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Hanoi . 2013 . Aug 8 - 10

This post is part of our Hanoi 7 days 6 nights Trip Itinerary and Report. Do check out the full itinerary and our reviews here.

Halong Bay is said to be the most popular tourist attraction in Hanoi, Vietnam and is the top to-do activity in Hanoi. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islands, carved by nature into various shapes and sizes. Because of its climate and environment, Halong Bay is also home to a large biodiversity of floral and fauna species.

The perfect way to discover this world natural wonder is to embark on a traditional junk ship that brings you deeper into Halong Bay and its surroundings. There are 2 popular cruises – a day tour for visitors who only want to have a glimpse of Halong Bay and its surroundings (usually takes about 4 to 6 hrs); and overnight cruises for those who have more time to spare and would like to venture further to explore caves, grettos, floating farms and do some kayaking.

Tip: If you are basing yourself in Hanoi city, we recommend a overnight cruise (either 1 night or 2 nights) over a day cruise, as the travelling time from Hanoi city to Halong Bay is already 3-4 hrs one way.

Booking a Halong Bay cruise is relatively easy. You can do so either directly from the cruise line via the internet, from a Hanoi based travel agent, or from your Hanoi hotel. For instance, our 3 day 2 night cruise on board the V’Spirit was booked through our hotel Splendid Star Suite Hotel.

It takes 3-4 hours to reach the harbour from your hotel at Hanoi City, with one short break in between. Time to stretch those tired legs and wait for our turn to get on V’Spirit.

The junk ships are considered too large to enter the harbour, so passengers were all transported to the ship via small boats.

The Cabin

Our home for 3 days and 2 nights, this cabin sure looks its age. Yet, we still love the spacious bed and the side windows that overlook the bay.

Much of our time was spent at these windows looking at the beautiful sunrise and sunset over Halong Bay

Tip: If you can, try to request a room that is not directly under the dining room. The floorboards above are not that sturdy and we could hear every footstep above us even in the wee hours of the night.

Food on Board

All meals on board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the entire duration of our cruise were covered under the cruise package, with the exception of beverages. Some cruise lines have different menus – some focusing on more Western cuisine or buffet style dining. At V’Spirit, the meals were all family style – large tables with 6-8 seats. Couples and small groups would have to join fellow cruise mates for all meals, something that some of us were not comfortable with. Nevertheless, the meals served were all delightful and we must say was one of the plus points of cruising with V’Spirit.

Welcome drinks served to us every time we re-board the junk ship.

Beers are ridiculously cheap in Hanoi, even on a cruise! By comparison, fruit juices and mocktails cost so much more!

A pity that we do not take alcohol, we had to settle for an expensive mocktail (USD $4 each).

One of those things that we look forward to every day is meal time. And why not, given the very delectable things they whip up in the confines of the junk ship. At V’Spirit, their home-cooked style cuisine is especially tasty and memorable and I still miss it to this day. Although most dishes are Asian or Vietnamese style, there’s also a fair amount of Western dishes at each meal.

Warning: Do not venture to the kitchen area. You might not want to eat after seeing the food preparation area.

Cooking Demonstration on Board

Steward on board demonstrating to us the ways of making a Vietnamese Spring Roll – one of the must-try food in Vietnam.

Tommy and Samantha’s hand-made Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Quite decent looking, aren’t they?

Live demonstration of cooking drunken prawns (fresh prawns soaked in Chinese wine and flash cooked to preserve their freshness).

Facilities on Board

V’Spirit, as with most other cruise lines offer an outdoor and a sheltered upper deck that offers unobstructed 360 degrees view of the spectacular scenery. Make sure to grab a good book to entertain yourself while lying on the deck chair.

Final Verdict:

We had a most wonderful 3D2N on board the V’Spirit. Its family atmosphere and cozy environment makes it ideal for a short getaway for families and friends. It’s also a great way to party the night away with your loved ones with cheap beer on board. Couples looking for more privacy and a more classy setting should look for the more luxurious cruise lines. For example, some cruises have a private balcony for all cabins and exclusive seating arrangements during meal times.

Tips for visiting Halong Bay

Make Halong Bay the first destination when you arrive in Hanoi. Cruises along Halong Bay are dependent on the weather and there are many cases where the scheduled cruise had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. When that happens, you’ll have the flexibility and the time to rearrange the later part of your itinerary to accommodate a later cruise.
Bring lots of sunscreen, sunglasses and a poncho. The weather can change from sunny to rainy at short notice.
Bring your swim wear in case there is a chance for diving or kayaking activities.
If your room has a window or balcony, make sure that the curtains are drawn for privacy. The street vendors on water have a most sneaky way of appearing at your window to hawk beverages, titbits and souvenirs.

Have you been to Halong Bay before? Do share with us your experiences too! :)

This post is part of our Hanoi 7 days 6 nights Trip Itinerary and Report. Do check out the full itinerary and our reviews here.

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Hanoi . 2013 . Aug 7 - 13

This post is part of our Hanoi 7 days 6 nights Trip Itinerary and Report. Do check out the full itinerary and our reviews here.

1. Take a relaxing cruise at Halong Bay

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay should be at the top of your itinerary. If you are hard-pressed for time, take a day trip to Halong Bay. We will, however, recommend that you spend at least a night on a junk ship cruising around the bay, as the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay will already take 3-4 hours one way. Those with more time to spare can consider a 2 night cruise which brings you further to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island where there are clearer waters and less ships cruising around.

2. Enjoy a Relaxing Spa

The Spas in Hanoi, Vietnam are actually very good value for money. Cheaper than those in Thailand, Vietnamese spas offer a professional experience at an affordable price. Choose from a variety of Indian, Thai or Vietnamese body message, or have a foot message. They are guaranteed to loosen those tight muscles and gear you for more intensive walking around Hanoi. For the best spa experience, head to SF Spa located at 30 Cửa Đông.

3. Try Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine have a life and spirit of their own. Although Vietnamese fare is widely available in other countries, it is always best to check out the original version in its country of origin. Read up on our recommendations for the top cuisines to try in Hanoi and visit the Gourmet Corner Restaurant for a wonderful dining experience.

4. Watch a Water Puppet Show

If you have an hour to spare and would like to have a brief reprieve from the hot Hanoi summer, head to the Tranglong Water Puppet Theatre. Traditional puppet theatre uses a water stage for their puppets which glides on the water, while actors control the puppets discreetly behind a screen.

5. Enjoy a Cyclo Ride through Hanoi

Cyclos are an interesting way to take in the city. They may be a lot slower than the taxis and motorcycles whizzing around the city, but is an excellent way to explore and observe the city sights at a leisurely pace. Negotiate a price of about 100,000 VND per hour and have the exact change on hand. Note that each cyclo can sit 2 passengers (as long as you fit into the seat), but do tip the driver afterwards for their extra effort in peddling an extra weight around.

6. Stroll through the Old Quarters and Night Markets

What better way to while away the afternoon and evenings than browsing through the endless streets of the Old Quarters. Watch the chaotic traffic at the veranda of the City View Café or test your haggling skills at the night markets of Hanoi.

7. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Join the queue and file by the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revered leader Ho Chi Minh also fondly known as Uncle Ho in Vietnam. Although the embalming was against the late leader’s wishes, large numbers of domestic and international tourists are attracted to pay their respects to him. Expect long queues especially on weekends.

Note: Photography is not allowed in the building and wear appropriate clothing as a sign of respect.

8. Visit the Temple of Literature

Have a look at Vietnam’s first university – now known as the Temple of Literature when you are in Hanoi. Built to honour Confucius in the 11th century, the Temple of Literature no longer serves as a university, but yet continues to attract students to its premises to pray for good grades.

9. Take a trip to Sapa

Located 350km away from Hanoi, Sapa is home to many ethnic minorities. Be enchanted by the padi fields, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Described as a off-the-beaten path destination in Vietnam, Sapa is connected to Hanoi by train and you could take an overnight train to save some accommodation cost.

Sapa (Credits: http://vietnamdestination.vn/)

Sapa (Credits: http://www.bachatour.com)

10. Have a Great Day Shopping

Visitors to Hanoi will never leave empty handed after walking through the 36 streets of the Old Quarters. For a great shopping experience, have a look at the top 10 things to buy in Hanoi.

Have you been to Hanoi? Do share with us any other must-do activities in Hanoi! :)

This post is part of our Hanoi 7 days 6 nights Trip Itinerary and Report. Do check out the full itinerary and our reviews here.

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