Halong Bay Travel Tips & Experiences

Travel Tips & Experiences

Halong Bay Overview: Discover Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage

Halong Bay Overview: Discover Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage

If you travel to Vietnam and Hanoi, Halong Bay is a must-see destination for you as it is beautiful. A comfortable 3½-hour drive from Hanoi's capital city, Halong Bay or the Bay of the Descending Dragon, which was twice recognized as a UNESCO natural heritage, is one of Vietnam’s most prized treasures as well as the pride of all Vietnamese.[incredible_toc]Halong Bay ComplexHalong Bay, whose tranquil beauty encompasses an indigo sea and more than 3,000 limestone islands and rocky outcrops, is both mystical and magnificent making it an exceptional feat of nature that almost never fails to impress.Magnificent View of Halong Bay1. What To See And What To Do In Halong Bay?Halong Bay has something for every kind of traveler: shimmering beaches with sunlight and rain not lasting long for swimming opportunities; the permanent beauty of the island system multicolored with a variety of shapes and regarded as a water-color, a work of art for photo opportunities; the islands at different shapes and sizes provoking the imagination scattered all around the bay: Con Coc (Toad), Dinh Huong (Incense Burner), Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks), etc., Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes), Thien Cung Grotto (Heavenly Palace) for exploration lovers.Halong Bay CavesNo trip to Halong Bay could be complete without a cruise to see 1,600 limestone karsts and various small islands and beaches from a different perspective, especially at sunrise or sunset, to enjoy the peace, fresh atmosphere, and relaxation throughout the trip, to paddle a kayak to get access to these hidden lagoons that big boats cannot reach, to explore magnificent formations in the depths of a cave or even take part in a Vietnamese cooking class to know how to cook Vietnamese dishes by yourself.Besides, if you choose a cruise trip with Incredible Asia Journeys, you might have the chance to explore the floating villages which have the unique lifestyle and investigate pearl farming process. You can buy pearls as a present for your family members, lover, or friend at a very good price.Moreover, on a cruise trip, you can have a one-of-a-kind experience that you might have never imagined. What can be more amazing than a steamy BBQ party by the caves in one of the most gorgeous natural complexes in the world?Halong Bay includes Halong Bay Center, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. So there are Halong Bay cruises which travel in Halong Center, Bai Tu Long Cruises which travel in Bai Tu Long - The East of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises which travel in Lan Ha Bay - The South of Halong Bay.2. What to Eat and Drink in Halong Bay?Halong Bay is a complex of limestone islands so it’s rich in seafood. When you travel on a cruise in Halong Bay, surely you will be served fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, mussels, scallops, etc.The food service in Halong Bay is wonderful. Don’t worry that you will have nothing to eat. Most of the cruises in Halong Bay serve excellent food even if you are a vegetarian.Cha Muc Halong Bay3. When to Visit Halong Bay?Depending on your desire for a memorable holiday, the best time to visit Halong Bay may be different.If you want to participate in swimming off the boat and relaxing on sundecks in the warm weather in Halong, these months from April to October are the best time to go. To avoid the terrible tourist crowds, especially during Christmas and New Year break, the period from May to September -the low season for foreign travelers, is a rewarding time to visit Halong Bay.At that time, you can also find better flight, cruise, and other service rates. However, your boat trip may be delayed or even canceled due to bad weather during the peak typhoon season in September, make sure to have plan B for your trip to Hanoi capital city. 4. Options for Visting Halong BayTravelers visiting Halong Bay may choose the different options depending on the time they have and the style of the cruise they may want to join in. Most Westerners like staying on an Overnight Halong Bay Cruise while Asian and Vietnamese like to spend their time on Halong Bay day trip ( Halong Bay 1 day cruise) so they can join in some activity on the mainland in the evening in Halong Bay City. In the evening on the mainland in Halong City, they may go to the night market or go to Tuan Chau Island to see some shows like Crocodile Show, Dolphin Show, or Water Music Show.Dolphin Show4.1. Halong Bay Day TripAs mentioned above, the Halong Bay Day Trip (Halong Bay 1 Day Tour) is suitable for most Asian people who like more activities in the evening so they can choose the Halong Bay Day trip and they can spend time on the mainland in the evening.Halong Bay Day Trip bus will pick up travelers from Hanoi Old Quarter (If you do not stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter you may get a taxi to the Opera House then the bus will pick you up from there) at around 08.00 - 08.30 AM. It will take about 4-hour driving to Halong Bay including about 30 minutes for a break.You will arrive at Tuan Chau Harbour around noon time where you will get on the cruise. Have a welcome drink then the cruise will starting cruising around the bay. Lunch will be served on the cruise before stopping for about 1 hour to visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay - Thien Cung Cave.Then you will have an opportunity to join in the kayaking. If you do not wish to do kayaking you may take part in the sampan boat trip rowing by the local people. Get back to the cruise then continue to enjoy the time on the sundeck. You will have a chance to admire the most beautiful places in the world with thousands of islands merging from the sea. On the cruise trip, you will visit the Fighting Cocket Islet and many other Islets and limestone mountains with different shapes.About 04.00 -04.30 PM you will arrive back at Tuan Chau Harbour then take the bus back to Hanoi. If you intend to stay in Halong City you may use a private car. If not, you may get a taxi to Halong City then the next day you may contact the tour guide to catch the bus to Hanoi. That can be arranged in advance when you book the tour with an agent or tour operator.Some suggestions of cruises that go to Halong Bay:Catherine cruiseElite of the SeasCapella CruiseV'Sirit CruiseLimestones in Halong Bay4.2. Halong Bay 2 Day 1 NightHalong Bay 2 Day 1 Night Itinerary is a good option for travelers who want to discover and experience Halong Bay with more activities. Halong Bay 2 day 1 night gives you the best option for enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world.Most Westerners like to stay in Halong Bay for an overnight on a cruise. Nowadays, there are a lot of options for cruises from budget to deluxe and luxury cruises. The types of cruises are various also so travelers can choose the best cruise for them from the wooden cruises to the metal cruises, from the private cruises to the bigger ones.A Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise Package starts with the pick-up by a cruise bus from Hanoi Old Quarter (You may choose the private car if your budget is better and that is convenient if you do not stay near the Hanoi Old Quarter). The transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay lasts for about almost 4 hours including 30 minutes for a break on the halfway.You will arrive at the harbor around noon time, hop on the cruise, and have welcome drinks before checking in your cabins. You will have lunch on the cruises with the different choices. You will start cruising around the bay to admire one of the World Natural Heritage Sites. Then you will take part in some activities in the afternoon such as visiting one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay - Sung Sot (Amazing Cave), kayaking around different islands, or in and out the Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave).You will go back to the cruise and you may enjoy the most beautiful time on the sundeck to enjoy a glass of cocktail and see the sunset in Halong Bay.Have dinner and there will be some activities in the evening like squid fishing or seeing a film about Halong Bay and Vietnam.Get up in the morning and Tai Chi will be a good thing to do in the clean air and quiet places. That will be the best for your health. After your breakfast, the second day follows with a visit to Tiv Top Island where you can go swimming or hiking to the top for the best view of Halong Bay and take many nice photos. Go back to your cruise and check out the cabin before having lunch. Say goodbye to the cruise team and you will get back to the bus to return to Hanoi. The trip ends about 4.00- 5.00 PM in Hanoi.Beach in Halong Bay4.3. Halong Bay 3 Day 2 Night CruiseHalong Bay 3 Day 2 Night Cruise Itinerary is the best option for travelers who have more time for their Vietnam Trip. With this option, you will have more opportunities to discover the remote area of Halong Bay. This option is suitable for people who like more activities like kayaking and swimming.Day 1 and Day 3 are similar to Halong Bay 2 Day 1 Night but on Day 2 of this itinerary, you will be transferred to a day boat to move to the remote area of Halong Bay where there are fewer tourists. The boat may stop in the different islands with the small sandy beaches where you can go swimming in quite private small island beaches. You also have more time for kayaking in the quiet area. That is a good option for the honeymoon couple.The day boat will go back to the meeting point for meeting the big cruise then you will stay overnight on the big cruise and meet more travellers who do the tour for 2 days 1 night. The next-day itinerary of 3-day 2-night cruise is similar to Halong Bay 2 Day 1 Night Cruise Itinerary.

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Hanoi Travel Guide: Discover the Heart of Vietnam’s Culture & History

Hanoi Travel Guide: Discover the Heart of Vietnam’s Culture & History

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, the City of Peace recognized by UNESCO is a cannot be missed destination in your Vietnam trip. 4000 years of history, culture, and lifestyle of Vietnamese converge in Hanoi.Since 1010, Hanoi was chosen as the capital of Vietnam by Ly Cong Uan King. Since then, Hanoi witnessed political, economic, and social changes. Until now, it still keeps its typical beauty character and soul.[incredible_toc]Hoan Kiem Lake1. What To Do And What To See In Hanoi?Before you take any of Vietnam Tours you may think about Hanoi because it may be the place you fly into for starting your trip. Hanoi lends herself to leisurely exploration full of things to see, from a delicious mix of East and West: architectural souvenirs nestled along wooded boulevards among the city’s two dozen lakes, the architecture of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, where Sino-Vietnamese tradition converges with a powerful French influence to produce a unique, enchanting city to the strong indigenous culinary traditions, with earthy markets and a rambunctious street-food culture. In a very compact city like Hanoi, almost famous places of interest are all within walking distance making it easy to enjoy the best parts of the city on foot or by cyclo: mist-shrouded Hoan Kiem Lake – Lake of the Restored Sword – an iconic image of old Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum; One Pillar Pagoda; 36 little streets in the quarter each named for a commodity once sold by all the businesses on that street: the jewelry, copper, horse hair, medicine, fans, chicken, etc; the Temple of Literature - a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture; economical hotels, tourist shops, and cafés catering to visitors.Temple of LiteratureEspecially, since September 1st, 2016, the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake officially launched. On the weekends, you will have a chance to get acquainted with traditional Vietnamese games listen to street bands of the young in Vietnam, or enjoy watching hip-hop dance, flash mob dance, etc.In the suburban areas, there remained a lot of historical and religious sites of Vietnam. About 20 kilometers far from the center of Hanoi, there are Tay Phuong in Thach That District and Thay Pagoda in Quoc Oai District. These pagodas were built about 300 years ago. Until now, Vietnamese people, as well as foreigners, have been coming here to express their beliefs. The charm of the capital city is also found in Hanoians, who express themselves through an eclectic range of activities, and are simple in daily life but generous in welcoming any travelers to Vietnam.Tay Phuong Pagoda2. What to Eat and Drink in Hanoi?One thing you should not miss in Asia’s most graceful and exotic capital city is a wide range of exquisite local dishes, which brings Vietnamese cuisine to the world’s cuisine map. Hanoi Nightlife may bring you the best experience for what to eat in Hanoi. If you come to Hanoi, don’t ever forget to taste Pho (noodles with beef or chicken), Bun Cha (noodles with grilled pork meat) which stole the tongue of former President Barack Obama, Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong fried fish), and many other delicious dishes you should discover by yourselves.A Bowl of Pho - Must-try dish in Hanoi3. When to visit Hanoi?Like other places in the northern hemisphere, Hanoi, with a typical tropical climate, has chilly winter, when the temperatures can significantly drop to 10 degrees Celsius and the steaming summers when it is an uncomfortably hot and humid affair with the temperatures consistently above 20 degrees Celsius. Despite the unpredictability of the weather in Hanoi, this over 1,000-year-old city can be visited any time of the year. Winter is the time to enjoy the fascinating festival in Vietnam: Tet holiday – Vietnamese New Year’s Celebration, to discover all the sights on foot; summer is when to go for a beer or coffee without dripping with sweat; spring and autumn for cooler weather, for the most pleasant weather of a year, for the charm of Hanoi in its fullest.Hanoi Street4. Suggested Tours from HanoiThat is easy for travelers to start the tour from Hanoi. From Hanoi, you may have a lot of options for your trip as belowHoa Lu - Tam Coc Day Trip: This tour is a day trip from Hanoi. You will take about 2 hours to drive from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to visit Dinh and Le Temple. You will know more about the history of Vietnam. Have lunch then move to Tam Coc to do the sampan boat trip visiting Tam Coc ( 3 caves). You will have a wonderful time in Tam Coc (Known as dry Halong Bay). Cycling for about 40 minutes around Tam Coc to see the local life and return to Hanoi around 6.00 PM.Temple of Emperor Đinh Tiên HoàngHalong Bay Day Trip: This tour is a full-day tour from Hanoi. You will start in the morning from Hanoi for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay where you will take a boat trip to visit one of the most beautiful bays in the world. You will have an opportunity to visit the Thien Cung Caves, go kayaking, or enjoy the sampan boat trip. Take your time to enjoy cruising in Halong Bay. Return back to Hanoi at around 8.30 PM.Halong Bay ViewpointHalong Bay 1-Night Cruise: This tour will allow you to stay overnight in Halong on a cruise. Like the Halong Bay Day Trip, you will start in Hanoi in the morning and arrive in Halong Bay at noon time. However, with Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise, you will visit further destinations in Halong Bay and do more activities. You will visit Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave), go kayaking, or enjoy the sampan boat trip. Enjoy the sunset party and relax on the overnight cruise. There are some activities like a cooking demonstration and squid fishing. Besides that you may have a chance to go swimming, climbing to the top of an island on a nice beach depending on the cruise you choose for your trip. You will return to Hanoi around 04.30 PM. Halong Bay 2-night Cruise: Similar to Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise you will have more time on Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise. You will have a full day of kayaking and swimming on the small and quiet beaches on the different islands in Halong Bay.See more tours at Day Trips from Hanoi exclusively at Incredible Asia Journeys. Don't hesitate to message or email us your request about your upcoming trip!

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How to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay

How to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay

How to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay is a question for many travellers who wish to visit Halong Bay then want to visit Cat Ba Island also. As Cat Ba Island is a very famous and a good place to visit so many travellers also wish to visit Cat Ba Island and have time to relax on Bat Bat Island after Halong Bay. There are nice beaches in Cat Ba Island and there is a town on the island with fresh air.[incredible_toc]There are some ways you can get to Cat Ba Islands from Halong Bay.  Overall, Incredible Asia Journeys will introduce 3 Ways to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay, let's see them below and choose the most suitable way for your group! 1. Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island by Ferry Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island by Ferry Travel from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba by a ferry is a convenient and fast way for many travellers who have visited Halong Bay with an overnight cruise or a day cruise and stay overnight in a hotel in Halong City or Tuan Chau. From 2009, Au Lac Quang Ninh – Tuan Chau Group start running the Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island Ferry Route so travellers can get to Cat Ba Island easily from Halong Bay. The ferry trip takes about 45 minutes while travellers may enjoy a peaceful time watching the Natural World Wonder of Halong Bay. 1.1. How to Get to Cat Ba From Halong City If you stay in Halong City and want to go to Cat Ba Island you can get a taxi to Tuan Chau which is about 10 km from Halong City. At Tuan Chau, you can buy a ferry ticket at the Tuan Chau Ferry Counter. The tickets cost about 3.5 USD/person. 1.2. How to Get To Cat Ba From Tuan Chau If you stay overnight in a hotel in Tuan Chau, that will be very convenient as most of the hotels in Tuan Chau are not so far from Tuan Chau Ferry Station. So you may tell your hotel to arrange the transfer for you. 1.3. After finishing a cruise trip There are many cruises in Halong Bay starting from Tuan Chau Harbour in Tuan Chau so if you have finished a cruise trip which starting from Tuan Chau Harbour, that is easy for you. You can walk to the ferry counter for buying a ticket to Cat Ba Island. If your cruises disembark not in Tuan Chau but in other harbours like Sun Harbour or Hon Gai Harbour (for the cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay), you will need to get a taxi to Tuan Chau to buy a ticket to get to Cat Ba Island. 1.4. Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Schedule Cat Ba Island is an interesting destination for Vietnamese so the number of domestic tourists increasing in summer (from May to the end of September). That is the reason why there are more ferry routes/ day in summer but fewer in other seasons.  So if you travel in summer, that is easy for you to get a ferry as it is quite often and you do not have to wait for long. From 30th April – 30th September Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island: 07h30, 09h00, 11h30, 13h30, 15h00 Cat Ba Island – Tuan Chau: 09h00, 11h30, 13h00, 15h00, 16h00 From 01st Oct – 29th April Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island: 07h30, 11h30, 15h00 Cat Ba Island – Tuan Chau: 09h00, 13h00, 16h00 1.5. Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Ticket There are different ticket prices depending on whether you are a guest only or you drive a motorbike or car. We list the full-price Tuan Chau Ferry ticket 2024 for different options in case you may pay for the car or van ticket by which you go or you ride a motorbike on your trip. + Guest only: 80,000 VND + Rider with motorbike: 100,000 VND + Car from 4 to 8 seats: 480,000 VND + Van from 9 to 15 seats: 520,000 VND + Van from 16 to 23 seats: 560,000 VND + Bus from 24 to 29 seats: 600,000 VND + Over 30-seat bus: 650,000 VND 2. Get To Cat Ba Island by Speedboat Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island by SpeedboatIf you do not wish to travel by ferry from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, a speedboat from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau to Cat Ba Island is an option. There are several sharing speedboats from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau and there are private speedboats if you wish. The harbour in Halong Bay is Bai Chay or Tuan Chau and in Cat Ba is Gia Luan. So you can start from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau in Halong for a speedboat to Gia Luan Harbour then take a bus from Gia Luan to Cat Ba Town. There are several buses between Gia Luan and Cat Ba Island Town. The normal ticket price is about 6.00 USD and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the speedboat to travel from Halong Bay to Cat Ba. 3. How To Get To Cat Ba Island By Cable Car Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Island by Cable CarFrom May 2020, Cat Ba Cable Car is an option for travelling to Cat Ba Island. The cable car to Cat Ba Island with 4 stations will connect Cat Hai in Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. At the moment – in 2024, the Cat Hai – Phu Long route is completed and you can travel from Cat Hai to Phu Long in Cat Ba Island then you can get a bus from Phu Long to Cat Ba Town. 3.1. From Halong City If you stay in Halong City or you have finished a cruise in Bai Tu Long or Halong Bay, you can get a taxi to Cat Hai for buying a cable car ticket to Cat Ba Island. The taxi from Halong City or Tuan Chau (where many cruises in Halong Bay embark/disembark) will cost about 60.00 USD and it takes about 1 hour for driving. 3.2. From Lan Ha Bay Nowadays, when we are talking about a cruise in Halong Bay it means we are talking about a cruise to Halong Bay Center, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay because they share the same geography, climate and scenery. So most of the new cruises in Halong Bay and luxury cruises in Halong Bay now run the Lan Ha Bay route. That will be very convenient to get to Cat Ba Island if you take a cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Those cruises embark/disembark at Got Harbour in Cat Hai and Got Harbour is next to Cat Ba Cable Station. So after ending the cruise in Lan Ha Bay, you can walk to Cat Ba Cable Car Station in Cat Hai to buy a ticket to Cat Ba Island. Then, get a bus and go to Cat Ba Town. Make your trip more convenient with Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Day Trip from Hanoi, which is created to enjoy both Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. Reach out to us to secure your spots!

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Halong Bay Tour from International Cruise Ship

Halong Bay Tour from International Cruise Ship

If your international cruise ship docks in Halong Port – At the moment it is Halong International Port (so-called Sun International Port) and you want to take a day tour to Halong Bay on a day boat, please see the information below to get a good boat tour to Halong Bay.[incredible_toc]Halong International PortFrom March 2019 the international cruise ships will dock at Halong International Port and guests will have a chance to take some shore excursions such as Halong Bay Boat Tour, Hai Phong City tour, or Hanoi City Tour from Halong City. Among those tours, the Halong Bay Boat Tour is the most popular as Halong Bay is one of the World National Heritage Sites with magnificent scenery.Halong Bay is a large area with thousands of limestone islets emerging from the sea. You will be amazed by the sightseeing there and there are some interesting activities you can do there like swimming, kayaking, taking a sampan boat, hiking in the caves or just relaxing on a cruise around the bay and see the Natural World Wonder.There are some Halong Bay Tours options if you start from the International Cruise Ship Port you can take as below!1. Halong Bay Day Tour from International Cruise Ship PortThe Halong International Cruise Port comprises 6 wharfs, with 4 designated for yachts and cruise ships and 2 catering to heavyweight international cruises. It's truly a wonderful opportunity for both domestic and international tourists to immerse themselves in the enchanting Halong city and experience the warmth of Vietnam. Located conveniently in central Bai Chay, the port is easily accessible for travelers. Visitors have the option to choose from 2 types of Halong Day Trips: one departing from Halong Bay International Port at 10:00 AM, and the other from Tuan Chau Port, with 7-hour cruises typically starting around 9:45-10:00 AM. Also, there are 6-hour cruises departing from Tuan Chau Port at 12:00 PM. The price for a one-day cruise ranges from 800,000 - 1,600,000 VND (32 – 63 USD) per guest, depending on the quality of the cruise, offering options from 3 to 5-star services.Let’s explore the suggested Halong Bay day cruise tour from International Cruise Ship!1.1. Amazing Sails Halong Bay Cruise from Halong Bay International PortAmazing Sails Halong Bay CruiseThe Amazing Sails Halong Bay Cruise offers a luxury day trip departing at 10:00 AM from Sun Port. The journey begins with a cruise through Halong Bay's limestone mountains, accompanied by a delicious lunch at 11:30 AM. At 1:00 PM, the first stop is Tien Ong Cave, followed by a visit to Cua Van fishing village at 2:00 PM for kayaking or bamboo boating. The tour then proceeds to the Pearl Farm Village at 2:45 PM, where guests learn about pearl cultivation. Leisure time onboard follows, with activities like sunbathing and optional massages. A cooking class and tea break are offered at 5:00 PM before the cruise concludes at Tuan Chau Pier at 5:30 PM. Guests return to Hanoi, arriving around 7:45 PM.To read the detailed itinerary, contact us to refer to more information about Amazing Sails Halong Bay Cruise!1.2. Other Recommended Halong Bay Day Tours from Tuan Chau PortIf you prefer not to depart from the International Cruise Port, you can take a taxi to Tuan Chau Port, which provides a wider range of day cruises. Tuan Chau Port is known for its variety of tour options, including the Cozy Bay Premium Day Cruise, Amethyst Cruise, and Jade Sails Halong Bay Day Tour,…The day cruises from Tuan Chau Port have different schedules to suit various preferences. The 7-hour cruises typically start around 9:45-10:00 AM, allowing ample time to explore the bay. For a shorter trip, the 6-hour cruises usually depart from Tuan Chau Port at 12:00 PM. The driver will pick you up from Sun Port Waiting Lounge (It is where your cruise docks) and take you to Tuan Chau Harbour. You will meet your guide and other tourists from Hanoi at Tuan Chau Harbour and join in the boat trip to Halong Bay for 6 hours or 7 hours depending on your choice.Cozy Bay Premium Day CruiseCozy Bay Premium Day CruiseThe Cozy Bay Premium Day Cruise departs from Tuan Chau Harbor between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM. This 5-6 hour journey takes you along the stunning boat route, featuring uninhabited islets and outcrops. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while cruising, followed by visits to Surprising Cave, Titop Island for panoramic views, and kayaking or bamboo boating in Luon Cave. The day concludes with a sunset party back on the cruise before returning to the harbor around 5:00 PM.Amethyst CruiseAmethyst CruiseStarting at 10:00 AM from Tuan Chau Harbor, the Amethyst Cruise offers a delightful day trip with a welcome drink, followed by a scenic journey through Halong Bay's iconic formations. Enjoy a buffet lunch at 12:00 PM, then explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and kayak in the picturesque Luon Cave. The tour continues with a visit to Titop Island for breathtaking views and a relaxing sunset party with Vietnamese tea and snacks. The cruise returns to Tuan Chau Port by 6:00 PM.Jade Sails Halong Bay Day TourJade Sails Halong Bay Day CruiseThe Jade Sails Halong Bay Day Cruise begins at 9:45 AM with a welcome drink. Enjoy a delectable lunch with live traditional Vietnamese music as you cruise through the limestone islands. Visit the Dark & Bright Caves by bamboo boat, then swim and kayak in the serene waters of Tung Gau. Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and end the day with a sunset party on the sundeck. The cruise concludes at Tuan Chau Harbor by 5:30 PM.2. Halong Bay 1-night Tour from International Cruise Ship PortFor those looking to extend their exploration of Halong Bay, a 1-night tour is an excellent option. These tours depart from both the Sun Port and Tuan Chau Port, offering unique experiences and luxury accommodations with rates from 125 USD - 300 USD.2.1. Halong Bay 1-night Tour from Halong Bay International PortHalong Bay 1-Night Tour To Lan Ha Bay: Scarlet Pearl CruiseScarlet Pearl CruiseDeparting from Sun Port at 11:30 am, this cruise features elegant cabins and top-notch amenities. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding, followed by a sumptuous lunch as the cruise sets sail. The itinerary includes visits to the Dark & Bright Caves, where you can kayak or take a bamboo boat, and a visit to the Ao Ech Area. The evening features a fine dining experience, followed by squid fishing or relaxing on the sundeck. The next morning, enjoy Tai Chi, breakfast, and brunch before returning to Sun Port.Reach out to Scarlet Pearl Cruise by contacting us now to get hot deals!Halong Bay 1-Night Tour To Bai Tu Long Bay: Signature CruiseSignature CruiseThe Signature Cruise provides a luxurious escape to Bai Tu Long Bay, departing from Sun Port at 12:30 pm. This 1-night tour includes spacious cabins with private balconies, a welcome drink, and a delectable lunch as you embark on your journey. Highlights include a visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, and the chance to kayak or a locally-rowed sampan boat in the serene waters. Evening activities include a gourmet dinner and options like squid fishing or movie night. On the second day, start with Tai Chi, followed by breakfast and a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave before returning to Sun Port.2.2. Halong Bay 1-night Tour from Tuan Chau PortV'Spirit CruiseV'Spirit Cruise offers a memorable 1-night journey departing from Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a drink before embarking on a scenic cruise through Ha Long Bay. The itinerary includes a visit to Dark & Light Cave, kayaking or swimming, and a cooking class on board. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by evening activities such as squid fishing or karaoke. The next morning features Tai Chi, breakfast, and brunch before heading to Tuan Chau Port. Reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys to book the V'Spirit Cruise at the best rates!V'Spirit CruiseOther TOP-rated Halong Bay 1-night cruiseIn addition to the tours mentioned above, there are several other highly rated options for a 1-night cruise in Ha Long Bay:Indochine CruiseHermes CruiseMila CruiseEssence Grand CruisesSo, that is all the information for tourists who want to take a Halong Bay cruise trip from an International Cruise Ship, consider carefully planning your trip hassle-free. Also, if you still have any questions, don't hesitate to ask Incredible Asia Journeys to help you book your cruise with free consultations and premium deals!

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How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

You are visiting Halong Bay and you are wondering “How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?” to prepare for your trip. Yes, this question is very popular for many people who have a plan to visit Halong Bay because most of the Halong Bay trips will start from Hanoi.If you're planning a trip to Halong Bay, you might be asking yourself, “How long does it take to get there from Hanoi?” This is a common question for travellers heading to the bay. The thing is, there isn’t just one answer because there are tons of cruises that leave from different harbours, making the distance vary. Right now, there are 3 harbours the cruises start from. They are Tuan Chau Harbour, Hon Gai Harbour, and Got Harbour.[incredible_toc]Tuan Chau Harbour 1. Tuan Chau HarbourIf you go on Road #18 the distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is about 175 km and if you take a cruise shuttle bus it will take about 3.5 hours including about 20 to 30 minutes for a break. However, it is a shuttle bus so they will pick up some groups then it will take about 30 minutes for the pick-up.  If you take a private car you will save about 30 minutes not waiting for other tourists on the bus and time for waiting for other tourists when you stop for the toilets. Sun World Halong International Cruise Port - A new cruise harbor in Halong Bay 2. Hon Gai HarbourHon Hai Harbour is the harbour for the cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay – The Eastern Part of Halong Bay and it is farther from Tuan Chau Harbour so you will need about 20 to 30 minutes more to get to this harbour. So you will need about 4 hours with the shuttle bus or 3.5 hours with the private if you go on Road #18.  There is another road – Expressway #5B which many luxury cruises use this road for their cruise bus to save time for tourists. If you go on this road, you will save about 30 minutes compared to Road #18 above. You can see more details about the Cruises in Halong Bay and the  Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay. 3. Got Harbour Hanoi to Got Harbor Got Harbour is a new Harbour for the new cruises in Lan Ha Bay. All of the cruises there are new cruises in Halong Bay and they are the steel cruises. Lan Ha is located in the Southern Halong Bay and it is less touristy and less polluted so now most of the new cruises and luxury Halong Bay cruises depart from there. So how long to get from Hanoi to Got Harbour? If you travel with those cruises in Lan Ha Bay starting from Got Harbour you will travel on Expressway #5B and it will take about 2.5 hours from Hanoi to the harbour for your Halong Bay trip. Most of the cruises in Lan Ha Bay will use the luxury limousine bus/van so they do not pick up many tourists. That is the reason why if you use a private car the duration will be quite the same. Yes, you may save about 15 to 20 minutes if you use a private car.Some suggestions of cruises that go to Halong Bay:Catherine cruiseElite of the SeasCapella CruiseV'Sirit Cruise V'Spirit Cruise So there is not only one answer to the question of How Long from Hanoi to Halong Bay but I hope you get some information for that question. What do you think of a Halong Bay overnight cruise? Let Incredible Asia Journeys know if you'd like to make further consultancy for booking!

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Is it worth doing a Halong Bay cruise?

Is it worth doing a Halong Bay cruise?

Halong Bay – One of the World Natural Heritage is one of the most famous attractions in Vietnam and the world in general.  It is a masterpiece of nature over millions of years. Each year Halong Bay attracts millions of tourists to Halong Bay. There are hundreds of cruises in Halong Bay from day cruise to overnight cruises. So is it worth doing a Halong Bay cruise?Halong Bay now is so popular and almost of travellers visiting Vietnam know Halong Bay and put it in their top travel list in their holidays to Vietnam and there are a lot of tourists visiting Vietnam just for Halong Bay. Doing a cruise in Halong Bay is the best way to experience this amazing area. There are some thousands of limestone islands rising up from the water. There are beautiful and huge caves and there are secret lagoons.The answer for this question is 100% worth doing it despite there are some negatives. There are too many tourists in Halong Bay and Halong Bay is not so clean anymore as there are so many cruises and so many tourists.[incredible_toc]1. Is Halong Bay Too Touristy?Halong Bay - a famous destination in VietnamHalong Bay become more and more touristy unluckily. It is because Halong Bay is so famous and popular, most of the tourists know about that and want to visit at least once in their life. Halong Bay is closed to Halong City where are a lot of buildings and this area is packed with hundreds of boats with thousands of tourists each day. If you visit Halong once especially in the summer which is the peak season for the local holiday you will see that is very touristy and full of tourists everywhere. However, it is still worth visiting Halong Bay and there is still the way to visit Halong Bay and avoid the crow. How do you do it?>> You can visit Halong Bay with a Halong Bay Overnight Cruise. For the Overnight Cruises, the cruises are limited and the cabins are limited so even in the high season the total cabins of all the cruises are limited so the number of people doing this route is limited. In the high season of local tourists and Asian tourists, most of them visit Halong Bay for one day and one cruise can maximize the number of the tourists and you know that one small cruise can afford to carry more than 40 to 50 people so it is so crowed for the day tour route for 4 hour. So 1 night Halong Bay Cruise or 2 night Halong Bay Cruise are good options.While you choose the overnight cruises, you can choose the less touristy route. Cruises in Lan Ha Bay is the best option for you with fewer cruises and all of them are high-quality cruises. Halong Bay Overnight Cruise>> If you do not have time or budget for Halong Bay Overnight Cruise then you can do the day boat to Halong Bay but choose the route with fewer tourists.You can choose the day boat in Lan Ha Bay (the Southern Part of Halong Bay) which is far from Halong City. As you see that most of the local and Asian tourists choosing stay overnight in Halong City so they will not do the day tour in Lan Ha Bay because this tour starts from Got Pier and it is far from Halong City.So Halong Bay, in general, it is touristy but it is still worth visiting it and there is a way as you see.2. Is Halong Bay Polluted and Dirty?Unfortunately yes, Halong Bay is pretty polluted and dirty. If you have been to Halong Bay on a cruise or if you have seen some photos or videos you may see that it is not clean. The reason why Halong Bay is not clean because there are hundreds of cruises in Halong Bay and Halong Bay is near Halong City. The habit of protecting the environment of local and a part of tourists are still not good but it is better and better. The government is having more and more activities to protect the environment and we can hope for a good future of Halong Bay. However, at the moment it is not good so if you wish to visit Halong Bay to a less polluted you can travel with some cruises in Lan Ha Bay. This route to Lan Ha Bay is less polluted as there are fewer cruises and it is not near the city but Cat Ba Island. Some good cruises having good actions to protect and educate the tourists to protect the environment also such as V’Spirit Cruise, Perla Dawn Sails. They have some programs for tourists to collect the rubbish and when travellers go with those cruises they will encourage tourists to use the water refilled bottles to replace single-use plastic bottles.So Halong Bay is still worth to visit if you can choose a good cruise with a good company and a good route. V’Spirit Cruise3. How Much for a Halong Bay Cruise?There is not only one answer to this question because there are hundreds of cruises in Halong Bay. There are Halong Bay day cruises and there are overnight Cruises. They are in different classes from budget cruises, and deluxe cruises to luxury cruises so there are different prices and you need to search for the most suitable price for your group.You can see more at:How much for a Halong Bay Cruise4. How Long to Stay in Halong Bay?There are different itineraries for a Halong Bay Cruise. You can do 1-night cruise, 2-night cruise and that will be the best option for visiting most of the nice places and having more time to relax but it is fine for a day if you do not have much time.See more at:How long to spend in Halong Bay? So in general, Halong Bay is clean as we wish but it is still worth doing a Halong Bay Cruise if you know how to choose the good route and good cruise.Thank you very much for reading our article and we hope you will have a good holiday in Vietnam with us. Book the tour with us – the reputable tour operator in Vietnam.

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Should I book Halong Bay cruise in advance?

Should I book Halong Bay cruise in advance?

Halong Bay is listed as the top destination in Asia and Vietnam. So having a plan for booking a Halong Bay cruise is very important for any travelers who wish to visit Halong Bay. However, you may wonder whether to book a Halong Bay cruise online in advance or on arrival. [incredible_toc]Please see some points below and you may have the final decision for booking a cruise in Halong Bay in advance or on arrival. We will guide you through some aspects then you can choose a suitable way for you.1. Halong Bay Cruise AvailabilityThere are a lot of choices for you for booking in advance online.There is a huge advantage to booking online with the online booking website compared to booking with category on arrival. Moreover, when you book online in advance you will have a lot of time to study clearly about one cruise if that is good or not, and if it is suitable for your group or not. Some cruises can be good for this group but it may be not good for your group. For example, some cruises in Halong Bay will be very good for young adults who wish for he party cruise but it can be not good for your group if your group is elderly people or groups with small kids. Some luxury cruises are very good for the elderly or groups with children with big cabins for your family but they can be not so good for some young adults because the young adults may like the party cruise.And there are some cruises suitable for Asian people who like something big European travelers may like a boutique cruise with good services.It is clear that if you book online in advance you have a lot of time to study about one cruise to know thwhethers good for your group or not. Because you book in advance sore is more chance for the availability of the cabins especially if you have some special requests for cabins like connecting cabins, cabins for family, cabins far from the engine o, or near the upstairsAnd if one cruise you like is not available that is easy to study more cruises to find the best one for your group.So it is better to book the Halong Bay cruise in advance online e, specially in the high season from Oct to the end of April.Dinners on cruise2. Halong Bay Cruise TransparencyIt must be booked online in advance option. When you book a cruise online it means that you have a lot of time to study the site you are booking. You can easily see the price listings, information, itinerary , and what’s included or not included on the online website.  You know that for the online booking site t, reputation is all they have. They will lose the business very fast if their services are not good or unreliable. If you book on arrival, normally you do not have much time to study the cruise you want to book clearly so it can be not suitable for your group as we mentioned above and it leads to unhappiness with the services not because they are not good but they are not suitable with your group.The disadvantage of booking online is you cannot predict the weather so the cruise can be canceled or changed. However, if the cruise is canceled by the government it is 100% refunded to you if you have not used the services so it is not different from booking on arrival. The difference is when you book in advance online you have booked it and now you get the refund and if you intend to book on arrival buu have not booked that. So there is no difference. In the bad weather case, booking online clients and booking on-arrival clients will have the same chance.3. Halong Bay Cruise PriceIt is fair for booking online in advance and booking on arrival.If you book a Halong Bay cruise online there are some promotions you may get or if you study well you may get a good deal from the online booking site or a suitable cruise for your group. In most cases price of the cruise will not rairiseandhe price of the cruise company rise because of normal reasons fuel fefeessalary, living standards the government policy raise up the entrance fee too much. When you book the Halong Bay cruise on arrival you also have a chance to have a good deal like a laa aminute deal while online is early booking so they are fair. However, most of the reputable cruise will be easy to be fully booked so booking a cruise in Halong Bay in advance is still good for you. Halong Bay cruise sample route4. Halong Bay cruise InclusionsIf you have a clear and fixed plan for your trip then booking in advance will be a good option.If you travel on a long trip like for some months and you need flexibility and your plan may change a lot because you may change your mind about the places or the duration in each destination then booking on arrival will be good for you.If you travel with your family or kids sooking in advance is good. If you want a relaxed holiday in Vietnam then please choose the booking in advance so you will have a perfect holiday. Just arrive and get everything ready. Thank you very much for choosing Incredible Asia Journeys – The leading agency in Vietnam for your trip.

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How much is Halong Bay cruise?

How much is Halong Bay cruise?

Halong Bay is at the top list of travelers visiting Vietnam and Asia in general because of its beauty and it is like a masterpiece of nature. It is listed as one of 7 Natural World Wonder and it is listed by Unesco as the Natural World Heritage. It is definitely one of the best places you should visit when you visit Hanoi, Vietnam, and booking a cruise to visit Halong Bay is the best way to see Halong Bay.[incredible_toc]So how much is Halong Bay cruise or how much you need to pay to book a cruise in Halong Bay is a common question for many travelers.The answer is there is no exact answer. However, we can tell you some options updated to 2024 so you can estimate how much you should pay to book a cruise in Halong Bay. To answer this question you should know that there are Halong Bay overnight cruises and Halong Bay day cruises.Halong Bay Bamboo Boat to Dark & Light Cave1. How much is a day cruise?1.1. Halong Bay Day CruiseThere are some options for the day trip to Halong Bay. The low-budget cruise in Halong Bay may cost about under $60/person including English speaking guide, shuttle bus, lunch, cruise, entrance fee, kayak, or sampan boat on tour. For this tour, the standard of the bus and lunch will be not high because the entrance fee for Halong Bay now is high.There are higher standard cruises for the deluxe day cruise to Halong Bay and the Halong Bay cruise price may cost around $70/person including an English-speaking guide, a nice shuttle bus, lunch, cruise, entrance fee, kayak, or sampan boat on tour. For this tour, now most of the cruise will use the expressway to save time for the transfer.1.2. Lan Ha Bay Day CruiseBesides this day cruise in Halong Bay, there are day cruises in Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is located in the South of Halong Center which is a less crowded area and cleaner than Halong Bay. Now more and more tourists are interested in this itinerary. On this route, there is a new and nice cruise. It is Escape Sails Luxury Day Cruise which uses the luxury bus/van on the expressway so it only takes more than 2 hours instead of about 4 hours like a normal cruise bus in Halong Bay for the transfer from Hanoi to the pier. You will get on the cruise from Got Harbour which is the new harbor for tourist cruises in Hai Phong province. This cruise is a beautiful cruise with nice decorations, nice furniture, and a very good lunch. The cost for this day cruise includes English speaking guide, an entrance fee, a luxury bus/van, a very good lunch, a cooking demonstration, a good tea break with a lot of fruit and cakes, kayak or sampan boat. That is a good option for tourists with a high budget. Escape Sails Luxury Day Cruise Halong Bay2. How much is an overnight cruise?There are hundreds of overnight cruises. They are cruises in Halong Bay Center, cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay, and cruises in Lan Ha Bay.Most of the cruises in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are junk boats and a lot of them were built a decade ago so some low-budget Halong Bay cruises cost around $110 to $140/per person for 1 night including bus, cruise, English-speaking guide, entrance fee, full board meal, kayak or sampan boat. So, if you book this cruise please do not hope too much for the really good services like bus or meal as you know the cost for the entrance fee for 1 night in 2024 is about $24.The deluxe cruise in Halong Bay costs from $140 to $180/person for 1 night including a good bus on the expressway.The Halong Bay cruise luxury cost will cost from $180 to $200/person for 1 night and there are high-end cruises with nice cabins that will cost more. Now, most of the Halong Bay luxury cruises depart from Got Harbour for the Lan Ha Bay route. That is a new route and most of the new cruises are doing their trip in this new area.For more specifically, you can refer to our guide Differences among Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury Cruises in Halong BayHalong Bay LandscapesSo, you can see the cost of a cruise in Halong Bay varies from low budget to high budget. Please contact Incredible Asia Journeys for more details and promotion of each cruise if you have a plan to visit Halong Bay on your holiday to Vietnam.

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