Halong highlights
1. Travelling on Halong Bay
The most interesting part of a Ha Long tour is the boat cruise around
the bay to admire hundreds of stone islets that seem to move and change
as the boat passes, first seen from a distance, then hidden below the
waves. The boat moors on some islands to allow tourists to visit caves
and grottoes, and at sandy beaches for a rest, sunbathing and swimming.
Without advance knowledge, tourists may miss many beautiful stone islets, as there is so much to explore. Reading the introduction to the islands and the routes on the bay is good preparation, especially if you take a map of Ha Long Bay to know where the boat is and which islands it is going to pass. You can also ask the captain to take the best route for the most picturesque scenery, and what to expect. You can also ask to reduce speed and cruise closer to the bases of spectacular and scenery.
It is an interesting experience to climb. Visiting the caves and grottoes is an interesting experience. Most are above sea level, but there are good stone and wooden steps leading to the entrances. The only difficulty is perhaps the narrow wooden gangway used for getting on and off the boat, as it is sometimes very steep when the tide is high. Sensible shoes are essential!
It is advisable to remember the boat’s name and number so that you can recognize it among the many boats anchoring at the pick-up point, particularly at busy times, as they are very similar to one another. Also, the landing and pick-up points are often in different places.
The paths in large caves are quite even and are illuminated. Tourists should, however, follow the guide and go in groups. You will be shown the many extraordinary figures among thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating rock formations.
Tourists should return to boat schedule to be on time for visits to other places and to avoid keeping others waiting. There is plenty to explore and admire
2. Bai Chay Tourist Wharf
Traveling from Hanoi, shortly before reaching Bai Chay, tourists will see the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf on the right. It is very large and fenced, with a parking area for hundreds of cars.
All Halong tourist boats anchor, load and unload here, except for a few large ships and speedboats.
Tourists should only buy tickets, hire boats and get on the boat inside the wharf. There are ticket offices (Tel: (84-33) 846 592 or 0934 455 899), with a table of prices. Hiring or embarking on boats moored outside the wharf is likely to lead to trouble, as they are often unlicensed.
In Hon Gai, there is another wharf for tourists to take trips to the bay from the eastern part of Ha Long City. Tourists can hire a boat at the ticket offices there.
3. Halong Bay Kayaking
This is a romantic, adventurous kind of tourism. A large boat carries tourists and small inflatable kayaks to a deserted area of sea around the bay. The boat anchors and the kayaks are inflated. Tourists are shown how to use lifejackets, paddles, the first aid kit, and how to call for help. Kayakers paddle in groups to little known areas and into caves, spending the night camping at the foot of an island. Boats providing food, tour guides and lifeguards are at hand.
Kayaking was introduced in Hạ Long in 1998, and is now a popular activity. A 2-day tour is priced at US$105, 5 days at US$290, and 7 days at US$390.
You can book these tours at Halong Cruise Holidays, Halong Kayaking Tours and Halong Boat Cruise
4. Ticket for trips to the bay
All tourists are required to buy tickets to visit the bay. A ticket costs VND40,000 per route for a Vietnamese citizen, or VND70,000 per route for a foreigner.
Ticket class 1: is valid for visiting Thien Cung Grotto and other caves (except Sung Sot Grotto).
Ticket class 2: is valid for visiting Sung Sot Grotto and other caves (except Thien Cung Grotto).
Two tickets will be therefore being necessary to visit both Thien Cung Grotto and Sung Sot Grotto.
Tickets are available at the tourist wharf and at the entrances to Thien Cung and Sung Sot.
Members of a package tour group should not buy tickets, as these are included in the tour price.
5. Overnight trips on the bay
All tourist boats anchoring or travelling overnight on the bay are required to have a licence issued by an authorised agency. Boat owners bear full responsibility for this procedure and for ensuring security and safety. Tourists should observe all the instructions of the tour guide with regard to security and safety.
Travel Guide 
