Side Trip From Halong Bay: 6 Best Places To Extend Your Itinerary

Indeed, several of the top attractions are conveniently located near Halong Bay, where picturesque scenes await around every corner. If you're looking for something beyond an ordinary cruise trip around the familiar Halong Bay, exploring some of the attractions below will provide great enjoyment.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is situated off the coast of Hai Phong City, alongside Vietnam’s breathtaking Halong Bay. Recognized as the largest island in the bay, it attracts both international and domestic tourists with its stunning natural beauty and ecological richness. The central area of Cat Ba Island has flourished for decades, featuring numerous local eateries and low-rise hotels, while the rest of the island remains largely untouched and wild.

Photo by @Sabino Parente

Cat Ba National Park offers remarkable ecological diversity and breathtaking views, with excellent hiking trails that navigate through mangroves, freshwater lakes, and an adventurous 18km route leading to a mountain summit. Nature enthusiasts may even spot the world’s most endangered primate, the golden-headed langur.

Yen Tu Mountain

Known as “The Cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam,” the sacred Yen Tu Mountain is nestled within the majestic Dong Trieu Mountain Range in northeastern Vietnam. It features breathtaking scenery along with hundreds of temples, man-made structures, and religious artifacts, creating a feeling of tranquility.

Photo: nhandan.org.vn

From the peak of Yen Tu Mountain, where Dong Pagoda is located, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Bach Dang River and the natural wonder of Halong Bay. Spring, particularly from January to March, is the ideal time to visit during pleasant weather suitable for hiking and the annual Yen Tu Festival, held from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to bask in the serene atmosphere and pray for good fortune.

Cua Ong Temple

Cua Ong Temple is positioned in the Cua Ong Quarter of Cam Pha City. Constructed in the early 19th century, it serves as a place of worship for General Tran Quoc Tang and Hoang Cau—a local general.

The temple features three main sections: the lower temple, the middle temple, and the upper temple, housing elaborately carved statues and statuettes dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, his wife, two princesses, Tran Quoc Tang, and Tran Anh Tong, among others.

Photo: baoquangninh.com.vn

The annual festival at Cua Ong Temple is the largest of its kind in Cam Pha, attracting many visitors from the 2nd to 4th days of the second lunar month. During the festival, various rituals and festive activities take place, such as folk games, human chess contests, Quan Ho duet folk singing, and boat racing.

Bai Chay Bridge

Bai Chay Bridge is renowned as the symbol of Halong City. Finished in 2006, it is the first central cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam, connecting Hon Gai District and Bai Chay District via Highway 18. This bridge has played a vital role in promoting Quang Ninh’s economy and tourism, becoming a popular location for tourists to take photos or stroll, especially at night beneath its vibrant lights.

Photo by @Hung Nguyen Long

With its balanced cantilever design, the bridge stands 50 meters above sea level, allowing vessels to navigate freely underneath. Crossing Bai Chay Bridge, visitors can glimpse several famous sites, including Bai Chay Beach, Quan Lan Island, and Minh Chau Beach in Bai Chay District, as well as the Quang Ninh Museum in Hon Gai District.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Situated to the northeast of Halong Bay, at the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng Fishing Village is easily accessible by boat from Tuan Chau Harbor. Once disembarking, visitors can explore the village by rowing boats, tender boats, or kayaks. Among the fishing villages nestled within this World Heritage Site—Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Cap La—Vung Vieng remains the least touristy and the most authentic.

Photo: baodulich.net.vn

Established in the 19th century, Vung Vieng Fishing Village has maintained its local lifestyle and rustic charm despite rapid tourism developments. Visitors to the village not only enjoy stunning natural scenery but also immerse themselves in the rich marine culture and traditions of the fishing community.

Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island is just 8km away from Halong's city center. Despite its limited area of only 2.2 square kilometers, Tuan Chau Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking recreational activities and beachside resorts. It is celebrated for its beautiful natural surroundings and ecological diversity.

With its relatively hilly terrain, Tuan Chau Island offers excellent opportunities for mountain climbing, trekking, and camping. Additionally, its lovely sandy beaches and clean waters are perfect for jet skiing, windsurfing, fishing, and boating. A variety of entertainment options are also available, including dolphin shows, seal shows, circus acts, and martial arts performances.