Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay means descending dragon bay.  It is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests.  There are about 2,000 islands in about 1,500 square kilometers.  We took a 2 day cruise around the bay through Rosa Cruise for $235 (total for both of us).  We spent another $55 on drinks, and another $10 for tip.  Total was $300 for the 2 days for 2 people. 
 
Overall, I don’t think it was worth it.  I mean, it may have been if it had been sunny, but the weather didn’t totally cooperate.  It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t bright and perfect either.  See our video of the bay here to see what I’m talking about.

​The alcohol was expensive, and you had to buy your own water as well (they gave you 3 free very small bottles).  Bring your own liquids with you!  They did have free tea or coffee for breakfast, and you could order more later in the day for an extra charge.  There was free wifi in the restaurant on the boat, but it was in and out.  You could smoke everywhere on the boat but not indoors.  There was A/C and heat plus hot water for showers.  It was really chilly when we went!  You pay for everything at the end by cash or card. 
 
Rosa Cruise Itinerary:
 
Day 1:

• Leave Hanoi 8-9 AM
• 30 minute break halfway through bus ride
• Arrive at boat 12:30 PM
• Welcome drink
• Around 3 PM boat stops
• Pearl farm for about 30 minutes
• Come back to boat and change clothes
• Kayaking (if you want) for about an hour
• Swimming (if you want) – jump in by the boat (not on beach b/c it’s crowded)
• Starting around 5:00 or 5:30 PM after swimming = relaxing
• Dinner at 7:00 PM
• After dinner: optional activities = squid fishing or karaoke or dancing

 
Day 2:

• Optional: tai chi at 6:30 AM on top deck
• Breakfast at 7 AM
• After breakfast around 7:30 AM = group activity
• Cave for 1 hour (one of the biggest in Halong Bay: Hang Sung Sot) – wear shoes
• After cave come back to boat
• Check out of room at 9:30 AM
• Free time until 10:30 AM
• Cooking class = around 30 minutes (fried spring roll)
• Lunch after class
• Relax for a bit
• Go back to hotel and get back around 4 or 4:30 PM

 
Read more about Vietnam in my overview blog post here, and see our photos here!