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Ha Long City

Asia

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Vietnam

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Ha Long City

Atop the calm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin in northeastern Vietnam sit an array of more or less 1600 limestone monolithic islands that could only be interpreted as a match of Go game gone wild. Such a strange, almost magical place is called Ha Long Bay, or the Bay of the Descending Dragon.

From humble islets that harbor picturesque grottos to larger ones that host full-on walkways, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will bring visitors to the highs, where hiking trails are aplenty down to the lows, where beaches are in abundance, and where cruises slash the emerald-laden sea, breezing by cliffs and pillars to reach the seeming infinity, a world that is swimmingly out of ours.

There is indeed a reason why Ha Long Bay is the ultimate travel destination. Because just like a game of chess where the thrill of self-discovery lies in every move, a trip to visit mother nature at her finest might be the answer to your inner soul-searching calling. And who could deny an opportunity to go on such a journey?

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Travel Tips for Ha Long City

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Ha Long City

A guide to Ha Long City's local transportation

Taxi

Boat

Bicycle

Motorcycle rental

Taxis are the best alternative means of transportation for tourists who are reluctant to drive a rental car or motorbike. The advantage of taxis there is that they are easy to find, from airports, ports, hotels, and other crowded centers. The taxi fare in Ha Long Bay is around VND 5,000 for the first kilometer and will continue to increase with each subsequent kilometer. Some taxi operators will also apply different waiting time rates.

Practical Tips for Ha Long City

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What can I do in Ha Long Bay?

There are many things that you can do in Ha Long Bay. First of all, you can cruise the bay using a boat or visit the nearby islands. Other than enjoying the views from the boat, you can also try diving or snorkeling to see the underwater beauty of the bay. For more adventurous activities, you can visit some of the caves there, such as Hang Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Virgin Cave. You can opt for a nice walk in nature by visiting the Cat Ba National Park or Monkey Island.

Are there any cultural habits I should adopt?

Similar to other parts of Asia, Vietnamese people also practice polite gestures in their day-to-day lives. One of them is by not pointing using the index finger, but instead, using the little finger. In addition, when you want to hand over or receive an item, you should use both hands as a form of politeness.

How to stay safe and comfortable during my trip?

For a safe and comfortable trip in Ha Long Bay, you are advised not to bring too many items, especially if you are planning to visit the caves or do other physical activities. Wear comfortable, modest, and proper outfits that suit the tropical weather here.

Is it necessary to tip?

In general, tipping is not a common practice in Vietnam. However, you can still give tips when you eat at a restaurant, stay at a hotel, or take a taxi. The hotel staff and driver will really appreciate it if you give a tip for their services. If you decide to hire a tour guide, you are advised to give them a tip of 10-15% of the price of the tour. Meanwhile, upscale restaurants will usually add a service charge to your bill.

Should I keep small cash with me?

You are advised to always bring small cash for transactions with local vendors. Please note that not all stores provide devices for the card/electronic payment, so cash is still the safest option to make purchases here.