Travel Ha Long Bay Viet Nam

General Introduction about HaLong bay

One of the great natural wonders of Asia, Halong Bay is the single most popular side trip from Hanoi. The beauty of the bay and its 3000 islands is so awesome that an excursion there should be considered an essential part of any visit to Northern Vietnam. A one or two day trip also makes a delightful and inexpensive romantic getaway if you meet someone special.

It is 165kms from Hanoi, after 3.5 hours en-route, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular and memorable sightseeing of your trip. The boat trip take you as far from shore as possible, and simply meander among the islands, fjords and inlets.
There is plenty to explore in the 4000 square kilometer body of water, and it is easy to find peaceful places to swim, fish, or just relax without seeing another soul, yet surrounded by majestic scenery.

Despite what geologists may claim, the bay was actually created when an immense dragon plunged to Earth here before recorded history. Its mighty tail carved the great stone seabed violently before the creature flew away to the place where legends are born.


This fable does not seem so far fetched as you sail among thousands of limestone outcroppings, which look like so many blades thrust deep into the mist from below the sea. Many are barren, weathered and rocky. Others are cloaked in vegetation so dense that it is impossible to see the stone beneath. At dusk, they all take on mysterious shades of gray, mauve and olive.

The water is warm, clean and clear, so swimming is always a pleasure here. Be prepared with swimwear and a towel. On most boats it is necessary for you to bring your own beverages, even though the crew may cook your lunch aboard.

Travel agencies in Hanoi offer an overnight trip, including all transportation, two days of sailing on the bay, accommodations in a modest hotel and good meals. If you have an extra day, you can add a night the wildlife sanctuary on nearby Cat Ba Island.

Source : Expoza travel 

Cat Ba Island Viet Nam

Cat Ba Island Viet Nam

Nestled on the periphery of Vietnam's fabulous Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is big -- more than 350 square kilometres -- but most tourists see but a sliver of it. Put ashore as part of a three-day tour of Ha Long Bay, time is spent on organised treks or bike rides in the national park and tours of Monkey Island, or eating at one of the many seafood places around the harbour.
But independent travellers shouldn't rule out a stay. Three beaches are located near the harbour town -- hardly world class, but they'll do for a quick swim and some baking on the sand. The national park is a good place for a close-to-nature trek among the mangroves and freshwater lakes and it's a good launching point for tours of Ha Long Bay and kayaking trips.

You can also explore Hospital Cave on the main island, which played its part in the war with America, enjoy the views from Cannon Fort or just cruise the island on a motorbike. A 100 kilometre circuit runs along the bay and into the interior, through incredibly beautiful countryside, and small villages where life in Cat Ba has gone on, largely untainted by the decades-long boom in tourism.

If you have the time, allow at least a couple of days to explore -- longer if you plan to use it as a base to take boat trips out into Ha Long Bay, relax on the beaches or engage in activities such as rock climbing. And, of course, you'll want to leave enough time to enjoy the fresh seafood, relax with a beer overlooking the bay or stroll along the promenade, which provides a pleasant view, dotted with fishing boats and floating restaurants. Make sure you catch at least one of the smouldering sunsets.

Accommodation on Cat Ba isn't particularly inspiring but there are some good options in all price ranges. If you want some luxury you'll need to go to the beach. With so many hotels it's unlikely you'll have problems finding a room – we went on a weekend in August and only a few places were full.

Orientation

Cat Ba Island is shaped like an upside down and poorly drawn triangle, with the national park filling most of its land area. Gia Luan Pier, where boats from Ha Long City and Tuan Chau dock, is on the northern coastline. From here a road runs through the centre to the southern point where the main town is located. The town doesn't have a name as such, but it's where most of the islanders live and where most of the accommodation, tourism services and dining options are located.

Most of the action is along the main thoroughfare (1-4 Street), which runs along the edge of the harbour, and along two roads that head inland, perpendicular to it. Both of these roads are named Nui Ngoc (it's actually one road that loops inland and returns to the harbour). It's not easy to get lost.

ATMs are in scarce supply but in the town you'll find one in a kiosk near the entrance to the pier and another in the entrance of the Holiday View Hotel. We weren't able to get cash out of the one near the pier, so best to travel with enough cash to see you through, just in case. Internet is available at hotels and restaurants.

Attractions near the town include Cannon Fort and the beaches, all of which are accessible by foot. The pier from where the day trips and boats to Monkey Island depart is just over one kilometre from the town. To reach the national park or Hospital Cave you will need to take a motorbike, taxi or motorbike taxi back up the central road -- if you're not going on an organised tour.

There's not much of interest in the north of the island, and no road access to most of it anyway, but other than the main road running north to south a smaller road runs west from just north of the national park entrance and takes a circuitous and beautiful meander along the coast back to the town (south) or north to the pier from where boats depart to Ha Long City.

Video travel Cat Ba Island 

Source : youtube.com