Halong travel guide, Halong bay, Vietnam

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Halong travel guide, Halong bay, Vietnam

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Ha Long Bay is situated off the coast of Halong City (170km far from Hanoi) and owns more than 3,000 islands rising from the emerald waters f the Gulf of Tonkin. For locals, though, the area is generally better known for the huge open-cast coal mines that supply much of the enegy to keep the wheels of Vietanm's industry turning. In 1994, it was designated  Vietnam's second World Heritage Site and attracts a steady stream of visitors year round for the magnificent views of the bay and the relaxing boat trips.

What to Do ?

The highlight of trips to Ha Long Bay is the time spent on the boat in the bay, and most boat trips include stops at one of the floating villages, visits to the more popular caves and look-out points, and swimming, but can also be arranged to include kayaking in the bay.

A trip to Ha Long Bay can also be combined with a trip to the largest island in the area, Cat Ba, which offers beaches, hiking, and a national park, as well as a developed tourism industry with hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars.  Also nearby Ha Long City is the Tuan Chau island, which is being developed into a recreation complex with aquarium, circus, golf and resorts, and is becoming increasingly popular for Vietnamese tourists.

When to Go ?

It is possible to visit Ha Long Bay year-round, with the best time to visit from October through April, although during the winter months of December, January and February, the weather can be cool and overcast with low visibility.  During the summer months from May to September, temperatures rise and storms are more likely during the rainy season.  

How To Get There ?

Halong City is about 170 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, or a three to four hours drive.
Most tourists book tours in Hanoi which include transportation to Ha Long Bay, as well as accommodation (on the boat or in a hotel), tour guide and meals.
 
For those who wish to travel independently, there are regular bus services from Hanoi, with minibuses depart daily every 15 minutes from Kim Mã Bus Station.  Once in Ha Long City, you can either take one of the ferries to the islands or rent a boat for a cruise of the bay.

Travel tips

There are many tour operators who offer overnight trips to Ha Long Bay for bargain prices, but beware that you often get what you pay for.  In return for higher priced tours, the quality of the boat, accommodation, transportation, food, and tour guides also increase.  Some questions to ask before booking the tour is how many people will be in the car and on the boat, whether rooms have A/C, how many meals are served on the boat, and how much time is spent on the boat, so you know what to expect in advance.

If you are interested in kayaking, again you should clarify how much time is actually spent kayaking so that you can make sure the tour meets your expectation.

Useful Resources  

Halong - Wikipedia
Vote for Halong
Hotels in Halong
Halong, Vietnam travel guide
Cruise in Halong bay
Warning - Kayaking in Halong Bay

See also 

Vietnam travel guide
Hanoi travel guide
Hoi an travel guide
Vietnam airlines information
Vietnam weather
Vietnamese food and cuisine