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Cat Ba Island

There are many who go to Vietnam to capture one of the best natural wonders, Halong Bay and the best way of doing it from is from Cat Ba Island, not to mention a more cost effective option.

If you have the time to spare, recommended to spend one night aboard a cruise boat and another on the Cat Ba Island. The third day will give more time to explore Cat Ba Island. If you can spend another one more night, better.

Cat Ba is an island of the 1969 islands within the Gulf of Tonkin, which happens to be the largest of all with almost 300 km² and the most populated with 13,000 inhabitants. Cat Ba means ‘Island of Women’ and the vast majority of the island is occupied by a reserved National Park. It has all the characteristics of the islands of the bay, with its karstic rocks, its great vegetation (it has one of the greatest biodiversity) and during the Vietnam War the bay played an important role. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this island is well worth a visit because you have beaches, wild nature, national park, a low cost tour of Halong Bay, all under one roof.

Things To Do in Cat Ba Island

Halong Bay Tour

The highlight of the island is to come here to enjoy a boat tour through Halong Bay, at more affordable price.

Cave Hospital

Hang Quân Y – The Hospital Cave. Being an island of karstic rock there are many caves in the mountains but one of the outstanding ones is this Hospital Cave. It housed rooms such as a storage for ammunition, recreation rooms, dormitories. It is a real labyrinth inside the mountain, that is a great vestige of the Vietnam War. Inside the cave there are mannequins, recreating real situations of that time. The truth is that they are just empty rooms but you just rewind back to those years of war and run your imaginations wild. The best thing is there’s usually no other tourist there and it’s worth a visit once you’re in Cat Ba.

In country such as Vietnam, one much impacted by war, they have learned to live around the damages of war. The Vietnamese were real geniuses of inventing anything to avoid being seen or caught. And this hospital inside a cave is a good example of that. How to get there? It is best to rent a motorbike and go on your own, Cat Ba has only one main road and thus almost impossible to get loss around the Island. From the pier of Cat Ba, you head towards the National Park and it is located about 9km away from town and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes down a winding road.

Price: VND 40 000 are paid in a booth that is just by the side of the road. You can you’re your bikes there and a staff from the shed will take you to the cave.To the left is the booth where to buy the entrance tickets and to the right where the sign goes to the cave is.

Cat Ba National Park

Following the road that led you first to the Hospital Cave, continue on the opposite direction of the town, until you reach the National Park that occupies a good part of the island. Inside the park is the White Langur, an endangered species native to the area. It’s difficult to spot one as they live in scarcity today.

Within the National Park, you can opt for different routes for trekking, depending on your preference for a greater or lesser distance. But be prepared, even the shortest route would proof to be challenging as it involves steep climb at the end. Stay hydrated as the humidity there makes you sweat a lot. But the effort is well worth it because when you get up the mountain the views from Ngu Lam Peak are amazing. So, don’t give up along the way!

Price: 40,000VND
Bring water (you can also buy it there)
Don’t forget closed shoes and mosquito repellent.

Beaches of Cat Ba

On the island there are 3 popular beaches that are: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3. Each one is next to the other, but well differentiated. The first 2 are public and easily accessible. The third belongs to a Resort but you can also enjoy it while not lying on the loungers of the hotel. The beaches are not turquoise waters or fine white sandy ones, but most who goes to the beaches is not actually looking for that. It’s just perfect to bathe in while you bask in surrounding view of the Bay.

Cat Co 1

It is the first beach that you find when you leave the town of Cat Ba. It is really close and if you do not rent a motorbike, you will arrive in 30 minutes on foot. Its waters are calm and clean. There are no chairs or umbrellas and it is not very big either. It is easily accessible.

Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3

Actually, these beaches are one next to the other but there is a small difference. In the 3 there are sun loungers with umbrellas and a bungalow hotel and you can use the beach freely. In the 2 there is a bar restaurant on the beach. They are perfect beaches to end your day on the island, where you have those typical rocks of Halong Bay in front. The best time to go is between October and November as the days are clear.

Sunset Viewing

The magical sunsets from Cat Ba island over Halong Bay is not one to be missed at all costs. Some hotels even have terraces at the top of a peak where you can have a drink while you enjoy the spectacle of nature. Would probably one of best views of your lifetime as the sun was setting behind those impressive rock formations.

Rent A Bike

It is not mandatory but more than recommended to move at your leisure and pace on the island of Cat Ba. You can ask from your hotel how to rent one. There are a couple of gas stations in the town to refuel.

Where to Eat in Cat Ba Island

The town of Cat Ba extends from the port into an avenue, and along this avenue is where you can find majority of restaurants. Being a fishing village what is most abundant is the fish and always served with rice. There are also many international restaurants for tourists and the prices are affordable. All restaurants have outside terraces to enjoy the maritime atmosphere. To be dining in front all the boats docked in the Island is a dream.

Getting to Cat Ba Island

At the Hoang Long Asia agency in Old Quarter in Hanoi, bus tickets can be purchased.
The price is € 10 for all transports. You can even get the tickets at short notice, like just the day before. All the trips last about 4 hours and once you get on the bus the company takes care of everything; you get off the first bus that leaves you in a port where you ride the boat and once in Cat Ba Island, you get back on a bus heading to Cat Ba centre town. To return you must only buy the same tickets at the same agency in the town of Cat Ba.

Bus timetables: 6.15 am, 8.15 am, 12.15 pm and 2.15 pm. (Best to catch those in the early morning)

Getting to and fro Cat Bat Island

Cat Ba is an island that lies in the southeast of Halong Bay, in northern Vietnam and was declared a National Park and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Be careful the tours that you choose, sometimes you don’t get most out of what you pay. If your budget allows it, get a more customized cruise according to your preferences. Because the generic organized cruises have massive tourist embarking the boats like a flock of sheep. In most cases, cruise includes transportation, two nights’ accommodation either in hotel or on a boat, the visit to a cave and full board. Also included sometimes part-trekking on the island and an hour of kayaking.

From the hotel in Hanoi you ride in a minibus, they take you to Halong or to Haiphong where there are hundreds of boats waiting for tourists. The truth is, after all the kerfuffle getting on the boat, the cruise into Halong Bay is well worth it, breath-takingly impressive. All the sea dotted with islands of numerous formations and charming floating fishing villages along the way. Then you stop at the Hang Dau Go cave for a visit, before reaching Cat Ba Island. From here, you’ll capture beautiful views.

You can opt to sleep onboard the boat or on the Cat Ba Island, depending on the cruise you take. If you are one that gets sea sick over choppy waters on windy nights, then it’s probably best to just sleep on the island. And be sure you get what you paid for, for example if you are promised kayaking, demand for it.

Things To Do in Cat Ba Island

• At the Cat Ba National Park, trekking and climbing are some of the activities you can do.
• Enjoy its beaches and coves of fine sand and transparent water.
• To get to them we go for some catwalks that are in small cliffs, a very fun ride and a great beach morning.
• Visit some of its caves, such as the Hospital Cave or the Trung Trang cave
• Visit the floating village located in front of the bay. Taking a walk through the houseboats in front of the bay would probably be the part of your cruise.

How to Go to Halong Bay

There are 2 ways to go to Halong Bay, either in organized tours from Hanoi or by yourself via public transport. Public Transportation offers two options:

1. Hanoi – Cat Bat Island – Hanoi

There is a combined ticket from bus – boat – bus, with the Hoang Long Asia bus company that takes you from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. These buses depart from Luong Yen station in Hanoi and leave you in the centre of Cat Ba Island. Price about €10 per person and a duration of 4 hours per trip. Bus timetables:

• from Hanoi are 6.15 am, 8.15 am, 12.15 pm and 2.15 pm
• from Cat Ba Island are 7.15 am, 9.15 am, 1.15 pm and 3:15 pm

2. Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island – Hai Phong – Hanoi

Hanoi – Hai Phong

• By train, from Long Bien station. Price about €4
• By bus, from the Luong Yen bus station, for a similar price.

Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island

The ferry leaves the Dinh Vu pier in Haiphong and arrives at the Phu Long jetty in Cat Ba Island. Journey about 2 hours and price about 4 euros. Ferry hours: 6.00 am and 12.20 pm. As the ferry leaves you in the north of the island, you will have to take another bus to the centre of the Cat Ba town, the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Fast Ferries

There is a fast ferry that drops you off right in the middle of Cat Ba town. It leaves Hai Phong from Ben Binh pier. The journey lasts for about 45 minutes and the price is about €8 euros. Ferry hours: 7.00 am, 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm

Another fast ferry departs from the Dinh Vu pier in Hai Phong and leaves you at the Gia Luan jetty or Phu Long jetty. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Ferry hours: 5.20 am, 7.15 am, 8.45 am, 10.15 am, 2.15 pm, 3.45 pm and 5.15 pm. Here you will have to take a bus to the centre of the Cat Ba town.

Third option for fast ferries with the company Hadeco that leave the Ben Binh pier in Hai Phong and arrive at the Cai Vieng jetty. The journey takes about 20 minutes. The price of about €4. Ferry hours: 7.05 am, 8.00 am, 10.00 am, 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Here you will have to take a bus to the centre of the Cat Ba town.

Halong – Cat Ba Island

From the Bai Chay jetty in Halong City to the town of Cat Ba. Price about €6  and a journey of 4 hours. Departures at 1.00 pm from Halong.

From the Hon Gai jetty to the town of Cat Ba. Price about €10. Journey 1 hour and a half. Departures at 8.45 am and 1.45 pm.

The Best Way to Get to Cat Ba Island

“Life can only be understood by looking back, but you can only live by looking forward.”

Kierkegaard

Reaching Halong, you will witness a grand avenue in the American style designed for tourists. Behind the beach bars and the comercial/industrial boats you can see the longed karstic protuberances that represent the place.

It would be difficult to find a boat that would take you to Cat Ba Island for the price you want if you haven’t booked in advance. When you arrive in Cat Ba Island, get on a bus to take you to downtown. A better alternative is to go to the nearby town of Hai Phong, where boats leave for a cheaper price and drops you off in the heart of the Cat Ba town. For hotels too, if you haven’t booked in advance, you might find yourself in a situation where hotels are already fully booked or comes at higher price especially when all or one of the nights falls on a weekend or public holidays. Prices usually triple during weekends.

Although Cat Ba is more beautiful than Halong Bay, it is still a large urbanized island with just three little beaches for too many tourists. In spite of this, one can rent a motorbike and go around the island and visit the Natural Park of which there are trekking options of all kinds.

You can also rent a kayak and explore the floating villages and small beaches hidden among the islets. Completely alone, standing majestically before you the incredible spectacle of the nature of Halong Bay, that would probably the best moment of the island. After a couple of days on Halong Bay, head towards the mountains of northern Vietnam, to explore the minority tribes in the area, if time permits. Catch a bus to Mai Chau towards further north.

If your plans change, there are plenty of neon lit motels around the Hanoi bus station to get descent hours of sleep. But what you should know is that this area was sort of the ‘Red Light District’ of the capital, that most of the motels offer rooms based on hours; for example you pay VND 250 000 for two hours.

Tips for travelers:

• Rent motorcycle in Cat Ba: About VND 100 000
• Boat from Ha Long to Cat Ba usually costs between VND 300 000 and 350 000
• Boat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island costs VND 100 000 dongs
• Boat and bus from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi cost VND 200 000 dongs

Natural Reserve of Cat Ba Island:

• The short trail (1-2 hours): between VND 10 000 and 15 000, depending on the route.
• The long trail (4-8 hours): between VND 25 000 and 35 000, depending on the journey.

Refined Cruise on a Traditional Wooden Junk

A fresh ginger tea, a refreshing scented towel to refresh you after a long journey. A rustic wooden junk, christened Jasmine awaits you on the green waters of the mythical Halong Bay. A zen atmosphere that accompanies throughout your cruisee through one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The largest wooden junk in Halong Bay; she measures 55 m long and 11 m wide. Of the 24 comfortable and large rooms, the 2 most luxurious are the Jasmine Suites – with an area of ​​24 m²- with balcony. The 9 Jasmine Deluxes- with the balcony have an area of 18 m². And the 13 Jasmine Premiums have an area of 17 m².

The interior of the cabins is made of a precious wood, the giang huong (padouk), which encourages sleep for those on board. Jasmine is also has a bar-lounge and a restaurant. Testimony to its luxury. But Jasmine is refined, almost discreet and it blends perfectly with the mystical setting of this legendary place. Benefit from the large terraces to rest on rattan chairs and sun bathe. A time of relaxation between the Tai Chi session in the morning and the cocktail at sunset.

Customized route, the junk will take you away from the classic tourist routes. Three bays on the program: Ha Long, Lan Ha, especially Bai Tu Long where Catherine Deneuve acted in Indochina. In the open sea, but never far from the mainland, you’re stopping over a few of the thousands sunny islets and you visit dark caves with small boats. These boats will take you to slide on still waters towards Soi Sim Island, the cave Doi or the floating village Van Chai, where some hundreds of fishermen live in the open sea. And it is with the rising of the day that you will contemplate, alone, the 10.000 m² of the cave Sung Sot (Surprise).

Day 1 – Hanoi – Halong

The car with our driver comes to you pick up at your hotel and en route to Halong. Embarkation on the luxury junk Jasmine. Moving into the cabin reserved for you. Welcome cocktail is served to you. You then have lunch on board starting the cruise in the bay Bai Tu Long. Here you cross passages where was shot the movie ‘Indochina’ with Catherine Deneuve. There are superb Islets; the Teapot, the Face of the Demon, to feast your eyes. Continue to cruise towards the direction of Soi Sim Island. Time to relax on the small beach Board a small boat to visit the Hang Doi Tunnel Cave. Get back on board, continue Halong Bay cruise to a quiet place for the night. Dinner with seafood, then a soft rippling rocks your night in the China Sea

Day 2: Halong – Hanoi

For those who wish, Tai Chi classes greet the sunrise on the bridge. You disembark to visit the famous ‘Cave of the Surprise’. From its terrace, you enjoy a wonderful view of the marine farms, the sampans fishermen, the broom of junks, the islets. As far as the eye can see Buffet breakfast. Continue the cruise in Halong Bay. You will come across of the surprising rocks: the Fighting Cock and Dog, to name a few. Slowly cruise back towards the Halong pier. The driver of your minibus waits at the pier, to accompany you on your road trip back to Hanoi.

Province of Quang Ninh of Halong Bay

The province of Quang Ninh is located in the far east of North Vietnam. It is bounded on the north by China and on the east by the Gulf of Tonkin. Extending over an area of ​​nearly 352 000 hectares, the province has 1.3 million inhabitants in June 2005. By its peculiar geography, Quang Ninh is both coastal and mountainous. When one speaks about Talking about Quang Ninh, is has to be about Halong Bay and coal mining.

The mountains rise above the coast to sow thousands of pretty islands and islets in the sea, creating one of the wonders of the world – Halong Bay. Coal mines in the province provide nearly 90% of the national production. There are several pagodas and temples in Quang Ninh, where popular festivals are held annually. The festival of Yen Tu, for example, gives the opportunity to a spiritual pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Quang Ninh owes its fame, in terms of tourism, to Halong Bay and the seaside resorts of Bai Chay.

Halong Bay – A World Heritage

Description

The peculiarity of the bay is in its multitude of rocky peaks. There are 1,969 islands and rocky islands, hollowed out by caves and coves, while being covered with vegetation. Among the most famous caves are the ‘Cave of Surprise’ or the one named by the French ‘Grotte des Merveilles’. Other caves are passages leading to inner lakes. The set is the largest marine karst in the world. The vegetation consists mainly of saxifrage because of the thin layer of humus.

Since December 17, 1994, the site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Halong Bay is also one of the natural wonders of the world. Some islands are populated by fishing villages, but these are more often floating villages. Halong Bay is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Formation of the Relief

The karstic chains of Cat Ba Island are typically carved out of the sky. Geologists explain the formation of this karstic relief as follows; in the Paleozoic (or primary era, between 543 and 250 million years ago), the site was on the high seas. A thick layer of sediments was formed at that time. The movements of the earth’s crust then fractured it and the retreat of the sea exposed it to the action of erosion. The forces of water; rain and underground rivers dug through the many caves. The collapse of some caves completed the formation of the landscape.

The legend

Halong means ‘descent of the dragon’ in Vietnamese. The legend goes that the exceptional landscape of this bay is due to the dragon, which would have descended into the sea to domesticate the marine currents. Struggling, he would have cut the mountain with his tail. And as the water level would rise, only the highest peaks would have emerged.

History

The caves of the islands were populated from around 4000 BC. Halong Bay has been the scene of several naval battles. This labyrinth allowed the Vietnamese army to stop the Chinese neighbours three times. In 1288, General Trần Hưng Đạo stopped the Mongols by sinking their fleet. Stakes used at the time were found in the cave of Bouts de Bois, on the Isle of Wonders. The stakes are now exhibited at the Museum of Hai Phong. At the end of the 18th century, the bay served as a refuge for pirates, which the Chinese and Vietnamese authorities failed to eradicate. From 1810, they abandoned the site and went up the rivers, chased by the Royal Navy.

During colonization, the French mapped the bay and named some islets. As the bay had open coal deposits, it was operated by the French Coal Company of Tonkin at the expense of its inhabitants treated as slaves. During the Vietnam War, many passages were mined by the United States, which is still a threat today. During the war against the Americans, the People’s China supported the North Vietnamese government by sending them ships equipped with anti-aircraft guns. Based in Halong, they now allow the Vietnamese People’s Navy to monitor the coast and possible incursions by the Chinese.

Inhabitants

Floating fishing village with boat-shaped houses, made of braided bamboo and driven by fishermen, are characteristic of Halong Bay. They allow to enter the caves whose passage closes at high tide while, on the other side, forms an inland lake. In their nets are of course fishes, the largest of which, cut up, macerated in saffron, used to prepare the festive dish of the region: the Chá Ca which gave its name to a street of old Hanoi. One thousand six hundred inhabitants live in floating houses in two hundred islets in Halong Bay.

From Halong Bay to Angkor Wat in 2 Weeks

Day 1 & 2: Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi. You can tour around the city before your welcome dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi

Day dedicated to the visit of the capital. You will discover, in the morning, the Citadel of and the old colonial districts and the afternoon, the Temple of Literature, the lake of the Restored Sword, the temple of the Mountain of Jade and will finish by the district of guilds, before attending an amazing puppet show on the water. Dinner of specialties “Cha Ca” (true masterpiece of fried fish).

Day 4: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
You will leave for Ninh Binh, the ‘Halong Bay on Land’. You will visit this ancient capital of Vietnam (10th century) before going to Thung Nang (or Trang An) for a small boat trip in the middle of picturesque landscapes. You can visit the dance cave with a panoramic view of the region (half an hour uphill).

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong

After breakfast, you will depart for Halong via Hai Phong. Arrive in Halong around noon, where you embark on a boat that will take you to the heart of beautiful Halong Bay, one of the most famous sites in Asia, with its multiple loaves of sugar emerging from the water.

Day 6: Halong – Hanoi – Hue

You will continue your cruise in the bay. After admiring the sunrise on the upper deck of the boat, you will sail through the astonishingly shaped sugar loaves; ‘The old fisherman’, ‘The fighting cock’, etc. You will disembark after lunch and take the road back to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport and fly to Hue.

Day 7: Hue

This day will be dedicated to the visit of the city of Hue. You will go up the Perfume River by boat and visit the Lady Celestial Pagoda, the Imperial City and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. You will end with a stroll in a village famous for making hats. Lunch and visit an incense factory. Dinner specialties of the region.

Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoi An

In the morning, you will explore the Dong Ba Market. You will then take the road to Da Nang, passing by the famous cloud pass. Visit the Cham museum and transfer to Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An

In the morning take a tour of the city, with the Fujian Shrine, Quan Công Temple, Antiques Museum, Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Market and Port. Take the afternoon to stroll, go shopping, enjoy the beach or simply relax!

Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh/Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, visit of the city; the big market of Cholon, its restaurants, its temples, and the cathedral Redemptorist.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh/Saigon – My Tho – Cantho

After breakfast, leave for a 2-day trip to the Mekong Delta.
My Tho, boat trip on the Mekong River and visit of the island. Tasting of exotic fruits. In the afternoon, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. Transfer by road to Cantho, with a stop at Munirangsyaram pagoda.

Day 12: Cantho – Ho Chi Minh/Saigon

Breakfast, then boat tour of Cai Rang Floating Market.
Then you will take the road to Ho Chi Minh. Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh/Saigon – Siem Reap

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia. In the afternoon, you will start your visit with the majestic temple of Angkor Wat and admire its incomparable architecture adorned with sumptuous bas-reliefs. Visit the temple of Ta Prohm, deliberately left in the state where it was discovered. Weather permitting, you can contemplate a beautiful sunset on Phnom Bakheng Hill.

Day 14: Siem Reap

You will continue your visit with the sites of Angkor Thom, including the Victory Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas and Terraces of Elephants and Leper King. You will end with the Banteay Srei Temple and Banteay Samre.

Day 15: Siem Reap
After breakfast, you will leave for an excursion to the great Lake Tonle, discovering floating villages and traditional fishing techniques. The afternoon will be spent visiting the old market and a training school for apprentices. End of tour.

Day 1 & 2: Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi. You can tour around the city before your welcome dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi

Day dedicated to the visit of the capital. You will discover, in the morning, the Citadel of and the old colonial districts and the afternoon, the Temple of Literature, the lake of the Restored Sword, the temple of the Mountain of Jade and will finish by the district of guilds, before attending an amazing puppet show on the water. Dinner of specialties “Cha Ca” (true masterpiece of fried fish).

Day 4: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
You will leave for Ninh Binh, the ‘Halong Bay on Land’. You will visit this ancient capital of Vietnam (10th century) before going to Thung Nang (or Trang An) for a small boat trip in the middle of picturesque landscapes. You can visit the dance cave with a panoramic view of the region (half an hour uphill).

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong

After breakfast, you will depart for Halong via Hai Phong. Arrive in Halong around noon, where you embark on a boat that will take you to the heart of beautiful Halong Bay, one of the most famous sites in Asia, with its multiple loaves of sugar emerging from the water.

Day 6: Halong – Hanoi – Hue

You will continue your cruise in the bay. After admiring the sunrise on the upper deck of the boat, you will sail through the astonishingly shaped sugar loaves; ‘The old fisherman’, ‘The fighting cock’, etc. You will disembark after lunch and take the road back to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport and fly to Hue.

Day 7: Hue

This day will be dedicated to the visit of the city of Hue. You will go up the Perfume River by boat and visit the Lady Celestial Pagoda, the Imperial City and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. You will end with a stroll in a village famous for making hats. Lunch and visit an incense factory. Dinner specialties of the region.

Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoi An

In the morning, you will explore the Dong Ba Market. You will then take the road to Da Nang, passing by the famous cloud pass. Visit the Cham museum and transfer to Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An

In the morning take a tour of the city, with the Fujian Shrine, Quan Công Temple, Antiques Museum, Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Market and Port. Take the afternoon to stroll, go shopping, enjoy the beach or simply relax!

Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh/Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, visit of the city; the big market of Cholon, its restaurants, its temples, and the cathedral Redemptorist.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh/Saigon – My Tho – Cantho

After breakfast, leave for a 2-day trip to the Mekong Delta.
My Tho, boat trip on the Mekong River and visit of the island. Tasting of exotic fruits. In the afternoon, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. Transfer by road to Cantho, with a stop at Munirangsyaram pagoda.

Day 12: Cantho – Ho Chi Minh/Saigon

Breakfast, then boat tour of Cai Rang Floating Market.
Then you will take the road to Ho Chi Minh. Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh/Saigon – Siem Reap

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia. In the afternoon, you will start your visit with the majestic temple of Angkor Wat and admire its incomparable architecture adorned with sumptuous bas-reliefs. Visit the temple of Ta Prohm, deliberately left in the state where it was discovered. Weather permitting, you can contemplate a beautiful sunset on Phnom Bakheng Hill.

Day 14: Siem Reap

You will continue your visit with the sites of Angkor Thom, including the Victory Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas and Terraces of Elephants and Leper King. You will end with the Banteay Srei Temple and Banteay Samre.

Day 15: Siem Reap
After breakfast, you will leave for an excursion to the great Lake Tonle, discovering floating villages and traditional fishing techniques. The afternoon will be spent visiting the old market and a training school for apprentices. End of tour.

Customized Tour Around Vietnam – Up Close and Personal with Local Ethnics

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi.
Suggestions for walks in the district of ‘36 streets and corporations’, the historic heart of the market town for nearly 1000 years. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake – ‘lake of the restored sword’. Story goes that Lê Loi (emperor between 1428 and 1433), at the beginning of his battle against the Chinese, would have received from a fisherman a sword retrieved in the lake. Ten years later, after successfully hunting them, and crossing the same lake, he is approached by a turtle, who claims the sword in the name of the Dragon King, legendary ancestor of the Viet people. Lê Loi then understood that the sword was a mandate from Heaven to drive the Chinese out of the country.

Day 2: Hanoi – Lao Cai

Start your day with a walk in the gardens of the former governor’s palace of Indochina built between 1900 and 1906, which is today the presidential palace.
We then discover the famous single pillar pagoda, Môt Côt. It was built by the emperor Lý Thái Tông, who reigned from 1028 to 1054. It was rebuilt in the 13th century, destroyed by the French in the 20th century and rebuilt by the new Vietnamese government. Many legends tell the story of the pagoda. Emperor Lý Thái Tông had it built following a dream announcing the birth of a son presented by a goddess on a lotus flower.

Not far from here, in Bach Thao Park, we cross a mango alley leading to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. HO Chi Minh or better known as ‘Uncle Ho’ for many Vietnamese, he was the founding father of ‘modern’ Vietnam (1890-1969). He lived and worked in this house from 1958 to 1968.

Then continue to his mausoleum built between 1973 and 1975, strongly inspired by that of Lenin on the Red Square in Moscow. The body of Ho Chi Minh is preserved in the cold, under a glass sarcophagus lit by dim lights. The mausoleum is open every morning except Mondays and Fridays, as well as during the regular work of restoration and preservation of the remains of Ho Chi Minh. Every day, thousands of Vietnamese people come here, including students on school outings.

To visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one must adhere to the rules regarding visitor’sclothing and behaviour are rigorously enforced by staff and guards. Such as the legs should be covered. Visitors should stand in two rows and keep quiet, hands should not be in pockets, and arms should not be crossed. It is also forbidden to smoke, to photograph, or to make video recordings inside the site.

Then go to the ‘Lake of the West’ (Ho Tay or Tây Ho) – covering about 500 hectares, it is the largest lake of Hanoi. Installed on an island connected to the east shore of the lake, visit the Tran Quoc pagoda, which would be the oldest defence pagoda in Vietnam. Its construction dates back to 514 and its restoration in the fifteenth century (according to a stele affixed to the pagoda in 1639).

After a well-deserved lunch, visit the the Temple of Literature. This temple, founded in 1070 had no strictly religious purpose, it served as Confucian academy. It is today one of the major cultural and tourist attraction points of the Vietnamese capital. The Vietnamese banknote of VND 100 000 shows an aspect of one of the temple places ‘the lake of celestial clarity’. One of the pillars of the temple bears the famous inscription ‘Confucianism lies everywhere, east, west, south and north, dignitaries and scholars have all taken same path’.
After dinner, take the night train to Lao Cai. The trains generally leave between 21 and 22h and the journey takes about 8 hours over 350km.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market – Bac Ha

Arrival at Lao Cai Station, border city and commercial hub between China and Vietnam. Transfer to Bac Ha and stop at the Coc Ly market which, like the other mountain markets, is particularly a place of exchange, sociability and entertainment for various populations of the neighbourhoods that are side by side dressed in their most elegant outfit. Located at the edge of the romantic Chay River, the Coc Ly Market is held every Tuesday. From early morning, small groups of various ethnic groups, especially the Hmong Flower ethnic group in their traditional costume, arrive on horseback, moped or on foot. They bring mountain products such as corn, cassava, tea, fruit, honey, alcohol and other artisanal products. The market is divided into several zones: fruits, vegetables, farm animals, fabrics and traditional clothes. The buffalo sales area is the busiest because in this region, the buffalo is the major force for the preparation of soil – ploughing and harrowing – necessary for transplanting rice paddies.

After the market visit, if the water level allows, take a boat ride of about an hour on the river Chay before heading back to Bac Ha. If the water level does not allow it, have a lunch in Bac Ha after visiting the market. In the afternoon, walk or hike to discover the lifestyle of Hmong-Flowers and other ethnic groups living in the villages and hamlets of the city of Bac Ha, more than 1000 meters above sea level. The trip lasts from 3 to 4 hours, depending on your preference and weather of course. At the end of the afternoon, return to the host family. You can help the family prepare the meal and learn how to prepare the famous spring rolls.

Day 4: Bac Ha – Hoang Su Phi

Transfer to Hoang Su Phi via Coc Pai, crossing from west to east of the Chay River Massif by a beautiful winding mountain road, almost parallel to the Vietnamese-Chinese border. From Coc Pai, the journey continues along the valley of the Chay River which you go up the course for nearly 40km to the town of Hoang Su Phi. About fifteen kilometres before this village, detour in the north following a beautiful valley. The landscapes are breath-taking, provided there are no mists (in January and February in particular). At the end of the road, discovery of a village located at about 1000m of altitude on a slope of mountain dominating the valley. It is populated by a few dozen families of the La Chi ethnic group. Of a population of more than 10 000 people, the La Chi are a minority in the minority. Walk for 1 hour in their village and meet with locals.

Half-way to Hoang Su Phi for lunch before continuing the journey of a dozen kilometres in full south on a small road that climbs on the north western side of the highest mountain of the massif, and the peak point – the Mount Kiou Leou Ti, rises to 2402 meters. Departure for a hike uphill, mountainside, through beautiful rice terraces and villages. Panoramic views of a set of valleys and chaotic mountains before arriving in a village where you will be welcomed in a black Dao family, recognizable by their costumes and black scarves, embellished with red stripe. They live on rice terraces, animal husbandry and cardamom cultivation. Stay in their wooden houses on stilts. Free time to enjoy great landscapes, dine with the family.

Day 5: Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Ha Thanh

After breakfast with the locals, easy hike from of about 2 hours from the village to exit the village. The road on the mountainside passes like a snake through rice terraces and hamlets populated by Dao. It goes up and down, bypasses small hills before throwing itself at the bottom of the valley cut by a river that you will pass by a suspension bridge to join your vehicle.

Journey through Hoang Su Phi area towards Ha Giang. After two passes called ‘doors of the sky’, descent on the basin of the river Lô (Claire River). Between the two passes, a landscape recognized and classified rice terraces of Thong Nguyen, arranged by the Dao-Red (or Man Ta Pan). From the city of Tan Quang, going up north for 45km along the River Claire to the beautiful village of Ha Thanh, a group of about fifty houses on stilts with wooden partitions and roofs of leaves of lataniers. Charming, peaceful and relaxing, this village nestles at the foot of the Tay Con Linh massif. Meet and stay at the homestay there. From his house, direct view of the rice fields in the middle of small rocks. Like its neighbours, your host is a farmer, living from rice growing, breeding and fish farming. You are here in the heart of a typical community; peoples of small valleys and aquatic valleys – the Tay.

At the end of the afternoon, according to your preference, discovery walk in the village and/or in the rice fields to the neighbouring village. Rice fields, vegetable gardens, small ponds devoted to raising fish and houses on stilts surrounded by greenery. This is the landscape that forms the living environment of local inhabitants.

Day 6: Ha Thanh

In the morning, trek from 3 to 4 hours in the heights of the Tay Con Linh massif. From the village, walk on a shady path of palm trees with broad leaves, ascending on the northern slope of the massif. On the other side of the valley, a chain of mountains is emerging on the horizon with its magnificent karstic serrations, a panorama that never sinks into monotony. After 1h30 of walking, yet still far from the summit, you will arrive in a village populated with Red Dao, established on the mountainside. Their rice fields, which surround the village, unfurl over the rolling hills of the mountains as on the back of a giant animal. These rice fields vary considerably with the seasons. In winter and spring, the bare crops reveal a raw soil strewn with burned straw. Between late April and late May, the flooded terraces reflect the sky. From July to October, the rice fields are adorned with all ranges of colors, green and then golden yellow.Gradual descent down the valley. After crossing a river, continue walking on a flat path to another village Tay, a haven of peace. Discover the village. Return to homestay.

In the afternoon, meetthe artisanal producer of the most consumed drink in all the northern ethnic villages, to become a characteristic cultural trait: rice alcohol. Holder of traditional secrets, he will explain and demonstrate to you the entire process of production of this alcohol. Then meet another inhabitant and talk with him, in his fields, about rice farming techniques. Initiation to agrarian works according to seasons.

Day 7: Ha Thanh – Thac Ba Lake – Ngoi Tu

Road towards Thac Ba Lake. The road winds on the hillsides in a beautiful region of small rice valleys dotted with small hamlets of the Dao ethnic group to the village of Cam Nhan. 1h ride in the valley of Cam Nhan. The walk begins on a path along the valley, crossing Tay hamlets of Ban Hung. Continuation of the journey by vehicle. Shortly after, Thac Ba Lake, the largest freshwater reservoir in the north, becomes visible. The village of Ngoi Tu, reached by a road along the eastern shore of the lake, is then about fifty km distant.

Covering an area of ​​23,000 hectares, the Thac Ba artificial lake reaches a depth of more than 50m and retains, depending on the season, 3 to 4 billion m³ of water. Its impoundment (1970) flooded a vast area of ​​hills, causing the formation of more than 1300 islands. Arrival in the early afternoon at the beautiful village of Dao, white trousers of Ngoi Tu. Stay at a homestay here and boat ride in the lake to the rhythm of local activities: silviculture and cassava plantations, plaice fishing and lifting of traditional shrimp traps, cage culture, cattle and goat farming.

Day 8: Thac Ba – Hanoi

After breakfast, farewell to your hosts and drive back to Hanoi. About 60km before arriving in Hanoi, stop to visit the village of Duong Lam, one of the oldest villages of the Red River Delta. This village is particularly characteristic, in its layout and its atmosphere, of the culture of Viets which represent 90% of the Vietnamese population. Lunch at an inhabitant then walk through the village to discover the communal house and the old houses. Arrival in Hanoi late afternoon.

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Road to Halong Bay, literally means ‘Descent of the Dragon’ into the waves. On arrival, boarding formalities aboard the junk for a cruise with night on board. According to Chinese mythology, the dragon is a reptile that rises to the sky at the spring equinox and hides at the bottom of the seas at the autumnal equinox.

Welcome drink by the crew before setting off. Settle into your rooms and then have lunch of local seafood specialties as the boat heads towards the heart of the bay through a huge chaos of ghostly karstic peaks and nipples emerging from the emerald waters. These loaves of sugar, always more tormented forms, are riddled with crevices, caves and strewn with unexpected lagoons. The play of lights, clouds and mist creates unreal atmospheres in the heart of this seascape. On the program and according to the weather: visit a cave, climb to the summit of a limestone peak to enjoy a panoramic view of the bay, kayaking to access an encased lagoon. On a clear day, the upper deck allows you to discover the sun sinking behind a purple sea pulling all the colours.

Day 10: Halong Bay – Ong Hoi – Hanoi

Early waking up to enjoy the tranquillity of the place among innumerable caves and limestone caves. Breakfast is served on board, while the junk gently sails towards the pier. Brunch on board before disembarkation around noon. Then drive back to Hanoi by making a detour to the village of Ong Hoi in the town of Lieu Xa, known for its traditional crafts related to traditional toys. On arrival, meet Mr. Hoi, a craftsman with rough hands forged by decades of practice of his know-how to make small drums called “ong hao”, which resonate during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

One-hour workshop to participate in the different stages of creating a drum. These require a lot of wood work, since they consist of circular drums and perforated in their centre to create the sound box. They take the form of a small barrel. Then is nailed to both ends of the barrel, a buffalo skin that constitutes the membrane of the drum. Finally, the drum is often painted red. The size of the drums can vary, from the smallest to the largest.

Continue to the home of Mr. Vu Huy Dong and Ms. Vu Thi Hanh, a family specializing in the creation of traditional papier mâché masks. Under the expert advice in the field, painting workshop to handle the brush with harmony on the masks to different animal figures (including tiger, dog, cat, pig). These masks are moulded on faces of children aged 8 to 10 years and then covered with a paste based on cassava powder allowing the paint to hang more effectively.

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the day when the moon is the roundest and most beautiful of the year. This is the second most important traditional festival, after the lunar new year. The family meal is the first step of this tradition, before the parade ritual, highly anticipated by the children. It is at this precise moment that these masks are worn, reflecting the imaginary figures of the moon, the lanterns of stars, as well as the drums to create a maximum of noises. After these visits, transfer to Hanoi.
Lunch included, free dinner.

Day 11: Hanoi – End of tour

Extensions

Extensions that you can add to your trip with an extra few days.

To extend your trip, do not hesitate to stay a few more days by selecting an extension. You can visit a nearby area, relax by the sea or try an extra activity so that the experience is optimum.

Halong Bay on Land.

Enjoy a few relaxing days at the end of your trip in the beautiful Halong Bay, near the village of Tam Coc. Between karst peaks and rice fields, villages and historical sites, you can stroll on foot, by bike or by boat, or simply enjoy a relaxing moment by the pool of your hotel.

Delta Mekong

In 3 or 4 days, you can discover the ‘granary of Vietnam’. Explore this labyrinth of aquatic paths where only the river, which is the rhythm of the life of the villages and its inhabitants.

Temples of Angkor

In 5 days, you can extend to Cambodia, to discover the great sites of Angkor and lake landscapes Tonle Sap.

Luang Prabang

In 4 days, include a stopover in Laos, to discover the ‘jewel of the Mekong’. Visit of the city and discovery of waterfalls with turquoise waters, a little serenity, a lot of charm and culture, for a sweet end of the trip.

Affordable Tour Around Vietnam

Recommendation of 14 days across Vietnam, this affordable tour takes you through the most beautiful Vietnamese sites: Halong Bay, Hanoi Capital, Hue, Historic Hoi An. Then immerse yourself in the mystical arroyos of the Mekong. All that at an affordable budget.

Vietnam Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Night Train – Lao Cai
Day 3: Lao Cai – Sa Pa – Y Linh Ho – Ta Van
Day 4: Ta Van – Night Train – Hanoi
Day 5: Bai Tu Long Bay – Night on junk
Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi
Day 7: Halong – Train – Hue
Day 8: Free Hue
Day 9: Hue – Cloud Pass – Hoi An
Day 10: Free Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Flight – Saigon
Day 12: Delta Mekong – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 13: Delta Mekong – Cai Rang – My Tho
Day 14: Saigon

Affordable Tour of Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi. Discover the capital Vietnam, city steeped in history a thousand years and dotted with more than thirty natural lakes with beautiful colonial buildings, old shopping streets, incredible spectacle of two-wheeled motorcycles, peaceful temples pagodas built at the edge some lakes.

Day 2: Hanoi – Night Train – Lao Cai

Full day to roam around Hanoi city at your leisure, its name means ‘City located on the banks of the Red River’. Suggested visit: the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and its former stilt house, the One Pillar Pagoda, the venerated Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake, the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, the famous Temple of the literature where the mandarins were formed, the famous museum of exploded ethnography of cultures of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Board the night train towards Lao Cai.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sa Pa – Sin Chai – Ta Van

Arrive early in Lao Cai. Head to the heart of the Tonkin Massif. The road winds that climbs towards Sa Pa (35km) nicknamed “Cities of clouds” often foggy. This charming town is perched at 1,600m altitude at the foot of the grandiose Hoang Lien mountains, nicknamed ‘Alps Indochina’. The area offers a mosaic of minorities that populate nearby villages: Black H’mong, Zay, Tay and Red Dao. Walk in the village of Sin Chai, populated by Black H’mong, population of the region rich in rice culture, small masons all built in wood. In the afternoon, take a very nice hike through the village of Y Linh Ho of the Black H’mong (3 hours of easy ride). Walk on paths in the middle of rice terraces. Panoramic view of the valley of Muong Hoa and also, the chain of Hoang Lien. The stream, the villages and the sculpted hills of terraced rice fields that have been since created for generations, offer spectacular landscapes of the postcard. Arrival in the village Ta Van, land of Tay, our evening step. Dinner and overnight at Mme. Dum’s, beautiful house on stilts at a family Giay, located at the top of the hill dominating surrounding rice terraces. Comfort simple but quite adequate: Clean beds, sanitary with hot water.

Day 4: Giang Ta Chai – Night Train – Hanoi

Breakfast at the inhabitant. Morning trek about 2h30 (beginning level) in the middle of exceptionally beautiful rice terraces and bamboo forests. Finally, go to the village Giang Ta Chai, where there is a beautiful waterfall, Red Dao land with colourful costumes, where 30% of the population is Catholic. Visit Yao houses, where you will be told the legendary history of this Man/Yao ethnic group from China, who settled in North Vietnam 300 years ago, as well as their traditional customs. Transfer back to Sa Pa by a winding track on steep slopes. Try the traditional bath with medicinal herbs.

Orientation tour of Sa Pa, a former spa resort created by the French: Stone Cathedral, Central Lake, multi-ethnic market. Road to Lao Cai, a prosperous city on the Chinese border where you can visit the friendship bridge that marks the border between Vietnam and China, at the confluence of the Red River and the Nam Khe River. Board the night train to Hanoi.

Day 5: Bai Tu Long Bay – Night on Junk

Arrive early in Hanoi. Transfer to the Bay to take the bay cruise. Around noon board the junk for a wonderful cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay until dusk. Navigation in the magical setting of this jade-colored sea, through 2,000 hieratic and scattered islands that make up a stark setting. Stopover on the island of Thien Canh Son, overhung by a limestone mountain where we will visit its huge natural cave with a great panoramic view of the beautiful bay of Cong Do. Kayaking through strange seascapes dotted in the maze of karst sugar loaves decorated with bonsai. Bath on the beach with emerald waters. Cruise at sunset. Lunch and dinner aboard the menu of excellent seafood. Night onboard junk.

According to legend, a family of dragons came to protect Vietnam from the Chinese invaders. The bay of Bai Tu Long is the work of the dragon children, their mother taking care of that of Halong. Located just east of it (in the same Gulf of Tonkin), Bai Tu Long is less frequented and wilder than her mother and she has half the number of islands spread over twice as much. Admittedly, it gives grandiose landscapes all the same. Here, we enjoy the bay in peace, crossing mainly fishing boats. A little dream postcard of your Vietnam trip.

Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay – Dong Trieu – Hanoi

Sunrise on the Bay, followed by breakfast is waiting for you on the deck of the boat. Continue the cruise in the exceptional setting of the breath-taking scenery. Stop at the floating fishing villages in storm-protected areas where people live off fishing and fish farming. Brunch aboard the junk before disembarkation. At the heart of these landscapes of land and water, men and women are walking barefoot in the rice fields, wearing the ‘Non La’, the traditional conical hat. It is here, on these agricultural plots, that the soul of a spiritual Vietnam lives. Solidly anchored, the Buddhist tradition is expressed by the many pagodas that dot this unchanged campaign for hundreds of years. Roam about in the 36 corporate streets.

Day 7: Halong – Train – Hue

Road to the province of Ninh Binh, also called the ‘Halong Bay Land’, classified in the Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, because of its picturesque drawn relief of the rivers lined with thousands limestone peaks emerging among terraces of rice fields. This region served as the setting for the film Indochina. In Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam, visit its temples of Kings Dinh and Le, the first unifiers of the country. Discovery of the Van Long Nature Reserve, the heart of Halong Bay on Land, where you embark on a rowing boat, to admire its beautiful landscapes of prints; Small canals, rice fields lined with cliffs covered with bonsai. Bike ride, you are in the green of the picturesque countryside. Breath-taking landscape: pitons rocks, rivers and rice fields line the path. In the evening, transfer to Ninh Binh station. Overnight aboard the SE3 Ninh Binh – Hue sleeper train. Another unforgettable experience during your trip to Vietnam.

Day 8: Free Hue

Roam around in Hue to get acquainted with this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Imperial City of Hue, which was the ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, built on the banks of the romantic Perfume River, gives it a lot of charm and poetry. You will appreciate its picturesque countryside: its ancient houses, ancient pagodas, rivers filled with water lilies.

Here are the suggested visits: Stroll on the majestic Citadel Imperial Hue to Asian art; Palace of Supreme Harmony, Theater Royal and Palace of Longevity. Meet artisans in villages with conical hats and incense sticks. Visit the mausoleum of Khai Dinh, which is the most majestic of all, renowned for both its architecture and its splendid setting. It is the only tomb built after the death of the sovereign, who had conceived the plans during his lifetime. This mausoleum has an architecture close to the Ming sculptures of Beijing and is in harmony with its environment; door of enlightened virtue, temple of immense grace, the bridge of intelligence crossing the ‘Lake of the Growing Moon’ that separates the world from the alive and dead.

Visit the mausoleum of the Tu Duc emperor, particularly harmonious, built in the middle of frangipani and pine trees. Explore the mausoleum of Khai Dinh, a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. The tomb is erected on a terraced hill. A very ostentatious style for this mausoleum, which borders on kitsch, in the image of his royalty who was known for his extravagance.

Embark aboard a dragon sampan for a fantastic cruise on the perfume river to the famous Heavenly Lady Pagoda, site of a Buddhist monastery, nestled on the hill and perceptible from the river. The river cruise resumes its course to discover the daily life at the edge of the water; bamboos, villages, vegetable gardens, women washing linens on the banks and villages of flowers. Its peaceful landscapes that reveal itself us; Old houses gardens , rice fields, production of incense sticks.

Day 9: Hue – Cloud Pass – Hoi An

Depart to Hoi An (110km, about 3h), taking the Mandarin Road, which runs along the coast and crosses the famous Cloud Pass, the country’s climatic boundary, which offers us the panoramic view of the island of Lang Co with its magnificent beaches, rice paddies and fishing village. Along the way, stop in a village of stonecutters at the foot of the Mountain of Marbles. Continuation by the narrow road that leads to Hoi An, pleasantly winds up in a very green area, punctuated with coconut trees, bougainvillea, frangipani, bamboo and cacti of all kinds.

Hoi An, the paradise city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. From the 15th century, Hoi An was a very prosperous city nicknamed ‘Port of Asia’ because it was on the maritime routes of the trade of the silk. No doubt, Hoi An, the prettiest city in Vietnam, with its nostalgic charm with more than 800 buildings exceptionally preserved.

Day 10: Free Hoi An

Full day free of roaming about to immerse in this ancient merchant port of Hoi An, which is certainly one of the architectural jewels of Vietnam, with its nostalgic charm. Suggested visits: the alleys lined with ancient houses decorated with lanterns, the old temples, the Fujian sanctuary, the Japanese bridge, tailor-made tailor shops, the traditional breeding of silkworms, the family workshops of lanterns assembled in silk.

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Flight – Ho Chi Minh

Depart to Danang Airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Ex-Saigon), economic capital of Vietnam, warm and very dynamic. Spend the day to discover Saigon’s uniqueness. Suggestion of visits; Post of Gustave Eiffel, Notre Dame Cathedral, Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, Presidential Palace, Cho Lon Chinatown or walk to the traditional market of medicinal plants.

Day 12: Mekong Delta – Cai Be – Binh An – Vinh Long – Sa Dec – Can Tho

Depart for the Delta of the Mekong where you will discover a magnificent universe drawn in thousands of arroyos. Arrival at Cai Be and embarkation aboard a local motor boat to discover the floating market of Cai Be with its colourful show of commerce; Ballet of boats overflowing various products (Flowers, fruits, vegetables, soup stalls, etc). The Cai Be Floating Market is a wholesaler market with medium-sized merchant boats displaying their offers on long poles to be visible from afar. Depending on the season, you can find pineapple, cassava, papayas, bananas, rice, bananas and dragon fruit.

Stop at Dong Hoa Hiep for a visit to the old houses typical of the Vietnamese Delta – that of Ba Kiet or Ba Duc. The cruise resumes its course across the island’s enchanting Delta. Stopover on the island of Binh Hoa Phuoc, reputed lush yards where you will walk under the shade of fruit trees everywhere that feed in the many small channels. Continuation of cruise through a large arm of the Mekong and stop on the island of An Binh where you can visit family workshops: rice wafers, swollen rice and coconut candy. Look for specialty ‘fish with elephant ears’.

Last look of the majestic river to nine Dragons. Disembarkation at Vinh Long (which means majestic Dragon, ancient land Kmère). On the way to Sa Dec (30km) nicknamed ‘Venice Orientale’, a small sleepy town with inescapable charm with its many arroyos overhung small bridges.

Immerse in the adventurous world of Marguerite Duras. See sites described in his famous novel ‘The Lover’; Huynh Thuy Le Colonial House, Chinese Temple Kien An Cung and Trung Nu Vuong Primary School. Walk through the beautiful countryside of Tan Qui Dong, near Sa Dec, there are many nurseries. This village is like a gigantic flower market, particularly famous for its roses and bonsais. During the rainy season, gardeners travel by boat between the flower paths. Depart to Can Tho, capital of the Delta.

Day 13: Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Cai Rang – Ben Tre – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh

Early visit by the buoyant floating market. After breakfast, boarding a motor boat, you take the river Bassac to reach the floating market Cai Rang, near Can Tho. It is the largest flotting market in the Delta. It is a show in color of a thousand boats overflowing various products (Flowers, fruits, vegetables, soup stalls, coffee, grape fruits, etc). A floating market where large boats filled with fruits and vegetables, which feed small boats returning to other markets. Really exotic! Disembarkation and visit of the Ong temple and old house of Binh Thuy.

Road to Saigon through the region of Ben Tre – capital of coconut palms and crossing the 4 mystical islands of My Tho; Long, Lan, Quy, Phung: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix.  Go across and see much of the southern delta, a fertile fame with its fruit tree plantations and craftsmen’s villages accessed by Khi (Monkey) bridges over the arroyos. Stop for the visit of the impressive Caodaist temple (Caodaism which gathers all the universal religions; Victor Hugo, Buddha, Pastor, Jesus, Mohamed, Shakespeare, etc).

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh/Saigon

Full day to immerse at your leisure in the heart of Saigon. First of all, you are directed to Cho Lon Chinatown which occupies an important place in the daily life of the inhabitants. Chinese culture has been present in Sai Gon for about 300 years. The Chinatown of Cho Lon is located in the heart of today’s 5th district of Ho Chi Minh City, with 80,000 Hoa (Vietnamese of Chinese origin). Many ancient pagodas survive as well as herbalists and beautiful temples. Discover its 3 famous pagodas-temples. Start with Phuoc An Hoi Pagoda, is one of the most beautifully decorated Cho Lon. By a subtle play of light, the rays of the sun come to die in a space invaded by smoke of incense. The pagoda is remarkable for the wooden panels that stand pillars and columns, as well as for the amazing Quan Cong ceramic horse, left on entering.

Behind a huge jar flanked by two cranes in ceramic chips, stands the statue of the general, immediately recognizable by his red face. Then, the Tam Son Hoi pagoda (‘pagoda of the 3 summits’), which seduces visitors with its charm. Built in the nineteenth century by the Fujian congregation, it is dedicated to the goddess of Fertility, Me Sanh, that couples come to pray for many descendants. In the entrance courtyard, notice the proud Chinese general Quan Cong. Finally, Thiên Hậu pagoda, or pagoda of the Celestial Lady, which is among the most famous and active of the district. It was built in 1835 by Chinese from Canton in honour of the goddess Thien Hau, protector of navigators. The legend lends this goddess the powers to cross the oceans on a carpet and ride the clouds to save the boats in difficulty.

Go to the meeting point of one of the French achievements – the market of Binh Tay, built in 1880, it was subsequently renovated by a Chinese patron, hence the Sino-French influence. True symbol of the district of Cho Lon with its clock tower and its raised court, it is the place of predilection of the amateurs of Chinese specialties. It’s up to you to unravel the mysteries of these dried products used in traditional medicine! Visit the War Remembrance Museum, formerly known as the ‘Chinese and American War Crimes Museum’, which will tell you the recent and tumultuous history of Vietnam through the atrocities of these wars. Discover the Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral and the Central Post Office. End of visit.

Explore Islands and Caves Around Halong Bay

All trips to Vietnam, will definitely go through the inevitable Halong Bay. UNESCO World Heritage Site has included Halong Bay in its list since 1994. This stretch of water is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, 170 km east of Hanoi. The numerous limestone formation is the result of tectonic activities and erosion henceforth; dating back to more than 300 million years ago. The first signs of habitation in caves of these some 1,969 islands and islets date from nearly 4000 BC. In 2011, it was included among the 7 natural wonders of the world and still inspires legends and counts, sometimes based on historical facts such as General Tran Hung Dao’s victory over the Mongolian fleet in 1288. Halong means ‘descent of the dragon’ in Vietnamese, and one legends goes that the ‘sugar loaves’ are the eggs of this legendary dragon.

Halong Bay junks are the best way to visit the various caves and caves (Sung Sot, Trinh Nu, Thien Cung, Dau Co, Bo Nau) of the bay. The routes in Halong Bay; be it classic, or a route off the beaten track offer the opportunity to discover islands such as Trong Mai, Coc Con, Rong, Tuan Chau, Co Ton; which some are classified in the heritage sites of the UNESCO. The largest island of Halong Bay is the Cat Ba Island. Not to mention a family holiday in Vietnam at the beach of Cat Co for example, you will have the opportunity to swim in the various bays (Halong, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long).

Besides Halong Bay, there are the Bay of Bai Tu Long. If Halong Bay saw a dragon come down to lay its eggs, Bai Tu Long Bay is the place from which it went back to join the heavens, saying goodbye. Bai Tu Long literally means ‘the dragon leaving his offspring’. It is a vast protected sea area, occupied like its sister Halong, by many islands and islets. Its ecosystem is rich in fauna and flora; both terrestrial (cat, deer, civet, monkey, etc.) and marine (mollusc, crab, crustacean, seaweed, mangrove, etc.). Next to its two big sisters, the Lan Ha Bay is the smallest but is by far the wilder and the less crowded. It still possesses fine white and yellow sands which have not been trod.

Cat Ba Island

In Vietnamese, Cat Ba means ‘women’s island’ and takes its name from a legend dating back to the time of the Tran Dynasty. Three women were killed and thrown into the sea. Their bodies floated towards an island populated by fishermen. Local residents paid tribute to these three women by building a pagoda for each of them and baptized the island, Cat Ba. The first traces of life were discovered on the current port of Ben Beo, located southeast of the island. Archaeologists date them back to nearly 6000 years ago.

Since 1994 Cat Ba is a UNESCO natural reserve with a biosystem composed of subtropical vegetation and animals such as snakes (aquatic or pythons) or lizards (geckos). But it is the golden-headed monkeys, the langurs or Trachypithecus poliocephalus, which give a particular interest to this island because they are an endangered species. The langurs have grown from a population of nearly 3,000 to less than 70 today. It has been protected since the year 2000. Cat Ba has turned to summer tourism with its accommodation and beaches.

Cave of the Surprise (Hang Sung Sot)

Hang Sung Son takes its name from the French who discovered this cave and who were surprised by its size and beauty. It is indeed the largest cave of Halong Bay, located on the Island of Savonnier (Bo Hon). It is a very popular tourist site with an infrastructure and centres of interest adapted and oriented for the visitors. From the pier, you can see a balcony suitable for photo shooting. Entering the cave, you will be surprised by the height of the ceiling (30m): it is a huge place full of stalagmites and stalactites, and rocks sometimes takes form of surprising shapes (like the shape of a turtle, symbol of longevity or in the form of a foot), assisted by the play of light in multiple colours.

Cave of the Virgin (Hang Trinh Nude)

Hang Trinh Nu is a cave located on the Island of Savonnier (Bo Hon). Several legends feed this cave: the best known is that of a couple’s star struck love. A fisherman and his beautiful other half’s true love was forbidden and the woman was forced into marriage with another man, that drove the woman into a sadness that became eternal. You can see a rock lying on the ground reminiscent of this virgin immersed in her endless sleep. Another legend tells the story of a fisherman who goes to sea and who, on his return, cannot find his bride. Worried, the beautiful woman had instead gone, in search of her love. Despite the cries of calls and distress, the couple will never see each other again. The breath of wind on the cliffs and the walls of the cave remind us of these calls of sadness.

Cave of the Heavenly Palace (Dong Thien Cung)

Dong Thieu Cung is located on the island of Dau Go. Like many caves of Halong Bay, it is accompanied by a legend. Legend goes that, after the marriage between the Dragon King and Mai – beautiful girl in the name of Cloud in Vietnamese, the cave was transformed into a festive scene. Little dragons, elephants, eagles and snakes, danced among the rocks, stalactites and stalagmites, for seven days and seven nights. Today we can still see these natural frescoes painted on the walls of the cave, which, accompanied by the sound of winds, plunges us into this legendary atmosphere. In the centre of the cave there are four pillars reminiscent of the Dragon’s home.

Hang Dau Go Cave or Grotte des Merveilles

Hang Dau Go is located on the Island of Wooden Tips. In 1288, during the Battle of Bach Dang, Vietnamese General Tran Hung Dao prepared to confront the Mongolian fleet using spears placed along the Bach Dang River, and studying the tidal conditions. This battle was decisive because it led to the end of the invasion of the Yuan Dynasty. Several spears are still found in this cave. Rocks and sediments give various human forms such as a turtle or a bonze. In 1917, a steel is placed in the cave to witness the wonder of King Khai Dinh of Vietnam. At the bottom of the cave is a well of fresh water.

Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau)

Hang Bo Nau is a cave that opens to the sea. The entrance to the cave is shaped like a frog jaw. It is the favorite place of pelican’s nests. By the way, Bo Nau means ‘horde of pelicans’. The cave is often invaded by these birds, in a space of 200m². The fresh air and the echoes of the striking waves the cliffs, cross and weave between the stalagmites and stalactites, that cover the walls of the cave.

Fighting Cock Island (Hon Trong Mai)

Located in the southwest of the Halong Bay Vietnam, Hon Trong Mai is an islet that literally means ‘fighting cock’. It has been chosen as the symbol of the Bay, with its junk-shaped silhouette. Millions of years of erosion and powerful waves have not cut down the thin lower part of the rock that still stands today, the huge block of stone. The islands’ name is inspired by that power that the rooster has in his claws.

Crapaud Island (Hon Con Coc)

Hon Con Coc is an islet located southeast of Halong Bay. Real work of nature, it has the shape of a toad 8m high, in the middle of this beautiful stretch of water, his gaze turns to the sky.

Tuan Chau Island

The island of Tuan Cau is an island rich in archaeological sites with objects dating back to between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. With its pines and white sand, it is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and attractions (golf, sports center, rural walk).

Co To Island

The island of Co To was opened to community tourism in 2010 by the creation of a 362 m long road, which symbolizes the economic development of a seaside resort. With its many campsites, you can land along the road to watch people go by, or take this path to get to the beach. The many hotels are next to the B&Bs, where live at home has become a must in Vietnam. From the top of the mountain, one can see the untouched nature of this island.

Hanoi – the Capital for Everyone

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, located in the northern part of Vietnam. Hanoi is a beautiful city on a human scale, very lively, with an old town almost intact, perfect for urban trekkers.

Hanoi is a capital; therefore, prices of accommodations go with it. But fret not, Hanoi do offer a wide range from lodging for the budget travelers such B&Bs and hostels to luxurious 5-star hotel for the wealthier. In either case, visit Hanoi, discover a little more about the habits of Vietnamese and above all, have a good time.

For those on a tight budget, here’s what you can do. Equipped with ‘My Hanh’ (which means beautiful virtue) and ‘Phuong’ (means flaming flower), leave your lodging in the morning to walk the streets of Hanoi. Start by visiting the Hoa Lo Prison, a prison built by the French in 1896. In the heart of Hanoi, this penitentiary centre served during the colonial era for Vietnamese political opponents and rebels. You can then visit the cells, where the prisoners were chained next to each other by the feet. Explore further by visiting the dungeons and the room devoted to colonial crimes with a ‘beautiful’ guillotine and exposed torture instruments. This brief visit is sure to stir up some emotions – some disturbing, so be prepared. disturbing for us.

In the outer courtyard are exposed the two mouths of sewers, through which several prisoners managed to escape. Imagine that, crawling through sewers. Finally, visit by the American pilots room. After 1954, this place was the jail of American pilots captured during the Vietnam War, including John McCain, former candidate beaten to the presidency of the United States in 2008. This prison was then ironically nicknamed Hanoi Hilton. Indeed, according to the explanations of the propaganda reading materials, American prisoners were well treated and could receive parcels, play sports, attend mass, etc. Thus, the name. The visit ends with a room dedicated to Vietnamese and patriotic prisoners, a member of the Communist Party, which is still in power in Vietnam.

Continue your journey to the temple of literature. Built in 1070, it was the first university in Vietnam to teach Confucian thoughts and morality. College only for the boys, he has trained the best students in the provinces. We also find the names of all PhD students on the 82 engraved steles of characters. A nice visit for the architecture and the peaceful surroundings.

Have a break to eat a good traditional dish before heading to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It was on this large esplanade that the independence of the country was proclaimed on September 2, 1945. Thus, according to the logic of the Party, the founding father of independent Vietnam had to rest there, although his wish was to place his ashes in 3 urns buried in the north, centre and south of Vietnam.

A little further, the presidential palace, a large building neo-renaissance French style. This is where the President receives his guests. Continue this great tour to the Long Bien Bridge, formerly called Paul Doumer Bridge. Accessible to both wheels and the train, this bridge was built by the French in 1902 under the auspices of the engineer Gustave Eiffel.
Do not miss to go through a colorful market, but you will find an array of odd and fascinating things. Try the coffee-egg, a specialty here. This is a coffee, with an egg beaten on it, but as it is beaten in a kind of sweet cream, the taste would pleasantly surprise you. Go back to your bed and have a good night’s rest.

The next day, tackle the museum of ethnography. A good way to discover the 54 ethnic groups spread between the plains, highlands and mountains of Vietnam. More than 2,500 usual objects of these peoples, costumes, musical instruments, weaving, pottery; fill the windows of this museum. You have to love it.

In the afternoon, take a walk in the old quarter of Hanoi, the district of 36 corporations. Here, each street has its specialty: the street of shoes, haberdashery, cardboard, herbs, hardware stores, you name it. After 2 days in Hanoi, hop on a sleeper bus heading to Ninh Binh.

Halong Bay on Land

Only 100km south of Hanoi, the Ninh Binh region is known for its landscapes and rock formations. Commonly known as Halong Bay, this region is no different from the more well-known Halong Bay Sea. The site occupies a green rice plain with a forest of rocky loaves, perfect for bucolic walks.

The next day, rent bikes to explore the area through the trails. A short stop for the Bich Dong Pagoda, to see the women row with their feet in the wharves and visit the Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary with a slightly psychedelic cave. A nature day at 200%!
For your second and last day in the area, visit the caves of Trang An. A great site where the boats wait for tourists to make a 3h tour and cross the 9 cellars and visit the few temples scattered in the mountains of the site. It slides along the crystal-clear water, between steep loaves of sugar, in the middle of a virgin landscape of inhabitants, and particularly silent. In the afternoon, go to the site of the ancient capital Hoa Lu.

Experience the Best of Vietnam in Two Weeks

Morning arrival in Saigon, check in for 2 nights a little away from the centre (and bustle) of the city, in a pleasant guest house.

On the program – Afternoon visit of Saigon. The Notre-Dame cathedral (Jules Bourard – 1877), the large post office (Alfred Foulhoux and Henri Vildieu – 1886), the central market (Etablissements Brossard and Mopin – 1914), the history museum (Auguste Delaval – 1929), all mark the stages of French colonization, from the gothic novel of the Indochinese church of the museum, to the Eiffel frame of the post office. The old Catinat street, now Dong Khoi, aligns the establishments: Continental Hotel, Majestic, Grand Hotel.

Road to Cai Lây, a rural district about 100 km southwest of Saigon. On both sides of the road, rice fields and orchards. Well adapted to the geography, the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta take advantage of the water (various transports) and alluvial lands (rice, vegetables and fruits plantations). Take a stroll along the river banks and ride bike: a few kilometres of shady paths and ripe fruit (soursops, mangoes, grapefruits, etc.). Lunch on site, homestay. The return is done first in sampan, then in car, with the feeling of having touched a singular world.

Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Pleiku, on the Central High Plateau, in Jarai territory, but the Viet are now the majority in the city. Pleiku was a key position during the Vietnam War, when the Americans set up the Camp Holloway helicopter base. We visit the market and the big pagoda Minh Thanh.

Route for Kontum. Visit of the cathedral, built in wood in the thirties, and the catholic seminary, which shelters a small museum devoted to the Moï, the non-Vietnamese mountaineers. Then, a bike ride in the surrounding countryside; stops in the Bahnar villages (which distinguishes itself particularly with the high roof of the Rong, the common house). Get closer the local activities – agriculture (rice, cassava, sweet potato, etc), fishing, trade – which occupy the daily lives of the villagers. The village is also a producer of coffee, a tasting is an absolute necessary – Robusta Robusta. Then, be mesmerize by the folk music in the village of Konkoray, with the combination of the effects of rice alcohol, which you’ll drink in a jar using a bamboo torch, will have you lulled by its spell.

Back to Pleiku. Visit the village Jaraï Pleikep. On the traditional tombs, a shelter is built, under which are stored the possessions of the deceased and surrounded by carved posts. In the afternoon, ride a bike through the nearby tea plantations. The bright green of the shrubs reminds us of camellias. Overnight in Pleiku.

En route for Buôn Ma Thuôt, and lunch at the inhabitant on arrival. Visit Dray Nur waterfalls, fed by the rivers of Krong No and Krong A (means Bridegroom and the Bride in Vietnamese, and find out about the tragic love story behind the names of the falls.

Yok Don National Park is about 40 km from Buôn Ma Thuôt. We would like the kouprey to still be there, but this great wild bovid is probably on the verge of extinction. Otherwise there’s the banteng, elephant, tiger or black feet duck (Pygathrix nigripes). The tour includes a hike in the woods and an hour of canoe on the Srepok.

Flight to Da Nang. Destination to Hoi An (45 minutes) from Da Nang. Stay for 2 nights in Hoi An. This former silk and ceramics centre has been much preserved despite the many influences Asian and European traders brought. The golden era of the international trade have passed, but you can still buy these items in the shops, while on the docks and in the sampans – the products of agriculture and fishing. The architectural heritage is full of charm and variety (include as UNESCO World Heritage Site). Things are still partly in the rhythm of yesteryear. Stroll along the banks of Thu Bôn, contrasting the yellow houses and feel the pacifying effects

Head to Huê by the Col des Nuages. Two notable stops on the way; the Da Nang Cham Museum and Lang Co Beach. Stay 2 nights in Huê, in a small bucolic village nearby. Large basins lined with beautiful traditional buildings and surrounding forests. A nest of greenery, where the thatched roofs, balances between the best art of living and functionality. The restaurant serves a magnificent cuisine of Hue (raised, willingly vegetarian, presented with art). The spa is heir to a long tradition of care.

Civil and religious monuments are everywhere in and around the city. From the citadel to the tomb of the Emperor Tu Duc, you surely won’t miss them. In another spirit, the day also allows you to visit emblematic places of the Vietnam War, couple of dozens of km from Hue on the side of the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South: the marine camp of Khe San evokes Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’; the US Rockpile artillery post; the tunnels of Vinh Môc, dug by the villagers to escape the bombings.

Fly to Hanoi. Stay for 3 nights in the historic centre of Hanoi, just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit the Ethnography Museum. This museum documents the history and cultures of the fifty-four ethnic groups present in Vietnam. We discover surprising cultural wealth from this museum visit. Then, an hour ride in a pedicab in the colonial district. Avenues planted with trees, small streets, an air of French province on the Red River. On the way, visit Ngoc Son Taoist temple (15th century) on Hoan Kiem Lake. The next day, get up early with a Vespa to the flower market. In the early morning, flowers of peach or kumquat, chrysanthemums, lilies sold at wholesale prices. Then head to Hoan Kiem Lake for a Tai Chi lesson. The breakfast comes after, a pho (broth and beef, noodles, coriander). While the Tai Chi is great for body balance, the Pho is great for the appetite.

En route to Ninh Binh, the ‘Halong Bay Land’. Visit of Hoa Lu, ancient capital of the Vietnamese dynasties of the 10th and 11th centuries. The temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, representative of the 17th century sculpture, is a marvel. Boating and cycling among the intertwined rice fields and the spectacular karst landscape of the Van Long Nature Reserve. For bird-watchers, birds are in abundant in these areas – a splendid sight.

Road to Halong. Boarding for a junk cruise in the bay. These nearly two thousand karst islands full of saxifrage make up a stunning landscape, which UNESCO has not failed to include in its heritage. You explore the caves by kayak, you swim, you land on the beach. Cooking class and meals on board – it’s the bay that reigns! Like courtiers in Versailles, you watch the sunset. And after tasting the sweetness of the sea air on the deck, retire to the cabin, enjoy a movie night or get a massage at the spa onboard.

Next morning, discover embrace the mystical Bay in a tai chi session on the deck. Depending on the season, disembark on Viet Hai for a bike ride along the beach or in the forest, or visit the floating village of Vung Vieng. With the scarcity of fish, fishermen converted to lifestyle-friendly tourism and built a school. Then, kayak, discovery of other caves or islands, Vietnamese cooking classes.

Return back to Hanoi through the rice fields. On the way, a pit stop at the Phu Lang Potters Village. Traditional artisans and contemporary artists work side by side. Walk along the river Cau. Visit the But Thap pagoda (17th century), perhaps the most beautiful religious building in Vietnam.

The Twin Sister – Halong Bay Land

The arms of the Red River Delta, Song Thai Binh and Song Day, welcomed the birth of the first independent state of the Chinese yoke, the Dai Co Viet. Its capital, Hoa Lu, was part of the astonishing landscape of karstic hills and peaks, where a river appeared and disappeared, far from the beautiful planning of the future royal cities of Hanoi or Hue. There were palaces panelled in gold and covered with silver tiles. There is nothing left of it. Everything was moved with great fanfare to Thang Long, the future Hanoi, at the head of the delta.

But for those who are sensitive to history, to the obstinate quest for independence of Viet and the fantasy of these landscapes, this region, renamed Halong Bay by Land translates into an indisputable charm. Around Ninh Binh, its epicentre today, you can make trips to the cradle of the great national dynasties near Nam Dinh, in Vietnamese Rome, on the road to Phat Diem, or to discover the sites of Tam Coc and Cuc Phuong.

Like the famous Ha Long Bay, it is by boat that we visit Tam Coc. The walk is organized at the Van Lam Pier. Count 3 hours all round cruise. Curiously named after a Chinese name, the site of Tam Coc (Three Caves) marries pitons, caves and whims of a river. The Ngo Dong River winds its meanders for 3 km, around the sugar loaf.

One can also enjoy in peace this strange and fantastic landscape while hiking through the countryside. Some temples have been built to give beautiful pretexts for the walk. The Dinh Cac, the communal house of the village of Van Lam, near the pier, sets the tone with its imposing carved framework of dragons. The paths of Tam Coc, which borrow the levees between the paddy fields, are a delight with their limed cottages, buried sometimes under a crevice, and the goats frolicking on steep limestone.

At about 700m, by the only path that goes northwest of Van Lam, we reach the den Tran Vi whose door is guarded by two horses in stone. Partially rebuilt, he raises his tower of the Wooden Bell in the splendid setting of a circus of karsts. Inside, two cranes – perched on turtles, watch the tablet Tran Vi – ancestor of King Tran Thai Ton, whose statue sits together with those of his son and his wife, in the small hall.

3km east of Van Lam, Bich Dong is a half-built, half-dug temple, dedicated to a large Buddhist triad. Continuing south, you’d reach Thanh Hoa (57km from Ninh Binh), which extends into the last great plain of Bac Bo. Past Vinh (138km), the map of Vietnam strangles while the massif of Hoanh Son meets the sea.

Van Lam Embroidery Village

Located next to Tam Coc, this village is well known for its embroidery. According to the villagers, embroidery has existed since the 13th century. The first king of the Tran dynasty’s mother – Mrs. Tran Thi Dung, passed down this delicate talent to the inhabitants of this village. Today, this village becomes an embroidery manufacturing centre in northern Vietnam. Here, we look at the craftsmen, especially women, with light and flexible hands, piercing eyes make the fabrics bloom by painstakingly embroidering the paintings, making towels, tablecloths, curtains, sheets, handkerchiefs, paintings, etc. You will come across often their work on the living room wall or the kitchen table in Vietnamese dwellings.

Village of Marble Sculpture

It is in this village that 500 stone statues of Baidinh pagoda have been carved. There are local artisans endowed with the strength and skill, that laboriously work to turn large blocks of raw marble into great works of art. The results are very diverse and range from the statue to consoles bed through birds, tables, steles, tables of worship (placed in front of the altar), thrones, etc.

Walnut Basketry Village

This is where we can meet local women, the elderly in families of several generations, who from morning to evening, weave and craft rushes to make mats, pots, boxes, etc. These products are often found in western stores and supermarkets.

Baidinh Pagoda

The largest pagoda in Vietnam, there are 500 stone statues and an imposing bronze Buddha statue weighing 100 tons. With this pagoda, Ninh Binh now becomes one of the most important centres of Buddhism in the country and in the Southeast Asian region.

Phat Diem Cathedral

Located in the coastal district of Kim Son, home to a large Catholic community of over 100 000 people, this stone cathedral is unique in the world for its architecture that is a mixture of a pagoda and a church. It was built by a Vietnamese priest and his local flock. At the time of French colonization, the cathedral was a hotbed of Catholicism in the North. Today, this region is known not only for its many churches but also for its cultivation of rush and the basketry of mat and nutgrass.

Cuc Phuong National Park

The Cuc Phuong National Park is 70 km from the sea and covers an area of ​​25 km long and 11 km wide, straddling the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. This natural museum is an ecological system of limestone mountains covered with tropical forests where there are rare and valuable species of fauna and flora typical of the tropics. There are also many caves still containing tools of the prehistoric man.

The Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu

Located 5 km from the city of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu is a small valley surrounded by elevated limestone mountain ranges. Endowed with this strategic topology, it was chosen capital of Vietnam in the 10th century by the two dynasties of Dinh and Le. Today, Hoa Lu is the place of the most important sights of Ninh Binh. Large submerged karstic areas – including Tam Coc and Thung Nang – make it the Halong Bay by Land of Vietnam. Boat rides have long become a must for tourists. Visit Hoa Lu and can enjoy a walking tour of the 2 temples dedicated to the 2 royal families of Vietnam time, while basking in the green countryside with sublime beauty. Hoa Lu is also home to countless historical and religious sites including the ancient temples of Ding and Le, the Bich Dong Pagoda. It is in this region, several villages of traditional trades dating back to hundred years still remain alive; embroidery and sculpture on marble.

The Temples of Dinh and Le

Located in the Hoa Lu district – former capital of Vietnam for 41 years under the Dinh and Le dynasties (between 968 and 980), these two temples with traditional architecture are dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and Dai Hanh who unified the country then directed all its people to repel triumphantly the Chinese aggressors. From this period, there are still two beautiful sanctuaries: the Tombs of Emperor Dinh and Emperor Le.

Tam Coc

Located in Hoa Lu district, 7km southwest of Ninh Binh town, near Van Lam embroidery village, Tam Coc or three caves in French, is composed of limestone rocks that emerge from the Ngo Dong River. The three main caves nestle under the mountains but curl over the river. The surrounding area is surrounded by large submerged rice fields and lush tropical vegetation. Tam Coc is nicknamed the ‘Halong Bay Land’ especially by French tourists because of the similarity of its mountainous landscapes to those of the eighth wonder of the world, Halong Bay by sea.

One way to get there is to take a rowboat often driven by local women. Only the noise of the oars breaks the silence of this mystical and peaceful place. Serenity and beauty are such that no one can remain indifferent to this place. It is best to take the Tam Coc boat trip early in the morning or at the end of the day. You will enjoy a golden soft light to accompany the spectacle of nature and you will not be disturbed by the flow of other tourists who is present throughout the day.

Kenh Ga Village

Then on the way to Nho Quan where we take a boat cruise to Kenh Ga village. With more than 300 Catholics as its inhabitants, the floating village of Kenh Ga interweaves between fish farms and moving sampans or cement boats – far from modern life, in the midst of picturesque landscapes. The floating village of Kenh Ga located in the middle of a vast area, is flooded all year round.

Vân Long

17km north-west of Ninh Binh, this region, which is endowed with limestone rocks emerging from the rivers, looks like Tam Coc. This is why it is also called Halong Bay of Ninh Binh. However, different from Tam Coc, Van Long is the most important submerged natural reserve of the great plain of North Vietnam. It is in this region where 457 species of superior plants live, of which 8 species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The two-rowing boat ride is the best way to discover this natural treasure.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Located near Tam Coc, after a short bike ride, the pagoda consists of a complex of pagodas built in the limestone mountain cliffs of the 15th century, which adds a mystical side to the landscape. It is one of the best-known sites of Ninh Binh. Pagodas, caves and mountains merge harmoniously in the middle of large ancient trees, which gives Bich Dông its great originality: an atmosphere of dignity and mystery.

Hang Mua

It is essential to admire the scenic beauty of the ‘Halong Bay Land’. For this you must climb the 486 stone steps to the top of the bell-shaped mountain that is not far from Tam Coc. A fantastic panorama awaits you; on one side – the small zigzagging river of Tam Coc and its numerous boats, and on the other side – a cultivated plain, in which sugar loaves are erected here and there. Going down, one goes through Hang Mua – the cave of the dance which is under the mount.

Huge Blocks of Rocks, Sugar Loaves

After discovering the excitement of Hanoi, we leave for a 2-day cruise to Halong Bay. A kind of obligatory passage for any trip in the north of Vietnam. Halong Bay is famous around the world for its spectacular scenery: huge blocks of rock, called ‘sugar loaves’, are scattered in a quiet and mysterious sea. A legend tells that a dragon would have formed this particular landscape by shredding mountains, using his tail. Parts of the mountain then collapsed, leaving only ‘pieces’ of rock. Subsequently, the waters would rise and this particular landscape would have emerged.

This story has never been known, but it has the merit of being mysterious and inviting twinkle in our eyes. That’s the magic of Halong Bay, it will not unveil its secrets right away. You will first have to embark on one of the many boats offering cruises from 1 to 3 days. Once on board, the journey begins. Count an hour of crossing before finding yourself in the heart of the bay. When you discover these huge loaves of sugar, you are immediately hypnotized. There are hundreds, as far as the eye can see! Bigger ones, smaller ones, very narrow ones, and others with completely improbable forms.

Often, the weather is foggy, making the show even more mystical. And if you are lucky, the sun may come to meet you to throw a spotlight on this surreal scene. The ride over the water is a magical moment. Feels like time stopped for you in the heart of the bay. The lucky ones can also spend the night surrounded by sugar loaves and enjoy the beautiful sunset. A beautiful cruise that it would be a shame not to live through during a trip to Vietnam.

Getting There – Halong Bay

It will take you a 4-hour drive from Hanoi, a total of 8 hours round trip. With that long journey, it seems impossible to make a day trip from the Vietnamese capital. When you book a cruise in Halong Bay (via the internet or via your hotel in Hanoi), transportation to Halong Bay is always offered at a surcharge. Do not hesitate to take it, it will simplify your arrival in Halong and you will be guided to your boat.

Which Type of Cruise – Halong Bay?

You can opt for a cruise on a big boat, on a medium sized boat or on a private junk. If you don’t want to end up in a ‘floating tourist bus’, as in not to share the boat with too many people, you can go for the private chartered boats. Or if you’d enjoy the company of other travellers, but not too crowded, get the intermediate sized boats – with 8 cabins of 16 passengers.

Once the size of the boat is decided, a second thing to decide is on the duration of your cruise. Either you go for a day trip, which means you have to be at the pier very early (thus so to sleep in Halong and not Hanoi, not the most practical). Or you choose to sleep on the boat, and so you go on a 2 or 3-day cruise on board. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy Halong Bay at all hours of the day and spend a night there, which is very nice. If you want laze around more on the boat and just relax into the surrounding, go for the 3-day cruise.

How to book a cruise in Halong Bay?

If you are the adventurous type, you can opt for a ride on your own to Halong, then select a random agency on site. This option still seems a little risky. In some cases, the price is not at all a guarantee of good benefits and services on board the selected boat. You might end up paying a lot of money and having a bad time. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended that to pre-book your complete cruise package in advance. Different opinions are posted on the internet and travel guides recommend many companies, allowing you to make your choice soundly. But of course, there is no miracle, to enjoy a good cruise in good conditions, it will cost you a certain amount. Most cruise companies will propose you several cruises according to your desires and will answer all your questions gladly.

What is the Itinerary – Halong Bay Cruise?

A typical Halong Bay Cruise consists of the following:

Day 1 – Hanoi – Halong Bay

A mini-bus will pick you up directly at your hotel in Hanoi in the morning, early usually between 7.30 and 8.00 am. The morning will be doted to the journey between Hanoi and Halong (about 4 hours’ drive).

Around noon, you arrive at the pier where your guide is waiting for you. After some explanations, everyone embarks aboard the junk. The time to get to the heart of Halong Bay, lunch will be served on board. The boat then cruises between the sugar loaves, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

In the afternoon you will visit a cave and do kayaking. Before dinner, you will learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls, which you will enjoy without a doubt.

At night, several activities are then proposed (such as fishing).

Day 2 – Halong Bay – Hanoi

Early the next morning, waking up at dawn. Although this might be a difficult for some non-early risers (especially during tiring travels), but hey you don’t get to benefit from halong Bay every day, right? After breakfast, they’ll take you on an excursion to visit a floating village. At this hour, things are still calm, not much tourist yet on the vicinity.

After the floating village excursion, it’s time to pack your things away and the boat navigates back towards the coast to return to the pier. During this time, a brunch is usually served on board. Return to the starting point at noon. A mini-bus is waiting for you to return to Hanoi. Four hours later, you are back at your hotel.

As you can see, a 2-day cruise does not mean you’ll spend 2 whole days in Halong Bay. Excluding the transfer from/to Hanoi, you will actually only spend 24 hours on the boat. This is pretty much the case regardless of the cruise chosen. But it will be more than enough to enjoy it (hoping that the weather is good). After an enchanting break in Halong Bay, we return to Hanoi. For the rest of the trip, you can take a train to another ‘Halong Bay’. A place much less known than the Halong Bay by sea, but just as grandiose! You will find the famous sugar loaves, but planted on the ground. Intrigued?

Around Vietnam in Two Weeks

Hanoi, Guild District – Hang Duong Sugar Street, Lan Ong – street of medicinal herbs, Hang Ma – votive objects street, etc. A busy world of small trades. The craftsmen are holding shop on the roadway. At the Temple of Literature – red lacquered wood and delicate bonsais – the devotees offer incense sticks to the altar of Confucius.

Museum of Ethnology: the long stilt house of the Rhade, the common house of the Bahnar, with the very high thatched roof, masterpieces of popular architecture, are an invitation to continue the journey. Ninh Binh, is part of the Halong Bay region, south. Splendour of the landscapes: the rice fields sparkle between the limestone peaks.

Then, after a night aboard a boat, in the early morning after the fog dissipated, the vertical islands that appears from the indigo surface of the sea is unforgettable! Then stroll on to Hoi An: houses with galleries, blue shutters, ideograms. Chinese, Japanese and French influences mix and mingle, juxtapose. Across the city, bamboo leans against the ochre walls. Join others cycling around the town. You will immediately fall in love with Hue; its languid charm, a multitude of tiny alleyways, moats and canals. At sunrise, marvel at the pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, which overlooks the Perfume River. The tombs of the emperors are scattered in a forest of frangipani. The old royal citadel impresses; in the Forbidden City, the remaining buildings are measured by what was to be its splendour before the Tet offensive.

In Saigon, visit the city hall – an amazing belfry facade in these latitudes! And the post office, of which Gustav Eiffel drew the metal frame. Cholon, the Chinatown is a boiling anthill, a teeming market, where everything can be bought, from dry smoke to transistors. Delta Mekong, the country’s rice granary. The great river flows in a labyrinth of canals and arroyos lined with palms and mangroves. The soil is waterlogged, the rice fields sparkle. Coconut palms, sugar cane, grapefruits thrive in large orchards. And, at the floating market of Can Tho, plenty of cashews and pitahayas – last image of a trip to the land of the dragon.

Mythical counties, attentive service and contemporary art de vivre are the ingredients of travels waiting to burst your emotions.

Day 1 – Hanoi

Arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel passing by the main historical buildings, important sites and the old picturesque districts of Hanoi. After relaxing time and lunch in a local restaurant. Rickshaw ride in the old town to the district of 36 Corporations (street Silk, Cotton …). Visit of the Restored Sword Lake, legendary and expensive place in the heart of the Vietnamese, as well as Ngoc Son temple, located on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 2 – Hanoi

Visit the Ethnology Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from the outside) and the unique pillar pagoda. Breakfast in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Temple of Literature. At the end of the day, attend a puppet show on the water.

Day 3 – Hanoi – Ninh Binh

Departure by road to the Halong Bay by Land, so nicknamed for its scenic landscapes. The journey is 100 km away, about two and a half hours.
Small boat ride through spectacular landscapes of rice fields, caves and hills. Visit in particular the 3 caves of Tam Coc; Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi. Back to the pier and opt for a bike ride through the villages and rice fields to get a closer look at the rice fields.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then drive to Hoa Lu and visit the Dinh and Le temples, the dynasties that reigned over the Dai Co Viet Kingdom during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Day 4 – Ninh Binh – Halong

Departure by road to Halong (about 200 km and 4 hours drive). The bay covers an area of ​​1553 km², and its waters are home to no less than 1969 islands, of which only 989 are baptized. Embark aboard the traditional boat for a cruise in Halong Bay, which is one of the most sumptuous landscapes in Asia. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board. Walk in the fishing villages, meet with locals, relaxing on the beach, swimming. In the late afternoon join a Vietnamese cooking class onboard. Night aboard the boat.

Day 5 – Halong – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An

Most mornings, an introduction to tai chi is proposed at 6.30 am on the upper deck of the boat. The cruise continues in the bay at Cong Do, where you’ll visit the cave of Thien Canh Son. Lunch on board, disembarkation and drive to Hanoi airport, with a visit to a pottery village on the way (weather permitting). Fly to Danang, then drive to Hoi An (about 35 km).

Day 6 – Hoi An

Discovery of a village specialized in rice growing, by bike or buffalo carraige. Rice is big part of the daily lives of people in this part of the world and it reflects the Vietnamese culture. Today of course, technology is widely applied in rice production, although the fascinating traditional method has remained unchanged in some parts of the country.
Lunch at one of the villagers’ home. In the afternoon, visit the old city of Faifo, particularly the Chinese temple, the Tan Ky communal house and the Japanese bridge. Stop at the Reaching Out tea house. Return to Hoi An.

Day 7 – Hoi An – Danang – Hue

Embark aboard a boat for a short morning walk. You will attend fishing scenes with plaice and hawk, before arriving in a fishing village for a discovery of the mangrove forest on a bamboo boat. In the morning light, the flooded forest is adorned with a mysterious atmosphere, and you can continue to enjoy the dexterity of local fishermen.
Drive to Danang, have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the small Cham art museum.
Departure for Hue (115 km), via the famous route of the Col des Nuages. Stop at the fishing village of Lang Co.

Day 8 – Hue

Visit the Thien Mu pagoda, followed by a boat cruise and a one-hour bike ride in the countryside to the village Thuy Bieu. Along the way, stop at an inhabitant with whom you can share tea and some anecdotes about the region. Breakfast in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which is one of the most beautiful parts of Hue. The place exudes tranquillity and is a model of traditional Vietnamese art. It is also an opportunity to get to know the history of the Nguyen dynasty and the French colonial invasion. Then you will visit the Pagoda of the Tu Hieu Eunuchs, one of the most emblematic pagodas in the history of Buddhism.

Day 9 – Hue – Saigon

Visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. Lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Imperial Citadel. Transfer to the airport and fly to Saigon.

Day 10 – Saigon

Visit some of the main historical sites of the city; the central post office – built by the workshops of Gustave Eiffel, the red bricks exterior of the Notre-Dame Cathedral built between 1877 and 1883 in the neo-Romanesque, the Dong street Khoi and Ngoc Hoang Pagoda. Then depart to Chinatown Cholon, with a walk to the Binh Tay market, where basically everything is wholesale. Visit the Thien Hau temple – richly decorated with carved wood, and the Fito Museum – the first private museum in Vietnam that keeps a treasure trove of documents related to traditional medicine.

Day 11 – Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho

Depart to the Mekong Delta to Ben Tre. Walk and bike ride to meet the inhabitants of the region and discover their daily lives (coconut harvest, preparation of sugar cane juice, etc). Boat trip along the Palm Cove and visit the coconut garden of Thanh Thuy, while indulge in tasting of coconut water and tropical fruits.
After lunch, then boat ride along the legendary Ba Lai River with a visit to a coconut fibre manufacturing workshop and a coconut candy making workshop on the way. En route to Can Tho.

Day 12 – Can Tho – Mang Thit

Take a boat ride through rural landscapes, floating markets, orchards and arroyos just like the Vietnamese. Visit the floating market of Can Tho and stop in an orchard and tasting of tropical fruits. Boarding the Bassac boat and have lunch on board.

Day 13 – Cai Be – Saigon

Continue to cruise in the heart of the magnificent landscapes of the delta. Disembark and then visit the floating market of Cai Be. Road to Saigon.

Halong Bay by Land as Impressive as Halong Bay by Sea

The village of Tam Coc, the starting point for Halong Bay Land, is located a few hours’ drive south of Hanoi, north of Vietnam. This small, quaint village is a gateway for tourists to southern Vietnam, and is therefore very popular. It is one of the major tourist sites of this northern part of Vietnam along with Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay.

The village of Tam Coc remains largely liveable despite the tourist influx, although it is true that Vietnamese here only live for tourism. The main street is made only of hotels and restaurants. The landscapes all around are the same as those of the Halong Bay by Sea, except that instead of the sea, we have rice fields, hence the name of Halong Bay by Land. We therefore find the same karst peaks, surrounded by rice fields: the landscapes are glorious at the right time, for example when the rice is flowering and turns the field to yellow all around. Be sure to check the right timing before visiting. The best time seems to be in June.

The village of Tam Coc is one of the villages of the region at which one can benefit from a small cruise, it is very touristy but it remains surely the most practical. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants, several options to navigate the river, and capture postcard landscapes. Some prefer Trang An, another village from where you can also visit the Halong Bay, a few kilometres further north. The cruise up north seems more interesting since Trang An as you get to cross more caves, but some emphasize its too touristic side though. Not far from Tam Coc, you can also take a boat trip from the nearby village of Ninh Hai or the pier Linh Cốc.

Sleeping in Tam Coc

Again, there are plenty of hotels that you wouldn’t miss here. Since the Halong Bay attracts millions of visitors, locals have taken advantage of the booming tourism industry. All the hotels here are worth it, some offer more services than other depending on your preferences; like free bikes or an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is a range from the cosy basic ones for your budget travelling to the more luxurious ones if your pocket welcomes it. You can find all possibilities on the usual booking sites.

Getting to Tam Coc from Cat Ba

You can buy your ticket from your hotel in Cat Ba, and usually the buses gather for a departure at 10 am to the port, on the other side of the island. Follow the boat trip to the mainland and finally the taxi (or motorcycle taxi) to the bus station and the bus to Ninh Binh; all for around VND 260 000/person. The trip in total takes about 6 hours.

Starting from Tam Coc

To go back to Hanoi, it will cost you VND 65 000/person by bus, to take at the bus station of Nim Binh or directly from Tam Coc, ask your hotel. Then from the Hanoi bus station to the old quarter of 36 streets, take the No. 8 bus for VND 7000/person. For those coming from south also, it is best to reach the Ninh Binh train station.

Getting Around Tam Coc

The easiest and most pleasant way to get to the different key points of the city is to rent a bike.

What to see in Tam Coc?

There are many things to see from the small town of Tam Coc. Among the tourist activities which certainly deserve a detour, are:

• The old capital Hoa Lu (10km)
• The National Park of Cuc Phuong (40km)
• The Van Long Nature Reserve (25km)
• Visit the Halong Bay Land from the village of Trang An (8km)
• Cave Động Tiên Cá – Mermaid cave (7km)
• The Halong Bay by land from one of the many piers next to Tam Coc and much less touristy: Ninh Hai or Linh Cốc (5km)
• Ba Dinh Pagoda (22km).

The Peak of Hang Mua

The Hang Mua peak, famous view of the bay of Ground Galong and the Ngô Đồng River who makes its way through karst cliffs and rice fields. This is where we can take the famous shots that decorate all the guides. Again, be sure to catch the right timing for an optimum glorious view. The entrance to the site is VND 100 000/person in 2016. It is not possible to enter for free by the side, all access is closed. The entrance includes access to the cave (very small) under the cliff, the visit of the park and 2 viewpoints.

The Bich Dong Temple

The Bich Dong temple, is outside the village, just 10 minutes by bike. This sanctuary is interesting because it includes several temples, including a half troglodyte, statues, gardens, and the site itself is very pretty. Under the hill next to the temple, behind the small pond, there is a mini cave that you can visit. It seems unofficial because it is not indicated anywhere. If the guardian is around, he will sign you to visit this cave deep enough.
To get to the temple, the best way is by bike. The bike renting is about VND 30 000/person and entrance to the pagoda Bich Dong is free. Premises will charge you VND 5 000 for bike parking.

The Caves around Tam Coc

There are dozens of Inlaid caverns in practically every hill, their number is incredible. On a bike, you are most likely to cross openings in the rock. Be adventurous, explore. The smallest are sometimes difficult to pass but some tourists visit in the presence of a guide. The bike ride in the area is particularly exotic, for example taking narrow paths with one side gigantic cliffs and the other rice fields. The landscapes here have nothing to do with what you are used to seeing in Southeast Asia.

Options for Boat Ride Along Halong Bay from Tam Coc

To visit the Halong Bay from Tam Coc here are several options:

First Option

The main and official pier, held by the police and where prices are quite high.
An entry fee of VND 120 000/person and then a ticket for the cruise VND150 000/boat
These are the official prices in 2016.

Second Option

When we are facing the main pier, we go up the canal on the right (from the small path that runs along the canal to the right, behind the houses) and you can ask one of the women who are waiting there on their boat (sampan) and she will offer you the route for the same price, but for a less right of entry. You can always try to negotiate, but they do not hesitate to take you on your sympathy, by insisting on the fact that they are poor and that they must feed their family.

The path will not be the same, since they must avoid the police. They therefore propose a departure in general at 5 pm, after the pier has closed, and the police are gone. It is possible to negotiate departure at 4 pm because it is night around 5.30 pm. With this option, you will come back in the dark anyway. You leave from the property of your guide, and the boat trips takes you crossing caves: Mua Cave, just below the Hang Mua hill. One of them is several hundred meters long. The advantage of this option is that we go against the current of tourists who return and we find ourselves alone in a fairy like landscape.

Third Option

Finally, the last option, and often much cheaper, search of a ‘Ben Thuyen’ (Which means port or pier in Vietnamese), there are several around Tam Coc, but not always in service for tourists. If you find any of the premises there, you can always ask them if they can take you for a ride, negotiate the price and the route. West of Tam Coc, there are a few piers like those mentioned above: from the village of Ninh Hai or the pier Linh Cốc for example.

Flower, a Vietnamese Woman Like No Other

There’s blog that speaks about a certain Fleur, a Vietnamese who speaks French and who offers boat rides. You’d fall in love with her charm and hospitality. Meet at her house, then leave from her garden which goes directly on the water, and end the cruise with a meal at her home. The meal of course is paying VND 100 000 dongs, but you get to share a little time with her family. It’s worth going to eat with the local Vietnamese, see how they live and visit the interior of a house in Vietnam.

Location – Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

Few boats sail to Bai Tu Long Bay, because it is further away from everything. Halong Bay is located closest to Halong City. There’s departs to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island.

Landscapes – Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

All of these bays share similar landscapes of karstic islands emerging on the turquoise water. Although there are also a few different points; a multitude of islands and islets are concentrated in Halong Bay (about 1,969 islands and islets), while the Bai Tu Long bays and Lan Ha has lesser; hundreds of islands and islets each. Day cruises often take you to visit Thien Cung and Dau Go caves and the boats cannot go further than that. A cruise for a day is not recommended. Imagine, you will spend 8 hours on the road (round trip) and then, 4-6 hours by boat to cross some islands and visit some caves. The bay is worth more than that. If you have more time to spare, a 3-day 2-night cruise is recommended, but if you have to spend time at other sites, then a 2-day 1-night cruise is sufficient enough.

After 4 hours’ drive, you arrive at one of 4 boarding ports around noon. Boarding a boat, she  sails into the mysterious Halong Bay, crossing several islands and islets. Then a stop at a beach on Titov Island or Soi Sim for swimming and kayaking. The next day, continue the cruise and visit the Surprise Cave, then the boat returns to the port and you disembark around noon. For the 3-day cruises, the boat will go further, in the bay of Lan Ha for a ride by bike to Cat Ba Island, or Bai Tu Long Bay, to visit the fishing village of Vung Vieng. There are now over 700 tourist boats in Halong Bay, so this is like a tourist’s factory like the Nile cruises in Egypt. For this reason, Sails of Indochina offers unusual cruises to Lan Ha Bay. In general, the traditional boats in Lan Ha Bay remain more authentic, off the beaten track, far from mass tourism.

Things to do – Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

The landscape is picturesque, no exaggeration when often described as a postcard view. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery on the deck of the boat.
Outings in kayak or Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) to discover islets and circuses. Kayaking and SUP trips are feasible in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
In fact, the particularity of these bays is their multitude of rocky peaks, the largest marine karst in the world. They are all beautiful and are worth a visit, up close and personal

More Isolated Choice Perhaps?

Halong Bay is one of the 7 new wonders of the world that has many of the islands and islets here, most of which offer cruises to Halong Bay. So it’s very touristy with a boat factory of any game, testimony of how amazing the landscape is! To discover in cruise, Kayak, sailboat, SUP or even climbing its famous limestone peaks. Since the bay is the No. 1 attraction of Vietnam, witness the traffic jams at the port of embarkation, but the site is too good not to miss.

However, the nearby bays get away from the tourist concentration. Of course, everyone wants a taste of the famous Halong Bay, to proudly say been there, done that. It is here that the peaks are the highest and the most majestic. The majority of cruises crisscross the waters of this bay and are an ideal way to admire the splendours, in luxurious version or simpler. But it is also here that the water is the dirtiest.

Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay would be more suitable for kayaking, SUP, climbing, trekking and beaches. The waters here are less crowded and therefore less dirty, the islets offer small beaches and you can also enjoy all the assets of the island of Cat Ba such as the impressive national park and make acquaintance with a Lutung if you’re lucky.
Take a bath in the turquoise and emerald water of the beaches in Lan Ha Bay as they are clean with beautiful yellow sandy beaches
And a visit of a cave or floating fishing villages in SUP or Kayak is always interesting

You can go kayaking, SUP, climbing, trekking in the national park, sailing and cycling. You can also go camping or sleep in bungalows on the secluded beaches of small islets nearby. Another alternative is to organize a customized Cat Ba cruise that goes out of the box and away from mass tourism, including sailing cruises on privatized boats for the same price range as classic cruises on the Bay of Biscay. Halong Bay should be alright not for families with children or a group of friends. But if you are more adventurous and want more privacy,  be off the beaten track and away from the highways, while getting a chance to visit the fishing villages, then Lan Ha Bay will be the best choice of the three.

Visiting Saigon’s Most Charming Addresses

A visit to the Ethnography Museum, which documents the history and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups present in Vietnam, followed by a stroll in a pedicab in the colonial district. Avenues planted with trees, small streets, an air of French province on the Red River. On the way, Ngoc Son Taoist Temple (from the15th century) on Hoan Kiem Lake.

A day in the skin of a Vietnamese. Discover the habits and customs of the country by blending among its inhabitants. Start your day early (around 6am) with a tai chi initiation, at the edge of a lake or in a park while greeting the sunrise. What better way to get in shape than appetizing to the taste of Pho, beef broth decorated with rice noodles, slices of beef, basil and lemon which is the traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Then head to the market to gather enough in view of preparing a real Vietnamese meal, under the guidance of a chef. After savouring the self-made local delicacies, move on to the cultural phase of the day with the visit of the Temple of the Literature, first university of Vietnam and Quan Thanh temple, magnificent example of the art of wood carving.

En route to Halong Bay, these two thousand karst islets filled with saxifrage making up an astonishing landscape, which UNESCO has not failed to include in its heritage. Immediate boarding for a three-day, two-night cruise aboard a traditional wooden boat. Head for Bai Tu Long Bay, a bay bordering on Halong, but less travelled. This day is an opportunity to approach the island of Cape La and enjoy a kayak trip around the small beach of Tra San.
Dinner and overnight on board.

Continue navigation to Cong Dam. The morning is devoted to exploring the area by kayak, followed by a barbeque lunch break on the beach. The afternoon, meet the inhabitants of a fishing village of Cong Dam, the opportunity to discover and share a slice of their life. The boat then continues on its way towards Cong Do.
Dinner and overnight on board.

Navigation back to Hon Gai and discovery of Thien Canh Son Cave. After an early lunch, it’s time to leave the boat to return to Hanoi. Along the way, stop at the But Thap Pagoda (from 17th century), perhaps the most beautiful religious building in Vietnam. At the end of the day, flight to Hue and stay for 2 nights there.

Hue, the ancient capital of Nguyen is a real marvel. The impressive Citadel, on the banks of the Perfume River, contained the Forbidden Purple City reserved for the emperor. Severely damaged during the Tet offensive (1968), it nevertheless retains a real imperial dignity. From another empire is the French Quarter, with its shady avenues and its Third Republic buildings. Hue is now caught in a commercial frenzy. 25 km from Hue, the lagoon of Tam Giang is a natural site still preserved where navigation in a small boat allows one to get closer to the daily life of the inhabitants and the work of the local fishermen. Discover several fishing techniques: hawk, net, with traps.

Hoi An via the Col des Nuages. Two notable stops on the way; Lang Co Beach and Da Nang Cham Museum. The Cham are a people of Vietnam, whose ancient culture was strongly marked by India, as illustrated by a magnificent religious statuary (8th-13th centuries).
In Hoi An, stay for 2 nights.

Opt for a bike ride in the city and around. Located on one of the maritime routes of the silk trade, Hoi An surprises with the beauty of its traditional houses, its market and its colourful stalls. The houses yellow facades and turquoise shutters are reflected on the river water, where their interference many sampans, creating an abstract work of art. The temples of Phuc Kien and Quang Dong, the Tan Ky, Phung Hung and Tran houses, as well as the Japanese bridge, are not to be missed.

For a charming evening, a bucolic dinner with the locals in the small agricultural village of Tra Que, about 2 km from Hoi An. A family opens the doors of his house for a meal, the opportunity to taste to some specialties of Vietnamese cuisine and to share a moment with locals.

Depart to Da Nang airport and flight to Saigon.
Some emblematic sites? The Giac Lâm pagoda (18th century), the town hall (1902-1908), the central post office (1886-1891 – Gustave Eiffel metal frame), the Notre-Dame cathedral (1880 – in Toulouse bricks), the large market Ben Thanh (1912). But you are not quite Saigonese if you did not go to town in a classic Vespa.

Ride to Cholon and districts 4, 3 and 1. With a buffet stop of Banh Xeo (Vietnamese tortilla) along the way. The permanent effervescence of the southern capital is not a legend; it lives the night as the day.

Discovery of the Mekong Delta aboard a wooden cruise ship (Bassac). Embark at Cai Be and en route to the Tien Giang River. The meals in the galley will surprise you on their exquisiteness. On the Mang Thit River, navigation is done among rice fields and sand barges, villages and traditional shipyards follow one another on the banks, visit a village and adjoining rice fields.

Night on the boat, in a cabin that would be envy of Swiss chalets.
The early morning on the river is a privileged moment, the colors are born bluish gray and bistre of the dawn, the water carries far from the roaming sounds. Breakfast while the boat crosses the floating market of Tra On (grapefruit specialty). A little further, it is that of Cai Rang. And then Can Tho. Both of which you should visit.
Disembarkation and transfer to Saigon by road.

Halong Bay – Un Paralleled Experience, Unmatched Journey

Halong Bay undeniably was the heart of any trip to Vietnam, un paralleled experience, unmatched journey. The misty and dark atmosphere, the irresistible sunset, the delicate dawn, the colorful floating villages. There are hundreds of reasons to visit Halong Bay, to experience its charm and leaving you bewitched.

Sunset in Halong Bay – The symbol of Halong Bay is located just outside the port

Halong Bay is located in the north east of Vietnam and is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin that includes about 2000 limestone islands and karst caves of numerous forms. Its breath-taking views has been included in the World Heritage by UNESCO site since 1994 and stands proud as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The legend of Halong Bay

Such a fascinating place could only give birth to incredible legends. The name Halong in Vietnamese means ‘Descending Dragon, in honour of the dragon that was descended to earth from heaven to protect Vietnam.

Given its position near the Chinese border, it was often a battlefield in the struggles between China and Vietnam. In fact, China occupied Vietnam for almost 1000 years, but in the following centuries Vietnam managed to avoid further occupation by retaliating, winning many battles and thus pushing China’s occupation out of Vietnam.

Legend goes that many years ago, during a battle between Vietnamese and Chinese, the gods sent a family of dragons to the help Vietnamese people. These dragons began to spit jewels that turned into the islands that dot the bay and then joined to stop the Chinese invaders (rings a faint bell on the story of the Croatian Kornati Islands, doesn’t it?). The divine intervention in the case of such extraordinary places is a must! With tail shots they dug valleys and crevasses and sank at the end of the battle. The mother sank to Ha Long and her children to Bai Tu Long, giving life to the current landscape.

Legends like this give even more charm to the dreamy like landscapes of the bay and you can still imagine the roar of the battle as opposed to the existing silence, broken only by sounds of engines of cruise ships.

There are calm and seemingly quiet places but they still keep track of the energy of the forces that fought there and Halong Bay is one of them. The green waters hide who knows what memories in the depths of the canals. During the Vietnam War, many of the canals were mined by the United States and some are still not safe to navigate through.

Halong Bay Cruises

The tourist offerings in this area is really vast, Halong bay being one of the well-known and most visited destinations in all of Southeast Asia. But you must have the patience to comb through the many tours, excursions, cruises, not to miss once in a lifetime kind of experience. Most boats pass between the islands. Probably with a bigger ship, they might follow a different route. You can either opt for a day trip or one or two night cruises.

The one-day excursion it is a bit limiting as it does not allow you to see neither dawn nor sunset in the bay, losing some of most unforgettable moments of the cruise.

2D/1N Halong Bay Cruise

Basically, you board the boat at noon and go disembark the next day around the same time. Practically all boats start at the same points of interest, but with itinerary with variable times so as not to be have hundreds of boats in the same point at the same time.

Itinerary 2D/1N Cruise

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Illuminated by very little coloured lights but still interesting considering its size and the presence of countless stalactites and stalagmites, in addition to the possibility to admire the bay from above.

Cong Dam Floating Village

One of the best parts of the cruise. With a smaller boat you can approach the entrance to the bay that houses the floating village of Cong Dam. Then you continue with a rowboat. What a sight to behold; small coloured floating houses that host dogs and children, while the adults are almost all out fishing.

Titop Island

The beach is always crowded especially in summer, but the island is rather famous for the incredible panorama that you can admire from a viewing point, after a half hour of hike.

Activities Onboard 2D/1N Cruise

Cooking Lesson

They will teach you how to make the famous spring rolls, starting with vegetables and rice paper. And to make it fun, the spring rolls rolling contest. It is not as easy as you think!

Tai Chi Lesson at Dawn

All crews have a Tai Chi expert who will accompany you on the deck for a short sunrise lesson. Even if you are not a Tai Chi fan, the graceful movements of Tai Chi against the gorgeous backdrop of the bay painted with rays of sunrise, is a beautiful experience that you would actually force yourself to get up and not miss it. In Vietnam, especially in the north, perhaps much of Chinese influence, Tai Chi is much loved and practiced. After Tai Chi, you can continue you on own yoga even.

Kayaking

All cruise provides the opportunity to take a ride on a kayak so you can freely and see the limestone formations of the bay up close and personal. Not forgetting the thrill of passing by close to huge cruise ships, while you float on a tiny kayak. But fret not, no danger.

Night Fishing

After dinner, all the cruises offer fishing for squid or cuttlefish from the smaller boat. Basically, they aim a light in water and they fish in the illuminated part that should attract the fish.

3D/2N Halong Bay Cruise

This more extended cruise includes much of the itineraries from the 2D/1N cruise, but with an addition. Usually includes a visit to the Bai Tu Long bay, less frequented but equally spectacular and therefore more enjoyable.

Checking the Reviews on Halong Bay

Naturally, to book a cruise to Halong Bay, the first thing you would think of doing is to check the reviews of the cruises or excursion online.

In fact, it is very difficult to trust the reviews regarding Vietnam, because in most cases, the names of agencies and hotels are not unique and those that reviewed these agencies/hotels probably got confused with another agency. You sink in a jungle of cruises and excursions, once you arrive at the port, you finally understand why.

The names that are on the booking sites all very similar from one to another; which may have more ships, new, old, large, small, etc. So the only way to have reviews as matching as possible to the real thing is to look directly at Booking.com or Agoda. This is because, for example, on Booking.com, the customer reviews after the stay, on the link that the hotel sends you, therefore with you can be assured that the review you are reading refers to the actual product/service you are interested in.

Another important thing to note is that you can book the cruises directly from the company’s website or via the online booking sites (Booking, Agoda, even on Airbnb) and in most cases, the transfer service from Hanoi is included. (about 4 hours ride each way)

How Much Does Halong Bay Cruise Costs?

If you want to save money the best way is to ask a local agency to book the cruise for you. This way you can save at least fifty dollars. Average prices for a 2D/1N cruise with comfortable accommodation (at least 3 stars) are around € 100 per person, which includes:

• Transfer to and from the Hanoi hotel
• Excursions (Sung Sot cave, fishing village, Titop beach)
• Two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast, drinks not included
• Cooking class
• Tai Chi lesson
• Beware that the kayak rental is not included

You can expect the restaurant service on board are of tip top quality and extraordinary preparation. Some might come as the best courses you’ll come across in Vietnam. Only missing would be red carpet.

When to go to Halong Bay

In general, from December to March the climate is cold (around 10 °C) and dry. In April there is the transition to the warmer and humid season with an increase in rainfall. Temperatures become very high until August. The temperature then decreases from September to November, which has a drier climate. Halong Bay has a peculiarity that you will hardly see blue skies and the sun shine. Often fog or mist hide the sky, increasing its charm and mystery.

Overall, even if you are one of those that do not like the strict schedules, and enjoy a laid-back holiday, but this one – not to be missed kind of experience. Living through a sunrise or a sunset at Halong bay is an emotion that will stay there for life, that it should be on anyone’s bucket list.

Hotels in Cat Ba Island

There are more than hundreds of hotels of different categories on the island of Cat Ba, there is no such thing as the hotel is not strategically located as most lodgings are clustered in the city centre. But you do need to worry about getting a place during high season (summer months and weekends), when the largest influx of tourists occurs, thus it is best to book accommodation in advance. However, in the low season (October to December) many of the hotels offers a discount of up to 90%. During this discounted period, you can reserve the room with air conditioning, tv and bathroom for only 100 000 VND/day.

Hotels in Cat Ba are mainly simple, ranging between 2 to 3 stars, but are they are suitable for a long stay nonetheless. There are other options, including hostels, but very few. But looking at the room rates, even for a tourist on a budget, you can find accommodation at an affordable price here. Accommodation often comes with breakfast.

Floating Hotel-Boats from Cat Ba Island

In addition to hotels on the island, you can also opt to stay in floating hotels. Actually, they are cruise ships, where you can stay in a cabin, and rent a complete boat with all the equipment and lodging amenities at your disposition. Of course, it’s more interesting to take floating hotel out for a cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. And if you reserve the whole boat for yourself/group, you decide the navigation route. These accommodation options are available for booking through hotel booking websites.

The Centre of Cat Ba Town

Cat Ba Island is a small island, extending to 22km from north to south. However, most of area occupied by the national park, and all the tourist infrastructure is centered in a small area in the south – Cat Ba town. It is the only town developed with tourism and it is very condensed. The centre town is where you’d find almost all hotels, with only a few away from town. They offer comfortable stay even for longer period and close to beach allowing you to bath anytime of the day on the beaches of the island. Therefore, if you are looking for a cosy stay, near the beaches, look no further than Cat Ba Town.

Lively Atmosphere or Absolute Tranquility?

In Cat Ba town centre, the scatter of hotels is so dense and in abundant, that you will be within walking distance of the city centre, pretty much from any hotel you stay in Cat Ba town. If you stay in the centre, next to the pier that is, where the Nui Ngoc street rests facing the seafront, which means that you’ll be closer to buzzing nightlife atmosphere, that you won’t get your deserved rest, at least not until midnight. If you are not ready to join the party in the evenings, and want to hit the sack early, it would make sense to live a little further away from the city centre. Recommended here is to choose a lodging along the same promenade in the centre, but a little further down south and closer to the beaches. For a quieter setting, stay in one of the hotels on the beaches of Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 or Cat Co 3. Then to the centre of the happenings is about 10-15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by taxi.

If your budget allows you to, you can consider the possibility of staying in the floating hotel-boat. Of course, if you are planning just a day trip out to the bays won’t be worth it to book a hotel-boat, but if you’re planning a day or two on board the boat, cruising in the middle of the beautiful islands of Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, then that will be an unforgettable experience. Booking cruises is possible through the on-site travel agencies, but the best cruise ships are usually booked in advance and tend to fill up very quickly. Or via online hotel booking sites.

If you are really looking for absolute tranquility away from all the hustle and bustle, then another option would be to go with the lodging in small islands in the gulf. You will be able to live in a hotel or bungalow in which the islands stand out, but so peaceful that there will be only you, other few guests and staff of the hotel on the entire Island.

Combining Best of Both – Vietnam and Cambodia 

Below is a 15 days/12 nights tour recommendation; combining best of both Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks.

DAY 1: Hanoi  

Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh
After breakfast, depart for the visit of Ho Chi Minh House and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, a magnificent building of several buildings, built in 1070 during the reign of Ly Thanh Tông to celebrate the cult of Confucius and his 72 main disciples.
Lunch in a local restaurant. Departure to Ninh Binh Departure for the visit of the Bai Dinh pagoda, the largest pagoda of Vietnam. Built in 1136 during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225), the ancient temple is located on Dinh Mountain, which elevates to a height of187m.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart by bike for the visit of the Thai Vi temple then, then head to the Thung Nang site that you will discover onboard a traditional boat. After lunch, departure for Halong.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hué
After breakfast, take a morning cruise to Halong Bay aboard a traditional sailing boat with a seafood lunch served on board. Halong Bay covers an area of more than 1,500 km², consisting of nearly 3,000 islands and islets. This is without a doubt one of the most majestic landscapes in Asia. The waters of the bay are full of fish, crabs and shrimps. Visit the caves. On the way back to Hanoi, make a pit stop to visit a ceramic factory in Dong Trieu.
After dinner in Hanoi, transfer to the station for the night train Hanoi – Hué.

Day 5: Hué
Arrival in Hue after breakfast in basket onboard the train.
Cruise around lagoon Chuon, with a traditional boat and discover the local lives on the water of the central Vietnam.
After lunch, spent the afternoon visiting the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the Lady Celestial Pagoda.

Day 6: Hué – Cloud Collar – Danang – Hoi An
Take a stroll through the shady streets to the bustling market of Dong Ba. Depart to Hoi An, passing the Cloud Pass along the coast, beautiful perspective of the peninsula of Lang Co. Stop and visit the Cham museum and the Marble Mountain. A well-known pilgrimage site, the Marble Mountain is composed of Buddhist temples and caves in the mountain. Arrival in Hoi An.

The next morning, embark on a culinary discovery; try the ‘Banh Vac’ or ‘White rose’, in which white rice paste stuffed with meat and shrimp. City of Hoi An is one of the four Vietnamese sites listed as World Heritage by Unesco. Visit the local market, the Japanese bridge, an old house and a Chinese congregation.

Day 7: Hoi An

Hoi An is nicknamed “Little Venice” because of its canals and small bridges of Japanese and Chinese influences. Hoi An, formerly called Faifo in French, was the official name used during the colonial period. Hoi An houses more than 800 buildings of historical interest.

Option: departure for a bike ride to the vegetable village of Tra Que (located 5km from Hoi An). Tra Que is renowned for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Then relax and enjoy a foot massage with medicinal herbs. Taste of the famous specialty of the village for lunch, the “Tam Huu”, assortment of shrimps, pork and herbs and six other dishes of regional specialties
Stroll around in the old town, enjoy the beach.

Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh
After a lunch at a local restaurant in Hoi An, continue to Danang in the afternoon, transfer to the train station and spend overnight in sleeper train. Dinner on board as a packed lunch.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh
Arriving in the morning, transfer to town for breakfast and discover the city. It was once the first city of the country and the economic heart of Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you will be very impressed with the traffic. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the central post built by Gustave Eiffel, a magnificent building in Art Deco style. Visit an artisan’s workshop of lacquer factory, which retains about 17,000 precious ancient objects. Then discover the hectic Saigon at your own pace. Dine at local restaurant with Southern specialties.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap

Morning flight to Siem Reap.

Arrival in Siem Reap. In the afternoon, visit Taprohm, Neak Pean and Prah Khan.

Day 11: Siem Reap
Visit the attractions in the morning; Bayon, Terraces of Elephants and King Leprosy, Tep Pranam, Prah Palilay, Baphuon. Lunch.
After lunch, time to visit the Angkor Wat, the most famous and largest Temple in the vicinity.

Day 12: Siem Reap
Morning visit to Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre temples. Lunch.
After lunch, visit Kravan, Srars Srang, Banteay Kdey and catch the sunset at Prè Rup temple.

Day 12: Siem Reap

Depart to Kompong Khleang, a lakeside village about 40 kilometers away.
On arrival, you embark on a local boat to discover the village and you will be surrounded by children, whom at first a little shy and then warms up very quickly to you.
Take a bike ride around the on the lake to see the work of locals, including shrimp fishing.
Back to the village and picnic lunch at home of the villagers.
Return trip to Siem Reap.

Some important things to take note:

• At the end of your stay, it is customary to tip your guide/driver, if you are happy with his services, (the usual practice is 4 € for the guide and 2 € for the driver, per person per day).
• During your stay, on arrival, the hotel will ask you for a credit card details to secure any extra expenses. You will not be incurred any debit if you have not consumed anything from the room/hotel.
• According to international standards, your room will be available between 12:30 and 14:00. In case of an early arrival, you might have to wait for it to be available.
  Attention, the duration of the stay is calculated based on the number of nights and not the number of days which can vary according to the schedules of the airlines of day or night.
• Return flights can be within a day with an arrival on the same day, but the number of nights will be respected.
• During the local Tet holiday, the program can be modified. Some attractions may be closed and replaced

Halong Bay – A Magical Place

Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam, is one of the most famous images of Vietnam in the world. A place full of magic and mystery, whose spectacular nature has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Halong Bay is located in north-eastern Vietnam, in Quang Ninh province, near the border with China, about 170 kilometers from Hanoi (4 hours drive).

Since 2011, it is considered one of the seven wonders of nature. With a coastline of 120 km and an estimated area of 1500 km², its spectacular scenery has made it a world-class tourist attraction. In the bay area, it is estimated that there are about 1,600 islands, virtually uninhabited. Specifically, the low human impact in the region, in addition to its enormous biological interest, has been one of the determining factors in UNESCO’s assessment of its inclusion in the world’s natural heritage.

Around Halong Region

The arrival in the Halong region already has a great landscape appeal in itself, with vast rice fields feasting your eyes, as if they were pieces of a giant puzzle. A true rural essence, this part of the country is part of the image of Vietnam as a mosaic of green and wet fields where rice grows, so vital to the life and economy of the country. The landscape passes through peaceful villages, whose inhabitants maintain the most traditional Vietnamese customs. A very rewarding way to get to know life in the rice field is to ride a bike and walk around the area. This way, we will be able to see the life of the inhabitants more closely, admire how the farmers work in their cultures and be surprised by the static water buffaloes grazing outside our path.

The city of Ha Long

A former mining region, Halong’s economy has been turning to tourism for some years now. The urban entity that we know today was born in 1993, when the old Hong Gai capital has been attached to the most touristy area on the other side of the river, Bai Chay. The modern bridge that connects the two parts of the city has already become a symbol of the strength of the region.

Thanks to the tourist boom, Halong has good hotels and is a great place to stay and see the bay as a whole. Other attractions in the city include the Queen Cable Car crossing the river and Ferris Wheel in the amusement park. Since 2003, the Halong Market in the heart of the city has opened and has become the favourite shopping spot for tourists. The market has several floors where you will find electronics, souvenirs, textiles and souvenirs of all kinds. The Halong market also has fresh seafood and fish. However, if you prefer another type of gastronomic experience, you can choose from the many restaurants, pizzerias, bars or Vietnamese cafes available in the city. In the Bai Chay beach area, you have other shopping opportunities in places like Bai Chay Mall or some of the shops and boutiques along Bai Chay Road.

Around Halong Bay

The Halong area, ranked natural heritage by UNESCO, consists of three bays: Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay, the latter being by far the best known. The best way to get around Ha Long bay is to go on a cruise, bringing you to enter the fascinating landscape of karst formations that dot the entire bay. One of the legends has it that the gods threw gems at Halong, which became beautiful cliffs in contact with the water. Many islands and islets have whimsical forms that give them their name: turtle island, dog island, man’s head, etc. Sliding gently on the water in a traditional reed is a perfect way to see the labyrinth of promontories, cliffs and islands with hidden beaches, caves and inland lakes scattered throughout the bay area. If you can, one of the most interesting options is to take a cruise that allows you to spend the night in the bay. Especially because it will allow you to witness the sunset and sunrise overboard, moments when the landscape acquires a supernatural quality and manifests itself in all its beauty and splendour.

Things to See in Halong Bay

Tip Top Island. This small island located in the heart of the bay has a view from where you can enjoy beautiful 360º views of the area. After the effort of climbing, there is a rewarding prize that awaits – refreshing swim in its secluded beach.

Cua Van, a floating fishing village, if not the most famous. For its inhabitants, its houses are boats and the sea is their home. Here, there is no traffic noise or urban overload, and life goes on at a laid-back pace. A unique and united community, whose vital and spiritual events always have water as a backdrop.

Dau Bau Island. One of the most surprising islands, with six inland lakes surrounded by thick vegetation and caves. Accessible by kayak or small boat and always depending on the tide. Simply spectacular.

Cat Ba Island. The largest and the only inhabited island. A biosphere reserve with abundant vegetation and a national park, Cat Ba is an ideal place for hiking, biking or swimming in one of its beaches.

Hang Sun Sot caves. Some of the most popular in the whole bay. They are located on a small island with an entrance of thirty meters high and access is via a staircase. The set consists of three different rooms. In the first of them there is a surprising rock formation with a phallic form, causing much of the cave’s fame. You will be amused to see different rock forms resembling a turtle, a Buddha, etc. Because of its spectacular nature, the French called Hang Sun Sot the “Cave of Wonders”.

Activities in Halong Bay

Of course, an environment like Ha Long Bay is suitable for all kinds of outdoor and nature-related activities. Climbing is possible in many destinations of the bay, taking advantage of the enormous heights and the fantastic vertical walls of the cliffs. While visiting the islands, it is possible to swim in the beaches, go hiking or rent a bike to breath in the nature greenness, which covers much of the island territory like Cat Ba.

Another of the most popular activities is kayaking, a way to access remote places that we could not reach by boat otherwise. If you feel like it, you can swim in the calm waters of the bay or choose to snorkel or dive to discover the fascinating world beneath the waters of the bay. Among the many other sports activities are paragliding, fishing and caving. For the more adventurous, Halong has the opportunity to rent a boat to organize your own cruise and even to rent flights by plane. As you can see, a whole world of possibilities.

Finally, make sure to engage a serious service. Due to the influx of tourists, supply has increased significantly in recent years, but not all of them have the same quality. It would be a shame if you went all the way and made a bad impression of Halong Bay for this reason. Halong is one of the wonders of nature in the world and, as such, deserves a visit that does it justice. A place whose serenity and majesty have been the subject of numerous poems, films and works of art that have always tried to capture the mystical essence of the place.

Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay

Would Lan Ha Bay overshadow Halong Bay? Like all travelers venturing into northern Vietnam, going to Halong Bay is a must. But wait, let’s see what Lan Ha Bay has to offer.

Why Lan Ha Bay?

Halong Bay is undoubtedly magnificent, but flooded with tourists. So, if you’re looking for something more secluded and of more privacy, that little sister of Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay is nothing but an extension of the Halong Bay to the south. Sharing the same genetics so to speak but quieter.

Lan Ha Bay is just as magical as Halong Bay. It is simply located lower in the bay.
You will see the same karst formations, straight out of an emerald green water.
The price of the excursions is also much softer; around $20 for the day in Lan Ha Bay against about $50 in Ha Long. Tourists are much less numerous to visit Lan Ha Bay. You will be able to walk in the bay without being surrounded by dozens of tourist boats and kayaks.

Visit Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island

Take a bus to Hanoi, then a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Once on Cat Ba Island, finding a good hotel can come as a challenge especially during high season. Take not that some hotels located in ‘seafront’ are wet and dilapidated. Recommended to make a short list and to visit several before making your choice.

Generally, Lan Ha Bay can be visited on a boat for a day. Many travellers are guided by their hotel – all offer tours in the bay – but beware as some hotels sell services they do not honour. Find out online about the tours offered by hotels and agencies before booking anything.

Things to Do on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay and offers a variety of activities to do, especially when the weather is nice (April and May are the best months). With renting a scooter as low as $3/day you may visit the following sites.

Trekking in the National Park

Half of Cat Ba Island has been declared National Park. Located 10 km from the city center, you can go there for two treks in the park – solo, with an agency or with a guide. The small loop of 2 hours (40.000 VND – 1.5 €), which climbs well anyway, gives you a magnificent view of the canopy highly recommend! The other trek of 18 km (80.000 VND – 3 €) will take you to a village and through the jungle. Expect about 6 hours. For this second trek, you can return by boat to avoid taking the same path back.

Visit the Caves of the Island

On the way to the National Park you will find two caves. One is the cave-hospital that we that served as a hospital and refuge for high-ranking Communist dignitaries during the Vietnam War. The interior of the cave is concreted and comprises of 17 rooms.
The second cave, Trang Trang cave has managed to preserve much of its natural state and is definitely worth a visit. If the gate is closed, just go around it. Well-lit for the first two thirds of the way, you are then in the dark. Then take the path on the right and you will come out by an exit not far from the entrance.

Sunset at Cannon Fort

Some say that it might be the best view of Vietnam from the Cannon Fort. This fort, overlooking the bay and held by the North Vietnamese during the war, includes tunnels, cannons, artillery, etc.

Cat Ba Archipelago – A Jade Necklace That Embellishes 

The Cat Ba archipelago is situated in the Cat Hai district, Hai Phong. Discover the cozy little Cat Ba ecotourism area, located in the interior of the Nuoc Trong bay with its crystal-clear waters. An area of ​​2 000 m², with cool and mild climate, the town attracts many tourists to make a stop here.

Recommended to take the tour to Lan Ha Bay, the ancient village of Viet Hai and Cat Dua Island, considered the most interesting tours around the Cat Ba Islands. Take a boat at the Cai Beo pier to Lan Ha Bay. Located in the east of the Cat Ba archipelago, the bay has a series of islands, forming 139 beaches of clear blue waters. To fully enjoy the splendour that the bay has to offer, opt for kayaking to see the coral reefs on the beaches of Van Boi and Van Ha. Explore also the secret of the caves and caves of Vem, Ham Rong and Do Cung.

On the way to the bay, from time to time you may notice some foreign climbers on the slopes of the mountains, trying to reach the summit of the steep cliffs. Local authorities have established nine routes for climbers, of which the most appreciated is that of the island of Tien Ong (deity) due to the beautiful stalactites on its cliffs.

Next stop would be the ancient village of Viet Hai, an ecotourism place that has attracted many visitors in recent years. The town has only 90 families living in the old houses built in a valley, surrounded by mountains and jungles. The friendly villagers, who are also tour guides, accompanies visits to their old houses, where they also teach you how to grow rice and vegetables. Might give you the feeling of being in an old village with the daily activities of the residents in the delta of the Red River of the north.

The last part of your trip should include the island of Cat Dua, or also called “island of the monkeys”. There, visitors can play or take pictures with friendly monkeys, however, they tend to be ‘playful’ especially with your food. Take a stroll along the beach of about 3 km, with soft white sand to tickle your feet.

You can be back to Cai Beo pier in the afternoon of the same day and continue to visit the relic of the canyon fort, located about 177 m above sea level. It was built in 1942 in a strategic gateway to the East Sea, historical proof that the islanders of the Cat Ba district are responsible for the defence of the Vietnam outpost of the sea.

From the base of the fort, while the golden sun was slowly descending, the panoramic view of the Cat Ba Islands was romantic and picturesque, with the fishing boats anchored in the piers, the floating restaurants on the sea brightly lit, like twinkling stars over the sea.

Cat Ba currently has 70 restaurants, eight ecotourism centres, 170 hotels and guest houses classified up to the level of four stars; 150 tourist cruises, boats and buses that serve tourists. At night, Cat Ba becomes lively with visitors. The trams took tourists to visit places of interest or to buy souvenirs. On the beach, the camp fires were lit in various places, surrounded by groups of tourists who enjoyed their outdoor buffet dinner.

Cat Ba National Park

The next morning, take a bus to visit the Cat Ba National Park, which is at the foot of the winding mountain passes. The way up to the National Parks takes you through magnificent and beautiful views all around. Entering the National Park, under the thick canopy of the forest with centuries-old trees, you would have the feeling of entering a strange mystical world of biodiversity.

The park has many old trees with large and strong roots, herbs and rare plants. On the ground are terrestrial crabs, forest snails and lizards. Explore the rich flora and fauna of the park, with the echoes of the forests; screams of animals, songs of birds and whispering sound of the leaves.

The Cat Ba National Park has a natural area of ​​16 198 hectares with a unique ecological system, classified by national and foreign experts as the owner of the best biodiversity in Vietnam. Of the total of 745 species of flora, there are many rare and endangered species, including Kim Giao (Nageia Fleuryi), Golden Flamboyant (Peltophorum Pterocarpum) and palm trees. The fauna is diverse, with 282 species; including 20 species of animals, 69 of birds, 20 of reptiles and 11 of amphibians. The park is the only home of white-golden-headed langur.

Due to the process of geographic tectonics and the flooding of the sea about ten thousand years ago, the forests on the island of Cat Ba are tropical humid on limestone foundations. The Cat Ba National Park is a combination ecological of the forest system, the coastal mangroves and the coral reefs close to land.

Going through a narrow street in the park, the bus can take you to the Trung Trang cave. Despite the dim lit cave, you wouldn’t miss the majestic beauty of the bright stalactites, some of which looked like gold and silver pillars, that are described in the story about the Goddess of the Trung Trang cave. The cave, about 300 meters long through a mountain, formed naturally through thousands of years of geographic tectonics. The interior is an ecological world; home to many creatures, such as bats, birds, insects and reptiles.

Located near Ha Long Bay, another Unesco-recognized Natural Heritage in the northern province of Quang Ninh, the Cat Ba archipelago has its own unique values ​​in terms of biodiversity and combined tourism model of forest and sea. If the Gulf of Tonkin is considered a ‘fairy in the Pacific Ocean’, then the Cat Ba archipelago is a ‘green jade necklace’ that embellishes that fairy.

Halong Bay – Climax of your Vietnam Trip

The climax of your trip to Vietnam should be the Halong Bay. Those karstic formations that leave your lungs breathless and your pocket almost empty. What have you seen so many times on Facebook and thought WOW! Yes, they are wonderful, but do take note though, that the bay can be seen in many ways and not all are equally good.

When you pass through Hanoi you will see hundreds of tours and excursions to Halong Bay. The day trip flights from Hanoi to Halong and back start at €50. Fret not though, there many other cheaper alternatives. Instead of going to Halong City, which tends to be very crowded, you can opt to go Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong. Then from Cat Ba Island which appears less crowded, you take on the cruise around Halong Bay.

To get to Cat Ba you need a bus that will take you to Hai Phong and then take a boat to the island of Cat Ba. Most of the lodgings in Vietnam offer buses to a large number of destinations. There are even night buses from Sa Pa to Hai Phong. These are buses that instead of seats, they have bunk beds onboard! So you do not have to worry about getting to the island. Cat Ba is less visited but not a lost place, far from it.

The boat from Hai Phong to the island of Cat Ba takes about an hour. And when you finally reach the island, you will have to take another bus that takes you from that port in the middle of nowhere to the city of Cat Ba.

The Island of Cat Ba

The city of Cat Ba is small and it is easy to walk around the place without the need of any transport, in fact it is more of a town than a city. It has a more laid back pace, fewer tourists than those you would find in Hanoi or Sa Pa.

Things To See in Cat Ba

In the vicinity of the village there are three very quiet beaches that are a marvel; Cat Ba1, Cat Ba2 and Cat Ba3 and also are well connected to each other by foot.

But the island itself is wonderful. It seems incredible that in a place that is already quite touristy, you can see the quiet life of people in their gardens, in their fields or with animals. In the port, where fishermen prepare their fishes and dry them up with metal meshes. Cat Ba still retains much of its island life despite the visitors it receives.

One of the main attractions of the island is the National Park. It has several types of trekking you can explore to enjoy the jungle. This park is the habitat of the golden-headed Langur or lutungs; a monkey in danger of extinction, with not more than 70 of them around the world living in freedom. You might be lucky enough to spot one while trekking through the park. If you are that lucky, you’ll be smiling ear to ear, as if the island had welcomed me or as if the world had winked at you.

To be able to travel around the island the best and most cost-effective way, is to rent a motorbike for few days. With it you will have total freedom to move around the island without the need of taxis or any public transport. The roads of the island do not have much traffic, so they are ideal to enjoy the landscape without worrying about cars or other motorcycles. Something worth noting because driving in other parts of Vietnam can be a risky sport if you are not an experienced driver. With the bike you can make a pit stop at the temples or caves that are scattered all over the island.

Cruise Around Halong Bay

When it is famous for something, and that something is very simple – that it is impressive. The mountains that emerge in the middle of the sea. With the fishermen in their small and traditional boats fishing. Indescribable serenity of the place. The truth is that the landscape is spectacular, even on a cloudy day is a postcard view.

All lodgings organize excursions to visit Halong Bay and Cat Ba Bay and you can choose a day or two spend the night on the boat. The tour around the bay includes snorkelling and kayaking but beware of those that does not comply with what was promised. To choose which tour companies to go with is best to ask someone who has already gone with that company.

The Langur is a black monkey with a white and golden head and a long tail. The langur lives in caves and feeds mainly on leaves and flowers. To his dismay, he heads the ranking of monkeys in greatest danger of extinction due to the loss of their habitat. This particular monkey only inhabits the island of Cat Ba and some of the islands of Halong Bay. It is possible to see them with the kayaks but only if you go in silence and pay close attention. Good luck!

These visits usually include a stop on Monkey Island. It is a small island with a few monkeys (which are not langur though). The monkeys cluster around the bar that along the beach, where the boats arrive. Be careful because they go for your food with very little encouragement. The best part of the island is to make the way to the top viewing points, to capture a 360° panoramic view of the bay. Not recommended climbing it with flip flops as the last steps to the viewing point, requires you to climb rocks.

Another interesting thing you can see are the floating fishing villages. Entire villages, where they even have dogs, with meshes surrounding all the houses, where people put the fish to dry in the sun. These houseboats are all over Halong Bay.

The difference between the tour of a day or two is only time, you do not see more things, you only see them more slowly. Depends on whether you’d like to take your time to back in the view. Remember to haggle the prices when you hire the tour. There are also local fishermen who’d offer to take you on a cruise, but can’t guarantee on the reliability though.

Where to Stay in Cat Ba Island?

Although there are some hostels scattered around the island, most are concentrated in the town of Cat Ba in the same two streets. The accommodations in Cat Ba have one of the cheapest prices compared to rest in Vietnam, so it can be a good place if you want to spend more days and rest.

Things To Do in Vietnam in 13 Days

Embark on a once in a lifetime experience exploring all of Vietnam for 2 weeks. Following is guideline for a 2-week tour.

Day 1: Hanoi
Hanoi literally means ‘the city beyond the river’, is the political and administrative capital of Vietnam. Founded in 1010, the city is located at the tip of the Tonkin delta, in the heart of a rice-growing region. Its French colonial architecture, shady streets, lakes and gardens make it a city of unmatched charm.

Arrival in Hanoi, welcome and assistance at the airport by our representative. Transfer to town. Take an orientation tour of the Vietnamese capital by pedicabs and discover on foot around the Hoa Kiem lake. Discover the old neighbourhoods with many small streets evoking the old guilds of craftsmen, as the street of Silk, the street of Sugar and so forth. Then, attend a puppet show.
Have dinner in a local restaurant and try out the specialty ” Cha Ca ”.

Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh
After breakfast, depart for the visit of Ho Chi Minh House and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, a magnificent building of several buildings, built in 1070 during the reign of Ly Thanh Tông to celebrate the cult of Confucius and his 72 main disciples.

Lunch in a local restaurant. Departure to Ninh Binh Departure for the visit of the Bai Dinh pagoda, the largest pagoda of Vietnam. Built in 1136 during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225), the ancient temple is located on Dinh Mountain, which elevates to a height of187m.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Halong Bay is located in the north of Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin. The 1969 karstic islands have been inscribed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1994. One legend has it that a great dragon once left his mountain den to rush into the sea. On the way, he squirmed so much that he smashed the mountains. When the pieces of smashed mountains finally plunged into the sea, the water level flooded the land, leaving only the peaks of the mountains.

Depart by bike for the visit of the Thai Vi temple then, then head to the Thung Nang site that you will discover onboard a traditional boat. After lunch, departure for Halong.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hué
Hué is the former imperial capital of Vietnam (1802-1954). Having become the imperial residence and the seat of the court, Hué has earned a great prestige and a refinement, which is translated particularly in the architecture, the music and the gastronomy. The Forbidden City was partially destroyed in 1885 and again in 1947.

After breakfast, take a morning cruise to Halong Bay aboard a traditional sailing boat with a seafood lunch served on board. Halong Bay covers an area of more than 1,500 km², consisting of nearly 3,000 islands and islets. This is without a doubt one of the most majestic landscapes in Asia. The waters of the bay are full of fish, crabs and shrimps. Visit the caves. On the way back to Hanoi, make a pit stop to visit a ceramic factory in Dong Trieu.
After dinner in Hanoi, transfer to the station for the night train Hanoi – Hué.

Day 5: Hué
Arrival in Hue after breakfast in basket onboard the train.
Cruise around lagoon Chuon, with a traditional boat and discover the local lives on the water of the central Vietnam.
After lunch, spent the afternoon visiting the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the Lady Celestial Pagoda.

Day 6: Hué – Cloud Collar – Danang – Hoi An
Take a stroll through the shady streets to the bustling market of Dong Ba. Depart to Hoi An, passing the Cloud Pass along the coast, beautiful perspective of the peninsula of Lang Co. Stop and visit the Cham museum and the Marble Mountain. A well-known pilgrimage site, the Marble Mountain is composed of Buddhist temples and caves in the mountain. Arrival in Hoi An.

The next morning, embark on a culinary discovery; try the ‘Banh Vac’ or ‘White rose’, in which white rice paste stuffed with meat and shrimp. City of Hoi An is one of the four Vietnamese sites listed as World Heritage by Unesco. Visit the local market, the Japanese bridge, an old house and a Chinese congregation.

Day 7: Hoi An

Hoi An is nicknamed “Little Venice” because of its canals and small bridges of Japanese and Chinese influences. Hoi An, formerly called Faifo in French, was the official name used during the colonial period. Hoi An houses more than 800 buildings of historical interest.

Option: departure for a bike ride to the vegetable village of Tra Que (located 5km from Hoi An). Tra Que is renowned for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Then relax and enjoy a foot massage with medicinal herbs. Taste of the famous specialty of the village for lunch, the “Tam Huu”, assortment of shrimps, pork and herbs and six other dishes of regional specialties
Stroll around in the old town, enjoy the beach.

Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh
After a lunch at a local restaurant in Hoi An, continue to Danang in the afternoon, transfer to the train station and spend overnight in sleeper train. Dinner on board as a packed lunch.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh
Arriving in the morning, transfer to town for breakfast and discover the city. It was once the first city of the country and the economic heart of Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you will be very impressed with the traffic. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the central post built by Gustave Eiffel, a magnificent building in Art Deco style. Visit an artisan’s workshop of lacquer factory, which retains about 17,000 precious ancient objects. Then discover the hectic Saigon at your own pace. Dine at local restaurant with Southern specialties.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – Phan Theit or Muine
Depart to Phan Theit

Day 11 to 12: Phan Theit or Muine
Roam around Phan Theit or Muine.

Day 13: Phan Theit – Ho Chi Minh
Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam 2-Week Motorcycle Ride

How about a 2-week motorcycle ride through the charming countryside of Vietnam? Stop whenever or wherever you feel like to take in the gorgeous view.

Day 1

Hanoi – Ba Be

235 km – 4 hours riding
After leaving Hanoi early in the morning, ride through small winding roads through forests and valleys to reach your destination. It’s time to test your riding skills, while enjoying the nature around you. After crossing the small town of Thai Nguyen you can admire fascinating wild landscapes. Have lunch before taking the boat in the early afternoon to go to the village of Ban Cam, inhabited by the Tay ethnic group. The boat then takes you to Tay village of Dau Dang. Spend the night in the house of Ong Pirate, master of the jungle, near the waterfalls.

Day 2

Ba Be

Leave your bike behind at the village and discover the Ba Be National Park, protecting one of the last virgin forests of Vietnam. Start with a walk along the Nang River leading to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. Cross the river aboard a boat then start a trek through the mountains that leads you to the Ba Be Lake where another boat awaits you. During this trek you will come across many small native villages hidden in the forest. After crossing the lake, spend the night at Mr Manh’s, the famous cook of the jungle.

Day 3

Ba Be – Bao Lake

180 km – 4 hours riding
After a long and beautiful route, you will now ride through a new narrow road that replaced the old track. The many curves of the road will add to your riding skills. You will now discover an incredible diversity of landscapes as you climb the mountain. Then comes a deserted road. Pass through the territory of the Black Tay, Doa, H’Mong San Chi and end your ride in the territory of the Lo Lo ethnic group. Spend the night at the hotel nearby.

Day 4

Bao Lake – Meo Vac – Dong Van

120 km – 4 hours riding
Start the day by riding through one of the most beautiful roads in Vietnam along the Chinese border. Over the mountains and valleys, you cross spectacular landscapes and discover mystical ethnic groups that transport you to another era. Head to the hotel nearby to stay overnight.

Day 5

Dong Van – Ha Giang

150 km – 5 hours riding
You spend this new day along the Sino-Vietnamese border on the heights of the province. The winding mountain road off the beaten track is astonishing. You discover many different cultures of different ethnic minority groups in the region of Hà Giang; Tay, Hmong, Dao, Nung, Cao Lan, Hoa Lo Lo. They are distinguished one from another by their clothes. You go through small villages where everyone will be more than happy to welcome you. Take a break from your riding to visit old French buildings, H’Mong and its famous castle. Discovery of magnificent landscapes between China and Vietnam, will give you a sense of freedom and change of scenery.

Day 6

Ha Giang – Hoang Su Phi

90 km – 3 hours of riding
This new step is quite short. In the first part you ride downhill along a mountainous road along the river. Cong Three offers you a stunning panorama. In the afternoon you can take the zigzagging road leading to Hoang Su Phi, and take a stroll to discover the surroundings of the city. Arriving at your destination, you are welcomed for one night in a very comfortable guesthouse. For dinner enjoy a typical local dish, facing the river and the gardens.

Day 7

Hoang Su Phi – Xin Man – Bac Ha

100 km – 5 hours riding
On the seventh day, ride through small paths crossing several villages with different ethnic cultures. You alternate with tarmac roads on which you speed up for a thrilling adrenaline rush. In Xin Man the landscapes are spectacular; the mountains, rice fields and isolated houses. You can even see some waterfalls along the road.

Day 8

Bac Ha – Luc Yen

130 km – 4 hours riding
In the morning enjoy Bac Ha and its landscapes. After lunch, ride back on your motorbike along a beautiful road through the Tam Dao hills covered with flower trees and tea plantations.

Day 9

Luc Yen – Vu Linh

80 km – 3 hours riding
Take advantage of this morning to walk up to reach the village of Dao and meet the villagers welcome you with a warm hospitality. Then get on your bike to take a gorgeous winding road through limestone rocks and palm trees, along the lake to Vu Linh. A beautiful house on stilts will await you on arrival. There you can rent a boat for a cruise and discover over 3000 islets of this lake.

Day 10

LavieVulinh – Green Vietnam

80 km – 3 hours riding
After a good night’s sleep, head west to reach Tuyen Quang then towards Green Vietnam to the northeast of Vu Linh to discover an ecological project led by a family of very dynamic Vietnamese farmers. They welcome you to their house on stilts, in the heart of the enchanting orchard for the night.

Day 11

Green Vietnam – Hanoi

175 km – 5 hours of riding
Spend the morning with this family from Green Vietnam to discover the site and visit around the neighbourhood. In the early afternoon take a small Vietnamese road to Hanoi before joining Halong Bay.

Day 12

Haiphong – Cat Ba – Bai Tu Long Bay

Very early in the morning, your hired guide and your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Haiphong after 2 hours of driving. At the jetty, a boat awaits you to lead you to the island of Cat Ca. At 10am begins the cruise through a floating village. Have lunch in a quiet secluded place, where you can swim. You head back to Tu Long Bay where the boat moored in a small cove for dinner and spend the night aboard.

Day 13

Long Bay Bay – Lan Ha Bay

After a full breakfast, departure for a new cruise aboard a sailboat without engine, depending on the weather. Discover the islands of Cong Dong and Cong Tay that allow you to discover the significant activities of the bay and the many freighters waiting to load coal. You can take your bike and visit Viet Hai. Lunch and dinner are taken in Lan Ha Bay aboard the sailboat.

Day 14

Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba – Haiphong – Hanoi

After breakfast discover the charms of Lan Ha Bay. Visit a cove where a family of fishermen living in a small floating house share his love for art. Take the opportunity to kayak in the Ca tunnel and try fishing. After lunch the cruise ends and it’s time to go back to Haiphong, take the car to arrive in Hanoi.

To drive a motorcycle in Vietnam, remember that you will need an international license though.

Halong Bay by Land, located in Tam Coc.

This is a question that often comes up on travel blogs because yes there are 2 bays of Halong in Vietnam. These are 2 totally different places, in a boat along a river surrounded by rice fields and the latter is cruised through by boat in the sea. To answer the above question, both are equally interesting, but let’s take a closer look at the first one.

Advisable is to stay in the city of Ninh Binh, less than 10 kilometers from Tam Coc. In addition to having many accommodations to choose from, it also gives the advantage of being easily served by public transport (buses and trains). Then from Ninh Binh, you can rent a scooter to go to Tam Coc. But if you decide to stay directly in Tam Coc, then it will take the price of a taxi to get there from Ninh Binh and you will probably need to rent a scooter if you want to visit around Tam Coc because there are things to see in the area.

Price of a taxi Tam Coc – Nimh Binh: about 120,000 VND
To visit Halong Bay, you have to go to the pier of Tam Coc, in the center where you have to buy your ticket directly at the office present on site. Prices are regulated.
Prices: 435,000 VND/boat + 10,000 VND/scooter rental
Even if the weather is gray and crowded, especially with locals, that shouldn’t be a problem to appreciate the beauty of the place.

The landscapes become interesting during the season of rice flowering where the fields are of a bright yellow colour. The ride lasts a little less than 2 hours and with the charming view of rice fields, you won’t realize how fast the time passes by.

You can then opt for a scooter ride up the hills, get lost passing through the small paths in the middle of rice fields. Arriving at the hill, you should find a small temple perched in the hills – Mua Cave. To reach the summit though, you have to climb a little less than 500 steps. But the view on top is incomparable. We see the famous Halong Bay (of the sea) from the top.
In addition to that a dragon statue, emblem of Vietnam stands at the top of the cliff.

Temple Rates: 100,000 VND/pers and 3,000 VND/scooter for parking

Discovering Halong Bay Along the Coast

Discovering Halong Bay along the coast is equally worthy. The ships arrive usually early in the morning for a stopover of one or two days, being docked at the jetty. The decks of the ships overhang the typical rocks of the bay offering a breath-taking view.

The weather varies dramatically: tropical temperature, beautiful sun, mist or rainstorms with thunderstorms are elements that contribute to the lush vegetation of the place. But that also means the boats and ships stop differ from one day to another or from hour to hour.

The arrival of the ship to the jetty is grandiose; the first islands appear and when the weather is clear the spectacle is unforgettable. This stopover offers more than two hours of sailing in the heart of thousands of islets to reach the city of Bai Chay and the show is replayed once again when you leave the Bay for a cruise.

What to do in Halong Bay?

The ship anchors in somewhat surreal landscape and disembarks with the installation of a floating pontoon moored alongside the liner. Dozens of local boats come to dock there so that passengers can reach the coast. Some leave directly for excursions, while others offer free shuttle between the liner and the coast which takes about 10 minutes of navigation.

The pontoon where boats dock is in the middle of a large beach where many Vietnamese come to enjoy swimming. A hobby that seems in its infancy as they enjoy themselves regardless of the age. Equipped with large buoys and dressed in covered clothes not to tan, they throw themselves into the water without knowing much how to swim, while having fun of their life. The children especially, gleaming with laughter, discovering the joys of the beach for the first time. Beach photographers don’t hesitate to wet their pants to offer their customers the best snapshots of swimming.

Have a drink and observe local life

You can have a drink on a deckchair facing the beach of anchored ships and moored boats, while enjoying the sunset and the charm of the evening.

Shopping at the market

Along the beach, the tourist craft market offers buoys, colourful swimsuits and souvenirs for your shopping fancy. Also wooden souvenirs with silhouettes of Vietnamese in traditional dress, jewellery, T-shirt, bags, etc. Do not hesitate to haggle to get the best price.

To have a walk in town

The post office is located along the beach a hundred meters after the craft market. It is right in front of a roundabout. The building has the Post Office inscription at the top but it’s not obvious at first glance. Post Office located under the sign Vinaphone, then taking the street on the left to go to the city center. You can take small alleys that lead to the top of the city. Passing through hairdressers, restaurants (we can choose the fish to eat fresh out of an Aquarium), gyms, scooter repairers and much more. There is even a small local market in which you will get to merchants with the famous basket swing. Along the main promenade of the beach you can go to the foot of a suspension bridge.

Discovering Halong Bay

The navigation is done aboard a traditional Vietnamese boat. A boat ride of about 1 hour allows you to sail around the rocky islets and to pass near fishing villages. The inhabitants live on their boats and large nets are installed between the house-boats to store the fishing.

After docking at Bai Chay, you can opt for a Vietnamese-style lunch is served in a 4-star hotels or restaurants near the beach. The afternoon continues with a show at the Amusement Park. Medleys of traditional dances of local minorities are sure to entertain you after a fulfilling lunch. You can even participate in some of them. Don’t be shy. A traditional water puppet show is then presented in a hotel not far from there. In the shadows, puppeteers animate characters and animals on the surface of the water, with Vietnamese music playing in the background, by an orchestra present in the hall.

These shows are quite short – about twenty minutes and should show you a glimpse discovery of local art. After a short bus ride, visit Hongai Pagoda and the local market. Merchants are grouped by types; hardware corner, clothes, shoes, trinkets and jewels, fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and live animals. Saleswomen wear a mask to protect themselves from pollution and their traditional hat. A sight to behold.

Wonder around at the market, before returning by bus to Bai Chay where the night market allows some souvenir shopping.

Charming Cruise Along Halong Bay

The cruise is aboard a traditional Vietnamese motor boat. The boat crosses the bay to reach a cove where dozens of other boats are trying to make their way to unload their passengers.

Here, take a visit to the Celestial Palace cave via a very steep staircase of 600 steps, landscaped with vegetation and rocks. Don’t attempt this climb if you are not fit for it. The rock formations in the cave: stalactites, stalagmites are staged with a play of lights. Visitors wander in a vast and rather a surreal space where everyone enjoys recognizing known forms: faces, characters, animals and even some surprising erotic formations. Hard to imagine that the rocks of Halong Bay contain such funny surprises.

The boat ride takes about 3h30. The navigation continues in the middle of the rock formations where the activity of some villages along the waters is devoted to the breeding of fish. At the end of the tour, passengers are dropped off at the boat and can take a shuttle back to town to Bai Chay for some shopping at the market (again).

Halong Bay – 3-day Tour

Destination: Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Titov Island – Luon Cave – Tuan Chau – Hanoi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Tuan Chau Port – Halong Bay

After breakfast, transfer to the famous Halong Bay, eighth natural wonder of the world. Its landscape is characterized by the 1969 karstic islands, which has earned Halong Bay to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
Arrive at the pier around noon, board the luxury boat for a memorable cruise around the mythical Halong Bay, then a brief presentation on safety instructions.
Fresh seafood lunch, while cruising through the most beautiful landscapes such as: the islet of the Dog, the islet of the Rooster, the fishing village of Halong, the islet of Dinh Huong.
And then a pit stop to visit the natural cave Surprise – the most beautiful cave in the bay.
Back to Titov Island, you can trek over Mount Titov to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Halong Bay, swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay or rent a kayak to further experience Halong Bay at its grandeur.
Dinner with fresh seafood.
Night onboard the boat

Day 2: Discovering and Cruising around Halong Bay

Admire the sunrise over the bay …
Breakfast
Day transfer by boat and cruise through Halong Bay. You will visit the beach of Soi Sim and climb the hilltop to discover the enchanting beauty of this beach.
Free time for relaxing, swimming or kayaking, if the weather and tide should allow.
Return to the boat for seafood lunch. Continue to cruise around the bay.
Visit of the cave Claire-obscure. You will also have the opportunity to swim and kayak here.
Return to the boat. Boat anchored for the night.

Night onboard the boat.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi

After breakfast, discover Luon cave (tunnel cave) by a sampan through the islet of the head of the man, the islet of Turtle.
Boat arrive at Tuan Chau jetty. Lunch at a restaurant in Halong City.
Then transfer back to Hanoi from Tuan Chau port
Early in the evening, you can catch the Water Puppet Show, a 11th-century folk art of the Red River Delta people.
Night at the hotel.

Halong Bay – Heaven on Earth?

The face of the timeless Vietnam, Halong Bay is undoubtedly the highlight of the country. Never make the mistake of assuming that you know a country without having actually set foot in it. Explore for yourself. Conferred the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Halong Bay has also been labelled in 2011 as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This majestic landscape has set scenes for many legends, battles and shootings in movies, including the famous film ‘Indochina’, shot with Catherine Deneuve.

Halong Bay offers a bewildering picturesque landscape beyond your imagination. Canvased on a blue background, juts out countless islands of all shapes and sizes that makes you wonder, if there were heaven on earth, this would be it. A cruise around these sculptures of nature will have you lost (metaphorically of course) in a magical world between the sky and the sea, as the horizon seems borderless.

Many of the islands around the bay is linked with many symbolic figures: Hon Trong Mai (Rooster Island and Chicken Island), Hon Con Coc (Toad Island), Hon Rong (Dragon Island), Hon Ong Su (Island Bonze), etc.
Main resorts are found in the islands; Tuan Chau Island, Titop Island, Ngoc Vung Island.
Famous caves and grottos includes; Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, etc.

Legends of the Halong Bay

It has many legends, some of which are directly related to the origins of Vietnam.
Once upon a time the Vietnamese was attacked by invaders. Seeing this, the Mother Dragon and her children are sent by Emperor Jade to help the Vietnamese protect their country. The Mother Dragon defended the people by spitting jewels and pearls as defensive walls, that immediately turned into islands upon in contact with the sea. These defensive walls created barriers against the attack. Peace was restored, but Mother Dragon and her children have decided to stay on earth and turned into humans. Therefore, the place took the name of Ha Long, which literally means ‘descending dragon’.

Halong Bay has been the site of several naval battles and has often served as the vanguard of the Vietnam post. It is thanks to this labyrinth of islets that allowed the Vietnamese army to stop the advancement of Chinese neighbours, three times. In 1288, General Tran Hung Dao stopped the Mongolian by sinking their fleet.

Halong Bay – Getting There

From Hanoi, many bus companies offers to travel between the capital and Halong Bay. It takes about 2 hours 40 minutes on 150 kilometres. The best way to visit around the Halong Bay is without a doubt with a boat.

When Best Time to Visit Halong Bay?

She looks like a beautiful girl whose appearance depends on the weather, the time and the seasons of the year. So there are not good times to visit. Blue or gray sky, sun or fog, the bay is still a worth a visit, depending on your preferences

Recommended activities:

• Stay one night on board
• Visit the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng
• Discover the most famous caves in the bay

A Fortnight or a 5-Day Trip?

A fortnight tour will suit you perfectly if you are an adventurous soul. You will have the opportunity to explore all of Vietnam and meet ethnic minorities, experience their daily lives and live like them by staying with the locals. The adventure will whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of cities, instead be feasted with pure and fresh countryside.

An opportunity for you to discover the most famous and best places in the country. During this comprehensive trip you will journey through unveiling beauty of Vietnam; from busy Hanoi – the capital of the country, to the majestic wonders of Halong Bay, to the green mountains of Sapa, to the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An, to the impressive Mekong Delta and finally to the teeming city of Ho Chi Minh.

Otherwise, opt for a 5-day trip that takes you to the wondrous remote mountainous paradise to a more secluded corners of Bai Tu Long Bay. A chance for you to discover timeless charm of Northeast Vietnam from mountains to beaches, while enjoying the gracious hospitality of local woodmen and fishermen – people of so-called “Pearl of Indochina”.

Highlights of a 5-day trip:

• Discover Ba Be lake by swimming in fresh water, kayaking, fishing, boating … etc
• Immerse yourself in charms of Bai Tu Long Bay, known as one of seven wonders of the world
• Mingle with local minorities like Tay and Nung to learn about their authentic cultures

The Differences between the Bays

Halong Bay is the number one attraction in Vietnam. However, when browsing through internet on Halong Bay, you will come across on cruises of the Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays. Now, what are the differences of these three bays? And how to choose the best cruise?

1. The Location of the Bay

Halong Bay is indeed the core of a vast area of ​​karstic islands emerging from the sea, which includes the bays of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boundary also includes part of the Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays. Bai Tu Long Bay is located east of Halong Bay and further away from the mainland. Lan Ha Bay is located south of Halong Bay, close to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the region. Halong Bay cruises departs from Tuan Chau jetty in Halong City. Cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay on the other hand, departs from port of Hon Gai, in the city of Halong. Whereas, cruises to Lan Ha Bay departs at the Ben Beo pier on the island of Cat Ba, or at the Got ferry terminal, in the Hai Phong province. Before you book your transportation to Halong, be sure to specify the name of your cruise.

2. The Landscapes of the Bays

In general the landscape in these three bays are relatively similar. If you haven’t been before to this area, it is almost impossible to distinguish them. You can see karstic islands emerging from a turquoise sea everywhere. However, if you travel a lot in this region, you can will start noticing some differences in the bays:

The density of islands and islets is greater in the triangle between the island of ỗu Gỗ ( in Halong Bay), Cống Tây Island (in Bai Tu Long Bay) and Hồ Ba Hầm Lakes (in Lan Ha Bay). The bays of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha have more small beaches. Halong Bay has the most beautiful caves as compared to the caves of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bays, which are less impressive and less in number too.

There area lot of floating fishing villages in Lan Ha Bay. In Bai Tu Long Bay, one can visit the fishing village of Vung Vieng. Halong Bay previously identified seven fishing villages with more than 620 floating houses. But in the face of the threat posed by these villages to the environment and the risks associated with human safety during the typhoon season, in 2012 the province of Quang Ninh decided to gradually move the inhabitants towards the mainland.

The list of less touristic cruises can be found at different prices here. To avoid mass tourism, it is better to go for a cruise in the bays of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha. As the bay landscapes are relatively identical, you can choose a cruise based on the following criteria; your budget and your requirement: a small junk or a luxury boat, short or longer trip from Hanoi to the jetty, the quality of meals and services.

4. What to do in these Bays?

Immerse yourself in the picturesque and unique landscapes of the world. The sunset in the middle of the bays is truly a magical moment. That is why it is recommended to spend at least one night on a boat. Include kayak outings to discover islets, circuses, beaches. These are the best places for this type of activities. And bathing. Beaches of Halong Bay, especially on Titov Island are flocked with tourists. This is why the smaller beaches in Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long bays will be cleaner and more secluded. Visit caves or floating fishing villages. The Surprise Cave is the most beautiful cave in the region but it is tourist packed. It is included in almost all cruises in Halong Bay. In Bai Tu Long Bay, you can visit the Thien Canh Son Cave on Hon Co Island, which is smaller but still relatively beautiful. In the bay of Lan Ha, instead of visiting caves, the floating villages of the fishermen are numerous and magnificent, which is not to be missed. Also, each boat offers different activities such as: cooking classes, Tai Chi session, spa and beauty service, rowing boat trip.

Halong Bay Tours – Take Your Pick

Halong Bay tours can vary from one to several days. The majority of tourists to Halong Bay can make excursion bookings via one of the many, many travel agencies based in Hanoi. The travel agencies are mainly clustered around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, and offer services ranging from budget to absolutely luxurious cruises. Your pick.

It is difficult to say with absolute certainty which agencies are trustworthy and which are not. Be sure to read reviews on them and a tip here; that you can actually reduce middlemen commissions considerably by visiting Halong Bay independently, without taking up any of the excursions.

Budget Is Your Only Limit

To visit Halong Bay, you are spoilt for choices; you can opt for a cruise within few hours on the bay or a stay of several nights including night aboard in a cabin of a boat, outdoor activities in the vicinity of the bay (kayaking, visiting floating villages, caves, etc …), and a night on Cat Ba Island. Your choices are limited only by your budget.

Low-end

Ranges around $50/person, you can take a day trip to the bay, which will generally include the following itineraries:

• return trip by minibus or bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay
• a four-hour boat trip around Halong Bay
• the meal aboard the boat,
• stop at a floating fishing village and cave on an island in Halong Bay.

High end

One or more nights cruising, starting from $100/person. This usually includes:

• return trip by minibus or bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay
• a night onboard a luxury tourist boat, with meals included
• outdoor activities such as kayaking, cave tours, and the services of an English-speaking guide
• guests staying more than 1 night will be entitled to a night in Cat Ba Island Resort

Take Into Account the Seasons

As with everything else, you get what you pay for. The more expensive it is, the more comprehensive your tour of the bay will be. Prices also vary depending on the season: the high season for Halong Bay is between July and August (prices will be very high during this period). Bay tours are the least expensive during the low season from November to March.
If you have a small budget, best to go directly to a specialized travel agency.

Tips for Your Halong Bay Tour

Find out what your trip includes before you pay, not after. Do not assume that something is part of the package just because you paid for a more expensive price. An unplanned kayak activity on the boat can cost more than $50/person, and you would be disappointed not to do it.

Ask about the food and drinks on board. A beer or a can of Coke can go up to $2 on the boat. The meals served may not please you or be insufficient. Ask what your ticket includes to not have an unpleasant surprise.

Also ask if the bus will pick you up directly from your hotel and will drop you off on your return. This is possible, especially in the Hoan Kiem district.

Finally, do not forget that your tour is not refundable. If the weather is bad, your agency may very well cancel the visit of the bay without giving you back your money. You have been warned! Take note that it is also possible to book well in advance (even before your departure for Vietnam) for a luxury cruise of Halong Bay.

Lutungs – Threatened Species in The Red List

The lutungs, a genus of catarrhine primates of the Cercopithecidae family that inhabit the Vietnamese island of Cat Ba, are among the animals listed as threatened species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN’s Red List. Officials of the Cat Ba National Park, to the northern city of Hai Phong, make great efforts to protect these animals from human impact, as well as economic and tourism activities to the degradation of the ecosystem.

These animals are classified as among the scarcest species in Asia, with some sighted only in this part of the region. Statistics indicate that at the moment there are only 60 lutungs in the karst mountains along the coast of Cat Ba. The nocturnal lutungs apparently have tendencies to have a view towards the sea. Lutungs eat plants from the cliffs and sleep at night in their dens there, after finishing their daytime activities in the valleys.

Their mating season occurs once a year, with only one birth. The lutungs have the habit of resting quietly for 1.5 to 3 hours. For that reason, we must have patience and wait for them to return to their caves if we were to study the number and structure of the group.

These animals share genetic similarities with their white-headed counterparts in southern China, separated millions of years ago. In addition, those of Cat Ba have adapted to a new environment in the rugged karstic mountains and live isolated from the mainland, so they are very sensitive. They move to other places, more than a kilometre away, if they hear strange noises. The protection of lutungs then becomes difficult due to these factors and the lack of awareness of of their human

The National Park of Cat Ba, which stands out for its high biological diversity, was recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. As such, prioritizing the conservation of the environment should be in parallel with the development of local tourism. the Cat Ba National Park cooperates with different foreign organizations in order to stabilize the population of the lutungs. This is done through outreach campaigns to avoid hunting, in addition to creating areas of strict protection to promote their survival and improve their reproductive capability.

Thanks to these efforts, the lutungs have become a symbol of the World Biosphere Reserve on the islet. Since the city of Hai Phong started planning the protection zone for the Lutungs, works laid down has been effectively, reducing considerably the damage caused by humans and their socio-economic activities. The project for the protection of the lutungs began in 2000 with the funding from the Munster Zoo, Germany and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP).

To date, the programs “Guardian de lutungs” and “Club de guardabosques” have been carried out successfully in the island communities of Cat Ba. The conservation of these primates is a responsibility not only to these organizations and people, but should also be the responsibility of the whole world, in order to guarantee biodiversity and preserve the so-called “green pearl” of the region.

Full Day Trekking and Cave Visits

After a hearty breakfast, how about renting a motorbike to go to the National Park? There’s plenty you can do at the National Park, for example trekking for those who fancy good workout while breathing in the nature.

After crossing the city, take the highway along the mountains, enjoy the stunning view of the bay on the side, while winds brushing through your hair. And that should lead you right to the park entrance. At the entrance booth, the park staff will show four available routes to visit the peak of the park – Ngu Lang Peak, with varying prices. Depending on the time you have and what you want to see, pick a route that suits you best.

Find your way to the park through a paved and flat road, surrounded by green vegetation and charming local farms. Hundreds of butterflies fluttering in the air, some hovering from flower to flower, make you feel like Alice in Wonderland at times.

The routes should bring you to the beginning of the path that ascends towards the mountain; made out of stone steps that rise and fall between the dense vegetation. There is a map at the start of the ascending path that will guide you through. The almost one-hour climb is not that complicated, but those with zero stamina, this might take a toll on you. Remember to bring along enough drinking water to stay hydrated.

The steps become steep towards the peak and in the last few steps, you’d practically have to climb the natural steps of the sharp rocks that will bring you at last to the viewing point. The viewing point is a covered, cement platform that will give you a 360º view of the island. Rest assured, the climb is well worth it. Breath taking view awaits.

After a short rest at the viewing point, recharging your energy and you may choose to climb more to the highest peak along the last stretch of the road. Another promising panorama. The wind can be strong here though, be sure to pack a windbreaker just in case. Get a postcard view pictures from the top of the rocks.

After enough photo shooting session, the descend down should be a whole lot easier. On the bike ride back, you can make a pit stop to visit two notable caves; Quan Y Hospital Cave and Trung Tran Cave. Worth it.

Quan Y Hospital Cave

As the name suggests, this cave is interesting as it was used as a hospital and shelter during the Vietnam War. You have to climb a few steps to reach the entrance. The cave hospital is definitely intriguing, but it doesn’t take you more than 30 minutes to go through the cement rooms and corridors that make up the cave.

Trung Tran Cave

The Trung Tran is a natural cave accessed by a long staircase of cement of almost vertical. More steps to add to the day. In the cave, you will be guided by the lit path between stalactites and stalagmites, and fascinating formations of the rock.

An appetizing dinner to end the full day.

Excursion to Cat Ba Island

One of the recommended excursions during your stay in Hanoi is to take a trip down to the Cat Ba island – a minimum two-day trip. Set out early in the morning from the capital Hanoi, it takes about three hours on road to the jetty of Bay Chay. From the jetty, you can take a ferry that make periodic crossings to the Cat Ba National Park, located in the southeast of Halong Bay.

During the ferry ride, the guide will invite you to make several stops and admire the many islands that surrounds the bay. You may find it interesting to stop at the island of the bats or any other islands that is worthwhile to visit. Every corner promises a sight like you’ve never seen before.

Lunch is included in the ferry ride, an array of freshly caught seafood in the bay itself to tickle your taste buds. Accompanied by gracious services of a crew that is ever ready to please, accompanied by fine Vietnamese wine, as well as soft drinks and beers.

Upon arrival at Cat Ba Island by early afternoon, the trip of the island actually takes off by hopping on an auxiliary boat that brings you to a repair port located at the opposite end of Cat Ba Island. The boat will be anchored, waiting the return of its excited tourists until the next day.

From the auxiliary boat, you get on a small transport bus that now brings you to visit the National Park, which houses the largest area of ​​virgin tropical forests of Vietnam. You can start your visit to the observatory of the Park, where they will share the research work that is being carried out on this unique forest of the country. Why unique? Because in this protected park, you may find hundreds of species of plants, mammals, birds; many of them are unique specimens and isolated to the park.

Then, we head on to the capital of Cat Ba to check in to the small, yet cosy and clean hotels to finally freshen up from the long morning journey. In most cases, you can admire the glorious sunset view from the comfort of your own room, while witnessing how life goes on about in this flourishing city. A city that has managed to maintain most of its past still, despite the fast pace that tourism is taking over.

In the morning after breakfast, you will be transported to the pier located at the opposite end of the island, about 50 km away, where the sail reed will be waiting for you to make the crossing back to the mainland. The journey back will take an alternative route to allow us fully revel the majestic bay, in a slow and an unhurried journey before reuniting with the coast of Halong Bay once again.

Find Infinite Number of Hotels in Cat Ba Island to Fit Your Need

Cat Ba Island is one of the main tourist points of Haiphong and what better place to stay than as close as possible to happenings and be right in the centre of the action. Whether it’s an event, museum, theatre or monument that picks your interest, you’ll be able to find an infinite number of options that fit your needs and budget. Do your homework and pick hotels that offers the best deals.
The hotels in Cat Ba Island offer a long list of services and amenities to compliment your stay; such as free Wi-Fi, telephone, television or refrigerator. Some have balconies or terraces, which allows you to admire the attractions of Haiphong from the comfort of your own room.

What to Look Out For Hotels in Cat Ba Island

If you plan to stay in Haiphong and rely mostly on public transports, it is best to book a hotel near the bus station, metro or taxi. Otherwise, if have the option to you rent a car to move around the city, then best to look for a hotel with parking for guests. Some establishments offer it at no cost, although some nearby hotels and landmarks in Haiphong charge carparks at an additional fee.

Do remember that Cat Ba Island can become a popular tourist destination, especially during peak season, and many would choose to stay nearby. Book in advance, to guarantee your stay in Cat Ba Island and avoid any setbacks.

3 Day Tour – Perfect to Scale Up Halong Bay

After a 5-hour ride on a crowded bus, one should arrive in Halong city. Halong city is perhaps one of the busiest places in Vietnam, since the absolutely breath-taking view of the surrounding bay starts here. There are plenty of offers on tour and cruises around the bay to choose from. Some includes accommodation. Be sure to check the temperature during your visit, as at lower temperatures fog sets in, limiting visibility to truly enjoy the spectacular view. Although the upside is that, at lower visibility period, tour and cruise prices dive in to as much as 3 times less and half of the tourists disappear, allowing you to breath in the nature in a calmer setting.

Ha Long Bay is a water extension of about 1,500 km2 located in the Quang Ninh province, in the Gulf of Tonkin, near the Chinese border. It extends to more than 100 km along the coastline. The most prominent feature of the bay is the presence of thousands of islands, on top of karstic elements of various sizes and shapes. Halong Bay has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is also included as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Although you could walk along the coast to get a glimpse of the bay, it is highly recommended to take on one of the boat tour or cruises to scale up the bay. Ideally, a 3-day tour would be sufficient, with the first day to include visiting couple of caves, kayaking in the middle of islets and then sleep on the boat in the middle of the bay. You would love paddling through those immense rocks that juts out of the water.

Then on the second day, include a trip to the island of Cat Ba – Cat Ba means ‘island of women’. It is the largest of the 366 islands that make up the Cat Ba archipelago, which comprises the southeast edge of Ha Long Bay. Start the day trekking for of a couple of hours through the natural park and explore the local floras and faunas. Later in the afternoon take a stroll around the town, visit a lake and a couple of beaches with its shimmering turquoise blue waters. With the sun out, it would be an unforgettable dip in one of these tropical paradises.

The third day cruise slowly with the boat back to the city. The cruise takes about 3 hours and gives you another chance to admire that spectacle of nature. The tour usually includes absolutely everything, from meal to lodging on board.

Halong Bay without a doubt is a MUST itinerary to include in your Vietnam trip. A unique panorama that will leave you completely flabbergasted.

Cat Ba Island – Port City of Hai Phong

The island of Cat Ba situated in the district of Cat Hai, is a port city of Hai Phong, up north of Vietnam. The island boasts of receiving over one million visitors last year alone, of which 30% of them were foreign visitors. They come to discover the island’s breath-taking nature and experience the lives of locals.

Community Tourism in a Tropical Paradise

The best way to get to the island is by speedboat. After an hour boat ride from the city of Hai Phong, visitors will find themselves at Dao Ngoc-Cat Ba. With its spread-out islets and beautiful beaches, Cat Ba undoubtedly is a topical paradise for those who like to laze around sunbathing on fine white sandy beaches, or take a dip in the warm green-turquoise sea.

In addition to that, visitors can now discover the interesting daily lives of the locals, thanks to the community tourism model that was recently promoted in Cat Ba. In several communes such as Viet Hai, Xuan Dam, Hien Hao or Gia Luan, this model is kicking off splendidly. Bui Trung Nghia, chairman of the People’s Committee of the Cat Hai district, said: “The community tourism model was started in Cat Ba few years ago, and has been growing well ever since”.

The Alliance of Community Tourism proposes extreme sports to tourists; for climbing enthusiasts for example Cat Ba offers excellent cliffs. The tourist site of Suoi Goi on the other hand, in the commune of Xuan Dam offers an ideal place for resting. In the future, Suoi Goi is expected to become a major eco-tourism centre in the region.

Houses on Stilts Amongst Greeneries – Absolute Tranquillity

Located in the heart of the Cat Ba nature reserve, the tourist area of ​​Suoi Goi stretches over 7 hectares with a dozen houses on stilts. The primitive forest’s greenery that envelopes these stilt residences, decorated with colorful flowers, tourists would immediately feel absolute tranquility. Nguyen Manh Hung, owner of this resort explained that when he built the residences, he tried to add a romantic touch to the space by planting more trees and flowers, while preserving the natural ecosystem as much as possible, “Currently, most of the tourist spots of Cat Ba seek to exploit the maritime and island resources. However, our priority is to develop ecotourism and community tourism with available local resources. We only benefit from the products linked to nature and environment, that our slogan is – Preserve to develop and develop to preserve.”

And Experience Field Work with Locals

Get down and dirty with the locals collecting fruits of performing reforestation. These are some of the community activities proposed by the locals that can be enjoyed together, which seems to attract more and more tourists. In the peasant’s skin, tourists learn to work the land and plant trees. Although physical work tires them, but it is somehow a rewarding-perhaps once in a lifetime experience that excites them.

Or Cycle through the Island

Another way you could enjoy the island is by cycling. Riding a bike through the corners of the island allows you to enjoy the fresh and pure air, while basking in the charming countryside of Cat Ba. On rustic roads, away from the annoying honking of motorcycles and cars, tourists will find themselves pleasantly lost between the singing of diverse birds and a picturesque landscape. You can ride a bike through the Cat Ba National Park with its lush forests or you can visit the local houses to better understand their lives. You’d be most welcome into their homes, fret not.

Although community tourism is relatively new in this town, the model is already demonstrating positive effects to the development of the local tourism sector.

Getting to Cat Ba Island

The journey from Hanoi to the island of Cat Ba is quite simple. Once you find out which is the correct bus station, you only need to buy a ticket that connects the bus from Hanoi to Hayphong, then take the ‘ferry’ of the 70s from the Haiphong pier that connects to the island of Cat Ba and finally, take the minibus that takes you from the Cat Ba pier to the centre of the town. The journey takes about 4 hours and a half in total.

The first thing that would strike you upon arriving is the island’s spectacular natural beauty, but however unfortunately the natural beauty is being slowly masked away by the hustle and bustle of a booming touristic spot, crowded now with mostly local Vietnamese tourists. As a result, this has completely disfigured Cat Ba Bay of what used to be a small charming fishing village. At night, the town looks like a decorated Christmas tree, with coloured lights that flickers.

Despite all that, the island is totally worth it, boasts a natural park of great fame and allows you to visit the calmer part of the island, away from tourists; the Bay of Lan Ha and Halong and at an affordable price at that.

It is a whole afternoon affair to tour the bay, hopping through three beaches, crowded with Vietnamese tourists and the affair concludes with a nice stroll along a path that borders the cliff.

In the negotiation of the tours and cruises to visit the bays, usually accommodation is included. Be sure to get a great deal out of it.

The Hidden Military Hospital – Quan Y Cave

With 3 floors and 17 rooms built of reinforced concrete, Quan Y Cave in the Island of Cat Ba is the military hospital during the war, when the Americans tried to destroy North Vietnam. This is a site that should not be missed during your Cat Ba – Vietnam trip.

The Quan Y Cave is located about 13 km from the Cat Ba center, and is part of the Khe Sau mountain. Formerly it was called Son Hung, after a general of the Tran dynasty. During the war against the Americans, the cave was in fact the hospital for wounded fighters, so the locals called it the Quan Y Cave.

At about 100 m altitude, the Quan Y Cave in the Island of Cat Ba is stands strong on a solid concrete base. The length between the two ends of the cave reaches a 200 m length, with one door to the west and the other to the east. The road to the cave includes well-fortified steps. In addition to the steps, a wooden ladder is also built for accessibility, that can be easily removed in case of enemy attacks.

Inside the underground cave, there are 3 floors and 17 rooms. On top of the functional rooms (operating room, medicine room, sick room etc), there is also a swimming pool, a cinema room and exercise rooms.

The first floor of the cave is the main area, with 14 functional rooms and a kitchen. To avoid being detected by the enemy, the chimney system is built deep underground. The second floor is dedicated to movie theaters and exercise rooms. The exercise rooms used to perform physical exams with different positions (roll, row, drag etc). The third floor includes the reception room, the guard room and the officers’ room. If the first floor is well constructed with concrete, iron and steel; the other two floors are empty spaces covered by natural rocks.

Although it was built during the war and is underground, the Quan Y Cave in Cat Ba possesses very modern structure. The ventilation system from the heart of the cave to the top of the mountain is created in a way to receive sufficient light and air. During summer, the hotter it is outside, the colder it gets inside and during winter however; the colder it gets outside, the colder the cave becomes.

The Quan Y cave in Cat Ba still boasts two elements: secret and security. Regardless of any enemy’s attack, the people in the cave are harboured and protected from the attacks.

Despite the historical incidents and the climate that it has weathered, the structure of the cave remains well preserved to this day. The underground cave of Quan Y today, is not only the pride of Vietnamese military medicine, but also an intriguing spot to explore.

Cat Ba being a touristic island, so the cave it is not a favorite destination that Vietnam Original Travel offers to its customers, unless by special requests from customers.

The island of Cat Ba – a contradiction in the heart of Halong Bay; between dense constructions and protected endemic species.

Tips

Take advantage of the calmness during the week, avoid weekends, especially at the south of the island as much as possible. To move around the island, while being autonomous, it is easier to rent a scooter. Also, watch out as there are hardly any taxis around the island.

In and around Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is a beautiful island to discover the cliffs of Halong Bay, a must visit during your trip to Vietnam.

Best to book a hotel prior your trip to avoid ending up in the midst of chaos of Cat Ba City, lodging oneself above a noisy bar for example. Also stay away from the Vietnamese holidays as the surroundings of the pier can become a gigantic fairground.

However, at the summit of the Cat Ba National Park, the 360 ° panorama of the 14,000 protected hectares is impressive and is worth spending at least a day there. The route getting there is quite easy. Climb a steep staircase in the middle of the jungle while being accompanied by the buzzing sounds of local insects, will get you there to enjoy the spectacular view.

The cave of Hang Quân and, for most of its part, served as a military hospital for the Vietkongs during the war against the United States. A sight to behold seeing the guide taking you right into the cave visit with his unloaded machine gun. The long dark corridors and the empty rooms lit by dust-covered ceiling lamps tells a moving story.

For the bravest, the culinary specialty of the island of Cat Ba is the horseshoe crab: a prehistoric crustacean that reminds us of the movie ‘Alien’. Apparently for the Vietnamese, it is a very romantic animal and, therefore, usually eaten by couples. It is advised though, to enjoy the meal with several others around the table to feast upon all the dishes served.