Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: Is This 3-Day Trip Worth It?
Picking a cruise in Vietnam can feel pretty overwhelming, right? Like, Halong Bay gets all the attention, yet that means crowds, too, you know? That’s very much how I felt looking for something a bit off the beaten path. I definitely stumbled upon Bai Tu Long Bay, and honestly, the 3-day, 2-night cruise option from Hanoi really grabbed my interest. It seemed that I might be the ticket for some peace, along with seeing spectacular scenery. I figured I’d share all my thoughts and discoveries so you could have a feel of if this experience could suit you, like maybe yours will.
Why Bai Tu Long Bay Might Be More Your Style
Halong Bay, so yeah, its super iconic, just very recognizable, alright? I mean, the pictures look like something from another world. But get this, it gets seriously packed. Boats everywhere, lots of people at each spot – could be a total vibe-kill for some, that is. Then you’ve got Bai Tu Long Bay, which is just a short distance away. Think of it as Halong’s quieter cousin, it is like, you see.
Fewer tourists, that tends to be its main selling point, very gorgeous scenery without the shoulder-to-shoulder thing. Instead, think empty beaches, I’m talking like practically private ones. Untouched spots where it feels like the only sound that there is are the water and the birds. That, really, is the appeal here. I had a longing to just chill and absorb all the scenery, so that sealed the deal, pretty much.
Booking the Cruise: What to think of First
You’ve got options, definitely different cruise lines that go to Bai Tu Long Bay, I think. What I came to learn is that there is some are budget-friendly, some a little bit more luxurious, in some respects, maybe a lot more luxurious. Check what is included. Most times, things that’s typically included would be the transfer from Hanoi, rooms, all your meals, and various excursions. Stuff that costs extra could just be beverages, that too and any spa stuff, very fancy.
I’d encourage, have a look, really peek, alright at several cruises. See, what others have said and think about your style. For me, it was about that perfect balance. Something good, cozy, and reasonably priced, so too its almost. Did loads of reading of comments, then, in the end, chose one, a company with super good feedback.
Day 1: Hanoi to Bai Tu Long – and Relaxation, for Example
The shuttle came, picked us all up right from our hotel in Hanoi, okay? It was a comfortable drive of about three and a half hours, through all that typical Vietnamese scenery: rice fields, water buffalo, and locals with their conical hats. That drive itself is an experience, clearly.
Getting to the harbor was a total buzz of activity, is that people milling everywhere waiting to head out, very that. Got checked in on the boat, so warm welcoming from the team, very happy, for example, and given our room keys. The room, it wasn’t massive, pretty compact really, yet it was comfortable and clean, as a matter of fact. Plus, get this, it came with a view that I may remember forever. After getting myself comfy, headed up to the top deck just to breathe in the views as the boat set sail.
The water was this unbelievable emerald green, really pretty, you see. Those limestone karsts are just jutting out of the water, they definitely look imposing. The cruise pretty much began with lunch. Food, really, on this trip? I’d give it a solid thumbs-up. Scrumptious local fare, very fresh seafood. After eating lunch, there was an afternoon of kayaking in a secluded cove, alright? It’s really awesome being up close with these big rock formations. Got to paddle by beaches.
As evening came in, got to head back to the boat just in time to take a seat on that top deck for the sunset, anyway. That water and the sky, lit up in the oranges, the pinks, the purples – one of those scenes you want to press ‘save’ into your memory, that it is, for example. Had a fantastic meal, after which spent the remainder of the evening chilling on that deck and looking at the stars, it’s almost magical that Bai Tu Long can have a moment for each and all to gaze at the cosmos. No lights to blur your vision, basically pitch black. You definitely heard the water sloshing. So soothing, clearly, a world away from that noise in Hanoi.
Day 2: Caves, Beaches, and Vietnamese Cooking, I think
Day two began quite early with Tai Chi on that sun deck. Now, I’m no pro, like yours truly in any form of stretching. You just simply can’t get me doing it, pretty much at any cost. Still, even a beginner, that’s me there in a nutshell, really loved just feeling the fresh air just before anything gets moving.
After, there was visiting one of those amazing caves that Bai Tu Long’s popular, which really surprised me, as a matter of fact. Transferred onto a smaller boat, alright? We’re on our way right over to Thien Canh Son Cave, could be really magical in here, basically. You had to walk up loads of steps to get in, however views from up top are more than worthy, that is. Cave’s packed with those stunning stalactites and stalagmites, brightly lit in a rainbow of neon shades. Afterwards, there was a trip to that lovely secluded beach. The sand, that really pale and so smooth, unlike you felt walking on flour, basically.
Lunch was on board, with a lot of tasty choices as usual, anyway. The day’s showstopper however occurred in the late day: cooking class. And now the secret’s out! Got the chance to make traditional Vietnamese food, clearly? Turns out I actually know a thing or two, pretty cool, right? Everyone just laughed and had some real fun making spring rolls and some of that traditional dipping sauce. So amazing. The atmosphere got pretty charged in a great sort of manner.
Same as the first night, after a wonderful meal, spent more time relaxing and staring at stars. So wonderful when you just reflect and chill like you would do on vacation.
Day 3: Saying Goodbye to Paradise, like
The closing morning was really very laid-back. It was possible to get up, grab food, have that final breather overlooking those magnificent views. Our boat made way back to harbor around mid morning, you could tell people did not really want to leave. When the transfer coach arrived to get us back to Hanoi, everybody quietly got onboard just really silent as we considered all our vacation memories.
We were back in Hanoi in the afternoon. Totally feeling so calm and invigorated. Just the total switch-off that I didn’t expect.
Worth Considering Before Booking
Okay, before you simply start grabbing your wallet and booking up the adventure: one or two things worth considering first, anyway.
- The weather: Bai Tu Long Bay, you can go at just about any point in the year, clearly, for example. Though, if it’s anything like Halong Bay, the ideal weather tends to be the spring and autumn season, when it is pretty mild, as a matter of fact. It can be affected by storms through summer and, get this, winter can feel quite cold, might be.
- Internet access: It really isn’t consistent, it really sucks. So you have to consider whether this is paradise, or if it leaves you wanting for digital. You need it for the work, better to consider. Maybe grab that Vietnamese sim for some information along the road.
- Motion Sickness: Do boats make you feel icky? Pack drugs, ginger, or get those wristbands, you may know, so. It makes the cruises even better if the body isn’t playing games with you.
Bai Tu Long Bay versus Halong Bay – Any Different?
So, what makes Bai Tu Long really standout instead of Halong Bay? Simply, less congestion and greater untouched glory, very basically. Should your target is just chill time among nature? Well, it’s Bai Tu Long that probably edges it.
Having said that, you do not get a pass, so too its almost. In Bai Tu Long Bay you have access to that same dazzling scenery as Halong, very amazing, that’s too right. Just less congested, which tends to be an issue when one cruises into one’s vacation. You and yourself and your reflection can exist at one.
Would I Recommend this 3-Day Cruise, arguably?
In absolute terms, I rate this very greatly! Okay? Are you looking to experience the wonder that North Vietnam’s water has to offer? But wanting more relaxation instead of being among lots of tourists? Then certainly make way straight for a Bai Tu Long Bay boat cruise.
From lovely cabins, food and exciting excursions to cooking lessons, I certainly think the money was very well used. The 3 days turned out wonderfully relaxing. Got a real jolt for the batteries!
FAQs About Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises
What should I carry on this 3-day trip?
Bring clothes, your swimwear, sunscreen, bugs spray plus one good hat, it is like. If you forget such, loads of places will surely supply it.
Will I get vegetarian alternatives?
Just check on this before booking to avoid some trouble. The vast majority do offer possibilities of non-meat products. Just talk.
The onboard staff – how can you give tips?
Check! Does this need to occur as cash? Should card or accounts, even? Should that website not be entirely crystal, fire off some questions when booking, just in order to become armed.
How to avoid motion distress onboard cruises, okay?
If inclined: try consuming motion illness treatments right prior to travelling! Stay very still on deck – look firmly to space!