Discover Ha Long Bay: Top Tips to Avoid Tourist Pitfalls and Enjoy Your Trip

Ha Long Bay, often referred to as the “Guilin on the Sea,” is a breathtakingly beautiful destination. However, without ample time and energy to engage with the locals, navigating this stunning area can be fraught with pitfalls.

1. **Accommodation Pitfall:** Don’t be misled into thinking that accommodations here are budget-friendly. Many recommendations on platforms like Xiaohongshu now raise suspicions of being part of a marketing ploy. Additionally, be wary of local recommendations. While the locals may appear sincere, honest, and polite, their motives might be purely financial.

Once they receive payment, they can vanish. On my second day, I fell for a local recommendation and ended up in a street-side building, which, while charming from the outside and brimming with local flavor, was a disappointment. The facilities were inadequate, amenities poorly maintained, and the place felt old and neglected—sometimes even lacking basic items like blankets.

This was my firsthand experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to explore and carefully select your accommodation.

2. **Further Accommodation Advice:** To get a quick overview of Ha Long Bay, hop on the two-story sightseeing bus at Sun Square. Take a brief tour and check hotel prices on Booking or Klook. If a place is listed, visit it in person and negotiate the price directly. Photos can be deceiving, so seeing it with your own eyes is essential.

3. **Boat Tours:** Be skeptical of anyone claiming their boat is the best and most affordable. Almost everyone you ask will make the same claim. It’s better to head straight to the pier and inquire about each boat. Confirm the specific activities offered, whether they are included in the price, what items are provided, and if there is any catering, along with its cost.

4. **Eating Out:** Everything in the tourist areas is overpriced, a rule that applies universally. For authentic and reasonably priced local cuisine, venture into the residential areas.

5. **Taxis:** When using taxis, always haggle if you haven’t booked through an app. Be cautious if a taxi driver takes you to a restaurant; it’s often a setup for overpriced, subpar dining.

In summary, the challenges you face at home can also be found abroad. Trust your instincts and observations rather than relying too heavily on so-called good Samaritans.