Cruises from Hong Gai - Ha Long

Hong Gai, which is sometimes called Ha Long, is located in northern Vietnam. It is situated predominantly along the Bai Tu Long Bay which makes up part of the Ha Long Bay. The population of Hong Gai is around 185,000 people. About 160 kilometres west of Hong Gai is the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.

The city of Hong Gai consists of two parts. The westerly side of the city is known as Bai Chay and is the touristy portion of the city. The other side of the city is known as Hon Gai. This is the more business oriented section of the city and a number of official buildings will be found in this part.

The climate in Hong Gia consists of two main seasons. The summer months between May and September are hot and humid with temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months between October and April are much drier and can be a bit cold with lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. There can also be threats from monsoons.

To get an impressive view of the bay, tourists can climb the Bai Tho Mountain. The name Bai Tho means “poem” which is a result of the actions of King Le Thanh Tong. Inspired by the mountain back in 1468 he wrote a poem which was later inscribed on the mountains southern side. Since that time, other poems have been inscribed onto the face of the mountain as well.

Another popular activity for tourists is to take a cruise on one of the boats, which are known as junks, around the Ha Long Bay. These junks usually feature colourful and unique looking sails that provide a beautiful contrast to the emerald waters. Often these junk cruises can be quite a tourist trap so make sure to book your cruise with a refutable company. They also vary quite a bit in quality and size so be aware of what exactly you are getting as well.

Cave exploration is also quite popular with tourists. There are a number of different caves that are open to exploration including the popular Dau Go Cave. This particular cave is located on the Driftwood Island. Upon entering the Dau Go Cave visitors will notice an abundance of stalactites hanging from the ceiling. There are three main sections of this cave with the third one having a well of water inside.

Located in the World Heritage Area is the Sung Sot Cave. It is considered to be one of the best among all of the caves in Ha Long Bay. When entering, the cave visitors will be greeted by walls covered with trees and plant life. There are two main portions to this cave with the second section being quite large. Deep inside this portion of the cave visitors will find a beautiful pond that is surrounded by different types of birds, monkeys, and a variety of plants.

There are also a variety of activities that tourists can take part in including a relaxing bike ride around the area or a nice kayaking trip out on Ha Long Bay. Take a trip to the Ha Long Night Market where you can entertain yourself by checking out numerous goods that are available.