Halong Bay Junk Boats in Northern Vietnam
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s top travel destinations. And for good reason.
The best way to experience Halong Bay is to take a multi-day cruise aboard a “Junk” ship. But be forewarned, you won’t be alone! Halong Bay is a popular destination, as the photo above illustrates.
Our 3-day tour aboard the vintage wooden vessel passed through hundreds of lush limestone fiords before docking in this cove, where we explored caves and hiked to this lookout point. It’s a beautiful place, worthy of its “Natural Wonder of the World” status.
Travel Tip: There are hundreds of tour operators to choose from, many of which are based out of Hanoi. Most travelers reach Halong via Hanoi and are tempted to book a tour directly in the city. Keep in mind, it’s Southeast Asia and the mighty tourist dollar is king. Though you may be getting what appears to be a good deal, you get what you pay for!
We elected to head straight to Halong City the day before our intended departure date. This gave us the opportunity to actually see the boats – there’s a BIG difference between what the photos look like and what you actually get. We were actually able to board the Junk ships and check out the beds that we’d be sleeping in. Because it was the day before and tour operators are eager to fill their trip quota, we were able to negotiate a much better price.
Lesson Learned: check the weather report before you go! Our trip was actually cut short because a fierce typhoon hit the region. All tourists were evacuated at 5:00 AM and shipped back to Hanoi, 3 hours away from Mother Nature’s wrath.
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Cameron and Nicole Wears are Canadian married couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 50 countries on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
Stunning photo! I guess that HaLong Bay is one of the places most featured in travel blogs and publications: it strikes so much imagination!
Simon recently posted..Delightful Break With a Local Flavor in St Albans
It has amazing scenery, the limestone fiords are very beautiful
Traveling Canucks recently posted..FREE Giveaway Package to the Thompson Okanagan- British Columbia!
This brings back memories. I was there just a few years ago.
Steve recently posted..8 Countries You Can Travel to That Aren’t Really Countries
It’s a cool place, very unique and different. Felt more like China than SE Asia
Traveling Canucks recently posted..FREE Giveaway Package to the Thompson Okanagan- British Columbia!
I need to go back here at some point ot on a booze cruise. I had looooads of fun but I need to take it in more!
I guess that’s just another reason to go back!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Drinking Beer Around the World – Part Five
Hey the next time you should plan to go to Miri. Miri has very beautiful beaches, Esplanade Beach is the local’s favorite and fronts located at Luak Bay. Ther is also many cheap
hotel in miri. So the next time you travel make Miri your destination.
Thanks, we’ll keep that in mind the next time we visit
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Drinking Beer Around the World – Part Five
WOW – this is a stunning photo, we are thinking of visiting Vietnam early next year – based on this pic, I think we will be going!
Nathan – As We Travel recently posted..HotelCalculatorcom – The Review
It’s a pretty sweet spot. We recommend the 3-day option, that way you can take it slow
Traveling Canucks recently posted..FollowFriday Five – Travel Blog Community Nov 26
I have to admit, I really love those photos you have shared about the place called Vietnam, is it really true that public market can be found in their boat?
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