My Unforgetable Visit to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is one of earth’s masterpieces.

A shocking reminder to man that no matter our engineering accomplishments, they will always pale to what Mother Nature creates.

Ha Long Bay is located in northeast Vietnam and is about a 3 hour bus ride from the vibrant and cultural city of Hanoi making it a great overnight trip.

The Bay is a 500 million-year-old mountainous area of over 1,600 limestone islands, creating the illusion of floating, jagged cliffs that rise like the turrets and towers of fortresses. Once you see it, you go absolutely silent. There’s no words for its mythical presence. A land before time, a world where legends are born and to be believed in since there’s just no other way to account for it’s overpowering, yet whimsical, beauty.

Just when you think it can’t get any more amazing, the limestone monoliths part to reveal tiny floating neighborhoods of fisherman homes. Villages lived on water. You’ll also find floating cafés and even a floating school. When the school bell rings, all the kids head to their own boats and row home for lunch.

The only way to truly experience the bay is on a junk boat tour of the islands. There are many companies that offer one-day to multi-day cruises. Some tours will pick you up in the city of Hanoi; others begin at the Bay itself. Day tours that take you out into the bay and visit a fishing village start around $80.

A few reputable junk boat tours:

www.indochina-junk.com/

For a trip really schnazzy (that means luxurious), check out this company:

http://paradisecruises.vn/

Been to Ha Long Bay? Any tips for others wanting to visit?