Things To Do In Halong Bay

Get quick access to funds with a personal loan and discover the beauty of Halong Bay with our guide to the top sightseeing places and things to do.
Personal Loan for travel
3 min
15-April-2024

Halong Bay, with its dreamy scenery and rich cultural legacy, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for Indian travelers. This iconic Vietnamese locale is renowned for its emerald waters, towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, and mystical sea caves, offering a magical blend of natural wonders and ancient history. Perfect for nature lovers and cultural aficionados, Halong Bay invites its visitors to cruise through its tranquil waters, explore hidden grottoes, and witness the timeless beauty of its floating villages.

International travel expenses can often pose a hurdle. Nonetheless, a personal loan is a practical solution to this challenge, granting you the opportunity to explore Halong Bay's mesmerising landscapes and captivating experiences without the burden of financial constraints. With this financial aid, you can ensure your journey remains full of adventure while remaining financially feasible.

A list of things to do in Halong Bay for Indian tourists

Halong Bay is renowned for its mesmerising landscapes, limestone karsts, and emerald waters. Begin your journey by cruising through the bay on a traditional junk boat, where you can admire iconic attractions such as Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Ti Top Island.

  1. Cruise the Bay: Experience the beauty of Halong Bay by embarking on a cruise. Whether it is a day trip or an overnight excursion on a traditional junk boat, cruising allows you to admire the stunning limestone karsts, hidden caves, and emerald waters of the bay.
  2. Kayaking: Explore Halong Bay's secluded lagoons and hidden caves by kayaking. Paddle through calm waters, manoeuvring around limestone formations and discovering secret spots inaccessible by larger boats.
  3. Visit Sung Sot cave: Explore one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Marvel at its intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations illuminated by colourful lights, offering a magical underground experience.
    Pro-tip: If you feel there is a chance of going over-budget, you can opt for our Flexi variant of personal loan to get a designated loan limit and withdraw funds as per your requirements. The main advantage is that you pay interest solely on the withdrawn amount, not the entire limit. This feature makes it an excellent option for handling unpredictable expenses like travel. Use our personal loan EMI calculator to figure out the monthly instalment needed to repay the loan.
  4. Swimming and snorkelling: Cool off from the tropical heat by taking a refreshing dip in Halong Bay's pristine waters. Some cruises offer opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, allowing you to observe colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life beneath the surface.
  5. Enjoy a cooking class: Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes during a cooking class on board your cruise. Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine as you whip up fresh spring rolls, savoury pho, and other delicious dishes.
  6. Tai Chi session: Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck of your cruise boat. Practice gentle movements and deep breathing exercises while surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay, providing a rejuvenating experience for the mind and body.
  7. Visit the floating villages: Explore the unique way of life in Halong Bay's floating fishing villages. Witness local fishermen going about their daily routines, visit floating markets, and interact with residents to gain insight into their culture and traditions.
  8. Relax on the beaches: Spend some leisure time lounging on the sandy beaches of Halong Bay's uninhabited islands. Bask in the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or simply unwind with a good book while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
  9. Watch sunset and sunrise: Capture the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay's sunsets and sunrises from the deck of your cruise boat or a secluded spot on one of the islands. Witness the sky ablaze with vibrant hues, creating unforgettable moments against the backdrop of limestone karsts.
  10. Explore Cat Ba Island: Take a day trip to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay. Explore Cat Ba National Park, hike to panoramic viewpoints, visit pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the island's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Tips to budgeting your Halong Bay vacation with a personal loan

Careful planning is key to enjoying a budget-friendly trip to Halong Bay. Start by creating a detailed itinerary and estimating your expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and activities. Introduce personal loans early in your planning process to cover these costs effectively. With flexible financing options, the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers a convenient solution to fund your travel expenses without disrupting your savings.

Travel costs:

Budgeting for various travel expenses like airfare, local transportation in Halong Bay, and travel insurance coverage is crucial. Personal loans offer a convenient option to manage these costs, providing relief from financial strain and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the anticipation of your upcoming journey.

Cuisine and culture:

Immerse yourself in Halong Bay's rich culture and culinary delights. Sample fresh seafood at local markets, indulge in Vietnamese street food, and savour traditional dishes like pho and banh mi. To save money on dining, explore local eateries and street stalls frequented by residents, where you can enjoy authentic flavours at affordable prices.

Embark on your Halong Bay adventure with the assistance of a personal loan from Bajaj Finance

Opting for the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers you a plethora of benefits, ensuring you have the financial means to cover every aspect of your trip, from exploring the sights to handling unforeseen expenses, thus making your travel planning hassle-free. Here's what you gain by choosing our personal loan:

  1. Flexible financing: Our personal loans provide you with flexible financing options, enabling you to manage various expenses related to your travel plans. Whether it's booking flights, arranging accommodation, indulging in sightseeing activities, or enjoying shopping sprees, a personal loan empowers you to plan your itinerary according to your preferences.
  2. Minimal documentation: Securing a personal loan requires only a few basic documents, such as proof of income and KYC documents. Additionally, some of our customers may already have pre-approved offers, which can be checked by clicking on the Apply button at the top of this page.                                    
  3. Simplified eligibility criteria: Our eligibility parameters are simple and straightforward. If you are an Indian citizen meeting our basic parameters, you are likely to qualify for the loan you need. Familiarise yourself with our personal loan eligibility criteria before starting the application process.

Conclusion

With proper planning, budgeting, and the strategic utilisation of a personal loan, Indian travellers can immerse themselves in everything Halong Bay has to offer. From the stunning limestone karsts to the rich cultural experiences and delightful cuisine, a travel loan from Bajaj Finserv ensures that financial constraints do not hinder you from embarking on the adventure of a lifetime in Halong Bay.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Halong Bay so popular?
Halong Bay is popular for its stunning natural beauty, with thousands of limestone islands topped with lush vegetation rising from the emerald waters. It is also known for its unique rock formations, caves, and floating villages, offering a truly unforgettable experience for visitors.
What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?
The best time to visit Halong Bay is during the dry season, which is from October to April. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for cruising and exploring the islands. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
How much will a trip to Halong Bay cost from India?
A trip to Halong Bay from India could cost around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh or more, depending on the duration and type of accommodation.
Is visa required to visit Halong Bay?
Indian passport holders do require a visa to visit Vietnam, which includes Halong Bay. The visa must be obtained in advance from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India.
Is Halong Bay expensive for Indians?
Halong Bay can be relatively affordable for Indians, especially compared to other popular tourist destinations. Accommodation and food are reasonably priced, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Overall, Halong Bay offers great value for money and is a must-visit destination for Indian travellers.
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