Exciting experiences during backpacking in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a must-visit destination in a lifetime, boasting breathtaking natural landscapes sculpted in a truly majestic and organic manner. Here are some insights into Halong travel experiences to help you save costs for your journey. 

When is the best time to visit Halong?

Halong Bay is located in Northern Vietnam, experiencing distinct spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons. Almost any time throughout the year is suitable for visiting Halong Bay, with the optimal period being from April to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable.

Nevertheless, you can also come during the winter months of December, January, and February. The weather might be slightly chilly with occasional fog and drizzle. While the summer months attract a considerable number of tourists for relaxation and sightseeing, exploring this destination during less crowded times can be more intriguing. However, during the summer months from May to October, temperatures rise, and you may encounter storms during the rainy season.

How to get there and move around?

Hạ Long City is located 177 km away from Hanoi, approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive by car. Most tourists prefer booking tours from Hanoi, which include transportation to Ha Long Bay, accommodation options (on boats or in hotels), guided tours, and meals for both lunch and dinner. For independent travelers, catching a bus in Hanoi is an option. From Kim Ma station on Nguyen Thai Hoc street, you can take a bus operated by Hoang Long Express. Buses run every 15 minutes, providing a convenient journey to Ha Long. If you need to book tickets in advance, you can contact them at (04) 8452846. Alternatively, you can also catch a bus from Hai Phong, which is about 75 km away from Ha Long Bay. Once you reach Ha Long Bay, you can rent a boat or a cruise ship to explore the bay.

There are continuous boats running from Hon Gai to Hai Phong every day. The boats depart from Hon Gai at 6:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Unfortunately, there are no submarines running between Ha Long and Hai Phong. However, the boat ticket prices are relatively high compared to traveling by car.

Traveling Tips for Ha Long

If you plan to explore only Ha Long, a 2-day trip is sufficient. On the first day, take the earliest bus around 7:00 AM to Ha Long. By 11:30 AM, you'll reach the intersection leading to Bai Chay. Get off the bus and take a motorbike taxi to Bai Chay tourist port. Have lunch at some restaurants near the tourist port; the prices are reasonable, and there's a menu for you to choose from. In the early afternoon, head to the port to buy sightseeing tickets and inquire about the bay cruise. You will buy separate sightseeing tickets and rent a private boat, as group cruises cost around 100k – 150k/person. You can ask ticket sellers or some locals around; the prices are generally fixed. If you're traveling with a group or family, it's advisable to rent a private boat, priced around 1500k – 1700k for a 4 to 6-hour trip (prices may be higher from May to August, peak tourist season).

There are two types of day tours for Ha Long Bay: 4-hour and 6-hour tickets. The 4-hour tour covers attractions like Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Fighting Cock Islet, and a closer cruise around the bay. With the 6-hour option, you'll visit Thien Cung Cave, Fighting Cock Islet, Titov Beach, and cruise around the bay with a longer distance.

If you're not too tired after the bus journey from Hanoi, consider hiking Bai Tho Mountain in the afternoon of the first day. On the second day, start your exploration of the bay with a 6-hour ticket (providing more extensive coverage). In the afternoon of the second day, catch a bus back to Hanoi. Bai Tho Mountain is situated near Hon Gai, right by the coastline near Bai Chay Bridge. From the mountain's summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ha Long City and a portion of Ha Long Bay. This tourist spot is not included in many tour packages, making it a less crowded destination.

Additionally, the guesthouses near Long Tien Pagoda are very convenient for those planning to visit Quan Lan Island. From Long Tien Pagoda to Hon Gai Port, it's only 400m away. This port serves boats heading to Quan Lan Island. If you're in Ha Long, consider staying overnight at a guesthouse in this area and take a boat to Quan Lan Island the next morning.

Guesthouses and Hotels in Ha Long

Ha Long is divided into two areas: Hon Gai and Bai Chay, connected by Bai Chay Bridge. The main tourist area is Bai Chay, featuring a long coastline and tourist ports. Hon Gai is the administrative center. It's advisable to stay in Bai Chay for convenience in transportation and dining. Guesthouses and hotels are concentrated mainly in the Vuon Dao street area, with room prices ranging from 250,000 – 350,000 VND per night. Prices may increase during the summer. There are also many dining options around this area, and you can choose from some small eateries near the Bưu Điện intersection with reasonable prices and delicious food. Don't forget to try the local specialty, Chả Mực (Grilled Chopped Squid).

Attractions in Ha Long

Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave: You will take a boat to Dau Go Island, continue on foot through the steps leading up the mountain, and explore the caves inside, make sure to visit both caves. Inside the caves, you'll find various formations resembling animals and beautiful stalactites. In the evening, you can visit Ha Long Night Market to shop for small souvenirs. I found the souvenirs here not particularly unique, so be prepared to bargain when making purchases. Additionally, you can walk to the city center, Bưu Điện intersection, and rent a horse carriage for a leisurely tour. If you decide to climb Bai Chay Bridge at night, it's advisable to go early and return early for safety. Bai Tho Mountain was mentioned earlier. If you're staying in the Hon Gai area, though it's far from the tourist center, it's closer to Ha Long City. You can explore Long Tien Pagoda, enjoy the famous Bánh Cuốn Chả Mực (Steamed Rolled Rice Pancake with Grilled Chopped Squid), and experience the local life of Ha Long residents. You can take a bus to move between the two areas, and staying in Hon Gai may be more suitable if you're a student.

Combining the Exploration of Cat Ba and Ha Long

If you visit both of these tourist spots, it will be a complete travel experience. To reach Cat Ba from Ha Long, take the Tuần Châu Ferry, which operates at scheduled hours. Plan your departure time accordingly. You can combine some fun activities at the Tuần Châu tourist area on the second day, then move to Cat Ba on the last ferry of the day. Upon reaching Gia Luận Pier, Cat Ba, you'll need to hire a motorbike taxi or a car to get to the town center. Note that bargaining with motorbike taxis and cars is common here. Spend the night in Cat Ba, and on the second day, enjoy the beach and visit the Fish Market. In the evening, take the Hoang Long bus back to Hanoi (including high-speed train tickets from Hoang Long), the last bus departs at 3:00 PM. If you want to save time after exploring Ha Long Bay, consider taking a combined ferry from Ha Long to Cat Ba.

Shopping, Prices

In general, prices in Ha Long are not excessively high for a renowned tourist destination. Tourists can buy clothes at slightly higher prices compared to other places. Eating at local restaurants is relatively affordable. However, it's advisable for tourists to confirm prices before deciding to purchase or rent anything.

Additionally, the bus fare from Hanoi to Ha Long is around 60,000 VND (by coach). The motorbike taxi fare from the bus station to Bai Chay tourist area averages 15,000 VND per person. If heading to Hon Gai, you might spend up to 40,000 VND per person. It's recommended to take a taxi for groups of 3 or more. For the bus ride from the bus station to Bai Chay or Hon Gai, the highest price is 5,000 VND per person.

As for boat tour prices to explore Ha Long Bay, it can be a bit chaotic. Ticket sellers can be persistent and may complicate matters. You can contact your hotel to arrange joining a boat tour to avoid waiting or being placed on an incompatible boat. The sightseeing ticket costs 40,000 VND per person. If you opt for a 6-hour cruise on the bay, the boat fee will be 100,000 VND per person. To save costs, consider choosing a 3-4 hour tour. You can select early morning or midday tours for a more comfortable travel experience.

Other Considerations

Explore the coastal life and connect with the local people to gain a deeper understanding of this region. Generally, coastal residents are very friendly and straightforward. If you approach them with sincerity and positivity, they will welcome you in the most comfortable way possible. While you may not have all the conveniences, you'll gain valuable information, capture meaningful images, and experience the authentic essence of the coastal community.

***

Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – According to dulichvn