21 JAN 2018 HaLong Bay

Normally, every tourist will join the Halong Bay local tour for going Halong Bay because the transportation is inconvenient from Hanoi to Halong. Also, you can stay on the boat if you join the tour.

Tour has 3 types: One day, 2days one night, 3days 2nights. I joined 2days one night which costs USD 65.

Transportation: if you booked from your hotel or hostel, there will be a motocycle to pick you up in the morning. Don't worry. If you booked from the agencies in Hanoi, you should go to the place where agency said. More you pay, more services. That's Vietnam.

 

6am Hanoi

 Not bad free breakfast from Hostel

 

The small bus (van) for going Halong, it's not a good experience but just 4hours. Be patient, budget traveler

  

 Morning of Hanoi, motocycle everywhere

This is the ferry of port. In the 3rd hour of the trip, you need to get off the bus first and then get into the ferry to opposite shore.

 

Car and people get into the same big ferry. 

Ferry view

 

Finally on the port of Halong bay. Fisherman are living here too. Old living style.

 

This is the ship I stayed for tonight, let's go to Halong Bay.

 

The view is wonderful if it is sunny day. However, I was not that lucky...But the view is good as well.

Important tips: Bring a jacket/hoodie. It's cold in JAN. I thought only few people would jump over the boat (it will be organized by the tour group for 3days 2nights tour) because it can let you get cold for sure.