Pro

Awesome Limestone Structures and Jade Green Waters
Con

Touristy and crowded, bumpy land ride from Hanoi to Halong City
In a nutshell

Heaven!!
Willettsworld Says: We came to Cat Ba Island on our second day to do some trekking and canoeing and to stay on the island overnight. We reached the island and walked to a village called Viet Hai which featured old wooden houses alongside piles of modern bricks that were ready to build new...
Willettsworld Says: I took my 3 day/2 night Halong Bay tour with ODC Travel who are based in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The junk that I spent an overnight stay on was called the Sun Cruise (see my accommodation tip). When we set off to Halong Bay, we first had lunch which was very luxurious of...
Tattugran Says: Halong Emotion combines charm and great comfort. Launched in July 2008 ,their boats feature 28 air conditioned cabins, with private bathrooms and facilities similar to a boutique style hotel.Founded in 2007, Halong Emotion ., Ltd mainly operates from its headquarter in Bai...
Floating shops: Only chance for snacks
Willettsworld Says: When you visit the Amazing Caves (Hang Sung Sot), as it's a very busy bay full of other tourist junks, you'll see a few boats that act as floating shops. They sell snacks, biscuits, drinks, cigarettes and even fruit and vegetables. You name it, they'll probably have it but...
Willettsworld Says: Halong Bay has many floating fishing communities and if you travel to Cat Ba Island you'll see them up close. We paddled past them complete with barking dogs when we went canoeing. I have heard that some of the people living on them were born here and never set foot on dry...
betska Says: This particular one was photographed at our lunch venue when we returned from our Halong Bay trip, in Halong City. It was a huge glass container and in it were snakes, lizards and even birds.Try it if you dare - but be warned. It could cause severe stomach upset. I wasn't...
betska Says: We travelled from HCMC up to Hanoi in March and the only time we needed to wear a jumper was in Dalat at night, and when we were out on Halong Bay. So I would suggest that you bring a jacket or jumper that you are not terribly fond of. Then you can dispose of it by giving...
Ti Top Island / Titov Island / Dao Ti Top
wannabeglobetrotter Says: The view from the top is very nice. When deciding which tour/junk for your daylong/overnight cruise of the Ha Long Bay, please make sure they have a stop over at Ti Top Island (also referred to as Dao Ti Top, or Titov Island).We were there in August 2011. Our junk (Bai Tho)...
Tijavi Says: 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...
Plan a Ha Long vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Ha Long locals

While sailing around Ha Long Bay, you will come across lots of local people going about their daily business. They are a very friendly bunch and are quick to...
Q: Hi, I would like to know which is the fastest way, and not to much expensive, to reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi? thanks.

A: Take a look here: http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com/transportation.htm But if you plan to do a boat tour around the bay you will have to joina group sooner or later....
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Recent Update : Frommers recently listed kayaking in Halong Bay as the one of the best adventures in Asia. So, if you're here, don't cheat yourself of this fantastic experience. Go kayaking ! Here's...
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Ha Long - Bay of Beauty and Legend

Firstly, I would like to thank the VT members for giving very good advice on Halong Bay before my visit, especially those who urge me and my wife to stay overnight instead of spending a day trip...
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This is not the nicest sunset picture taken at Ha Long. But i post it especially for @rie.
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If you visit Hanoi, dont miss a trip to Halong Bay! Spend at least a night on the Junk and enjoy kayaking or swimming around Halong Bay. Go in search of the hidden lagoon. All the tours will have......
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Born of a dragon descending As I write this, I can still feel the breeze on my face and taste the white mists on my tongue. I hear the sound of silence and the craigy ancient islands whisper their......
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