Ha Long Travel Forum

where and when shall i reserve a trip to halong? when i am in vietnam or before i get there? thanks

We are shopping around for a junk to tour Halong Bay and there are so many offers at very different prices, plus a lot of negative info about how unsafe the junks are, how they aren't fit to sail etc. that we don't know what to think. Our travel agent suggests Huong Hai Deluxe Junk as the "best in Halong". Any thoughts?

Also, does anybody have an opinion on whether it's best to take a boat or a junk?

We went to Halong bay in 2002 on a boat and the tour itself was really nice, but the boat was awful. There were rats in the cabins so we all slept on the terrace.

I'm still not sure whether to go for a 2d,1n or a 3d,2n trip dowwn to Ha Long. Can anyone advise me as to what the real difference between the two trips will be? Also I have heard quite a lot about ODc and also Handspan does anyone have recommendations based on their personal experience. I am a single female traveller.

Many thanks

Clare

I looked on Handspan's website and it was about $188/person for a 3 day/2 night. Would it be cheaper to book when I'm in Hanoi rather than the internet? As well, does anyone know if either Handspan or another company would rent boats as both myself and my partner are experienced kayakers and outdoors people and have guided trips in the past.

It seems like all the 2d1n trips to Ha Long Bay are charged at a high price. not less than 100 per head, sometimes even excluding the transportation between hanoi and ha long.

is it not possible to locate one that charges around US70 per head for a comfy night on the junk boat, all inclusive?

appreciate any comments!

Val

is it very foggy and cold?

Do we have to expect rain or cold weather?
will shorts and t-shirt do?

thanks for your responds!

Does anyone know why the Kayaking Trips to Ha Long Bay are so much more expensive than other Ha Long Bay Tours? The prices I got quoted are $249 / person for a private tour (we are two people), and $152 / person for joining a group tour.

Please see my itinerary below:

At 08.30, you will start your 2 day trip to Halong bay by 3 and half hour drive through the rich farm land of the Red River Delta. Upon arrival in Halong, we board on the traditional junk. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch and feast your eyes on one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations as we head for the first kayaking point. When we arrive, the guides will teach you basic kayaking techniques and rescue procedures. Take your kayak where few tourists have ever gone before, paddling through fishermen floating village, islands, hidden beaches, giant cave and arrive on small sandy beach. Time for swimming. Dinner and overnight on the boat. If conditions are favorable, slip out under the stars for a moonlight paddle.
(-,L,D)

You will rise up early to wait for the sunrise after a good sleep. After breakfast, you will have 2 hour paddling to explore the hidden lagoons and secret lake before getting on the junk again and may be for the last swim. You will have lunch on board then disembark for the drive back to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi at 16.00. (B,L,-)

I will have less than 72 hours in Hanoi in October. My companions and I want to go to Halong Bay. Any advice on how to organize a trip there? Is it worthwhile to stay overnight and, if so, do we need to book accomodation in advance? Should we book transport and accmodation online in advance, or in Hanoi?


Thanks,
Chris

How is it in the rainy season, is it possible to go out with the boats etc?

hi, we are going to cat ba/halong bay in may. Normally, I like to go to this type of place for about a week, to chill and not have to rush to see everything. I'm wondering whether its worth spending this long in the area? Does cat ba have nice beaches/bars? Is it worth going round Halong Bay a couple of times? Is there snorkelling/kayaking/trips? thanks for any help

Does anyone have any recommendations on hiring a tour of the bay. # days 2 nights, that sort of thing. Is it better to do it out of Hanoi?