Ha Long Bay, about 3 hours west of Hanoi, is know for its nearly 3,000 limestone islands rising out of the water. I booked a three day tour through the hostel, ensuring I would be on a boat with people around my own age, so i wouldn't be bored after the sun set. I met some amazing people as we jumped off the edge of the somewhat tall boat to go swimming, kayaked through rock formations and to sytems of caves, hiked to viewpoints in a national park on one of the larger islands (Cat Ba), and otherwise enjoyed the scenery while they fed us amazing Vietnamese dishes. At the top of the hill at the Cat Ba Island National Park, there was a rusting tower there for the option of climbing to get better views. As dubious as it looked, the guide assured us it was safe. When we got to the top, the last platform was just a gaping hole where a 3ft.x3ft. sheet of metal should have been with a piece of notebook paper taped nearby saying "Danger Hole"; this is all pictured below so you all can share our amusement. On Cat Ba Island, we got to enjoy the infamous Bia Hoi, beer sold at streetside stands. It has almost no alcohol in it (about 2%) but sitting at the little plastic chairs having a few drinks is a fun way to spend a few hours. The trip is best shown with pictures, so here they are, the middle row and the one on the lower left are from Cat Ba Island and the rest interspersed throughout the bay:
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Details:
I booked my tour through my hostel, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel ($89/1,570,000D), which included everything for three days except drinks and dinner on Cat Ba Island ($10/80,000D with one beer all you can eat). The beer on the boat is expensive by Vietnam's standards ($1.20/20,000D). Booking through the hostel is a really good idea because you meet loads of fun people and it's a good time at night and during the day. The 2 day tour is probably sufficient, though I definitely don't regret having done the 3 day tour.
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Details:
I booked my tour through my hostel, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel ($89/1,570,000D), which included everything for three days except drinks and dinner on Cat Ba Island ($10/80,000D with one beer all you can eat). The beer on the boat is expensive by Vietnam's standards ($1.20/20,000D). Booking through the hostel is a really good idea because you meet loads of fun people and it's a good time at night and during the day. The 2 day tour is probably sufficient, though I definitely don't regret having done the 3 day tour.
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