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In this article, we’ll cover the best places to go instead of Halong Bay in Vietnam. With these alternatives to Halong Bay, we’ll show options that are similar to Halong Bay, without the negative sides, or other options that are unique in their way.

Halong Bay is a beautiful place in Vietnam. In fact, for many visitors, it’s a must-see. And we can’t blame them. It was a must for us too!

Like many others, we also wanted to discover the unique beauty of this place – the limestone karsts that rise up from this beautiful blue-green water. It’s a picture-perfect postcard image we’ve all seen a million times when we hear about trips to Vietnam.

But like so many people, our dreams were quickly shattered about an hour into our experience of taking a boat cruise through Halong Bay. In fact, after visiting, we tell most people going to Vietnam to avoid Halong Bay altogether.

That’s why we decided to ask our favorite bloggers to help us uncover some of the best alternatives to Halong Bay. This way, you can still live a unique experience, but without the negative sides of visiting this over-touristy, expensive and polluted place.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

Is Halong Bay worth visiting?

Sure, Halong Bay is beautiful. It’s a must-see destination in Vietnam. It’s probably on most people’s bucketlist. But is it really worth visiting?

To us, the answer is simply – No. Perhaps it was worth visiting 10-15 years ago when it was less crowded, less polluted and less commercialized, but the way Halong Bay cruises are run today, we would tell you to avoid it… in fact, that’s why we wrote a whole article about avoiding it.

However, it’s not to say that Halong Bay can’t be enjoyed. Truth is, if you choose an exclusive and sustainably run cruise operator, Halong Bay might just be the highlight of your trip to Vietnam. But if you’re traveling on a budget and you don’t want to break the bank on your trip to Vietnam, we recommend taking a look at these places to explore instead of Halong Bay.

We totally understand that for some people, there are no other options – it’s Halong Bay or nothing at all. But hopefully, this list will help you see that there are many other places that can fill in the gap of going to Halong Bay.

8 alternatives to Halong Bay

You might be wondering why we’re offering alternatives to Halong Bay. For this, we recommend you read our previous article about the 5 reasons to avoid Halong Bay.

Sure, Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, and it is beautiful, and there are tons to do there, from kayaking to swimming to hiking to taking in the sights.

But it’s also overly crowded – as a must-see on so many people’s Vietnam bucketlist, it’s not hard to believe. It’s very polluted mainly due to high boat traffic, industrial development and poor waste management. And it’s extremely expensive…

That’s why we wanted to give you some options that are equally beautiful, if not more. Alternatives to Halong Bay that are more peaceful, environmentally friendly and overall, just more pleasant!

So without further ado, here are your 8 alternatives to Halong Bay

5 places to visit instead of Halong Bay that offer similar landscapes

In this first set of alternatives to Halong Bay, we’ll look at options that offer similar landscapes. You’ll still get the limestone karsts, the beautiful waters, the epic views, but you’ll have fewer crowds, better prices and a better experience overall.

Here are 5 places in Vietnam that could easily replace a trip to Halong Bay.

1. Van Long Nature Reserve, a great Halong Bay alternative

Contributed by Simon from BackpackMoments.com

Imagine this: Ha Long Bay, but without any waves, on land, with thousands of caves and crystal-clear water that you can see through all the way to the bottom.

Stop imagining and go to Van Long Nature Reserve, because that’s the place of your dreams!

Situated near Ninh Binh, this is the largest wetland reserve in the Red River Delta. The place is simply unique! Its lowland marshes are surrounded by high limestone karst cliffs that present incredible views. Everything you love about Halong Bay, but without all the things you want to avoid.

Moreover, Van Long boasts unprecedented biodiversity. Nature lovers will be able to see tens of endangered birds, plants, fishes, and even a monkey species – the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur.

Getting to Van Long Nature Reserve is easy, as it’s only 10 km from Ninh Binh and 25 from the other popular tourist hotspot in the area – Tam Coc. You can rent a scooter for the day for as little as $4 or a bicycle for less than a dollar. Don’t worry – the terrain for cycling is as flat as a pancake.

Once you reach the banks of the marshes, friendly locals will equip you with a traditional Vietnamese hat to shelter you from the sun and walk you to the ticket kiosk where a ticket for a 2-hour boat ride is 4$ per person. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride and the scenery! If you’re lucky, you might even see the monkeys on the rocks, so keep your eyes peeled!

A pro tip for anyone visiting: go in the afternoon 2 hours before sunset. The colors are better and birds flock back to the nature reserve adding even more magic to the place.

2. Lan Ha Bay, a great alternative to Halong Bay and a short distance away

Contributed by Annelies from TravelersAndDreamers.com

Halong Bay is a magnificent destination. But have you heard of Lan Ha Bay? It’s located right next to it, and makes for a great alternative to Halong Bay.

Lan Ha Bay is less crowded and more serene but still provides the same stunning natural scenery. Same as its crowded neighbor, this alternative to Halong Bay features limestone cliffs, caves, hidden beaches, and small fishermen’s villages as well.

Same as Halong Bay, the best way to explore this place is on a boat tour which can range from a one-day trip to a multi-day adventure. During a boat trip, you can go snorkeling and swimming or just enjoy the views from the deck of your boat. Delicious food is also always included in the price.

Lan Ha Bay can be reached by taking a tour from Hanoi or Halong city but a great place to base yourself to visit the bay is Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago and is bordered by Halong Bay in the north and Lan Ha Bay in the south. The island is still relatively unspoiled and makes up a large part of the Cat Ba National Park, which is situated in the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.

A pro tip for anyone visiting: Halong Bay suffers tremendously from over-tourism and Lan Ha Bay, to a lesser extent, does too. If you decide to take a tour, choose a responsible organization that cares about the environment. Blue Swimmers on Cat Ba Island is a good choice.

3. Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, a more enjoyable Halong Bay alternative

Contributed by Stephanie from TheUnknownEnthusiast.com

Bai Tu Long Bay is a great alternative to visiting the ever-popular Halong Bay. This bay is actually just adjacent and north of Halong Bay, but has a tiny fraction of the number of visitors that Halong sees.

Bai Tu Long Bay still has the same, incredible karsts that dot the water, rising starkly out of the greenish water. During a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, you will still cruise among the karsts, get a chance to go kayaking in the bay, stop at a hidden beach to swim, visit a cave that was used by local fishermen for shelter, and enjoy other activities on board and around the ship. 

Most boats to Bai Tu Long Bay actually do leave out of the main port of Halong Bay, and then immediately sail into Bai Tu Long. You can easily find a tour that will provide transportation from and returning to Hanoi, or you can easily take a bus to the port from anywhere in the Northern Vietnam region. 

My biggest tip is to do an overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long, and not just a day cruise. The extra time and activities in Bai Tu Long Bay are totally worth it!

4. Cat Ba Island, a great place to discover instead of Halong Bay

Contributed by Michelle of IntentionalTravelers.com

Cat Ba Island is an excellent alternative to Halong Bay because it provides a quieter and less crowded experience. 

The island is part of Lan Ha Bay, which shares the same karst islands and breathtaking scenery as its more famous neighbor. Despite being slightly off the beaten path, Cat Ba Island still attracts a fair number of tourists and you can expect all the modern amenities.

To reach Cat Ba Island, you can take a ferry from Hai Phong or book a tour that includes transportation. Transportation companies have daily routes from Hanoi and Ninh Binh, which makes it easier to navigate the multi-step journey (bus to ferry back to another bus on the island) and drops you off right at your Cat Ba hotel or cruise port. Once on the island, you can find a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to upscale resorts.

There are plenty of activities to do on Cat Ba Island. Hiking, biking, swimming, or hanging out at the beach are some of the most popular. 

It’s recommended to take a day trip by boat into Lan Ha Bay, to explore the magical islands and hidden caves with fewer crowds. Or take a guided tour to a remote village inaccessible by roads. After a short boat ride to the pier, you’ll hop on a bicycle or an electric bus and enjoy an easy, scenic ride to the village. Immerse yourself in the local culture as guides share insights into Vietnamese traditions, cooking, and history.

You’ll also have the opportunity to try a fish foot massage. It takes some getting used to, but it’s a memorable experience filled with laughter.

Another way to explore the island is via an overnight cruise from Cat Ba Island. These all-inclusive cruises will allow you to witness the beauty of Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay at a more relaxed pace.

5. Visit Ninh Binh, the famous “Halong Bay on Land”

Contributed by Catherine from Nomadicted.com

Ninh Binh, an ancient city a few hours south of Hanoi, is often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land.” Imagine towering limestone cliffs, but instead of the ocean, you’ll find calm riverways and rice paddies surrounding them. 

One of the top things to do in Ninh Binh is to take a boat tour along the Tam Coc River, also known as the “Three Caves.” The journey takes about two hours and takes visitors through winding rivers passing through small caves. 

Nearby, climb the steep rocky steps to Hang Mua Peak, where a “dragon-shaped” stone staircase leads you to the top. Standing above the karst limestone formations, you get a great view of the Tam Coc Riverways. 

Another popular activity is visiting the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples. Stroll around the massive complex and admire its architecture and intricate carvings.

With public transportation, you can easily take the train or the bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. For the more adventurous, consider renting a motorcycle. It provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, but be prepared for a long ride from a city with crazy traffic.

When planning a trip to Vietnam, most people avoid going during the rainy season. However, on pleasant days, May to July is a great time to visit Ninh Binh as the pre-harvest season leaves all the rice fields a vibrant yellow hue. 

3 alternatives to Halong Bay that are unique but beautiful

In this next section, let’s look at places to go that are different than Halong Bay, but that still offers a unique experience that is similar.

Expect to see some amazing river cruises, stunning landscapes and huge cave systems. Regardless of where you choose to go instead of Halong Bay, we’re sure these options will still make for an epic trip!

6. Phong Nha, a unique alternative to Halong Bay to explore caves & rivers

Contributed by Adam and Kathryn of AdventuresOfAplusK.com

A super unique alternative to Halong Bay is to take a cave tour where you’ll hike, swim and boat through various caves.

The tour is located in Phong Nha in Central Vietnam and tours are offered from one to six days long through Oxalis Tours. They even offer family tours for people with young kids! Plus, you will feel like you have the entire place to yourself (and your small tour group) since this area is not nearly as touristed as Halong Bay. This stop is a must-do along the ultimate tour of Vietnam.

The tours take you through the incredible Tu Lan Cave system and make for an amazing and much more unique alternative to Halong Bay. You’ll still get to enjoy boat rides, but instead, these rides will be going down rivers through the biggest cave system in the entire world.

Oxalis Tours is the only company that offers tours through the cave system, but they have tour options ranging in price from $78 per person to $3,000 per person, so there’s something for everyone! These tours include hiking through the jungle, boating down the rivers inside limestone caves and even going for a swim between the beautiful mountains.

For the overnight tours, the porters will supply, carry and set up your tents, sleeping bags and pillows. They will also carry and cook gourmet meals for you, all included in the price of the tour.

While you’re in Phong Nha, plan to visit Nuoc Mooc Eco Trail after your time at the caves. You can hike, kayak, swim and enjoy the adventure course!

Getting to Phong Nha is easy, fly into nearby Dong Hoi or take a train or bus directly to Phong Nha.

7. Cruise along the Nho Que River, a beautiful place to visit instead of Halong Bay

Contributed by Jackie & Justin from LifeOfDoing.com

Ha Giang Province in North Vietnam is a well-known destination to travel by motorbike. 

Nho Que River (Sông Nho Quế in Vietnamese) is a famous attraction to visit when traveling along the Ha Giang Loop. This 192 km (119 miles) river starts from China and flows through Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces. 

There are two ways to see the Nho Que River. The first option is to see the turquoise-colored river while driving a motorbike along the extremely windy Ma Pi Leng Pass. Visitors stop along the way to take photos from viewpoints. 

The second option is to take a 40-minute boat ride through the river. The boat takes visitors through the gorgeous Tu San Abyss Alley. This alley is considered the deepest in Southeast Asia at 1,000 meters. As visitors travel deeper into the valley, it’s quite a sight to see the vast green mountains on both sides. The valley is very quiet, so it’s a peaceful experience. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the boat. 

To reach the boat docks, visitors must park their motorbikes at one of the coffee shops at the top of the mountain. Then, they can trek down for 25 minutes, hire a motorbike driver, or take an electric bus. Boat tickets are purchased at the dock. 

Visitors get to Ha Giang from Hanoi by overnight bus and then hire a motorbike to either self-drive or follow a motorbike tour for a few days. Hiring an Easy Rider motorbike driver is recommended for those who do not know how to drive a motorbike.

8. Mui Ne, a unique Halong Bay alternative

Contributed by Catrina from 24HoursLayover.com

While Halong Bay is known for its iconic towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, Mui Ne offers its own unique charm and stunning natural attractions and makes a fabulous alternative to Halong Bay.

Mui Ne boasts picturesque sand dunes, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations and is a really great place to visit. Like Halong Bay, Mui Ne is stunning for photography and the sunsets here are so beautiful.

And although Mui Ne is not primarily known for boat tours like Halong Bay is, it offers some fun options for exploring the water! Take a boat trip to nearby fishing villages, explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life whilst snorkeling, or enjoy a relaxing ride in Mui Ne’s unique basket boats!

Additionally, Mui Ne is known for its vibrant local markets and laid-back atmosphere that appeals to those seeking relaxation and tranquility.

The most convenient way to reach Mui Ne is by flying into Saigon and then taking a 4-5 hour bus or private transfer.

The best way to explore Mui Ne is by renting a motorbike yourself, or doing a day tour as all the sights in Mui Ne are quite spread out. The main tourist sights in Mui Ne include the Red Sand Dunes, White Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream, Fishing Village, and the picturesque Hon Rom Beach.

One top tip for visiting Mui Ne is to make sure you visit the sand dunes early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler!

8 alternatives to Halong Bay

There you have it! All the best places to visit instead of Halong Bay. As you saw, some options are right around Halong Bay, while others are in different parts of the country.

As a recap, here are the best alternatives to Halong Bay:

1. Van Long Nature Reserve
2. Lan Ha Bay
3. Bai Tu Long Bay
4. Cat Ba Island
5. Ninh Binh
6. Phong Nha
7. Nho Que River
8. Mui Ne

These are all great options to explore a different part of Vietnam, but where you’ll still be able to enjoy the stunning views and experience something extraordinary!

Let us know in the comments where you’re choosing to go instead of Halong Bay. Are there other places in Vietnam that should be on this list? Do you still plan on visiting Halong Bay or have you chosen to avoid it?

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