Halong Bay - worth the trip?

Posted by Team NZ (554 days ago)

We are contemplating a trip to Halong Bay - kayaking for a day or two and spending some time trekking the Sapa region, hopefully we will find somewhere to spend a few days at a beach resort to chill out.

Many of the pictures of Halong appear misty - is this mist or pollution (please forgive my ignorance.)

Any tips, is it worth the trip? Is it really one of the 7 wonders of the world or more a tourist mecca?

Can anyone recommend any Vietnam beach/resort for a coupe of days of "niceness".

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Tags halong bay, halong bay

Posted by Innocence (554 days ago)

In my opinion Halong Bay is very over-rated and more of a tourist trap. Its not a lot different than the rock formations off phuket. Never been to Sapa

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tmk (554 days ago)

Spent a day in Halong Bay in October, and although it was beautiful, the air quality was so bad that it was hard to see any distance (similar to looking across Victoria harbour on a bad day). I asked our tour guide if there was a time of year when the air quality tended to be better, and was told April and May are "usually" better.

Spent a few days last July in Victoria Resorts Phan Thiet, south of HCMC and enjoyed our time there. A google will bring up their website.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Amanda Le (553 days ago)

I went back in November 1989. I thought the humidity was the problem not the polution...things could of changed! Majority of time the sun was shining, the water clear. However there was something biting on the waters at the beach...mites? The food is nice and different to the rest of vietnam. The people are so laid back. A good place to just have long lunches, drink on the porch and just talk to locals. Bring ciggies with you and often you will have a table of locals sharing stories while smoking away. Avoid the areas where the tourist hang out which in my opinion was nothing special. Walk a little further to secluded beach area and that is the perfect spot to just laze around.

Sapa was great. The tribal people with their dope! We ask a local tribal girl to be our tour guide. We went on a 2 hour hike and it was fantastic. It was hard work as it was so hot but the scenes were breath taking. The main market was just a market but just go there to see the tribal people in their dark coloured woven clothes. But personally I would not go to the market again. Everyone keeps trying to sell you things.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tatu (553 days ago)

I was in Halong Bay in March we joined the junk and stayed for 1 nite. The area was beautiful with the emerald green water but I also agreed that the place was a bit overrated. We did kayaking and caves visiting. The next morning they dropped us at a so-called man made beach for another 30 mins then we headed back. The one thing I really didn't not enjoy was the meals that included in the package provided that we already paid for a higher price package deal. Too bad it seems there is only way to go to Halong Bay is to join the junk package instead of you can arrange your own transport to go.

(I am based in Hong Kong)