Explore Hanoi & Halong Bay: Budget Tips and Personal Experiences for $150 Per Person
🌟 Itinerary
Day 1: Start your adventure with a visit to the charming Tra Co Church in Mong Cai, Vietnam. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, enjoy a delightful dinner before retiring for the night at the Halong Hotel.
Day 2: Embark on a breathtaking cruise through the stunning Halong Bay. Explore the mysterious Surprise Cave, marvel at the tranquil Moon Lake, and relax on the idyllic Paradise Island.
End the day with a refreshing cup of Koi Coffee.
Day 3: Discover the European charm of the town, followed by a visit to the Hanoi Military Museum. Savor a sumptuous lunch featuring the Emperor’s Tray Feast. Continue your journey to Ba Dinh Square, wander through the vibrant 36 Streets, and admire the majestic Hanoi Cathedral.
Conclude the evening with a magical night cruise on Halong Bay.
Day 4: Return Trip
—
[PlaneR] Tour Group: Ctrip Travel “Customized Group” [PlaneR]
[RedBookR] Don’t forget your passport; the tour group will assist you with the visa process.
[ExploreStoreR] Before you leave, exchange some Vietnamese Dong—about 200-300 RMB should suffice.
[RightArrowR] You’ll need it for shopping and dining, and it’s handy to have plenty of small change, as some places charge around 5,000 VND for restroom use.
[ShoppingCartR] The tour group allows one suitcase, so there’s no need to worry about theft. My parents, being cautious, carried a backpack instead 😢.
[ChecklistR] One dinner is self-arranged, and you might venture out for late-night snacks. Be sure to bring cash and a translator, as some local restaurants may not speak Chinese but can understand a translation app.
😄 The locals in Halong are incredibly friendly. When they couldn’t give me change, they kindly asked me to wait while they fetched it.
❤️ Their fresh beef pho/noodles cost about 15 RMB, which is a generous portion similar to 25 RMB in Shenzhen.
—
·The Ctrip itinerary doesn’t include a visit to Moon Lake or a speedboat tour of Halong Bay, which requires an additional 180 RMB.
– The speedboat ride is thrilling and well worth the extra cost.
– Moon Lake is a serene spot, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature.
！The lunch on the cruise is a culinary delight, featuring a variety of dishes such as sushi, freshly sliced steak, salad, fried rice, and sweet soup…
—
❌ A rickshaw ride in the 36 Streets isn’t recommended; it can be quite monotonous and costs an extra 100 RMB.
– Hanoi’s traffic is reminiscent of Longhua, Shenzhen; walking is often a better option than taking a vehicle.
—
🎁 Souvenirs 🎁
1. Civet coffee (a must-buy, delicious and unique)
2. Coffee candy (haven’t tried, but my dad loves it)
3. Miss Saigon perfume (the scent doesn’t last long, consider it only as a keepsake)
4.
Purple-skinned cashews (tasty and a great gift, buy a few boxes)
5. Coconut candy (available everywhere, not worth buying)
6. Cigarettes (many options in duty-free shops, my dad says the taste is similar, judge for yourself)
·The guide will offer agarwood cigarettes, coffee, candies, and cashews. There’s no pressure to buy, so feel free to make your own choices.
❌ Nasal ointment, its effectiveness varies. If you’re curious, try a jar. [FaceCoverR] My dad bought a box and is quite satisfied with it.
7. Rubber slippers (haven’t tried, but the less attractive ones tend to be more durable)
Don’t be swayed by the customs officer, who accompanies you through the visa process and guides you through customs, when they claim that the nasal fruit is incredibly beneficial. Just after clearing customs, you’ll find yourself in a duty-free shop where this very item is prominently displayed. Interestingly, online sources suggest that while the fresh fruit cannot be taken out of the country, the powdered form can.
Consequently, many travelers end up spending over 7,000 RMB to purchase the powder instead.
Avoid buying cigarettes at the border; they are often counterfeit!
