There are many type of package for this trip. Some may be as low as USD25, others can go up to USD65, or more, depending on the package you choose. For us, we choose a day trip that includes pick-up and return to hotel, lunch in the boat, kayaking or bamboo boat activity, and lastly, visit the cave ( Thien Cung Cave if I'm not mistaken ). They also provide a 2 day 1 night package, in case if you planning to stay there for one night.
Our tour start as early as 8.30am in the morning. Just right after we finish our breakfast ( for your info, all hotels in Hanoi that includes breakfast will start at 7.00am onward ). We ride the bus, and continue picking up other passenger at other area nearby. Once the bus is full, then only it start going to Halong Bay.
Total length of this trip is 4 hours ( or more, depends on traffic ). Why is it take a long time ? All because there is no highway going to there. You have to follow the old road and pass thru small town before getting there.
Bare in mind that the bus won't simply stop if you ask to go to toilet. It will only stop at one rest area, which is after 2 hours plus driving. This stopping place is a place where you can use the washroom, buy something at the shop, and, site seeing local people doing handicraft ( you can buy it if you're interested ). You only have 30 minutes here before getting back on the road.
Tuan Chau Harbour
After 4 hours driving, then only you arrived at Halong Bay. You will be given a short time to go to toilet, or, browse something in the shop before continue riding the boat. A ticket will be given here before boarding. TAKE NOTE that always keep this ticket ( do not loose it ), because they will check every time you stop ( like for kayaking and caving ).
Once you ride the boat, lunch will be served. Here I will like to remind you that all drinks inside the boat IS NOT FREE. You will have to pay for it ! Yes, they served you drinks, and you think it is already included inside the fee. But actually, it doesn't. Just take note.
One more thing, THE FOOD. What you see inside the menu when they offer you the package will not be the same as what you will get on the boat. Some dish yes, but most of them are not. This is a bit frustrating I might say, especially when you expecting the food to be the same as the menu given earlier. You just have to except it.
After lunch, you can stay up at the deck to see the surrounding view before reaching the island for kayaking / bamboo boat.
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