Halong Bay

The number one reason to go to Vietnam is to visit Halong Bay.  Over 5 million people a year see the bay, but the sheer number of tourists (we went during a slower season) didn't harsh our Halong high at all.  The limestone karst formations that spring up from the bay's emerald waters never get boring, and to swim under and among them was an experience we won't soon forget.  The organized tour we took to Halong with had some issues, but no glitches or hiccups or delays could take away from the raw awesome that is Halong Bay.  Our tour spent the first day and night (of a total three day, two night package) in nearby Bai Tu Long bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay

BTL (as we'll call it) was less spectacular, but also way (way) less crowded.  The peacefulness of floating on a small boat amongst some still beautiful rocks and islands was undeniable and the fact that we didn't see a single other tourist made our whole experience that much better.  We had read that BTL was just as amazing as Halong, which is an untruth!  It is really pretty and beautiful in its own way, but Halong has a presence that BTL can't match.  There are huge (and we mean HUGE) bolts of rock springing up everywhere you look, often taking on mystical and intriguing shapes.  Halong at sunset was a whole other level of splendid.

Fishing Boats in BTL

We didn't go to a lot of the caves, floating villages, and famous formations of Halong.  But we liked it that way.  There were a lot of other boats around, but a late start to our first Halong day and a less structured sailing itinerary meant that we were able to swim off the boat alone and just relax, soaking in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 

Our excellent guide, Mimi