Ha long bay in the new year
Discussion
Anyone know if the Chinese flock to Ha Long bay in vietnam immediately after the lunar new year ?
I know they are there most of the time but ha long is currently empty due to the Luna new year. I know this because I'm in Nam and was told yesterday by a traveller that it's empty and his cruise was delightfully quiet, much like my trecking in sapa.
We are in hanoi for three days over the new year and then have activities planned from 27th to 31st. We then have three days to kill before flying to Cambodia and I thought a bargain basement ha long bay trip would be fun.
However, what I dont want is to be stuck on a boat full of Chinese tourists with the current virus situation. So I wondering if China mobilises on holiday after their new year ? I.e. do China mostly celebrate at home, or is it a period to also travel out of their country?
I know they are there most of the time but ha long is currently empty due to the Luna new year. I know this because I'm in Nam and was told yesterday by a traveller that it's empty and his cruise was delightfully quiet, much like my trecking in sapa.
We are in hanoi for three days over the new year and then have activities planned from 27th to 31st. We then have three days to kill before flying to Cambodia and I thought a bargain basement ha long bay trip would be fun.
However, what I dont want is to be stuck on a boat full of Chinese tourists with the current virus situation. So I wondering if China mobilises on holiday after their new year ? I.e. do China mostly celebrate at home, or is it a period to also travel out of their country?
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 24th January 07:41
I think they mostly stay at home/ go visit relatives.
Try to go to Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long instead, they are exactly like Ha Long, but much much less crowded. The govt only issues a few permits to cruise in those bays, so they tend to be more costly.
Be careful where you book, the cruises there are loads of iffy sellers in Hanoi. They are not usually outright rip off but will often sell 2 star trips as 4 star etc. Or they will sell a couple a romantic trip then the same trip to a group of lads after a booze cruise. Its usually better to book direct with the cruise operator online.
Try to go to Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long instead, they are exactly like Ha Long, but much much less crowded. The govt only issues a few permits to cruise in those bays, so they tend to be more costly.
Be careful where you book, the cruises there are loads of iffy sellers in Hanoi. They are not usually outright rip off but will often sell 2 star trips as 4 star etc. Or they will sell a couple a romantic trip then the same trip to a group of lads after a booze cruise. Its usually better to book direct with the cruise operator online.
I did a cruise this time last year. It was on a luxury boat and to be fair the service, food and quality of the cabins was very good.
BUT, in 2 days we only visited a (very touristy) cave, and a pearl farm. Didn't even bother getting off for the pearl farm, had already seen one and it's just an opportunity to sell you souvenirs.
Weather also wasn't great and couldn't see too far out.
If I had to do it again, I'd hire a small private boat and get the captain to take us far far away from the big cruise boats, to hopefully see the bay in its fuller and wilder glory.
BUT, in 2 days we only visited a (very touristy) cave, and a pearl farm. Didn't even bother getting off for the pearl farm, had already seen one and it's just an opportunity to sell you souvenirs.
Weather also wasn't great and couldn't see too far out.
If I had to do it again, I'd hire a small private boat and get the captain to take us far far away from the big cruise boats, to hopefully see the bay in its fuller and wilder glory.
This is a pretty decent summary of what to look out for - https://www.geekyexplorer.com/how-to-choose-best-h...
Though I also disagree with their "don't book direct" advice, I used Swan and go a better price from them direct than anywhere else.
I'd recommend doing a 3-day cruise if you can. On our "extra" day, we transferred to a separate full-size boat with full crew, and had a cabin to use throughout the day until we transferred back to the original boat in the evening. During the day, we cruised through Bai Tu Long bay area, saw the occasional boat miles off, and shared "our" boat with 2 other people. Well worth the small amount extra.
Though I also disagree with their "don't book direct" advice, I used Swan and go a better price from them direct than anywhere else.
I'd recommend doing a 3-day cruise if you can. On our "extra" day, we transferred to a separate full-size boat with full crew, and had a cabin to use throughout the day until we transferred back to the original boat in the evening. During the day, we cruised through Bai Tu Long bay area, saw the occasional boat miles off, and shared "our" boat with 2 other people. Well worth the small amount extra.
Cheers. We were always going to do Bai Tu Long. We are doing that in two days time, then back to Hanoi then nin Binh, and a national park on the way back. We were left with three days before our flights to Cambodia so thought a quickie to halong might be amusing (I did halong 3 day around 13 years ago).
Hanoi is fairly creepy now. Post Tet and loads of people wearing masks. I've brought our flight forward to cut out the three dead days at then end, so no need for a halong dash.
Far rather be at a 5 star hotel with a pool bar and sun . Had enough of grey Hanoi now :-)
Fingers crossed the virus is under control, and not, as some WeChat rumours are reporting, way out of control in China. It's a very tense environment here. Dodging anyone that coughs! A western girl sat next to us in a bar a few days ago in a terrible state, pale and coughing badly. Death warmed up. Probably just the cold that has been all over thailand for ages, but we moved immediately. Felt aweful, but you just have to.
Hanoi is fairly creepy now. Post Tet and loads of people wearing masks. I've brought our flight forward to cut out the three dead days at then end, so no need for a halong dash.
Far rather be at a 5 star hotel with a pool bar and sun . Had enough of grey Hanoi now :-)
Fingers crossed the virus is under control, and not, as some WeChat rumours are reporting, way out of control in China. It's a very tense environment here. Dodging anyone that coughs! A western girl sat next to us in a bar a few days ago in a terrible state, pale and coughing badly. Death warmed up. Probably just the cold that has been all over thailand for ages, but we moved immediately. Felt aweful, but you just have to.
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 25th January 10:48
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