The Long Way Round Asia 21461 views
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Step 6/60: Vietnam - Ha Long

Ha Long photo by Jantine De jong

About Ha Long

Ha Long is a famous archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. It consists of thousands of limestone karsts (like the Karst Mountains in China) and little islands. There are 2 bigger islands, which are inhabited and 4 water villages. In 1994 Ha Long Bay became an Unesco World Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay is an amazing sight with all these karsts popping out of the water everywhere! Really breathtaking views and sunsets!
Boat icon
How I got here ?

Price: 90 $

Traveling time: 3 hours

Price for a 3-day Junkboat cruise to Ha Long Bay. It's a 3 hour bus ride to Ha Long. You'll get on a junk boat, sail around, swim a bit, kayak, sleep 1 night and the next morning you'll go to Cat Ba.

Tips & Tricks

  • Buy some snacks beforehand or pay double when buying it from a vendor in a boat.

Things to see

Kayaking 7 /10
- €
Kayaking photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
The first day on the junk boat you'll go kayaking. Starting off at a floating village and just paddle around a bit. It's pretty good. You'll see some nice rock formations. Unfortunately the water was too cold for a swim in early February.

Practical

Junk boat 0/10
Price - €
Address

Anywhere in Ha Long Bay.

User's opinion:

This one is owned by Hanoi Backpackers. It's a very nice boat with a sun deck. It has good rooms with private bathrooms. The food is great and 2 meals per day are included.