Ha Long Bay, a must see natural wonder

The most famous spot in Vietnam covers an area of ~1500 sq. kms which has ~2000 islets. When it comes to choosing a cruise, you will be spoilt for choice.

I guess there are few options when it comes to touring Ha Long Bay. A day trip may involve driving from Hanoi, exploring Ha Long Bay and returning the same evening. Alternate is staying in a hotel on land and renting a boat to tour Ha Long Bay. The most popular cruises are either 1N, 2D or 2N, 3D. Check in starts post noon and the cruise normally departs after lunch on board, around 2PM or later. Check out is just after breakfast, by 10AM.

Typical cruise itinerary

A typical cruise has the following itinerary:

Day 1

The first stop is the Tung Sau area where kayaking can be done for about an hour or so before heading to Ti Top island. This island has a view point at the top that provides a panoramic 360 degree view of the Bay area. Many of the Ha Long Bay pictures that you see have probably been taken from this view point. It’s a climb of few hundred steps. Thereafter, you can swim in the beach or just relax on the sand. Back to the boat by 7PM and the boat moves to its overnight halt location.

Cooking classes were organized on the deck for those interested in Vietnamese dishes. The deck is a nice place to have a drink in the evening. Even after dinner, you can simply sit with the family/friends in the deck and chat, it is so quiet and peaceful.

Day 2

Tai Chi classes in the morning, followed by breakfast while the boat sails to Cua Van floating fishing village. After learning how the fishermen live, there is time for another round of kayaking. I somehow took a turn away from the crowd, thinking right or left, it should take the same time to go around the hill. I was wrong. I managed to delay everyone else for some time.

You need to be a bot careful while kayaking in this area as many boats keep moving around.

The next stop, post lunch, was a pearl farm. There was a demonstration on how the pearls are made and I must say it was very informative, possibly because we could see the various stages live. There was also a retail shop selling jewellery.

In terms of scenery, there was nothing new. But both on day 1 and day 2, I saw stone structures of different shapes and sizes, many with fancy names and a history behind why it was so named(e.g. – fighting cock islet).

Back to the boat by 6.30 pm or so. Cooking classes were organized on the deck for those interested in Vietnamese dishes.

Day 3

Early morning transfer to Sung Sot cave, also called Surprise cave. The different shapes and forms of stalactites and stalagmites makes this cave very attractive. You need to climb ~25m up the hill before entering this ~10,000 sq. m cave with a narrow entrance but a very high ceiling as you step inside. Unbelievable what the nature is capable of making! This is the largest cave in the Ha Long Bay area.

Back to the boat followed by breakfast and check out by 10-10.30AM. Thereafter, transfer to Hanoi with the vehicles departing after noon time. There is fair bit of wait at the cruise terminal, over 2 hours. I guess the vehicles that pick up passengers from Hanoi in the morning also drop the passengers in Hanoi in the afternoon, hence the time gap. Anyway, beverages are available but yes, if everyone is looking for a drop to Hanoi, seating may be inadequate.

One night cruise may not be enough

If you take 1 night cruise, you can see what will miss. Note that there are several islands in the Bay and many cruise boats halt at different islands. So do check out the detailed itinerary before booking.