If you are travelling alone, will Halong Bay be boring? What to do in Halong Bay ?

Question

I will be in Hanoi for 3 nights and thinking of going to Halong bay for either 1 night or 1 day trip? Should i booked the hotel before i go or should i book it with the travel agents in Hanoi when i arrive there? I'm not too sure whether it will be boring for travelling alone since the ride from Hanoi to Halong bay will take 3.5 hours. Any recommendation hotel for 3-4 star in Hanoi and halong? How far is Sapa? is it worth going alone?

Answer 1

Sapa is very nice. You feel like in 17 miles drive in Monterrey, CA (of course it is not 100% the same). I mean the natural view.

Do not go alone, go with tourist agency. I am sure you will have good time. When you want to buy gifts, everything is bargain. Do not pay what they ask for. If they ask for $10, you can buy that gift only $1.

Answer 2

there isnt much to do there and they have a high murder rate. pretty sure its the highest in Vietnam. nice trees though

Answer 3

I don't think it's boring if you are really like the beautiful nature/screenary.  I've been there Halong-Hanoi-Sapa for 5nights/6days.

First part my group (6 adults + 1 child) join with travel agency (with other travellers) to Halong bay for 1st 2 nights.  Enjoying food, shopping (don't miss to buy pearl there.  It's veryyyyyyy cheap & have fun to bargain it.  So bad that we have to go to Sapa for next, then we didn't bought it much as don't want to carry many things there.).  In day time we've enjoyed very much beautiful natures of small islands & caves.  Don't miss to walk to the top of the hill (forgot the name).  Wanna give up before up to the top but you will forget your breath while you are on the top.  Such a beautiful view I ever seen.

The next day we head back to Hanoi.  If you have a guide book, may no need to join with tour.  But you may not understand some traditional/history.

The second part, only our group go to Sapa by ourselves (actually this is our first intention to visit Vietnam.  But after got reasonable tour package, then why don't we pay some additional costs for more fun).  We took a night train to Sapa.  Recommended to book it in advance.  The first screen of Sapa I saw, ohhhhh how the beautiful it is.  I impress the huge mountains there so much.  Seems I can touch that huge things.  It's too close.  We spent only 2 days/1 night there.  Just traveled along the villages.  I never believe I can walk very long long distance like that trip in Sapa.  The weather's also another factor made me happy.  It's a little bit cool breeze.  Very happy with that jouney.  The next evening we got train back to Hanoi again & waiting for our flight in the afternoon.  Another big shopping in 36 roads before home.  LOL

I mostly like to travel by myself too but be honest for this trip that would be much convenience, had fun, knew new friends by joining the group tour.  If you do enough homework, you may no need to go with travel agent.  I would recommend you to have advance reservation for everything.  But if you don't mind for the quality, just take it easy & enjoy.  Anyhow, I still think you should go along with someone.  Then you can share the happiness together.

Have a good luck.

Answer 4

Don't listen to lokeando above because he doesn't know what he is talking about.  Ha Long Bay is the most beautiful and safest place in the world.  No, traveling to Ha Long Bay alone is not boring since there are lots of travelers or backpackers who travel alone.  Perhaps you can find lots friends from all over the world by going alone.  Regarding hotels, you can check with any local agent around your area, they will give you more precise informations.  Anyway, have a great trip to Vietnam and to Ha Long Bay.  I'm sure you will enjoy the trip.

Answer 5

Most of the hotel that you stay they will have 1 day or 3 day tours to Ha Long Bay. It's inexpensive. You don't need to book in advance for hotels. There are plenty of mini hotels, ranging from $15 - $25 a day.

Answer 6

Halong will never be boring..It is one of the most beautifull spot in the world..Should be one of the seventh wonder of the world in my mind..make sure your video and/or camera battery is full charge..I prefered video camera, you sure will don't want to miss any thing...At night you could rent a bicyle and stroll around downtown at night, especially the beach area..you could buy alot of souveniers there for a decent price..As for the hotel, some local, not a 3 stars, no reservation is needed. You can get some hotel as low as $10 ($160,00 dong in VN ) per night....Sapa, a train ride is around 8 hours. from Hanoi. ..but the train only take you to Lao Cai providence..then a local taxi trip is another 30km..cost around $200,00 dong in VN  if you deal with them...which is about $12...You can not compare Sapa to 17miles drive in Camel....A 2.-3 hours hike on Nui Ham Rong..there you will see all the beauty of Sapa..or another hike to Cat Cat..there you will se a beautiifull water fall...Any way..I hope you will have a nice safe trip