Halong Bay

The iconic Halong Bay is the most logical next destination if you chose the picturesque Hanoi as your jump-off point to your Vietnam Trip. The UNESCO World Heritage Site needs no further introduction as it has been featured in countless movies, travelogues, vlogs, and magazines because of its rich biodiversity and scenery that looks straight out of a postcard. The Bay of the Descending Dragon as it is otherwise known covers an area of over 1,500 sqm and is dotted with almost 2,000 uninhabited limestone cliffs make for a most breathtaking and spectacular view. 

Simply getting there and seeing it from afar won’t do Halong Bay any justice, one needs to experience it up-close by booking one of the many boat cruises. One may choose a one or two-day expedition that would most likely include stops to Cat Ba Island for eating and drinking, Dau Be Island for swimming and snorkeling, Bo Hon Island for cave spelunking. Ti Top Island is a perfect landing spot as its main draw is its stunning beach and features all the comforts of traveling with its restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels.

Bonus insider tips for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience a more unique trip that’s not always stated in guidebooks and tour companies: The first is meeting the locals at Hai Phong City at the edge of the bay and partake in its lively local traditions. Next is to try and book a trip with one of the local fishermen or sea captains who call the Bay their home. They may not speak a lot of English but they know the bay pretty well enough to take you off the beaten track. Lastly, visit Bai Tu Long Bai which is less known and less visited than the main Ha Long which makes the view much more satisfying, especially when you don’t need to share it with anyone else.