Scariest foods around the world

1. Would you eat the World's scariest foods?

One of the best ways of exploring culture is through food.Around the world, people eat live octopus, tuna and monkey brain but some of the most popular delicacies can also prove dangerous to human health as they can cause nausea, vomiting, impaired vision, depression, severe psychological problems and diarrhea. Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian delicacy made of sheep's milk cheese that contains live insect larvae. The insect helps in fermenting the cheese and can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It has been banned. Considered as a delicacy in China, eating monkey brains is not only weird but is also hazardous to your health. It can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a neurodegenerative disorder similar to Mad Cow disease and results in progressive dementia, impaired vision, depression, and eventually death

2. ​Tuna Eyeballs

Tuna eyeballs are a popular delicacy in Japan. While they are said to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they make for quite a gory sight!

3. Pufferfish

The pufferfish is also called "fugu" in Japan and is so poisonous that it can kill someone. The transparent fish tastes mild and clean but considering it is one of the most dangerous foods in the world, we say stick with tuna or salmon.

4. ​Katsu ika odori-don

Katsu ika odori-don is a Japanese dish which has rice or noodles topped with live squid. It swims and struggles in the sauce as its muscles react with the salt. It can cause choking hazard.

5. ​Fried spider​

Fried spider is a Cambodian delicacy. It s crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They are usually served with a pinch of herbs on a bed of noodles or rice. If you are scared of spiders, eat them!

6. Escamoles

Escamoles are the eggs of giant black ant and it is sometimes even referred to as “insect caviar”. In Mexico its is often served inside a taco with guacamole, as has a buttery and nutty taste.

7. Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian delicacy made of sheep's milk cheese and contains live insect larvae. The insect helps in fermenting the cheese and can cause severe pain, nausea, vomitting and diarrhea. It has been declared banned.

8. Tuna

According to research, eating tuna is hazardous to your health as they accumulate toxic mercury in their flesh because of pollution. Mercury can harm the nervous system , cause cognitive impairment and can lead to severe psychological problems.

9. Sannakji

It is a Korean delicacy made up of live baby octopus and is seasoned with sesame oil and seasoned seeds. However, the suction caps are still active in these creatures and can cause a serious choking hazard.

10. Monkey brain

Considered as a delicacy in China, eating monkey brains is not only weird food but it is also hazardous to your health. It can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease a neurodegenerative disorder similar to Mad Cow disease and results in progressive dementia, impaired vision, depression, and eventually death.

11. Balut

Balut are fertilized embryo of a duck with slimy, yellow and grey texture. It is boiled alive which is eaten in the shell and the bones give it a crunchy texture. It is mostly eaten in Southeast Asia with a glass of chilled beer. It can cause choking hazard.

Top Vietnamese Street Food

Street food is the heart and soul to many of the Southeast Asian countries and Vietnam is certainly one of it. Lining the streets you can find local markets, rustic food joints and rickety food carts with plastic tables and stools.

Simple and uncomplicated food, these Vietnamese street food will beckon your tastebuds and sneak their way into your heart:

1. Rice noodle soup (Phở)

When it comes to street food in Vietnam, the most obvious choice would have to be Vietnamese noodle soup, phở. This local daily staple is made up of chewy rice noodles in piping hot savoury broth with tender slices of beef or chicken and topped with crunchy, spicy, herby garnishes.

Definitely, nothing beats a good bowl of heartwarming rice noodle soup to start your day when you’re in Vietnam. As iconic as it comes, you can explore hidden backstreets to discover the best spot to enjoy your phở on this motorbike food tour.

2. Vietnamese sandwich (Bánh mì)

An equally popular street food as the phở is the bánh mì, a Viet-style French baguette sandwich which has made a name for itself globally.

The crusty baguette is packed with pickled vegetables, coriander, fresh chilli, cuts of meat – typically pork – and smeared with a coat of pâté. Other toppings can include egg, chicken, meatballs and more. Oh, how thankful are we that bánh mì can easily be found everywhere in the streets of Vietnam!

3. Rice paper salad (Bánh tráng trộn)

If you’re craving for a salad, you’re either a health nut or it’s because you miss the Vietnamese rice paper salad. The best way to describe this dish is an explosion of flavours in a bite!

It’s prepared with strips of rice paper, variations of dried protein – beef jerky, squid, shrimp – and tart green mango, fresh mint, sweet basil and lastly, its signature spicy, sweet, sour dressing.

4. Sea snails (Ốc)

A popular snack you can find in street food carts in Ho Chi Minh City is sea snails! Sometimes, you can even find yourself bumping into a snail restaurant with fresh snails and shellfish on display.

You can choose to have them cooked in various ways from fried to steamed, sauteed or grilled. These lil chewy, savoury snails are great for sharing with a few buddies over some icy cold beer!

5. Vietnamese sweet dessert (Chè)

Chè, a word to describe sweet dessert beverage in Vietnam, come in many different forms, sizes, flavours and colours! Typically, you can find them in a form of pudding, drinks or soup.

The usual suspects that you can find in chè include but are not limited to coconut milk, sweetened beans, glutinous rice, colourful jellies, fruits and more. Easily found in local markets, these desserts are great for cooling down on hot afternoon days.

6. Hoi An Noodles (Cao lầu)

Cao lầu is a noodle dish that is exclusive to Hoi An only and has quite the mysterious backstory. This Hoi An signature dish consists of udon-like noodles, pieces of barbecued pork (similar to char siu), fresh and crisp greens, and crunchy croutons.

The reason that you can only find cao lầu in Hoi An is that of its unique noodles which have to be made using water from an ancient well, the Ba Le well, and mixed with a special ash native to Hoi An. It’s also been said that the secret behind the precise recipe is known to only a few families in the region!

Aside from cao lầu, there are other signature dishes that you can only find in Hoi An. Ride through the streets on this motorbike food tour or go on a street food walking tour to discover what else the region has to offer.

7. Spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn / Chả giò)

A classic Vietnamese crowd favourite, spring rolls! A variety of fillings like meat, vegetables, shrimps wrapped in rice paper, you can find them deep fried or served fresh. Best eaten with a dipping sauce, these are suitable for everyone. Picky eaters, we’re looking at you!

The fresh ones are called gỏi cuốn and also sometimes referred to as ‘summer rolls’, while the fried ones are called chả giò.

8. Vietnamese pizza (Bánh tráng nướng)

A popular snack in Ho Chi Minh City, this Vietnamese pizza is made up of a rice paper grilled on the barbeque and topped with minced pork, prawn, egg or various other toppings. Garnished with fresh herbs and served with mayo, tamarind or chilli sauce, this pizza is surely one you’ll crave in the middle of the night.

You surely won’t be hangry if you join the Saigon street food night tour where you’ll be taken to the back streets and alleys the city to discover other local specialty dishes.

9. Spicy green papaya salad (Gỏi khô bò / Gỏi đu đủ)

Similar to Thailand’s som tam, the base of gỏi khô bò consists of a bed of julienned unripe papaya. Layered with roasted peanuts, shreds of beef jerky, basil leaves, coriander and crispy dough crackers, this salad is also sometimes referred to as gỏi đu đủ.

The star of the show, however, has to be the dressing that goes on the salad. Just the right mixture of zest, salty, sweet and spicy – it’s a taste you’ll never forget.

10. Egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

The more commonly found method of making coffee is the Vietnamese drip coffee but another must-try is the egg coffee! Yep, you heard that right. Prepared with black coffee and egg yolks whipped into condensed milk, this makes for a creamy and smooth cup of coffee.

Tastes more like a dessert than coffee, it gives you the perfect kick so you can take on anything for the day!

11. Vermicelli with fried tofu and fermented shrimp paste (Bún đậu mắm tôm)

Every culture has its own smelly but tasty food and in Vietnam, it’s the bún đậu mắm tôm. The ingredients are simple and uncomplicated but the flavours are complex and robust. Mainly made up of vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste, other accompanying ingredients usually include cucumber, mint, perilla leaves, and pork belly.

How you eat this dish it by picking up the individual pieces, dipping into the shrimp paste sauce, popping into your mouth, and repeat! The smell may be a slight deterrent but trust us, it’s worth a try.

12. Spicy beef noodle soup (Bún bò huế)

If phở had a bolder and hotter sibling, it would have to be the bún bò huế. The main components to this noodle dish are beef broth, thick rice noodles, beef shank, pig’s feet, blood cubes and lemongrass.

It’s served with the usual bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime and various other toppings and condiments. Savoury, tasty, and addictive, this dish originally from Hue, Central Vietnam, is one you’ll want to come back for more.

There are more flavours of Hue that is worth discovering. Hop on the back of a motorbike and whizz through the streets like a local in search for the best street food finds.

13. Grilled pork with vermicelli (Bún chả)

Originally from Hanoi, this vermicelli dish can be found throughout Vietnam served with grilled pork and a side of dipping sauce. It’s one of the highlights of this Old Quarter food tour you can find on Klook.

You can choose to eat it one of 2 ways – wrap everything in a big lettuce leaf and dip it into the sauce before taking a bite or mixing everything into the dipping sauce and eat it like you would a bowl of phở.

Whichever way you prefer, the bún chả is still pretty darn amazing. If you’re not convinced yet, just look at this gif of Obama enjoying a bowl of bún chả with Anthony Bourdain in a street-side noodle joint!

Top places you should visit in Russia

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square



This is a symbol of the whole country, not just Moscow. The Kremlin is the oldest part of the city where Grand Prince Yury Dolgorukiy built a fortress that was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1147. The Kremlin houses a complex of 15th-19th-century buildings, including the Grand Kremlin Palace, Armory Chamber, the Senate, the current official residence of the Russian president, churches, and examples of Russian cast work such as the Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell. Red Square, which dates back to the 14th century, is home to Saint Basil's Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, and the Lenin Mausoleum, the resting place of Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin. 

The Kremlin and Red Square have been under UNESCO protection since 1991.

Historical Centre of Saint Petersburg.



Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, primarily due to its unique architecture. Its historical centre and suburbs are known throughout the world for their outstanding architectural monuments, with palaces and cathedrals built by Russian and Italian masters from the 18th and 19th centuries. Must-see sights include the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Kunstkammer Museum, Peter I's Summer Palace, the Winter Palace, Smolny Monastery, the Hermitage, the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Arts, the Marble Palace, the Taurida Palace, the Anichkov Palace, the Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, Palace Square, and Nevsky Prospect.

In addition to the historical centre of Saint Petersburg, UNESCO also protects palaces and parks in its suburbs, with the palace in Peterhof arguably the most magnificent of them all.

Lena Pillars



The Lena Pillars are vertical rock formations that stretch 40 kilometres along the banks of the Lena River in Yakutia. They date back to the early Cambrian period (530 million years ago). From afar they appear to form a solid wall that descends into the river. Harsh yet magnificent, their incredible beauty is truly mesmerising.

They have been under UNESCO protection since 2012.

Solovetsky Islands




The Solovetsky Archipelago includes six islands with a total area of 300 sq. km and is located in the White Sea, 250 km from Arkhangelsk. This area is rich in archaeological monuments, the oldest of which date back to the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC. One of the main sights here is the Solovetsky Monastery, which was established in the first half of the 15th century. In the early 20th century, this centuries-old citadel of Orthodoxy was converted into a camp for political prisoners that existed until 1939. It was only in the nineties that monastic life resumed here.

The Solovetsky Archipelago, which is now a historical and cultural reserve, is fascinating not only because of its dramatic history, but also because of its unusual landscape, including hills, lakes, and gullies.

The Solovetsky Archipelago has been under UNESCO protection since 1992.

White-Stone Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal



These are among the most ancient Russian cities that were at the helm of the old-Russian Vladimir-Suzdal principality in the 12th and 13th centuries and which still preserve some unique architectural and artistic features you won't find anywhere else.

These features include masonry from white limestone, refined proportions, exquisite stone carving, and an exterior "lightness" of the buildings that all blend in with the surrounding landscape.

The Uspensky and Dmitrievsky cathedrals in Vladimir, the Golden Gates, Cathedral of the Nativity in Suzdal, and the bishop's chambers in the Suzdal Kremlin, Spaso-Evfimiyev and Pokrovsky monasteries are the most prominent examples of this architectural style.

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.

Lake Baikal



Lake Baikal in the southern part of Eastern Siberia is a unique natural site that is 25 million years old. It's the oldest freshwater body on Earth and the deepest lake in the world. Baikal is the biggest lake in Russia. It contains 20% of the world's fresh water.

The water in Baikal is completely transparent, and some objects can be seen at depths of up to 40 meters. Its flora and fauna consist of thousands of species and varieties of plants and animals, three quarters of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The incredible beauty of the lake and its surroundings with numerous picturesque bays and amazing cliffs attracts tourists from all over Russia and every corner of the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia.

The lake has been under UNESCO protection since 1996.


Valley of Geysers and Volcanos of Kamchatka



Kamchatka Peninsula, located in Russia’s Far East is a huge natural volcanology museum that is home to over 300 active and dormant volcanos along with dozens of geysers.

There are 26 volcanos (including 12 active ones), alpine glaciers and lakes within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, established in 1934.

This Valley of Geysers is unique in Eurasia and is a truly global phenomenon. Over 20 large geysers, dozens of thermal springs, and gas-vapor spurts are located on a 6-km stretch of land.

Volcanoes of Kamchatka are protected by UNESCO since 1996.


Altai Mountains



Altai is a region in the southeastern part of Western Siberia that boasts a landscape rich in contrasts, including steppes, taiga, alpine tundra, and glaciers. Altai hosts four nature reserves, all under UNESCO protection. The Altai Nature Reserve is home to 1,500 species of higher plants and is famous for Lake Teletskoye (second only to Lake Baikal in terms of volume of fresh water) and the unique taiga landscape around the lake.

The main sight of interest in the Belukha Nature Reserve is the two-peak Belukha mountain (4,506 m), which is permanently covered with snow and glaciers. The summit of this mountain was not reached until the twentieth century.

The Katun Nature Reserve has a predominantly glacial landscape, as glaciers occupy up to 50% of its area. The largest glacier (the Katun Glacier) feeds the Katun River, which is very popular among rafters. There is also a beautiful cascade of glacier lakes here. Finally, the area is home to the Ukok Plateau, a so called "no-take" zone, where ancient cave drawings and ancient burials have been found.

Golden Mountains of Altai are declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.


Curonian Spit




This is a sand-covered peninsula in the southeastern part of the Baltic Sea, one of the largest aeolian (created by the wind) formations in the world. People have been reinforcing the structures destroyed by the sea and the wind since the Middle Ages. By the late 17th and 18th centuries, the forested area of the Spit had dropped to 10%. Settlements, roads, and trees were buried under the sand. In the mid-19th century, intensive forest restoration work was started.

Today, two-thirds of the Curonian Spit is covered with forest.

The unique landscape has been under UNESCO protection since 2000.

The Swallow's Nest (Lastochkino Gnezdo)




This miniature neo-gothic castle is perched on the steep Avrora Cliff in southern Crimea. A structure called the "Swallow's Nest" because of its miniature dimensions (10 meters wide, 20 meters long, and 12 meters high) and location was built in 1912 based on the design of architect Leonid Sherwood.

The castle’s history spans more than a century during which it has gone through several owners and even survived an earthquake. It initially belonged to German industrialist Vladimir Shteyngel. At the beginning of World War I, the new owner opened a restaurant here. In the 1930s, the structure was deemed unsafe and shut down. It was only 30 years later that reconstruction of the building began.

Top things you should do in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the most famous spots in Vietnam and consists of a series of amazing limestone islands which are also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some 2,000 islands located in Halong Bay and you will find many of them uninhabited and covered in gorgeous lush vegetation, making them perfect for hiking. If you like walking then you can also enjoy the craggy bluffs that cover the islands of Halong Bay, and you can also explore and discover isolated bays and dainty inlets.

Many of the islands are also home to famous caves where you can go spelunking and although Halong Bay can get quite busy during the high season, there are still some secluded spots to uncover if you are willing to island hop. If you prefer to stay in the thick of things, then you can enjoy seafood barbecues, sea kayaking and a whole host of attractions in the main towns such as forts and other monuments.

Here are the best things to do in Halong Bay…

1. Take a cruise

If you truly want to see all the beauty of Halong Bay then you need to take to the water and sign up for a boat cruise.

There are a huge number of companies to choose from and you can go island hopping in Halong Bay.

With some 2,000 islands to choose from, you will have lots of different options about where you want to go and what you want to see, from the main ‘big hits’ to less well known and smaller islands.

Many of the boats used are built in the traditional style and are known as ‘junk boats’. Depending on the tour operator you can also enjoy a buffet meal as part of the cruise or even stay on the boat overnight for a truly memorable cruising experience.

2. Go spelunking at Hang Sung Sot Cave

Hang Sung Sot Cave is located at Bon Hon Island and you will need to hike up a steep path to get here, although it is worth the effort for the inner views.

There are two different chambers in the cave which soar to a height of some 30 meters.

The inner chamber is known for having a number of stone formations that are said to look like sentries lining up and there is even a stone in the center of the cave that looks like a general talking to his troops.

As the light streams across the water and makes flickering patterns on the inside of the cave, it looks as if the formations are coming to life.

3. Go diving

Diving is one of the top activities in Halong Bay and the islands are the perfect place to enjoy the underwater delights in this part of Vietnam.

The waters here offer excellent visibility and you can go diving and swim through scenic underwater caves grottoes.

There are a number of diving schools here, or if you prefer you can just take a boat to the islands and swim and snorkel around.

4. Visit Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the most popular attraction in Halong Bay and it is also the biggest island in this part of Vietnam.

The island sits around an ancient fisherman’s port and as such has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

One of the best things to do here is to rent a bicycle and ride to the idyllic countryside just outside the main town.

This is also the spot where many of the boats leave for island trips so it makes a good place to base yourself while you are in Halong Bay.

5. Explore Me Cung Cave

Me Cung Cave is also known by its English name which is Bewitching Grotto.

This is one of the most picturesque caves in Halong Bay, which is saying something as there are many other pretty attractions here.

The entrance of the cave is through a narrow entrance which you need to squeeze into.

Once inside however, the chamber opens up and you will find winding tunnels that are covered in gorgeous stalagmites and stalactites.

There are also fossils in the cave so if you are a fan of spelunking then this is a great spot to explore for an afternoon.

6. Take a cycling tour

Halong Bay is well known for its laid back atmosphere and if you want to check this out for yourself then you need to rent yourself a bicycle.

There are bicycle tours that you can take all over the region, or you can go it alone and explore at your leisure.

There is no better way to tour Halong Bay than by cycling down to the various beaches on Cat Ba Island and the going for a refreshing swim at the end of a long bike ride.

7. Travel to Monkey Island

Monkey Island is also known as Cat Dua in Vietnamese and is a great spot if you are looking to take a boat trip in Halong Bay.

There is an idyllic private beach here and you can spend your time topping up your tan on the white sand or go swimming and snorkeling in the azure seas.

If you are feeling adventurous then you can also go sea kayaking here or you can hike across the island as there are a huge number of scenic trails that take you through the lush greenery.

8. Travel to the shrine at Virgin Cave

Virgin Cave is located at Bon Hon Island.

The cave is also known as Hang Trinh Nu and is one of the most famous grottoes in Halong Bay.

The reason for this is the legend that is associated with the cave.

The story goes that a young women committed suicide here after she was trapped in an unhappy marriage and then her body turned to stone.

One alternative theory is that she chose to end her life here and was then buried by the local fisherman who found her.

There is a shrine now inside the grotto to commemorate the legend and this is a top attraction in Halong Bay.

9. Hike around Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba is a gorgeous national park which boasts 32 different kinds of mammals.

Some of these include langurs which are the most endangered primates in the world.

You will also find some amazing hiking trails here which include an 18 kilometer climb to the summit of the main peak in the national park.

There are a number of guides available in the park and it is recommended that you hire one if you want to make the most of the experience as they can also show you all the flora and fauna as you trek around and explain the history of the region.

If you love nature and don’t have a huge amount of time to explore Halong Bay then this is a good pick as you will get to see a wide range of species in a short amount of time.

10. Check out Fighting Cocks Island

Fighting Cocks Island is called Hon Ga Choi in Vietnamese and this is also one of the best known landmarks in the Halong Bay area.

The island is made up of two large rocks that jut out of the sea and resemble two cockerels fighting.

The best time to visit the island is at sunset as the sky looks stunning when it sets behind the two pretty stone formations.

11. Go night squid fishing

Anyone who is a night owl should consider a popular night time activity in Halong Bay which is night squid fishing.

When you sign up, you will be provided with a fishing rod and you will be able to take in large shoals of squid which swim around in these waters after darkness falls.

One you have caught the fish, you can also enjoy a barbecue as the staff will show you how to barbecue these delicious sea creatures.

12. Visit Lan Ha Bay

Halong Bay is a very popular destination in Vietnam which means that many of the islands get crowded in the high season.

With that in mind, if you want to explore a quieter part of the region, then consider a trip to Lan Ha Bay.

The island is known for white sandy beaches and there are a plethora of activities on offer here.

These include swimming, rock climbing and sea kayaking and you can also visit the Cai Beo Floating Village.

This is one of the oldest floating residential areas in Vietnam so if you want to see a slice of history then this is not to be missed.

13. Shop at Cat Ba Island Market

If you are staying on Cat Ba Island and want to try some of the local delights then head for the central market.

Here you will find a variety of local fruits and vegetables and you can also check out the local seafood.

There are huge mounds of crabs, jump shrimp and fish here, and if you want to set up your own beach barbecue later then this is the place to source your produce.

14. Dine on seafood barbecue

Halong Bay is located by the sea, and so it stands to reason that there is a plethora of seafood on offer here.

Many of the restaurants here are located along the central beaches and you can dine with your feet in the sand and sample the freshest catch of the day.

Just some of these include baked king prawns as well as squid, crab, and lobster.

If you prefer there are also self-barbecue fire pits where you can have a go at cooking your own dinner.

15. Travel to Dau Be Island

Dau Be Island is a great spot if you want to go swimming or diving.

The reason for this is due to the amazing coral gardens here as well as deep grottoes which are located inside three large lakes.

If you want to get the underground cave and grottoes then you need to row across to them at low tide which is the only time that you will be able to climb inside.

16. Tour Cannon Fort

If you want to take in the best of the views in Cat Ba Island then head for Cannon Fort.

From the vantage point of the fort you can see rolling hills as well as bobbing fishing boats and karst formations jutting out of the sea.

To get to the fort you need to walk up a hill to the main gate and you can check out underground tunnels here as well as a number of attractions such as gun emplacements.

The fort is also dotted with life size model soldiers and there are several lookout points.

17. Go cliff walking at Cat Co 3

Cat Co 3 is nestled close to Cat Ba Town although the stretch of sand itself is not very large.

You can of course stop here to top up your tan or go for a swim, but the main reason to visit is for the cliff top paths here.

The cliff side has a walking trail that will take you to other beaches like Cat Ba 1 and 2 and this is one of the best walks on the island.

18. Hike on Ban Sen Island

Anyone looking for an adventure needs to head to Ban Sen Island.

This is one of the less visited islands in Halong Bay and is covered with thick forest lands.

To get here you need to take a ferry to Quan Lan from Cai Rong and then you can head off on your hike.

There are a number of guides here who can show you the often hidden routes and also regale you with tales of the flora and fauna found on the island.

19. Sleep on a boat

When you book a hotel in Halong Bay, you may not realize that there are a whole host of different options.

You can of course stay in a traditional hotel, but if you fancy a change then you can also sleep on a boat.

There are a number of boats that also operate as hotels and you can choose from large cruisers to smaller, traditional junks.

You can star gaze from the deck of the boat and drift off to sleep lulled by the ocean waves for a completely unique hotel experience in Halong Bay.

View all available Boats

20. Shop at Bai Chay Market

If you want to sample some of the local produce in Halong Bay then one of the best places to do this is at Bai Chay Market.

This is a local Vietnamese market in Halong Bay and you will find huge heaps of fresh fruit and vegetables here as well as plenty of seafood.

You can also buy other local items like clothing and textiles so this is a good spot to visit if you want to stock up on souvenirs.

21. Visit Hospital Cave

Hospital Cave is so named as it was used as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War as it couldn’t be bombed.

It was also used by Viet Cong leaders and was built from 1963 to 1965. It was used as late as 1975 and is around 10 kilometers from Cat Ba Town.

There is a guide here who will show you around some 17 rooms over three floors and you can even see an operating theater as well as a cinema and swimming pool.

22. Grab a drink at the bai doi stalls

If you want to relax and have a drink at sunset then you need to head to the bai doi stalls on Cat Ba Island.

These sell draft local beer and most of them are located along the scenic waterfront.

With that in mind, head here as the sun goes down for a crisp and refreshing tipple.

23. Take a sea plane

If you want to splash out and see Halong Bay from a height then consider signing up for a tour on a sea plane.

This part of Vietnam is known for its karst formations, and there is no better way to see these than from the air.

The seaplane rides in Halong Bay will take you up to a height of 300 meters above the water and you will fly over spots of interest like Dau Go Cave, Tuan Chau Island and plenty of other highlights.

24. Go kayaking around the karst formations

Anyone looking for an adventure at Halong Bay should consider going kayaking.

This is kayaking with a twist however, as the sea here is studded with eerie rising karst formations that jut out of the water.

If you want to explore these up close therefore, then you need to get into a kayak and get out on the water, and the conditions in Halong Bay are perfect as the seas are calm and the visibility is excellent.

25. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Monument

Ho Chi Minh is credited as being the founding father of modern Vietnam and no town in this country is complete without a statue of this formidable leader.

The monument to Ho Chi Minh in Halong Bay is located on a hillside in Cat Ba Town which is known as Mountain Number 1. As well as seeing the statue, this makes a nice place to come for a walk and check out the vistas over the water.