Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Vietnam, beauty in its most natural form. 113 miles/180 kms from Hanoi, a 3½ hour drive to this beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bookings can be made at most hotels in Hanoi for the day trip. You usually leave Hanoi early morning to arrive at Tuan Chau Marina (tourism wharf), Halong Bay around 10 am.
Tuan Chau Marina, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Once here, you will be taken in (tour) groups to your chartered boat for the day. Usually, you will have a buffet lunch as soon as you board the boat as you depart Tourism Wharf. The first part of the voyage is scenic but you can concentrate on and enjoy your buffet. Once you get into Ha Long Bay, drop everything and just take in the beauty.
Floating villages in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
You will be taken to an elementary school on-the-Sea. This school is for the kids of the people that fish, work and live in Houseboats in Ha Long Bay. You can also choose to buy a ride in little Bamboo boats and go for a trip into the Bay and under the many limestone arches.
Bamboo boat tour in Ha Long Bay under Limestone arches
The tour usually includes a visit to Thien Cung Grotto (Heavenly Cave), 2.5 miles/4 kms southwest in Ha Long Bay on Dau Go Island (Wooden Stakes Island). The inside of this cave is beautiful and effectively lit up to showcase and enhance the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
Stalactites in Thien Cung Grotto, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Click here to see more pictures of Ha Long Bay.
You should also consider visiting Sa Pa, Vietnam and Hanoi, Vietnam.
TIPS:
- Be ready for your pick-up as they are punctual and may leave without you.
- Carry bottled water and breakfast for the journey to Ha Long Bay.
- Do not buy gifts or souvenirs before the tour as you will have to lug it the whole day.
