Possible as a daytrip but much more worthwhile as an overnight trip, Halong Bay is easily reached from the Vietnamese capital and the most popular excursion from the city.

This magnificent UNESCO-protected World Heritage site features one of the globe’s most impressive landscapes, made up of more than 1,000 jagged karsts jutting out of the sea. 

The easiest way to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi is to sign up for a tour as getting here independently really isn’t worth the effort. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and transported to the dock of Halong Bay by minibus in a few hours. Don’t let the dock put you off: once you escape the manic shuffling of junks and tourist coaches you can begin to unwind in this surreal landscape. 

There are different levels of luxury to choose from when picking a Halong Bay tour and generally the more you pay, the more comfortable your accommodation will be. Cabins are typically shared between two people so it helps if you are travelling with a partner and food is included, with guests buying drinks separately.

The junks cruise between the karst islets, stopping off at awesome caves and viewpoints for visitors to fully take in this spectacular natural wonder. Most trips incorporate kayaking into the journey, allowing passengers a short break from the boat and the chance to explore serene lagoons and mini tunnels through the karst.

Those who opt for an overnight stay will find themselves docked alongside other junks in the night’s darkness with opportunity to get merry with fellow passengers. The noise level can detract from the beauty of the experience but if you manage to out-sleep your cabin mates you may just enjoy a private moment between you, the stars and the karsts.

Historic Hanoi

Experience one of Asia’s oldest capitals, wrapped around 1000 years of legend from the mystical Hoan Kiem Lake. Dodge swarms of motorcycles, marvel at the ancient pagodas or shop in the ancient Hang districts. Hanoi is Vietnam’s proud, living museum of a capital, draped in Communist sensibility but brimming with life.

This blog will soon become a full travel guide to Hanoi, to help you get the most out of your visit to North Vietnam. It’s written by a well travelled Southeast Asian expert and produced by guide experts, to soon include hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures of Hanoi at its best and busiest.

Use this site to plan your trip, whether you plan to cruise beautiful Halong Bay, disappear into the intriguing mountains of the Perfume Pagoda, or go trekking amoung the montagnards of the Sapa highlands. Find out what a Com Pho is, how to pronounce Ao Dai (in the North) and why Ho Chi Minh is the saviour of the city. It’s all found here.

Day trips: there’s some fantastic day trips or overnight excursions from Hanoi, such as Halong Bay and the Perfume Pagoda, but you’ll need a hire car and driver to get there (Note! rental cars in Vietnam come with drivers since tourists are not supposed to drive). You can arrange this before hand with online car hire companies.

About Hanoi
All the basic facts for tourists visiting the city plus top tips for the interpid traveller… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in detail including tours and highlights for those short on time… more

What to do
Whether you want to shopping for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spa, restaurant and nightlife tips… more

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect wedding present, we’ve got the inside scoop… more

North Vietnam
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Hanoi for when the city gets too much… more

Vietnamese Culture
This diverse and oft-misunderstood land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in Hanoi… more

Getting here
All your transport needs taken care of in one simple section including plane, train or taxi… more