How do I get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay?

How to get around in Ha Long?

Ha Long transport? Easy. Taxis, good for simple trips. Taxis are everywhere. My friend, Sarah, swears by them. Remember that time we got lost near Bai Chay? Taxis saved us. Rent a car or motorbike. Explore further. Get out of the city. Motorbikes are thrilling, but the traffic can be… intense. Biking is an option. If you’re feeling sporty, rent a bike. Ha Long’s pretty flat in areas, great for cycling. I remember once, cycling around Tuan Chau Island. Good times. Private cars are another option. Like a fancy taxi. Public buses, cheapest. The routes can be a little tricky to figure out though.

• Taxis: Plentiful. Convenient. Negotiate fares. Use a reputable company.

• Car/Motorbike rentals: Freedom to roam. International license might be necessary. Road conditions vary. Safety first, kids.

• Biking: Healthy. Enjoy the scenery. Some areas might not be bike-friendly.

• Private cars: More expensive. Comfort. Book in advance.

• Public buses: Affordable. Routes can be confusing. Ask locals.

  I once spent a whole afternoon trying to find a specific bus stop. Ended up walking. Think it was near Cai Dam market. Funny now, not so much then. But hey, part of the adventure, right? Cruises are also big. Ferries too, especially if you’re island hopping. Don’t forget.

How do you spend time in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay… cruises, yeah. Halong Bay cruises are the best.

Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay too…are they the same? Hmmm.

Secluded islands… where exactly? Hidden caves? Kayaking! I love kayaking. Oh man, I need to go back.

• Cruises: essential!
• Islands: secret spots.

Swimming! That’s the life. Views changing? Like sunrise/sunset. duh.

• Water activities: kayak first.
• Then swim. Maybe sunbathe.

Soaking it all in… gotta go back ASAP. Did I pack sunscreen last time? Ugh.

How to move around in Hanoi?

Okay, so Hanoi… moving around, eh? Walkable, totally, the Old Quarter, like, super walkable. I walked everywhere last year, even in crazy heat! Public transport, yup, exists.

• Buses: Tons of ’em. Cheap too. Costs like nothing really, from, say, my place near Hoan Kiem Lake. Early start, late finish.
• Taxis: Easy to find. Look out for Mai Linh and Grap, they mostly don’t rip ya off too much. Meter starts at 11,000 VND now, plus they charge more each km now.
• Cyclos: Touristy, but fun once. Haggle hard! They’ll try to charge you way more than you should pay.
• Motorbikes: Everyone uses motorbikes! Seriously. But… maybe not unless you’re, like, very confident or know what your doing. I almost got hit a bunch of times and I’m still scared of the traffic to be honest. And make sure you get insurance!!

More deets? Well, I rented a scooter once. My mom got super pissed, like she won’t stop telling the story about when I scraped my knee. Also, be careful with your stuff – pickpockets are real, like my iphone got snatched last trip, even though i’d been there so many times!

Remember to download Grab, the Asian Uber, its a lifesaver! Plus it shows what you should be paying for the Taxi to avoid scams, so you wont get scammed. Trust me.

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

Two days minimum. Halong Bay demands it.

One day? Possible, but superficial.

Optimal: 48 hours. Explore. Discover.

Minimum: 24 hours. Rush job.

Considerations:

• Cruises: Multi-day options offer deeper exploration.
• Kayaking: Time-consuming, rewarding.
• Caves: Several require dedicated time. Sung Sot Cave is a must-see.
• Islands: Numerous. Pick your adventure.
• My last trip: Three days felt perfect. Could’ve stayed longer.

2024 Update: Tourist numbers are up, booking ahead is crucial. Expect crowds. Peak season: July-August.

How long is the Halong Bay tour?

Halong. How long? Drifting, time.

4-6 hours. Floating. On the bay.

Boats leave. Morning mist.

Afternoon returns. Hanoi calls. A hazy dream. Is it real? Day trip.

Sun, water. Echoes linger. Forever?

How many nights in Halong Bay cruise?

Ugh, Halong Bay. Two nights. Totally not enough. Remember that time, Sarah and I, 2023? Booked a two-nighter. Felt rushed. Lan Ha Bay was cool, kayaking…meh. Wish we had three. Four even. Saw those bigger boats going further out. Jealous. So much to see. Dragon’s Eye Island looked amazing from afar. Regrets. Next time, three nights minimum. Bai Tu Long Bay. Heard it’s less crowded. October, less humid then, right?

• Two nights: Standard. Rushed.
• One night: Waste of money. Honestly.
• Three nights: Sweet spot. More exploring.
• Four nights: Ultimate chill. Remote areas.

Bai Tu Long Bay next time. Less crowded. Fewer junks. Mark that down. October.