Holidays to Vietnam are popular at this time of year as everyone seeks some winter sun and from October to January, it’s the perfect time to visit this wonderful destination. Vietnam literally has everything you would want in a holiday, providing the time to relax in a beautiful, tropical haven whilst allowing you to explore and take in a wealth of activities. Take a flight into Hanoi and then head for the coast for the real experience of a lifetime.
A four-hour drive from Hanoi takes you to Halong Bay, a glorious natural wonder located on the northeast coast of the country. The bay consists of over 3000 islands, many of them made entirely of limestone. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one which attracts many visitors due to its astounding beauty. Here you can marvel at stunning caves, be at one with nature and experience the local culture first hand. There are many tours available to book from Hanoi but it’s well worth doing your research beforehand as they do vary in price. The tours offer you the chance to cruise through the islands on the iconic Vietnamese Junk boats.
Whichever cruise you do end up on, you’ll be sure to visit Cat Ba Island – the largest of the islands in Halong Bay. It is filled with rugged jungle, with the majority of the island being part of a National Park. Here you can take a trek through the park, taking you through 18km of the island. Keep an eye out for the many animals that live here, including the Golden-Headed Langur which is one of the rarest and most endangered primates on the planet. There is something for everyone on Cat Ba, with swimming, snorkelling, sailing, hiking and rock climbing available to enjoy.
Arguably the highlight of any trip to Halong Bay is the impressive caves and sheer cliffs that line the coast and dominate the landscape. They rise high into the sky from the water and are absolutely captivating. But if you thought they were impressive on the outside, nothing quite prepares you for the sight inside the caves. Enormous stalactites drip from the roofs of the caves and hang down almost sinisterly. Many are lit up with artificial lights which only serve to make the caves even more visually spectacular. It is literally like nothing else you’ve ever seen and will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world. For an added extra, it’s also possible to hire a kayak to make your way through the caves and tunnels in the bay.
If you are thinking of hiring a kayak, then you must take a trip to one of the many floating fishing villages that are dotted around Halong Bay. Popular villages include Cua Van and Vung Vieng. Here you can try many local delicacies, which are fished from the waters you’re paddling through. It’s the perfect way to indulge in traditional Vietnam culture, as well as sampling wonderful food.
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This is a guest post from Natalie Likness whose love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.
