What You Need To Know About Visiting Vietnam’s Halong Bay
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The famed marble stone archipelago of Halong Bay is the gem of Northern Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin.
Halong Bay is named “where the dragon descends to the sea” for a local myth. According to folklore, the dragon created the limestone rock formations of the bay to protect Vietnam from invaders. And Halong is so uniquely beautiful that it does feel like magical creatures could fly overhead without anyone blinking an eye.
The traveler-favorite bay is definitely worth a trip, but visiting the unique landscape isn’t without challenges. Here’s what you need to know for a successful Halong vacation.
Getting There
Halong is rather remote and the bus from the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi could take almost an entire travel day. The most popular way to travel to the stunning waterfront is by booking a cruise around the bay that includes a mini bus transfer from Hanoi. This way you can avoid potential bus chaos (and long waits eating up your travel time).
Choosing Your Home Base
Your first decision on accommodations is in or out of the water. There are plenty of high rise hotels in Halong City (ranging from $50 to $100 per night), otherwise you can book a room on a cruise around the bay.
Halong cruises are not your humongous western mall-on-the-water ships, but the more expensive options offer a luxury hotel experience at a steeper price.
Being On The Water
While your impulse may be to get into your own personal boat and take a kayak out on the water, you won’t see as much paddling by hand. We’d recommend booking a cruise that includes a kayaking excursion (and many do, since competition for tourist dollars is steep). If you’re pinching pennies, go for a mid-range day cruise.
The Pros And Cons
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and breathtaking to behold, but overcrowding and environmental issues make the bay a controversial travel pick for some. The water isn’t as clean as you’d hope, due to increased tourism and litter. Luckily, Halong Bay is enormous and you can cruise on outta town to some more remote spots.
A Less Crowded Gem
You won’t get to the carefully-protected Bai Tu Long Bay on your average Halong tour, but is it ever worth it. Technically part Halong Bay (the area is huge), this National Park cove is quieter and less polluted. The water is clean enough for swimming and the views are just as good as on the more popular tourist circuit.
Safety Concerns
Less than ten years ago, 12 people died when budget cruise boat sank. Although new regulations have been put in place, prices that seem too good to be true could mean the company behind the experience is taking illegal risks.
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