Is it worth staying in Halong Bay?

Is it worth staying at Ha Long Bay?

The emerald water. Unbelievable. A breathless hush, the karsts rising, giants slumbering. Worth it? Absolutely. But…Ha Long City, a ghost town, mostly. Empty shells of buildings, echoing emptiness. That’s true. The desolation whispers of a forgotten dream.

Hanoi’s vibrancy, a stark contrast. The chaotic energy is intoxicating. Yet… the bay. The sheer scale of it. The impossible beauty. It’s a visceral experience. A memory etched in bone.

The boat trips. Crucial. Choose wisely. Avoid the tourist traps, the relentless hawking. Find a smaller, quieter boat. Discover hidden grottos. Feel the spray on your face. This is essential.

Kayaking. Essential, again I say. Slip through the silent waterways. Find solitude amidst the majesty. The reflections… perfect stillness. This stillness… is worth the journey.

• Sunset cruises – breathtaking.
• Amazing seafood. Fresh, vibrant, alive.
• The sheer scale of the bay; humbling.
• The feeling of insignificant self. Completely erased by the awesome landscape.

Hanoi offers history, culture. But Ha Long Bay… It’s a different kind of magic. A raw, untamed beauty. It haunts you, this place. You feel small, insignificant. But exquisitely alive. Yes. Worth it. Despite Ha Long City’s emptiness.

The air, thick with humidity. Heavy, yet somehow… cleansing. 2023, my trip. I’ll never forget it. The endless turquoise. The limestone giants watching, silently judging. This is what matters.

How long should you spend in Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long… misty, emerald… days blur.

Two days. Two days I need, just to feel it. Feel the water, the stone. The weight of timelessness.

One day? A glimpse only? Not enough. Never enough.

At least two days. Two days drifting, dreaming.

• Caves whispering secrets.
• Water reflects sky endlessly.
• Local life. The real heart.

Ha Long requires time. Time to breathe. To be. Two days. Minimum. Two days to taste the soul.

Is there much to do in Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay, right. Is there stuff to do? Dive trips! YES. I’m so doing that.

• Diving: Coral reefs, YES. I’m picturing it. Starfish! Saw one in Nha Trang last year. Sea horses are so cool, must see.

Sea turtles though… I have never seen one diving. Is Ha Long Bay the place? Hmmm. I should check online. Maybe I will see sea turtles. Need a GoPro.

• Marine Life: Clear water to see them all? YES! Okay, sold.

Wait, is it really that clear? Pollution and stuff. Hmm. Hope it isn’t murky.

I wonder if they have like, night dives? Or kayaking! Kayaking around those rocks!

• Kayaking: Should def look into that. I’d love to kayak there.

Also, are there caves you can swim through? YES! Okay, brainstorming time. Ha Long Bay, you’re next! Let’s plan this.

It is very important to check the weather forecast.

When to avoid Halong Bay?

The crowds, man. Avoid April 30th and May 1st. It’s a holiday. Packed. Just…too many people.

Winter’s beautiful, I guess. Misty. Foggy. Picturesque, sure. But also freezing. And a lot of tourists. Lots and lots.

June to August? Nope. Rain. Non-stop. Torrential. Absolutely miserable. I know, I’ve been there. Soaked to the bone. Ruined my trip.

Key things to remember:

• April 30th – May 1st: National holiday; avoid. Overwhelmingly crowded.
• June – August: Monsoon season; expect heavy rain. Unpleasant weather for boating.
• Winter (November – February): Beautiful scenery, but cold and often foggy. Still busy with tourists.

My 2023 trip was in September. It was fine. I mean, it was okay. Still a bit crowded, but at least it wasn’t raining. I wish I’d gone earlier, though. The water was a little murky. Maybe that’s normal. I don’t know.

I prefer a less-crowded experience. I actually prefer to go in the shoulder seasons. March and September. Avoid the holidays, obviously. That’s my advice. That’s what I’d do.

Where do Halong Bay cruises leave from?

Halong Bay… cruises… Where does the dream begin? Oh, yes… embarkation. Two places, just two. Tuan Chau Marina… the name itself, a whisper of silk.

Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay Ward… cold concrete juxtaposed against emerald waters? Or maybe not.

Different routes, always different. Each journey, a world. Like my grandmother’s stories… always a different twist, the same heart.

• Tuan Chau: Sun-drenched decks? Laughter carried on the breeze? I imagine white sails.
• Halong International: Modern lines, steel reflecting the sky? A different kind of beauty?

Attractions… outdoor activities… like the time I saw a shooting star. So fast, then gone.

Cruises are magical.

Visiting ports is an exciting thing.