I have just come back from my weekend trip to Halong Bay. Actually, it was not my first time to visit this beautiful site, still, Huong Hai Sealife Cruise and its wonderful staffs just made my weekend so memorable.
Around 8am, we were collected promptly at our meeting point – Hanoi Opera House by shuttle van operated by the cruise (if you stay in Hanoi Old Quarter, it will come and pick you up at your hotel, very convenient). I enjoyed 4 hours driving along the distance of nearly 120 km when I can admire at first hand some peaceful natural views of the countryside of the Red River Delta. There will be one rest stop of your land trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay – a workshop of handicapped children. I just wandered around and saw things but did not buy anything as the souvenirs and crafts there are very overpriced, the good thing is that the staffs here are polite and they will not aggressively persuade you to buy the souvenirs.
Upon arrival to the pier, Jackie – a lovely tour guide of Huong Hai sealife cruise greeted and took us to the waiting room before we were promptly shepherded onto the boat we were made to feel very welcome on the boat, the welcome drum and red carpet even make me feel like I was like a celebrity and I did enjoyed the welcome drink – pine apple juice.
I loved all the meals, especially the gala dinner as food is very good, well-presented and the staff were dedicated and helpful. The visit to the Amazing Cave was fun and Jackie did a very good job, although sometimes I could not see all the animal shapes he tried to point out in the caves. After the cave discovery, we visited the small but lovely Titov Island, I climbed to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay – it was just amazing and absolutely worth your climbing, highly recommended. I also like the cooking class where we together had a chance to learn how to make the traditional Vietnamese spring roll. I would like to recommend all the travellers to buy your favorite drink during the Happy Hour to get one more drink, you can keep it for the dinner.
The second morning started with the Tai Chi lesson, very relaxing with the “holding the watermelon” exercise. After a soft breakfast, we enjoyed kayaking in Luon Cave – personally, it is the best part of my trip as the cave is not only beautiful but also free of noise. We then had the buffet brunch on boat before depart for Hanoi.
From the beginning of July, Huong Hai Sealife will offer trip to Bai Tu Long Bay in the less touristy and less crowded area, the itinerary has been researched to extremely off the beaten track which I believe will make your trip to Halong Bay even more wonderful.
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