Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Halong Bay Hidden Gem Activities
Best Halong Bay Hidden Gem Attractions
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Natural History Museums • History Museums
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Joel KVancouver, Canada3,161 contributionsWe were toured around the fishing village by a small boat - observing the floating homes, karsts in the background, fishing boats, villagers and village life. We were shown the small fish farms and all the various processes of fishing. We also toured the cultural and fishing museum. The tour was a nice afternoon on the water and in the village.Written 31 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paul R43 contributionsMost international tourists do the bus from Hanoi to cruise and back to Hanoi. Which is a shame as Ha Long city itself is a nice town with several attractions in itself
One of which is the Bao Tang Quang Ninh (the Museum of Quang Ninh). While the focus is on the local area, many of the exhibits talk of Vietnam and the importance of Quang Ninh to VIetnam history and culture.
Some say all the exhibits are labelled in English but the expansive Geology, Zoology and Marine areas are not. Which is a shame as the geology, fauna and flora are definitely strong reasons why many visitors come here in the first place. I also found the marine and botanical sections a little dated with many of the exhibits faded to a ubiquitous white (or brown for the botanicals).
But they have really done a good job overall, with many different sections covering the history, archeology, musical, artistic, industrial and warfare contribution this extremely rich province has made to Vietnamese history.
The top floor is given over to the coal mining industry and initially this might seems strange. However, not far to the north of Ha Long is Bai Tu, the site of the largest coal seam in Vietnam. It is ironic that the same geology that produced the natural wonder of the Ha Long - Bai Tu coast line has also given us the huge mineral deposits that are now, due to illegal and disastrous mining practices pouring millions of liters of polluted water into that self same bay.
The museum is modern, airconditioned, wheel chair friendly. I did two visits - one at 8 am on a Thursday morning where I had the whole place to myself! Utterly fantastic. I visited again the following Sunday and while the hoards of vistors were a distraction, it was a tour guide who insisted on using an amplifier to pontificate to her small group of Vietnamese and whose voice could be heard clearly from all three floors. Hardly what you would expect in a museum where one is bent on studing and appreciating culture. The idiot guide made it seem more like a market
As others have mentioned, the nearby shoreline is also scenic, with several of the iconic karst pinnacles within meters of the wide, well paved walk way. Several hundred meters further on is the huge, mushroom like Expo center that looks like an alien spaceship. Free entry but it does not always open at the posted times
Well worth a visit!Written 12 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Josh SMidhurst, UK11 contributionsAfter reading all the reviews and seeing the pictures we went early morning to see the sun rise. But the entrance is closed, there is a security guard at the middle entrance, who won’t let you through. So annoyed. Not sure how people are commenting a day before me and accessing the mountain. We tried to get round the security, it doesn’t seem possible.Written 14 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Fabrice SSingapore, Singapore78 contributionsVery well organized. The boat was exactly what we expected. The itinerary is wonderful. The staffs are very professional.Written 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jorrit88New York City, NY34 contributionsBeautiful ship with a wonderful staff.
Only 8 rooms make the trip very special. We booked the royal suite, 'King Room'. This very oversized room with outdoor space in front of the ship. The bed sleeps amazing, jacuzzi is a unique experience.
Our butler Son was the best. Very knowledgeable and so friendly! He did everything to make it special.
We celebrated our anniversary one night. The effort the team went through was brilliant. Bouquet of fresh roses, a big cake and beautiful speech from the manager, Quang.
Ann, Abby and bartender Jack were great and attentive and so was our tourguide Wind.
If you are celebrating an anniversary or want to propose, do it here.
We also liked the itinerary of the 2 night, 3 day as that gives you an unique view of the bay on a smaller boat.Written 12 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Lora6 contributionsWe had the pleasure of staying on the Au Co 2 for two nights and three days in January. As soon as you are welcomed on to the cruise, you know that this will be an unforgettable trip. Besides the amazing natural beauty, you have the joy of travelling on a beautiful cruise boat that is decked out from head to toe in every luxury you could think of. We were fortunate enough to stay in a balcony room, which I would definitely recommend! It was wonderful to be able to wake up early and enjoy the view as you set off for the day from your balcony.
The food onboard was amazing, fresh and varied, with a magnificent views in every direction to enjoy as well. The staff are dedicated to making your stay the highlight of your Vietnam travels. Kevin was an amazing cruise manager, who somehow managed to be in every place at once!! Very attentive and professional. Ruby, June and Bang (Tiger P) were wonderful crew who were personable and highly professional. The whole crew made every passenger feel welcomed and important, even though there were about 30 people max traveling onboard.
You have the option of exploring on the day trips or remaining on the boat, whichever takes your fancy.
I also treated myself to a massage in the spa onboard. It was very relaxing and peaceful, and a cherry on top of the rest of the trip.
There was not one part of the trip that we could fault. Treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime by taking the Au Co cruise in Ha Long Bay – you will not be disappointed.Written 26 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - stoffel1953Hobscheid, Luxembourg103 contributionsIfever you visit Vietnam, CERTAINLY DO NOT MISS to have a 2 days / 1 night cruise in Ha Long Bay... Classified by Unesco as World Heritage, the area is breathtaking... We did it with Royal Wings Cruise - stating that the comfort on board the ship was very much ok eventhough the quality of food on board was VERY average... - but who sails out to Ha Long Bay for FOOD? !! - The excursion to Phung Vien fishing village was amazing and picturesque and the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay brings justification for abandoning the comfort of good hotels - for only 2 days...Written 15 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Lambo48Chichester, UK79 contributionsWe were lucky enough to be upgraded to a 1 cabin boat L’Amour 3 for our 3 day, 2 Night cruise. From start to finish this exceeded all expectations. Minh, our guide, was the most courteous, helpful and interesting person we could have wanted. He managed to be both very attentive but also respectful of our privacy. All the crew were great, but we have to mention the chef. He produced fantastic meals all the way through, including a superb BBQ on the beach. It is worth going for the 2 night cruise as you go to the more remote parts of the bay, and for most of the middle day the only other boats we saw were local people fishing. Kayaking around the beautiful islands was stunning. Highly recommended.Written 5 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MichaelMiami, FL381 contributionsHad a lovely day out in Lan Ha bay by kayaking to explore daily life on water of local fishmen. The wooden boat was so nice and the seafood was so yummy and fresh. Overral we had an excellent time in Lan Ha bayWritten 31 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
