Hanoi Travel Forum

If we were to travel to Hanoi and then go to Halong Bay for the overnight cruise, would it be feasible to bring our luggage along or is there a place where we can leave our left luggage?
I was also given to understand that we could either spend a night on a chinese junk( which I was told is more of a tourist trap than anything else) or in a hotel on Cat Ba Island- which would be the better option?
My concern is also that my husband suffers badly from seasickness so it may not be a good idea to spend a night on the boat but how's the sea there? is it rough?
appreciate some feedback here. thanks.

I did a tour on a boat on Halong Bay and brought my large knapsack and briefcase on the boat. It was a bit cumbersome toting it to the boat, but it was safe on the boat. However, the boat tour I did was overnight and had rooms where I could keep my luggage locked up safely. Before they handed out the room keys, I left my luggage in a heap with everyone else's on the boat (I was on the boat at this time) and I felt safe.

I struggled with motion sickness as well but the ride was very smooth for me and I had no issues. To be on the safe side, you might want to bring along some Gravol or Dramamine (non drowsy!) just in case. I was worried about this as well, but I was totally fine.

I stayed in a hotel on Cat Ba Island, but this was arranged by the Halong Boat tour. I'm glad we paid for the full package. This way when we arrived on Cat Ba Island, we were brought to a decent hotel and didn't have to worry about accommodations. I don't remember how much the tour was, but it wasn't outrageous if memory serves.

I don't know if it will have too much more info for you, but you can read about my adventures on Halong Bay at http://deniseesser.com/travelblog/?p=48

It's definitely worth doing. Have fun!

If you are returning to the same Hotel after your Halong Bay overnighter, then the Hotel will usually store your luggage for you free of charge until you return. I used this resource twice whilst staying at my Hanoi Hotel with no problems, better than lugging a big bag around with you.

Your replies are most informative, Thank you.
Another query since you've been there and done it- is it true that Cat Ba is pretty seedy and we're better off just staying on board overnight on a junk.Also what would be a reliable junk boat to go on?We don't want something which is too crowded.

Thanks again.

If you staying in a decent hotels, not guesthouses, then I suggest to leave the big luggage at their lockers. They dont mind.
It's the bay, so the sea is not rough at all, but it's hard to say if the day you went on the trip, the weather is bad. then it's still a bit rough for sensitive people who has seasick. Staying in Cat Ba island is good option.