At first, I was hesitant to visit Halong Bay because from what I’ve read, travel will take four hours from Hanoi. But the lovely staff of Hanoi Paradise Hotel said a trip to Hanoi is not complete without visiting Hanoi Bay. So I took the 1 day Halong Bay Tour. And they are definitely right!

Though the travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay was about 3 to 4 hours, our tour guide Sunny made us feel comfortable throughout the trip and seemed like everyone was family. I also liked how he described Hanoi and Halong Bay. I usually sleep during long bus rides but the sights of Vietnam are just lovely to see so no time to sleep. Though weather was chilly and cold, Halong Bay was so magical, you couldn’t believe you were seeing the sights you usually see in TV shows, books and the internet. Food was okay since I’m Asian, the lunch was really nothing new to me. Our tour guide Sunny also made an effort for us in the tour group to know each other and talk and he was also so accommodating and funny as well. Enjoyed the bamboo boat as well though would have loved to kayak but changed my mind.

It was definitely lovely to spend a birthday (which I chose not to mention to everyone) at Halong Bay! Hope to get to visit again during summer.

Visited January 2013

– Reviewed by Mark B –