Around 3000 jagged limestone pinnacles scattered around the bay of the defending dragon, the literal meaning in vietnamese, and all around Cat Ba island, covering a vast 1.500 square kilometres, that is more than the size of whole Berlin state. The area is a rocky labyrinth an UNESCO world cultural heritage protected site and listed in the natural wonders of the world, alright enough superlatives. You definitely need a boat to get around.
For booking we really recommend Ha Long Bay Tours. However we suggest contacting the operator before actual booking, as a cruise might not be running the desired time, like this you make sure you get what you are looking for and maybe even more. If a cruise is for example fully booked they have backup plans and give you also discounts, or even better, an upgrade. How about going on a fully luxurious cruise instead of a mid-range one?
There are different types of cruises available only day cruise on a smaller boat and overnight cruises multiple days multiple nights. All of these boats have also different kinds of price ranges and luxury options which even runs down to quality of the food and the English skills of tour guides. Booking a mid range option is recommended. Nowadays the wooden boards are almost gone giving away for steel boats and bigger ones indeed. Mostly all the boats follow the same route, it’s a regulation from the government to circumvent littering, pollution, overcrowding and exploitation of the area. A typical itinerary is usually involving, kayaking, swimming, visiting of caves and fisher villages and also to visit Cat Ba island. We did all of this and really enjoyed it. The quality of food was really superb, most of the time we were on a 6 course menu and time was flying by super fast with perfect timings of our itinerary and plenty of time to relax while cruising and see the rocks go by peacefully.
Once the cruising vessel sets sail, not much more for you to do, other than to enjoy the beauty. Ha Long Bay and the further La Ha Bay are pure magic in all weather conditions a candy for the eye. The whole journey slows you down and brings your whole system to rest. In this time lapse you ca see a bit of the whole deal.
A meditation for body mind and soul…
party cave, the government prohibited overnight stays now
rock formation, typical for Ha Long
a beautiful lady
bay lookout from the cave entrance
cathedral cave
the bay lookout from ti top mountain
sunset from the boat
corridor on our vessle
night time at the bay
mhhh
awww
Hòn Bút, a famous pinnacle, considered a monument of knowledge as it might appear like a pen.
it’s party time
jungle hut, all the way
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