Set in Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site and is very popular for tourists traveling through Vietnam or China. Not only can you see around 1,600 independent uninhabited islands, there is also many activities to do as well.
Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin and can be reached from Hanoi, Vietnam or Nanning, China. From Vietnam, you can take a bus, train, or rent a car to reach the bay. There are minibuses from Hanoi's Gia Lam everyday and the journey takes about 4-5 hours. From Nanning, China, there are several day buses to Halong City and they take about 9 hours to reach the bay.
The buses will take you to one of three ports. These include Haiphong, Halong City, and Cai Rong. After you arrive at a port, you will need to buy a boat ticket or rent a boat. If you are traveling with a group this would be a great option because you could enjoy a more private experience. Be warned, make sure to shop around before you decide.
If you are traveling with a smaller group or alone, it is recommended that you book a package deal. These packages include bus tickets and boat tickets for one price. You can purchase these packages in Hanoi's city center. Do not worry, these buses and boats may look pretty runned down, but are relatively safe. Packages range from one day experiences to three or more days. You will need at least two days to really see the bay, so make sure to pack an overnight bag.
Some of the backpacker hostels will sell packages for 3 days/ 2 nights for around $200. If you go with one of these, there will definitely be a lot of action going on. If you are okay with a smaller group, try to book your trip in one of the smaller travel agencies. You will get the best price and could even do a package deal with a trip to the Sapa Rice Terraces.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
