Asia Destinations

From the archives: Vietnam – Halong Bay

February 11, 2017
Halong Bay boat cruise

I can tell you, mid-February is usually the time where I start getting tired of winters here. Especially this year is tougher because I didn’t take a winter break over Christmas/New Year in the tropics, however there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I postponed my vacation to Southeast Asia to a later point and more precisely I’ll be arriving in Vietnam in exactly one month. It will be a short city trip to Hanoi only, contrary to me previous visits where I explored Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Halong Bay. The latter I visited back in 2012 on an epic 3-days/2 nights cruise which exceeded my expectations by far. I knew Halong Bay is a huge tourist attraction and I kept hearing horror stories about badly maintained, cramped boats, bad service and lots of scams. But I did my research and found a reliable company that proofed that this gorgeous bay can be experienced with comfort and safety. Despite it’s been almost five years, the staff of Vega Travel in Hanoi still seem to do a great job according to TripAdvisor reviews and – better late than never – I’d like to share some impressions with you. #throwback

Anyways, the gateway of my first Vietnam trip was Hanoi which was a huge contrast to what I’ve experienced later in the bay. As I’m hoping to publish a more detailed article about Hanoi after my next trip, here are only a few snaps from 2012.

Let’s get to the leading part of this post: The stunning landscape of Ha Long Bay! As I already mentioned, the cruise was perfect: We kayaked and swam in-between the bizarre limestone formations, cycled through the green island of Cat Ba, explored some gigantic caves (my photos of the caves suck though) and enjoyed some fresh seafood. If you’re planning to visit Ha Long Bay, I recommend you to take your time and spend at least two days there to get a more rewarding experience!

Vietnam, it’ll be my pleasure to see you again!

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35 Comments

  • Reply benjii1993 March 25, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Really like the pictures! I remember being in Vietnam and Cambodia last year. I was in many of the placed you have been to. Its so amazing there! So different to what I’m used to. The city I remember most have to be Hoi An. The atmosphere there was just so amazing!

    • Reply Sileas March 25, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      Thank you! Southeast Asia is just a wonderful part of the world. Hoi An is so cute, loved that place too!

  • Reply maomau March 27, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    One of my most favorite places, I’ve ever experienced. I loved Hoi An! I hope to go back again to visit my friends again.

    • Reply Sileas March 28, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      That sounds great. Definitely a place to revisit.

  • Reply hcyip May 6, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Nice post and photos! Vietnam is a fantastic country to visit. It’s my favorite Southeast Asian country. Halong Bay is spectacular.

    • Reply sileas May 6, 2015 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you! Halong Bay was one of the best trips I had!

  • Reply Marissa_Travel Greece, Travel Europe February 12, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    Absolutely breathtaking photos. Halong Bay looks so dreamy. I would love to bike there where you were!!

    • Reply sileas February 16, 2017 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks Marissa! Amazing tour, amazing place. I couldn’t have asked for more!

  • Reply fromdreamtoplan February 12, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    Amazing pictures Julia! It’s a country that it’s definitely on my travel list so this pictures make me wanna go there straight away!! 🙂

    • Reply sileas February 16, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      I’d love to go back too! You should definitely visit 😉

  • Reply Paleica February 13, 2017 at 7:52 am

    das ist wirklich so eine unfassbar wunderschöne landschaft da *.*

    • Reply sileas February 16, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Schon gel? Das lässt niemanden kalt 😉

  • Reply Elizabeth February 13, 2017 at 8:18 am

    This post couldn’t come at a better time for me! I’m leaving for Vietnam tomorrow and this has got me so excited!
    Xx

    http://www.takeoffsandlandings.net

    • Reply sileas February 16, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Ahhh that’s awesome!! I’m a little envious now 😉

  • Reply Sofia February 14, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Even though it’s very touristic, yes you have to admit the scenes are breathtaking! Being able to go for a bike ride, canoeing and swimming just makes it all the more fun. Enjoy your trip! xx

    • Reply sileas February 19, 2017 at 10:42 am

      Thank you Sofia! I didn’t mind the other tourists, I was just glad that our tour was so well organized 😉

  • Reply Mitzie Mee February 14, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    Halong Bay is so beautiful. Though i saw it from one of those cramped, poorly maintained boats, which was unfortunately the only available, as we were there during Tet:) Gorgeous photos!

    • Reply sileas February 19, 2017 at 10:46 am

      Oh that must’ve been super busy :/ Thanks!

  • Reply annie lee February 15, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    you’ve captured some amazing sceneries julia!! last time i was in halong bay it was so gloomy i couldn’t see much.. 🙁 AND it was freezing! i never knew vietnam gets cold 😐

    • Reply sileas February 19, 2017 at 10:48 am

      I remember your post about it! Too bad it was cold and gloomy… Maybe you should give it another try? 😉

  • Reply PinaySkattebasse February 17, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Happy trip to Vietnam Julia! Despite some horror stories about boat services in Halong Bay, I’ve read a fashion blog featuring the best of it. Maybe you could include budget in next blog? 🙂 Looking forward!

    • Reply sileas February 19, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Hmm unfortunately it’s been so long that I can’t remember how much we paid, but actually that’s a good idea!

  • Reply Hanna February 19, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    Beautiful beautiful pics you have taken. It really look a place I should go and check out. I am sure you are counting days now to get back to Vietnam.

    • Reply sileas February 22, 2017 at 3:45 pm

      I do actually! You should try to include this to your travel plans too 😉

  • Reply wazwu February 19, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    Touristy spots aren’t always a bad thing, especially when the scenery is so lovely! Your photos of Halong Bay look so pretty, and it’s fun that you got to bike, canoe, and swim. Seems like you picked the right tour! Hope I’ll get to visit someday!

    • Reply sileas February 22, 2017 at 3:59 pm

      You’re right, after all they come for a reason! I’ll keep fingers crossed that you get the chance to visit one day too 😉

  • Reply Christina February 21, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    wow, the bay looks amazing! I am looking forward to more Vietnam posts as it is the country that I want to visit first when I travel to Asia 🙂

    • Reply sileas February 22, 2017 at 4:04 pm

      Oh great! That’s an excellent choice 😉

  • Reply Always a Foreigner February 24, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    Those limestone karsts are something else!

    • Reply sileas February 26, 2017 at 7:42 pm

      Out of this world 🙂

  • Reply equinoxio21 March 9, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    “La baie d’Halong” has always been a mystery destination to me. I wonder if could take that many boats though. Thanks for the ride.

    • Reply sileas March 31, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      You’re welcome 😉 Certainly a lot of boats there but still a worthwhile experience!

      • Reply equinoxio21 March 31, 2017 at 8:33 pm

        Certainly. One more item on the travel-to list. 😉 have a great week-end.

  • Reply Agness of Fit Travelling March 14, 2017 at 12:05 am

    So crowded, Sileas! It is on my bucket list and I can’t wait to visit it!

    • Reply sileas March 31, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      You won’t regret it 🙂

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