Things To See & Do

Halong Bay Overview: Discover Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage

Halong Bay Overview: Discover Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage

If you travel to Vietnam and Hanoi, Halong Bay is a must-see destination for you as it is beautiful. A comfortable 3½-hour drive from Hanoi's capital city, Halong Bay or the Bay of the Descending Dragon, which was twice recognized as a UNESCO natural heritage, is one of Vietnam’s most prized treasures as well as the pride of all Vietnamese.[incredible_toc]Halong Bay ComplexHalong Bay, whose tranquil beauty encompasses an indigo sea and more than 3,000 limestone islands and rocky outcrops, is both mystical and magnificent making it an exceptional feat of nature that almost never fails to impress.Magnificent View of Halong Bay1. What To See And What To Do In Halong Bay?Halong Bay has something for every kind of traveler: shimmering beaches with sunlight and rain not lasting long for swimming opportunities; the permanent beauty of the island system multicolored with a variety of shapes and regarded as a water-color, a work of art for photo opportunities; the islands at different shapes and sizes provoking the imagination scattered all around the bay: Con Coc (Toad), Dinh Huong (Incense Burner), Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks), etc., Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes), Thien Cung Grotto (Heavenly Palace) for exploration lovers.Halong Bay CavesNo trip to Halong Bay could be complete without a cruise to see 1,600 limestone karsts and various small islands and beaches from a different perspective, especially at sunrise or sunset, to enjoy the peace, fresh atmosphere, and relaxation throughout the trip, to paddle a kayak to get access to these hidden lagoons that big boats cannot reach, to explore magnificent formations in the depths of a cave or even take part in a Vietnamese cooking class to know how to cook Vietnamese dishes by yourself.Besides, if you choose a cruise trip with Incredible Asia Journeys, you might have the chance to explore the floating villages which have the unique lifestyle and investigate pearl farming process. You can buy pearls as a present for your family members, lover, or friend at a very good price.Moreover, on a cruise trip, you can have a one-of-a-kind experience that you might have never imagined. What can be more amazing than a steamy BBQ party by the caves in one of the most gorgeous natural complexes in the world?Halong Bay includes Halong Bay Center, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. So there are Halong Bay cruises which travel in Halong Center, Bai Tu Long Cruises which travel in Bai Tu Long - The East of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises which travel in Lan Ha Bay - The South of Halong Bay.2. What to Eat and Drink in Halong Bay?Halong Bay is a complex of limestone islands so it’s rich in seafood. When you travel on a cruise in Halong Bay, surely you will be served fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, mussels, scallops, etc.The food service in Halong Bay is wonderful. Don’t worry that you will have nothing to eat. Most of the cruises in Halong Bay serve excellent food even if you are a vegetarian.Cha Muc Halong Bay3. When to Visit Halong Bay?Depending on your desire for a memorable holiday, the best time to visit Halong Bay may be different.If you want to participate in swimming off the boat and relaxing on sundecks in the warm weather in Halong, these months from April to October are the best time to go. To avoid the terrible tourist crowds, especially during Christmas and New Year break, the period from May to September -the low season for foreign travelers, is a rewarding time to visit Halong Bay.At that time, you can also find better flight, cruise, and other service rates. However, your boat trip may be delayed or even canceled due to bad weather during the peak typhoon season in September, make sure to have plan B for your trip to Hanoi capital city. 4. Options for Visting Halong BayTravelers visiting Halong Bay may choose the different options depending on the time they have and the style of the cruise they may want to join in. Most Westerners like staying on an Overnight Halong Bay Cruise while Asian and Vietnamese like to spend their time on Halong Bay day trip ( Halong Bay 1 day cruise) so they can join in some activity on the mainland in the evening in Halong Bay City. In the evening on the mainland in Halong City, they may go to the night market or go to Tuan Chau Island to see some shows like Crocodile Show, Dolphin Show, or Water Music Show.Dolphin Show4.1. Halong Bay Day TripAs mentioned above, the Halong Bay Day Trip (Halong Bay 1 Day Tour) is suitable for most Asian people who like more activities in the evening so they can choose the Halong Bay Day trip and they can spend time on the mainland in the evening.Halong Bay Day Trip bus will pick up travelers from Hanoi Old Quarter (If you do not stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter you may get a taxi to the Opera House then the bus will pick you up from there) at around 08.00 - 08.30 AM. It will take about 4-hour driving to Halong Bay including about 30 minutes for a break.You will arrive at Tuan Chau Harbour around noon time where you will get on the cruise. Have a welcome drink then the cruise will starting cruising around the bay. Lunch will be served on the cruise before stopping for about 1 hour to visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay - Thien Cung Cave.Then you will have an opportunity to join in the kayaking. If you do not wish to do kayaking you may take part in the sampan boat trip rowing by the local people. Get back to the cruise then continue to enjoy the time on the sundeck. You will have a chance to admire the most beautiful places in the world with thousands of islands merging from the sea. On the cruise trip, you will visit the Fighting Cocket Islet and many other Islets and limestone mountains with different shapes.About 04.00 -04.30 PM you will arrive back at Tuan Chau Harbour then take the bus back to Hanoi. If you intend to stay in Halong City you may use a private car. If not, you may get a taxi to Halong City then the next day you may contact the tour guide to catch the bus to Hanoi. That can be arranged in advance when you book the tour with an agent or tour operator.Some suggestions of cruises that go to Halong Bay:Catherine cruiseElite of the SeasCapella CruiseV'Sirit CruiseLimestones in Halong Bay4.2. Halong Bay 2 Day 1 NightHalong Bay 2 Day 1 Night Itinerary is a good option for travelers who want to discover and experience Halong Bay with more activities. Halong Bay 2 day 1 night gives you the best option for enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world.Most Westerners like to stay in Halong Bay for an overnight on a cruise. Nowadays, there are a lot of options for cruises from budget to deluxe and luxury cruises. The types of cruises are various also so travelers can choose the best cruise for them from the wooden cruises to the metal cruises, from the private cruises to the bigger ones.A Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise Package starts with the pick-up by a cruise bus from Hanoi Old Quarter (You may choose the private car if your budget is better and that is convenient if you do not stay near the Hanoi Old Quarter). The transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay lasts for about almost 4 hours including 30 minutes for a break on the halfway.You will arrive at the harbor around noon time, hop on the cruise, and have welcome drinks before checking in your cabins. You will have lunch on the cruises with the different choices. You will start cruising around the bay to admire one of the World Natural Heritage Sites. Then you will take part in some activities in the afternoon such as visiting one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay - Sung Sot (Amazing Cave), kayaking around different islands, or in and out the Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave).You will go back to the cruise and you may enjoy the most beautiful time on the sundeck to enjoy a glass of cocktail and see the sunset in Halong Bay.Have dinner and there will be some activities in the evening like squid fishing or seeing a film about Halong Bay and Vietnam.Get up in the morning and Tai Chi will be a good thing to do in the clean air and quiet places. That will be the best for your health. After your breakfast, the second day follows with a visit to Tiv Top Island where you can go swimming or hiking to the top for the best view of Halong Bay and take many nice photos. Go back to your cruise and check out the cabin before having lunch. Say goodbye to the cruise team and you will get back to the bus to return to Hanoi. The trip ends about 4.00- 5.00 PM in Hanoi.Beach in Halong Bay4.3. Halong Bay 3 Day 2 Night CruiseHalong Bay 3 Day 2 Night Cruise Itinerary is the best option for travelers who have more time for their Vietnam Trip. With this option, you will have more opportunities to discover the remote area of Halong Bay. This option is suitable for people who like more activities like kayaking and swimming.Day 1 and Day 3 are similar to Halong Bay 2 Day 1 Night but on Day 2 of this itinerary, you will be transferred to a day boat to move to the remote area of Halong Bay where there are fewer tourists. The boat may stop in the different islands with the small sandy beaches where you can go swimming in quite private small island beaches. You also have more time for kayaking in the quiet area. That is a good option for the honeymoon couple.The day boat will go back to the meeting point for meeting the big cruise then you will stay overnight on the big cruise and meet more travellers who do the tour for 2 days 1 night. The next-day itinerary of 3-day 2-night cruise is similar to Halong Bay 2 Day 1 Night Cruise Itinerary.

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Sun World Halong Bay – Modern Cable Car over an Ancient Sea

Sun World Halong Bay – Modern Cable Car over an Ancient Sea

Are you looking for a unique way to see Halong Bay from above? The Sun World Halong Cable Car is the answer. This exciting attraction provides breathtaking aerial views of Halong Bay’s iconic limestone mountains, stretching ocean, and vibrant city below—all at a fraction of the cost of helicopters or seaplanes. Let's scroll down to see more detailed information about Sun World Halong Cable Car![incredible_toc]1. What is the Sun World Halong Cable Car?Not content with merely being one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and twice designated special status by UNESCO, Halong Bay is looking to stretch its influence even further. To this end, the Vietnamese mega-company Sun Group offers the Sun World Halong cable car, providing a beautiful aerial view of the magnificent karst seascape next to which it sits. Until its construction in 2016, the only ways to get a view of Halong Bay from above were from a private helicopter or seaplane; now at a fraction of their price, the Halong Bay cable car takes visitors high above the ocean and the city below it.Enjoy a cable car trip with family in Sun World Halong BayThe cable crosses the 2 halves of Halong City, separated by the mouth of water that joins Cua Luc Bay to the Gulf of Tonkin. The cable runs roughly parallel to Bai Chay Bridge, which connects the two halves by land, comprising one of the best things to do in Halong City if waiting to embark on the next day’s cruise around Halong Bay. The cable system is a great way to enjoy any Vietnam family tour that stops off in Halong before a cruise around the bay.The ‘Queen Cable’, as it is named, is part of the Sun World Halong Complex, a rather bizarre amusement park that opens for just four hours per day. As of late 2018, the park is still in construction, but its iconic Ferris wheel stands completed at 215m above sea level and acts as the terminal point for the Sun World Halong Bay cable car. Sun World Halong Overview2. Information for Halong Bay’s Cable Car• The Halong Bay Sun World cable car system features just two actual cars, but the ambitious capacity of each (230 people max) has seen it granted a Guinness World Record for the highest cable car capacity in the world.• The system’s other claim to fame is the height of its two towers that support the cable, the biggest of which stands at a world record height of 189m.Queen Cable Car in Sun World Halong Bay• The total length of the system is 2,165 meters, running from the ground of the western half of the city to the top of Ba Deo Mountain in the eastern half.• The system is capable of carrying 2000 people every hour but currently carries far fewer than this due to the park being unfinished and attraction limited to the cable car’s views.Sun World Halong Quang Ninh• If you’re looking for how to buy Halong Bay cable car tickets, then be updated to Sun World Halong Tickets 2024 and prepared to spend a bit of cash. At 360,000 VND (USD 14) for adults and 260,000 VND (USD 10) for kids below 1.3m in height, the cable car remains a little on the expensive side for Vietnam, even though most visitors would not think twice about paying that amount in Europe or North America. Tickets are available from the Sun or Ocean stations that act as the system’s terminals.Sun World Halong Cable Car3. How to get to the Sun World Halong Bay Cable CarThere are only 2 major ways to get to Halong City to utilize its cable cars and harbors offering access to Halong Bay. 3.1. By busTraveling by bus is probably the cheapest way to see the Halong City cable car, but bear in mind that the attraction lies about 6km from the bus station, meaning a taxi will be required for the transfer. Similarly, if coming from Hanoi, buses must be caught from Gia Lam or My Dinh stations, which are about 7km and 10km from the city’s central Old Quarter respectively. If coming from Hai Phong’s Niem Nghia station, you will need a taxi for the 3.3km journey from the city’s center.- Price from Hanoi: 170,000 - 260,000 VND (7-10 USD)- Price from Hai Phong: 100,000 VND (USD 4)3.2. By private carSun World Halong Bay sceneryIn a private car, you will have the added luxury of a direct transfer, with drivers able to deliver you from your hotel in Hanoi or Hai Phong straight to the cable’s departure terminal. With a smooth highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong to the bay, a private car is certainly the most convenient way to get to Halong’s cable cars, if not the priciest.- Price from Hanoi: Around 2,500,000 VND (USD 100) for a 4-seater- Price from Hai Phong: 1,400,000 VND (USD 60) for a 4-seater4. Other attractions around the Sun World Halong Cable CarThough Halong City is growing in appeal, it is still more commonly seen as not much more than a jumping-off point for Halong Bay. There are always a growing number of land-based things to do in Halong City, all of which make the location a great stop on a Northern Vietnam tour.4.1. Halong BayThe undeniable main attraction of Halong City, and probably of Vietnam overall, Halong Bay draws millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year to its outstandingly beautiful seascape. From a simple day trip from Hanoi to a conclusive 3-day, 2-night cruise around the feet of gorgeous limestone mountains, Halong Bay has something to offer everyone.Halong Bay cruiseDepending on the tour that you select, activities around Halong Bay and its neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay, also accessible from Halong City, can get visitors close to the fascinating geological features of the World Heritage Site. Kayaking, swimming, and visits to impressive caves, secluded islands, and quaint fishing villages comprise much of the excitement to be felt on a Halong Bay Cruise.You can do a day trip or you can do a Halong overnight trip.For more information on the day trip please click on: Halong Bay's full-day tour from Hanoi.4.2. Tuan Chau BeachKayaking on Halong Bay beachOne of the other attractions viewable from the 630ft crest of Halong Bay’s cable car ride is the stretching white sand of Tuan Chau Beach, a 3km crescent-shaped bay on the island of Tuan Chau, from where Halong Bay tours depart. The sand of the beach has been imported to turn the island into a more attractive waiting area, but that fact takes nothing away from the beauty that its architects have been able to create with palm trees and unfettered views of Halong Bay in front. Alongside Tuan Chau Beach, the island features luxury hotels, food courts, a circus, a martial arts show, and many options for watersports and camping.4.3. Buddhist TemplesFor a welcome injection of Vietnamese culture into your trip to Halong, Tran Quoc Nghien Temple and Long Tien Pagoda offer beautiful Buddhist architecture dating as far back as the 13th century. Both were constructed to celebrate the achievements of the Tran Dynasty, the past emperors of which are widely admired for their courage and resolve in resisting the various invaders who attempted to take Vietnam via Halong Bay.Both temples feature their own monthly ‘festivals’ that occur at a certain time in the lunar calendar. These one-day celebrations honor the Tran Dynasty and Buddha through traditional music, feasts, and a palanquin procession.Long Tien Pagoda4.4. Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) For picture-perfect travel photos, Bai Tho Mountain has been an attractive stop-off for anyone staying in Halong City. After King Le Thang Tong carved a poem into the rocks in 1468, the mountain gained legendary status and now offers a wonderful stone-step ascension to its peak. From here, a gorgeous spectacle stretches out for miles below, as Halong’s rolling mountain landscape rises and dips to the horizon. On the way up, hikers will pass glorious forests clinging to the rock, where monkeys and goats have made their homes.Views from Bai Tho Mountain4.5. The Sun World Ferris WheelAs the final terminal point of the Halong Bay cable car, the accompanying Ferris wheel offers similar aerial views of Halong Bay’s limestone seascape. The wheel sits atop Ba Deo Mountain and has recently become an iconic landmark within Halong city, as its gigantic frame and elevated position of 215m above sea level give it a very lofty view above the city, as well as a Guinness World Record for being the world’s highest Ferris wheel.The wheel is comprised of 64 cabins with a capacity of six people in each, taking about 20 minutes to complete a full cycle. At night, the wheel lights up in colorful tandem with the Bai Chay Bridge next to it, providing Halong City with yet another beautiful string to its bow.Sun World Halong Ferris WheelIf you have any plans to not only Sun World Halong but also other destinations in Halong Bay, Incredible Asia Journeys offers many premium Halong Bay cruise tours, contact us to get information!

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Things to do on Cat Ba Island

Things to do on Cat Ba Island

There is sometimes the tendency to assume that Cat Ba Island is nothing more than a stop-off point for tourists on the way to Lan Ha Bay. The natural beauty and history that reach most corners of the Gulf of Tonkin’s largest island beg to differ, even enough for UNESCO to declare Cat Ba Island a ‘Man and Biosphere Reserve Area’ for its importance in the lives of humans, animals, and plants throughout its ancient history.[incredible_toc]There is no shortage of things to do on Cat Ba Island, but picking just a handful of activities before heading out to Lan Ha Bay can be tricky if you’re short on time. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ve found 5 of Cat Ba Island’s top attractions and present them to you here so that you can make the most of your trip to the stunning archipelago of 367 limestone outcrops.Cat Ba Island1. Cat Ba National ParkThe 161 km2 medley of green foliage and grey rock that makes up the heart of Cat Ba Island is Cat Ba National Park, situated right in the middle of the main island. The area is perfect for trekking and has several different tracks suitable for every ability level between beginner and experienced. There are opportunities for short, easy treks to the peaks of hills offering views over the bumpy sea of verdant greenery, and a tough, 6-hour return trek around 18km of bushland that leads to the shoreline and a picturesque fishing village.The potential for seeing Cat Ba langur monkeys is one of Cat Ba Island’s big attractions, though sightings are very rare because of the tiny numbers of langurs left. Just around 65 individuals remain in the only place in the world where they are found, living under the constant threat of poaching which the Vietnamese government is going to huge lengths to stop in a bid to save the critically endangered population.Hiking in Cat Ba National Park2. How to get to Cat Ba National ParkThe main road connecting the north and the south of Cat Ba Island cut through the national park, making it impossible to miss. You can park your motorbike for cheap or you can opt for the public bus (25,000 VND - $1.20) that runs from Cat Ba Town's harbor at 7 am, 11 am, and 3 pm every day.2.1. Hospital CaveA great stop-off on the way to Cat Ba National Park, Hospital Cave comprises another of the historical things to see on Cat Ba Island. An incredibly cheap 15,000 VND ($0.65 USD) will cover the cost of a private tour of this disused military hospital built right into the limestone mountain. Signs, roads, and a staircase now highlight the existence of the once-hidden hospital, but the infirmary went unnoticed during the American War and was eventually abandoned in 1975 when the Americans had been vanquished. During its 12 years, it treated many wounded Viet Cong fighters, along with providing a safe house for its leaders who enjoyed a somewhat leisurely hiding with the use of a swimming pool and cinema room on the second floor.Discover Hospital CaveHow to get to the Hospital CaveOn the drive to Cat Ba National Park, about 10 km northwest of Cat Ba Town, you will see a green sign indicating the path that leads to the Hospital Cave. It is really only accessible by self-driven motorbike or a motorbike taxi from Cat Ba Town.2.2.Cannon FortOne of the best things to do on Cat Ba for historians and non-historians alike, Cannon Fort stands just outside the main town and has magnificent views over the UNESCO-nominated archipelago. Three cannons were built atop the 177m high hill; pulled up the mountain with no mechanical assistance and sat facing the sea to repel naval invaders. Ironically, it was the invading French who ordered their construction, followed by their sabotage upon fleeing, so that the uprising Vietnamese couldn’t use them. However, the Vietnamese fixed them and used them to great effect during the first and second Indochina wars, and now two remain as a testament to the Vietnamese fighting spirit.While the bunker, small military airport, and groups of mannequin soldiers appeal to those interested in history, those who aren’t can climb the hill for the stunning views over Lan Ha Bay. This is truly the best place to take in the majesty of the rolling karst mountains stretching to the horizon, with hidden beaches sitting in alcoves and solo fishing boats sliding silently through the calm waters below.How to get to Cannon FortJust a 10-minute walk from Cat Ba Town will take you to the entrance gate of Cannon Fort, where you will pay 50,000 VND ($2.20) for entry and proceed an extra 20 minutes up the path to the lookout above. If incline walking isn’t your thing, you can pay an extra 50,000 VND for an electric car service that will take you to the top.Cannon Fort in Cat Ba2.3. Viet Hai VillageThe slow development of Viet Hai Village over its many hundreds of years of history gives it a charming, rustic aura. It was earmarked to become a big tourism project in 2011, and the years in between have seen it develop into one of Cat Ba Island’s top attractions in Halong Bay cruise tour. Residents live in charismatic houses with bamboo frames and thatched roofs, while the streets of the village are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and farmyard animals like buffaloes and goats. Viet Hai is set in the foreground of a beautiful range of forested hills, which eventually turn into rainforests available for exploration by foot. Here can you find Frog Lake, a small but rich body of water flanked by tree-topped limestone.How to get to Viet Hai Village? This is only easily accessible to Lan Ha Bay cruises, a great selection of which you can see here. It usually comprises the morning of the second day of a 3-day itinerary, so all transport to and around Viet Hai will be arranged for you. You can reach Viet Hai on a long trek through Cat Ba National Park and catch the nearby ferry back to Cat Ba Town, but information on this is scant, so you should ask your accommodation for the details.Cycling in Viet Hai Fishing VillageClick here to get information about the best cruises to discover Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island!2.4. Tung Thu BeachThe proximity of the famous Cat Co beaches to Cat Ba Town has eventually become their downfall. Throngs of tourists flock to the beach triangle of Cat Co 1, 2 and 3, connected by a wooden walkway that affords good views of the bay but also the constant push and shove of people determined to get the perfect selfie. Overdevelopment has seen a search for an alternative beach escape amongst visitors, and some, but not many, find it at Tung Thu Beach, on the opposite side of Cat Ba Town from Cat Co.For relaxing, there’s no better thing to do on Cat Ba Island than lying on the golden, and most importantly, untouched sands of Tung Thu Beach. This beach was once the site of much development and was destined for the same fate as the Cat Co beaches, but progress seemed to stall due to meager transportation links, so tourists headed to the more accessible Cat Co instead. What’s left at Tung Thu Beach are the shells of resort buildings and just small groups of locals swimming in the waters and lying on the golden sands of what they refer to as ‘Cat Co 4’.Tung Thu BeachHow to get to Tung Thu BeachUtilizing the services of a motorbike to stop at Tung Thu Beach on the way to the Hospital Cave and Cat Ba National Park will give you a fantastic itinerary for a full-day trip around Cat Ba Island. If it’s an entire day of relaxing you’re after, then you can get a motorbike taxi (xe om) from Cat Ba town, or just walk the 1.2 km northeast until you reach an arch on the road signaling the entrance to the beach.You May Like:Cat Ba Island Cable CarHow Long To Stay On Cat Ba IslandShould You Visit Cat Ba or Phu Quoc

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Best Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay

Best Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay

Located in the south of the famous Halong Bay and the east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay features the magnificence of the small and large islands with many interesting shapes. Not being well-known to tourists like Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is also one of the most beautiful bays near Halong Bay in Vietnam. This promised to be an attraction for tourists who want to discover beautiful Vietnam.[incredible_toc]With a cool and fresh climate, Lan Ha Bay is ready to welcome tourists at any time of the year to enjoy comfortably outdoors activities like swimming, kayaking, boating. So here are the best things to do in Lan Ha Bay!Lan Ha Bay Overview1. Some Attractions In Lan Ha Bay1.1. Nam Cat IslandNam Cat Island is an ideal destination for those who adventurous travelers. Nam Cat Island attracts tourists through four surfaces of nature, exotically charming forests, and sea surrounding. The beach’s length is about 500m with white sand and calm water, which is suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving safely. In addition, there are 3 large wooden stilt houses and 6 bamboo motels allowing you to immerse yourself with nature here. You can have an opportunity to enjoy the seafood of Cat Ba and also explore the serene waters with small fishing villages here. Nowadays, tourism in Nam Cat Island is developing, which contribute to preserve and honour the hidden beauty of the island.Nam Cat Island1.2. Monkey IslandTaking a boat from Ben Beo for 10 minutes, you can reach Monkey Island (also called Cat Dua Island in the past). At present, there are more than 30 monkeys here under the range of Cat Ba National Park. Tourists can play with them, and feed them with bananas, apples, or candies. The monkeys are very funny to climb and play with those who visit Monkey Island.Monkey Island1.3. Van Boi BeachVan Boi is one of the great places to relax with white sand and clear water you can see to the bottom. The waves are rather quiet, which is good to dive the coral and swimming. Also, you can relax with bathing on the beach and watching the beauty of the coral. You may feel impressed by this natural landscape and the surrounding cliffs. The beach seems to be escaped from the modern life with noise and bustle. Van Boi Beach1.4. Rua Island (Turtle Island)Opposite to Van Boi Beach, there is a small island with the shape like the turtle swimming on the water surface. It is like a masterpiece in the “forgotten paradise”.Turtle Island1.5. Cannon FortBuilt from 1942 as a look-out point, Cannon Fort is at a 177-meter high hilltop overlooking Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal place for trekking up to see the panorama view of Lan Ha Bay. From Cannon Fort, you will have a chance to see the scenic views of the bay in particular, and of Cat Ba Island in general with tiny houses and fishing boats.View from Cannon Fort2. Things to do in Lan Ha BayIf you visit Vietnam and Hanoi you may take a day trip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay or an overnight trip on a Lan Ha Bay Cruise.If you do not have much time, Lan Ha Bay Day Trip from Hanoi can be a good option for you. different from Halong Bay Day Trip, when you take a day trip to Lan Ha Bay you will have a full day on the cruise.While a day trip to Halong Bay you will need about 7 hours on the bus and you only have about 4 to 6 hours on with the cruise trip you will have about 8 hours for the day trip to Lan Ha Bay because it only takes about 4 hours for the transfer.If you have more time then Lan Ha Bay overnight cruises will be a good option for you, it can be 3 days 2 nights on Lan Ha Bay, or 2 days 1 night on Lan Ha Bay Cruises.Refer to some top-rated and recommended cruises in Lan Ha Bay.2.1. KayakingWith hundreds of small sandy beaches and islets, Lan Ha Bay is one of the paradises for kayaking. Those who love kayaks will be interested in the clean and calm water and the wild nature of Cat Ba Island. Some popular places for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay are Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Beach, and Monkey Island… Discover the wild nature here and have the best experiences in the bay.Lan Ha Bay Cruise with kayaking2.2. Swimming in Lan Ha BayWhen visiting Lan Ha Bay, swimming is one of the best activities that you should not miss. There are a lot of small lovely beaches such as Van Boi Beach and Monkey Island for you to enjoy swimming. Clear and warm water will bring you comfortable feelings in the beautiful bay.Swimming in Lan Ha Bay2.3. Rock climbing in Lan Ha BayTouching the limestone by rocky climbing is an interesting experience when visiting Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Even you are a beginner or intermediate and advanced climbers, the guides will set up the rope and all protective equipment, and follow you on the routes to ensure that it is safe. You will get the most adventurous experience during your wonderful trip in Vietnam. Rocky Climbing in Lan Ha Bay2.4. Visiting fishing village and floating market Located on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Fishing Village has about 80 households, which is surrounded by mountains. The villagers mainly live on fishing, farming and breeding. It is developed to become an eco-tourism and cultural tourism for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists coming to visit. Visiting the village, you will have a chance to experience the fishing life in Lan Ha Bay.Viet Hai VillageMove to Cai Beo Floating Village, near Ben Beo Harbor, it is the oldest and the most remarkable floating village in Lan Ha Bay. The village consists of about 300 floating houses living mainly by fishing and seafood farming. You can get there by a small boat or kayaking. Taking a closer look and experiencing the local life here is very interesting and memorable in your trip to Lan Ha Bay.Cai Beo Floating Market2.5. Playing and staying at a private beachIf you prefer relaxing to discovering the bay, you can choose for yourself one of a few private beaches including bungalows to stay overnight. You can book a tour package on a cruise or just book a room to have much more time for relaxing activities such as sunbathing, playing beach football, playing beach volleyball, swimming, or kayaking.Many Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi await, reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys now to plan your trip with hot deals and promotions!

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Kayaking in Halong Bay

Kayaking in Halong Bay

With all the tranquillity on offer when cruising around Halong Bay in the shadows of the vast, limestone mountains, the thought of shunning all of the activities and remaining on your junk boat just might cross your mind. Let's explore more about cruising and kayaking in Halong Bay![incredible_toc]Some tourists do indeed come exclusively for the cruise and prefer to unwind onboard rather than engage in any activities. This is fine, of course, the time is your own, but activities like cave exploration, expeditions to farms and villages, swimming and, especially kayaking in Halong Bay are strategically organised throughout your itinerary to maximise your enjoyment of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.Panorama of Ha Long Bay1. How do I kayak in Halong Bay?Most tour companies have cruise ships fitted with racks of kayaks and oars. It is very rare to find a tour without a kayaking excursion, even on the shorter Halong Bay day trips where you get about 4 hours on the bay. The crew will explain the simple techniques for kayaking and show you exactly the area in which you should be doing it. Kayaking in Halong Bay comes with a few mild cautions, so make sure you listen to your tour guide:• Holding the oar the right way might seem like a no-brainer, but many people grasp it with hands too close together or too far apart. Your hands should be just over shoulder-width apart and the concave part of the oar should be facing backwards.• Don’t be afraid to use some force – the best kayaking trips are the ones you come back from with aching arms!• The initial confusion of steering left by using the right side of the oar and vice versa can be a little frustrating at first, but you will get the hang of it after a few minutes.• Avoid cave entrances as the water here usually has a strong current that is capable of drawing you in if you get too close.• Keep a good distance between other kayaks to avoid unnecessary collisions.• Wear the life vest provided at all times.2. Where are the best places for kayaking in Halong Bay?The openness of the region means that there is virtually no end to the great number of spots for kayaking in Halong Bay. You’ll have to abide by the strict tourism routes that the Halong Bay authorities enforce to protect the bay, but there are still a great number of places where tours stop to kayak. Here are just a few:2.1. Vung Vieng Fishing VillageWhile some tourists opt for a relaxing bamboo boat ride around the tiny, colourful floating village of Vung Vieng, kayaking while requiring more effort, offers you much more freedom. The surrounding mountains and a nearby rainbow arch that opens up into a beautiful wide expanse are some of the things to see around here.Vung Vieng Fishing Village2.2. Luon CaveAnother outstanding area to go kayaking in Halong Bay is Luon Cave. Luon Cave features a short tunnel that opens up into a stunning enclosed grotto with emerald waters, reflecting the colour of the tree-topped mountain walls. The open-air nature of the Luon Cave offers a very quiet, soothing atmosphere, one that should not be missed.Luon Cave2.3. Cap La IslandAccording to some Halong Bay reviews, a great alternative to kayaking in the sometimes rather tourist-heavy Vung Vieng is Cap La Island. This area is in one of Halong Bay’s sister bays, Bai Tu Long Bay, which contains the small fishing village of Cap La along with the same amazing island scenery as Halong Bay.Cap La Island2.4. Dark & Bright CaveIf it’s a more adventurous kayaking trip that you want then perhaps opt for a tour that ventures to the Bright and Dark Cave in Halong’s other sister bay, Lan Ha Bay. A kayaking expedition here involves rowing through a long, pitch-black cave that requires a head torch, before rowing through a shorter, brighter cave into an enclosed grotto that resembles the one at Luon Cave. Again, this is the less touristy alternative to kayaking in Halong Bay. Check out Lan Ha Bay 2 Day 1 Night Cruise to add Dark & Bright Cave to your bucket list!Dark & Bright Cave3. What should I bring for kayaking in Halong Bay?It might seem obvious but water sports like kayaking can result in you getting mildly wet, yet a lot of people neglect to think of this when they pack their phone, wallet and camera on the floor of the kayak next to their feet. Water quite easily runs down the oar when it’s lifted out of the water and a small pool will usually settle around your feet. This is really not a problem as long as you leave your valuables on the cruise.Suncream and Sunglasses are highly recommended in most seasons, especially around midday when the heat is on and there are very few shadows in which to seek refuge.A strong rowing buddy is probably the best accompaniment when kayaking in Halong Bay as they can really help you nip around the various islands and grottoes. Children under 5 are not recommended to paddle but are welcome to sit in the boat and soak in the views. 4. Which tour should I choose for kayaking in Halong Bay?The vast majority of tours offer kayaking as an excursion so really you can opt for any. The areas where these tours operate their kayaking differ though, so if you want to go to a specific cave or fishing village mentioned above then search for that place before booking.Incredible Asia Journeys goes to the beautiful Ba Hang Fishing Village on our Halong Bay day trip, while many other companies that offer overnight tours go to a variety of other places. If you’re really into kayaking you can book a specialised tour where kayaking in Halong Bay is prioritised, offering visits to several different areas over the course of three days, such as the one offered by travel Vietnam.V'spirit CruiseTo know more about what is special about Halong Bay, drop us a request to book now your Halong Bay boat trip to discover it by hand!

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