• Crunchymo...

  Taipei, Taiwan

  This member's reviews have been voted helpful by TripAdvisor travelers.
  “Superb! A Must do if in Vietnam! Spectacular Scenery! Beautiful!”

  Reviewed July 22, 2011 NEW

  Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places to visit. If you do not come here you will regret it.
  We only did a one day tour. A total of about 12 hours. 4 hours from Hanoi, 4 hours on the boat, and then 4 hours back to the hotel. A little tiring, but worth it.
  Honestly speaking a day is enough. After about four hours we felt it was enough. I suppose if you really enjoy the beauty and you like to be in nature and you want to see more of the Bay then indeed you need to book a sleeper boat for a night or more. Just pick your boat carefully as many have sank during the night. Yes, do a Google search you will find lots of stories.
  If you are booking a one day tour, be advised that some guides are better then others. We booked through our hotel, the guide that was provided was useless. He slept, didn't explain anything along the way, and was quite possible the most useless guide we have ever had. Frankly speaking, we felt that a driver would have sufficed without the guide. There are lots of tour agencies in Vietnam, I can recommend a few if you contact me, I have used one of them, and the other I felt I should have used to book this rather than through the hotel.
  No matter what, the experience was still great, we enjoyed our time in the Bay. Maybe one day we will return to do a longer run through the Bay, but again if you are on a limited schedule, a day will do at least to start.
  Also you may wish to book a private tour for your group or your own family rather than with a group. As I indicated in another review, most tours will take you to a cave, if you have no interest you need to let them know before they dock. If you go with a group it will be hard to get out of things you don't want to do or spend longer in places you want to see more of. Private tours are not that expensive, we paid about US$100 for two of us, very reasonable, it included the car, the driver, the useless guide, the boat, the crew, and lunch. It did not include drinks. So bring some cash, should not cost you more than about 10-20,000VND per drink. But you still need cash.
  Enjoy your trip!

• “Loved it! A must see”
  Reviewed July 12, 2011
  

  Ruthsydne...

  Sydney,

  Yes and of course this place is one of the best and nicest place in this country and all round Asia which we have ever known. Blue sea and green small stone up on the water look so great. Everytime I can see its beauty appearing as an unforgettable amazing and extremely really picture in my head. Halong Bay is a large area but all the crusie boats seem to head to the same 'attractions' like moths to a lamp. A little more creativity is required here.

• “Amazing”
  Reviewed July 9, 2011
  

  Chrishayw...

  Sydney, Australia

  We stayed overnight on Ha long Bay Vietnam, it was raining, foggy and cold, when we were there but that did not worry us. The junk was comfortable, food good and cabins clean and warm at night. The next morning we left early and climbed to the top of the bay the views were amazing and after breakfast we then went to the Limestone caves which were interesting, they are lit up by coloured lights and paths are well worn, shame they let the tourist smoke inside, damage is done. We sat on the junk and watched the sea eagles souring in the thermals, just spectacular. The limestone formations are amazing. We were a little concerned at the number of huge tankers in the area, and our tour guide told us that because they don't carry oil, petrol or any other chemical they are allowed, seems strange in a World Heritage sight. We would of love to come again when the weather is clearer, nevertheless we loved it.

• “Halong Bay - a definite must in Vietnam!”
  Reviewed January 9, 2011
  

  BorisIB

  Sofia, Bulgaria

  Halong Bay is a unique natural attraction. I would strongly advise anybody who visits Vietnam to go there. In general, we found Vietnam a mediocre destination when compared to other SE Asia countries, but Halong Bay is really unique. I would recommend a sleepover on one of the junks, sunset and sunrise are magnificent. However, be prepared for a cold and murky sea, if visiting in winter (we were there in Dec 2010), weather was cold, sea impossible to dip in, but the views are breathtaking. All in all - a must

Recommend 2day Halong Bay trip on Glory Cruise
Recommend 3days Halong - Cat Ba Island with Black Pearl Junk
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