Any trip to Southeast Asia along the fabulous Mekong River would not be truly complete without an overnight stay on a junk in Ha Long Bay. In the opinion of most, this indescribable UNESCO World Heritage Site is Vietnam’s top natural wonder.
An absolute MUST, even if you like to sleep in, and one of the most impressive and beautiful sights you will ever view is the sun rising over Ha Long Bay. It is like having your own private rainbow with dazzling kaleidoscope of purples, gold, reds and yellows. If you enjoy digital photography, this could be the BEST photographic day of your life.
In addition to the many green peaks that jut out of the bay, there are many islands such as the “Island of Marvels” and Bo Han “Surprise Island” with remarkable caves of stalagmites and stalactites that will simple astound you.
The idea situation would be to enjoy two nights in Bai Chay or Hon Gai, but an overnight or full day cruise on the Bay will suffice for those of us who do not have that much time.
Unfortunately, many people miss this marvel because they elect only to take one of the fabulous 7-night Mekong River cruises offered by AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon, Pandaw or Viking. Traditional river cruises in Vietnam do not go to Ha Long Bay as the river does not extend that far north. Ha Long Bay is a 3-4 hour or so ride from Hanoi via Haiphong along the remarkable Ferry Road. The bay can only be reached by car from Hanoi as you would not want to take the local train.
For those who elect to book one of the cruise lines cruise & tour programs that visit; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City [Saigon] and the beautiful area of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, most of these include a night in Ha Long Bay. As your Premier agent about the bay and which line goes there on a regular basis.
Beyond that, enjoy these images of Ha Long Bay and remember, know travel agency knows the Mekong like the experienced team at Premier River Cruises, the best place to book any river cruise.
