Halong Bay is the first symbol of Vietnam.
This place, considered a natural wonder, has nearly 1600 islands and limestone islets covered with dense vegetation and populated by birds that form a unique landscape in the world. For a long time this area was full of pirates hiding among the limestones and in secret bays. Now the pirates have been replaced by the cruise ships from which you will discover the beauty of these formations.
What to do? Ha Lonh, Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay
Halong Bay and its karst formations are divided into 3 main regions which are nevertheless very similar.
Halong Bay is the most touristic place and so we do not recommend it.
South East of the island of Cat Ba, you can discover Lan Ha Bay, the limestones are slightly less imposing and closer and because of its remoteness it is less touristy.
Finally, in the East, you will find Tu Long Bay, where few boats go and which is much less touristy is really suitable for discoveries away from the beaten track.
No matter which bay you go to, the limestones carved by the tides cannot be explored on foot and are not inhabited.
Nevertheless, many fishermen settled in the surroundings on floating villages to practice fishing and fish farming. So you can meet them and discover their fish farms.
During your stay in Halong Bay, you can also explore by kayak the closed lagoons accessible according to the tides during the crossing of caves pierced in the sugar loaves.
In addition, you can refresh and relax on the temporary beaches that appear with the tides.
How to get there and how long it takes, and what price
The Bay is easily accessible from Hanoi. In 3 – 4 hours of trips you reach Ha Long and the port from which all the boats of the region leave for cruises of several days on the Bay.
To fully enjoy the scenery, it is essential to spend at least 1 night on the bay, to admire the beautiful sunsets.
From March to September, to really enjoy the landscapes drawn by the limestones and water activities, I strongly recommend spending 3 days and 2 nights for a cruise while from October to February, the weather being less clement, 2 days and 1 night are enough.
For a good value from Hanoi on boats of 20 cabins maximum provide 320 euros for 2 people on the basis of 2 days 1 night.
You can have examples on the Senteurs du Vietnam website which organizes tailor-made trips.
And then?
After Halong Bay, no need to return to Hanoi, to save time and discover the varied landscapes of Vietnam, as much to go directly by car on the inland Halong Bay, to Tam Coc.
It takes about 4 hours to drive and the price of a private car is about 2,000,000 vnd for the trip.