumes parading and singing to lively music.
Ha Long Carnaval with vibrant colors. (Source: Collected)
The highlight of the festival is the grand artistic performances, fireworks brilliantly illuminating the Ha Long Bay, and the combination of sound, light, and dance creates a stunning visual feast. Ha Long Carnaval is not only an entertainment event but also a cultural pride of the local people, contributing to honoring the beauty of the people and the marine heritage of this place.
4.2. Year-round cultural and marine sports events
Besides the Carnaval, Ha Long also organizes many attractive cultural and marine sports events throughout the four seasons. Visitors can immerse themselves in the exciting atmosphere of the expanded Ha Long boat race, where professional racers showcase their strength and skills on the deep blue water. Additionally, the marine music festival is held periodically in the Bai Chay area, attracting a large number of young people with its outdoor stage, vibrant sound, and performances by famous singers.
Not to be missed on the list is the artistic fireworks program, usually held on major holidays such as April 30th, September 2nd, or New Year's Day, illuminating the entire Ha Long night sky in colorful displays. Each event brings its own atmosphere, helping visitors fully experience the modern, youthful, and friendly charm of this beautiful coastal city.
Ha Long not only captivates tourists with its magnificent natural beauty but also by countless attractive entertainment activities, from cruising on the bay, playing at Sun World, strolling along Bai Chay street to enjoying a night of seafood cuisine. Each experience brings its own nuance, making the journey of discovery here complete and unforgettable. If you are still wondering what to do in Ha Long, the answer is simple: come and let this beautiful coastal city tell you its story of joy, color, and unforgettable memories.
