Explore Halong Bay: Day 1 of Vietnam Adventure Travel_vlog

Landed in Hanoi around 1:00 AM and joined the large group to queue for exit. Surprisingly, despite the late hour, the process was incredibly smooth, taking less than 30 minutes, and there were no requests for tips.

After exiting, I headed to a money exchange place recommended on Xiaohongshu, only to find it closed 😭. Fortunately, the elevator next to it led directly downstairs, where I could buy a SIM card and exchange currency. The staff there spoke Chinese, and the exchange rate for RMB was 3400. After exchanging my money, I called a Grab taxi.

However, the wait for the taxi was quite long, possibly due to the Spring Festival, and it took about half an hour. The ride from the airport to the city cost over 100 RMB.

The hotel had a 24-hour front desk and was conveniently located in the old town. The staff was exceptionally friendly and even helped with my luggage despite the late hour, which was a huge relief.

🔥 I fell asleep quickly. I had booked a one-day tour to Halong Bay on Klook. I tried to contact the local travel agency beforehand, but there was no response, so I had to book through Klook. It cost 275 RMB per person, and during the Spring Festival, an additional 150,000 VND was required for the guide.

After breakfast at the hotel, I went downstairs to wait for the travel agency to pick me up, but they didn’t show up on time. I asked the front desk to call them, and the guy said, “Don’t worry, they are always late” 😓

I waited patiently ⌛️. When the guide finally arrived, he came on a motorcycle. Three of us hopped on the small motorbike to get to the bus pickup point, which was quite an adventure and a bit humorous!!

Next, we boarded the bus and made a stop at a rest area to use the restroom. There was a pearl shop inside, and you could choose to go in or not. They had some small souvenirs from Yiwu. I bought a cup of coffee and continued the journey.

Upon arriving at the scenic area, our guide efficiently secured the tickets, and we embarked on a boat that would be our floating home for the day. After settling in, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, followed by an exciting exploration of the attractions.

Pro tip: While everyone advises against taking water bottles off the boat, I tested it out and found it to be perfectly fine—just make sure not to litter. It’s wise to bring a thermos, as all drinks on the boat come with an extra charge, and purchasing water or coconuts at the various small attractions can be quite pricey.

The lunch on the boat was nothing to write home about, but the company made it memorable. I had the pleasure of dining with a dashing South African model and a charming Korean family, making the meal a delightful experience.

Guilin’s landscape truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world.

1. **Surprise Cave**: This was my first time exploring a cave, and it was a fascinating experience. The highlight, however, was the kayaking adventure that followed. You have the option to paddle solo or on a bamboo raft, and both choices offer a unique and thrilling experience.

2. **Mysterious Cave**: Kayaking through this cave was an absolute blast! Before setting off, don’t forget to grab the raincoats and plastic bags left by previous visitors; otherwise, you might end up with a wet and uncomfortable ride. A special shoutout to Xiao Wang, the paddling champion 🏆. His steady pace allowed us to navigate through the low-lying caves and then suddenly emerge into a breathtaking open space, creating a truly exhilarating experience.

3. **Paradise Island**: This idyllic spot offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. You can choose to climb to the top for a panoramic view or simply lounge on the soft, sandy beach. We opted for the climb, and with the perfect weather, the views were absolutely stunning. The girls playing volleyball on the beach added a lively touch to the serene atmosphere.

After a day filled with adventure and natural beauty, it was time to head back. The boat hosted a sunset party 🎉, complete with a spread of fruits, snacks, and drinks. Beware, though—the red wine will leave your lips stained a vivid crimson!

We savored the serene beauty of the sunset at sea, and the bus returned us to the city around 8:30 PM, dropping us off right at the hotel door.