Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes which was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest rises from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin is the rare and unique feature in the World. The atmosphere here is fresh and many local specialties are worth a try when you come to Vietnam.
What’s the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
September to December (Fall) is the best time to visit Halong Bay and peak season thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, though you can expect double the crowds. While June to September (Summer) is the low season and has a higher chance of storms and typhoons. Being noticed about the weather is quite important if you love taking photos.
Transportation
It’s about 180km from Ha Noi to Quang Ninh. There is motorbikes rental service for a group and you guys can travel with 2 routes:
- From Hanoi, you follow the road #5 to the junction of Sai Dong, then you head to Bac Ninh. From here, follow the road #18 through Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long.
- Noi Bai International Airport – Bac Ninh – Highway 18A through Pha Lai – Sao Do – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long.
However, I think those traveling ways are for indigenous people. If you have a poor sense of direction, it’s better to buy a day tour for convenience.
Day 1:
Even though it was October, Ha Long’s weather was quite sunny and the atmosphere is kinda dried. Fortunately, sitting in the car with air condition made me feel better.
FYI:
Tour will include boat, sightseeing boat and guide on boat.
Friendly reminder for those who like to shop when traveling:
+ Do not be afraid of haggling. Traders in Ha Long often offer high price.
+ Pay attention to weight! it is best to bring a 500ml bottle of water with you in order to check as it isn’t weighed correctly sometimes.
Day 2:
I spent the whole day discovering things by buying day-tour and relaxed all nights in Ha Noi Old Quarter.
Ninh Binh is about 110 kilometers from Hanoi. It is a famous city with many unique and fancy local specialties.
There are many best restaurants that you can easily find in Bai Dinh Trang An My tour included lunch and sightseeing tickets. The costs might be different a little bit if you travel by yourself yet it isn’t cheaper, hence I chosen the buying tour for convenience.
When in Ninh Binh, do not miss the ecotourism Trang An Boat Tour.
FYI:
During time: 3 hours
Limitation of passenger: 4-5 persons/boat
Ticket price: 200.000 VNĐ/person
The complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda and its beautiful nature surrounding allures people. Water here is as clear as crystal that mosses could be easily seen. Its mountain ranges creates a picturesque and imposing scenery.
Bai Dinh does have a big complex of Buddhist temples: you can visit the Light Cave and Dark Cave, Temples, and some prominent places such as the biggest gold – plated copper of Asia and the longest lobby in Asia. The Biggest Bronze Bell in Vietnam; the largest pagoda of Vietnam,..
NOTE: At Bai Dinh pagoda, there are many stalls selling souvenirs as well as attractive specialties, however, the prices are much higher than outside stalls. You might get a cheaper price for those when buying at the stalls located down the mountain.