A trip to Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a must go place because of its stunning natural landscapes. When it comes to travel, we normally think of a great deal of budget, especially Ha Long Bay. However, following this travel tip, your Ha Long trip will be full of memorable moments at a fairest cost ever. The destinations that you will visit are: Bai Tho mountains, shopping in Hon Gai market, wandering in Ha long night market, sightseeing from Bai Chay brigde, and having fun in Tuan Chau resorts.
Ha Long Bay travel tip
Ha Long is 177 kilometer away from Ha Noi Capital, you can catch a bus to Ha Long at Luong Yen, My Dinh bus station. Also, there is daily private bus service which takes around 4 hours to reach Ha Long. You should choose well-known service providers in the North.
If you are just into traveling in Ha Long solely, it can take up to 2 days. Day 1, go to Ha Long by bus, you should start your trip early at 7h in the morning. Around 11h30, you will probably reach the turning point to Tuan Chau resort, off the bus and catch ‘xe om’ to enter Tuan Chau resort. You can have lunch at some coastal restaurants at an affordable cost. After lunch, you can buy boat tickets to travel Bay. You will have to buy separate ticket for boat riding and sightseeing. Price varies from 100,000 to 150,000VND/person. If you travel with family or in group, private boat rent is highly recommended (aroud 1,500,000 to 1,700,000VND/trip from 4hours to 6 hours). The price during travel season might be higher from May to August.

Tourist attractions in Ha Long
Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go: you will take a ship to Dau Go Island, continue walking to mountainous stairs, discovering internal caves (both caves are recommended). Inside, a large number of animal-shaped rocks and delight stalactites are worth checking out. At night, you can travel around to buy small and cute souvenirs, but remember to barter before your purchase. You can also walk to downtown area and try on horse carriages. If you walk on Bai Chay Bridge at night, you shouldn’t stay out too late for your own safety. Hon Gai is close to Ha Long city, in here you can totally enjoy the local cuisine and learn more about Ha Long locals. The famous tourist attraction here is Long Tien pagoda. Cuttlefish-pasted rolls is also recommended. The food price is as well cheaper than resorts. You can travel back and forth between the two areas by bus for economical purpose.

Hotels and motels in Ha Long
Ha Long has two main regions: Hon Gai and Bai Chay, connected with one another by Bai Chay bridge. The main resort is Bai Chay having long beach and harbor tourist attractions. Hon Gai is the main administrative center. You should stay in Bai Chay for convenience and food service. Motels and hotels mainly gather in Vuon Dao town. Prices vary from 250,000 to 350,000VND per night (higher rate during summer). There are also several restaurants in this area, you are able to pick yourself small ones at fair cost around Buu Dien turning point. Do not forget the famous food Cuttlefish paste!
