Someone visiting Vietnam for the first time has no idea what to expect. This is because everything you’ve heard about Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh is true – but far more intense than you can believe! However, it is also because parts of Vietnam have little in common with the chaos of these cities.
Halong Bay is one such example. Halong Bay is known for the beauty of its beaches and islands. The city itself is the perfect place to stay, if not an epicenter of Vietnamese culture. With its high-rise hotels, it can be comfortable, although it leaves the aesthetic glory to its beaches.
Book your ticket from Hanoi to Halong Bay and start planning your trip. Here’s what you need to know.
Beyond clear waters
Describing beaches in Vietnam can get tedious. They all have crystal clear waters. The sand is stunning, but it is just sand. And they’re all ideal for both sunbathing and swimming. However, Halong Bay is much more exciting than that.
This is because the landscape of Halong Bay is populated with limestone cliffs. These give the area its unique look, which is such a huge draw for tourists from around the world. It is the perfect spot for the best photos of your Instagram career. But more importantly, it will delight your aesthetic sensibilities.
A bit further afield
The “problem” with a place as beautiful as Halong Bay is that the beaches are often crowded with tourists. This is nice if you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere, and especially great for kids. However, it can be disheartening when you see the mess some people make, and if you want a bit of peace and quiet.
The best idea then is to go a bit further afield. Still in Halong Bay, Cat Ba island is the perfect place to go for a relaxing day in the sun. The limestone cliffs are on display there as well, except that you don’t have to hustle with the same crowds of tourists to get a sight of them.
Worth a cruise
The best way, however, to experience Halong Bay is to take a day cruise with a small tour group. This way, you get to travel on the sea to the different islands, around the limestone outcroppings, and to spend time relaxing, drinking, and eating great food.
You will also get the opportunity to snorkel, which you must certainly take. Don’t worry about how good a swimmer you are or are not. Your tour guide will provide you with a life-jacket and snorkeling gear. You can simply float on the water and put your head under. There is a lot of tropical sea-life that you’ll see without having to put much effort in at all.
This may well be the highlight of your trip, as you follow schools of brightly colored fish, get a good view of the underwater plantlife, and begin to understand the vastness of the world beneath the surface of the sea.
Halong Bay is well worth a visit, and if you are making your way to Vietnam, be sure not to miss it!