When we visited Vietnam in November, we never expected we’d make it all the way up north (we really weren’t relishing the idea of too many flights, no matter how short). But from Ho Chi Minh to Hue to Hoi An, everyone we met who’d been around for a while said, “my favorite place on this trip was Halong Bay.” So we went. And as much as I like to be the purple sheep, this time, I can’t disagree.
It cost $37.53 each to fly from Da Nang to Hanoi on Jetstar. Once in Hanoi, we stayed in the Old Quarter for a night on either side of our three days in and around Halong Bay.
Just for a bit of fun, the population of Hanoi is 7 million. Guess how many motorcycles and scooters are in the city?
With the way things roll, visiting Halong and Cat Ba Island is one of the times when it makes sense — and is probably cheaper in the long run — to book a tour. We did ours with Vega Travel.
For $160 each, we had hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi, a night on a lovely boat, a night in the beautiful Hung Long Hotel (I’m not even joking) on Cat Ba Island, fantastic six- or seven- or eight-course meals aboard the boat, park entrance fees covered, kayaks provided, and hikes, swims, cycle trips and paddles with the extraordinarily patient and gracious Chuk, our guide. Our group was 16 on the first day, and only 6 on the second, so very manageable, and no fists flew to get the last prawn off the serving plate.
Here are a few shots from this memorable part of our Vietnam travels.
WOW! Beautiful pictures, Laura. Your tour trip was cheap. When flying within Europe, we can find pretty cheap airfare through Ryanair. It’s so awesome to see how other cultures live. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Denise! And thank you. Yes, I was amazed at how inexpensive that Jetstar flight was. One that we took on Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue was not quite as cheap — I think it was about $105 each. I love the airfares that Ryanair (and EasyJet) offer. It makes it so cheap to get around Europe. Then you just have to deal with the high cost of everything else in Europe… 😛
Thanks for stopping by!
I especially like the last picture of the boat in the bay with the mist hovering. If the population is seven million, my guess there would be at least 8 or million scooters and motorcycles. Am I close? I’m basing my numbers on hearing how Amsterdam has a population of 300,00 and has 400,000 bikes.
You’re a little high with that number, Jeri. Maybe Amsterdam has more bikes than people because they’re comparatively cheap, especially the un-fancy kind everyone there rides.
“A quiet bay accessible only by kayak” sounds like my kind of place. Thanks for sharing some of those terrific photos. Every time I read one of your posts, Laura, I always mutter to myself: “One day…” 🙂
The kayaking was brilliant, Chris. We did two paddles, and the first one was right near sunset. Our guide let us stay in the bay until after dark and then find our way out to the bigger bay and our boat on our own. Francis and I were in there with only two other boats, and we were watching the monkeys on one of the rock faces until it was so dark, we could only hear them rustling the tree branches. It was soooooo cool.
Ok, now I’m really jealous 🙂
Have you guys thought about doing more short little videos to allow us to get a little closer to the scene? The pics are great, wonderful, but the occasional clip would also be very cool 🙂
That is a very good idea, sir! I did take video along the way, and I actually tried to post one when I was on the road, but it wouldn’t embed and I didn’t have time to play around with my new WordPress theme. I should try it again!
I would most definitely want someone I know and trust to take me on a tour of anywhere in SE Asia, Laura! What a fantastic trip you had. That sure is cheap airfare you had for the flight. And 8 course meals on the boat…sign me up! Have a great weekend 🙂
We couldn’t even finish all the food that they served us on the boat — some of the dishes went back nearly untouched! It was a stuff-fest. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Mike.
Hi Laura! Thank you for the AWESOME photos! Vietnam and Halong Bay are definitely on the list. So much to look forward to….. ~Kathy
I love your outlook on life, Kathy. 🙂