Some practical matters
by Tijavi
Here are a few practical tips in getting the most of your Halong Bay holiday:
1) Day tours are a no-no: don't even consider taking a day tour of Halong Bay. This enchanting place is best enjoyed at sunset and at sunrise when a thick misty fog envelopes the karsts. Better even with your favorite cocktail on hand (at sunset), or with a cup of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee (at sunrise).
2) Spend a little bit more: at the time of my visit, I paid about 100+ dollars for an overnight trip. This is inclusive of cabin accommodation in a well-maintained, clean boat, meals (but not drinks) and tickets to the various sites in the bay. Cheap tours are always an option, but you don't want rats running around the boat or suffering from a bad case of food poisoning, do you? I have included a separate tip on the tour operator under accommodation tips.
3) Watch those valuables: we've been told by the operator to take care of our valuables while on board. The boats could easily be accessed from smaller boats that ply the bay, so better keep your valuables locked inside your cabin.
Annam junk
by MrLonely
I think it will not be too cold to swim in November if you belong to Frigit Zone
Honestly, I don't like Annam Junk because of 2 reason. First, It has a bad apperance regarless of what inside it. From the outside it looks dusty and uncomfortable. Second, Its name recalls the country's humiliating past. Annam {An: no rising; Nam: The South(vietnam)} was once the name that Chinese Dynasties used to refer to Vietnam with one wish that Vietnamese people would never have power to fight again them to regain the independence and would be china's colony forever. All Vietnamese people hate and want to clear that name(Annam) in their mind but the owners of Annam Junk!
travel
by minh.tn
I have been to Ha Long for 2 days so I agree with you about day 1 and 4 in Hanoi, and days 2&3 in Ha Long. Because on 2 days, you can enjoy all of sightseeings in Ha Long. I recommend you traveling Ha Long by a Junk, you can see the beautiful sightseeings at the top of Junk. At that time I booked Ha Long Bay Package tour in traveltovietnam.cc service. I think that the price 110$ is reasonable for 2 days include room and food. It is the good choice to go to Ha Long in December because the weather is cool and windy.
I hope you have good time in Ha Long.
Bye
Chaos of the sea
by victorwkf
Just when you think it is chaotic on land at Hanoi with all the motorcycles, it is chaotic on sea at the harbour of Halong City when you embark on your junk boat cruise. There are many junk boats of all shapes and sizes packed at the harbour, and there is so much activities and movement all around especially during the late morning where all the boats are setting off to Halong Bay. The photos here will give you a good idea of the chaos :)
Smuggle In Your Drink onto the junk
by vuzu
Well, we all aware that drinks are double the price on board. And we probably like to bring one or two from hanoi before getting on board. BUT, BE INFORMED THAT ALL DRINKS WILL BE CHARGED AT THE GATE OF PIER. SO, IT'S ADVISEABLE TO HIDE OR KEEP IN YOUR LUGGAGE BEFORE ENTERING THE GATE.
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Inside the junk
...and sunset.
Halong Bay is best enjoyed at sunrise...
Small boats have easy access to the tour boats
