best halong bay cruise recommendation
Visit Vietnam’s splendid Ha Long Bay and explore caves and beaches.
Along the northeastern coastline of Vietnam, and 175 kilometres (109 miles) from the city of Hanoi, is Ha Long Bay; an area of more than 1,600 islands and islets covered by rainforests and lined with golden beaches. The giant limestone rocks are a hot spot for cave exploration, swimming, snorkelling and trekking.
Staying on a boat is the best way to experience everything that Ha Long Bay has to offer, and whether you choose a rough-and-ready junk boat, or the more comfortable all-inclusive cruiser option, it’s worth staying for at least one night on the water to make the most of your trip to Ha Long Bay and the surrounding attractions.
Organised group tours run out of Hanoi, taking you on a round trip to Ha Long Bay with full-day excursions starting at a reasonable £25 ($32). This often includes transfer from Hanoi, and lunch is also provided. Once in Ha Long Bay, expect a four to five-hour boat trip that will take you on a guided tour of some of the most exciting parts of the Bay. Visit floating villages to see how the locals live in homes built on water and explore hidden caves around the likes of the Thien Cung Cave and the Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, taking you through underground passages and corridors to see what these giant limestone rocks are hiding. And, when you’re not cruising along on a boat, kayaking is the best way to get around the Bay. If you opt for a tour, then kayaks are usually included as part of the excursion.
The island of Tuan Chau is host to beautiful sandy beaches lined with palm trees, as well as resort complexes and tourist attractions that draw in crowds all year round. Accessible via the two-kilometre (1.2-mile) road from the mainland, Tuan Chau is the perfect place to stop off for a few nights in a comfortable two or three-star hotel and to explore Ha Long Bay or to just kick back, relax and take it all in.
When you’re not kayaking through caves or exploring beaches, take a visit to the Sun World Ha Long Park the biggest amusement park in Southeast Asia. The park sits just on the shores of Ha Long Bay, providing entertainment and rides for all the family. Enjoy a ride on the impressive cable car across to Dragon Park, or check out the Typhoon Water Park to experience a selection of thrilling rides.
Trekking should also be a part of your itinerary while visiting Ha Long Bay. Make it to the top of Poem Mountain for rewarding panoramic views over the surrounding area, and visit Cat Ba Island for a quieter, less crowded escape. This is where you can rent a scooter and ride up and down the incredible island to witness spectacular mountains and breathtaking coastal roads. Staying on Cat Ba Island for a night or two is recommended before heading back to the bustling urban sprawl of Hanoi.