Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (March 28, 2026)
Back in November, visiting Ha Long Bay was one of my highlights from my trip (see related post). So when thinking about how to expose my family to the best Northern Vietnam has to offer, a day trip to Ha Long Bay was my #2 pick, with a day trip to Ninh Binh being my top choice (see related post).
Introducing the “Surprise Cave” to my family in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay has a little of everything, and the order of what we spend time on first, second and third depends on the tour company and guide’s discretion. For this trip, we had lunch on the ship and went straight to the “Surprise Caves” where I had the opportunity to witness the awe of each of my family members as they took in just how enormous these caves truly are.
Of course, these caves are just one of three destinations we visit as part of the Ha Long Bay cruise adventure. The real “purpose” isn’t the destination so much as the incredible views from the ship itself.
One of may features of Ha Long Bay is the unreal views from the boat
The views are especially beautiful from the ships “warm” tub
Together, we hiked the 500 steps to the top of the one mountain you’re allowed to climb up, then split up as I took a kayak out to visit my favorite group of monkeys (I counted 15 this time) while Elena and Violet opted for the speed boat to get further distance around the bay.
Ha Long Bay is also where pearls are cultured. It’s one of the remaining industries where oyster farmers have found a new way forward now that tourism has taken over in Ha Long Bay.
Demonstrating how pearls are formed locally in Ha Long Bay
The only bummer about the day was the weather (which no one can control). It was overcast all day, so good for not having to slather ourselves in sun screen, but missing the aqua blue reflection of the water that Ha Long Bay is famous for. For example, this is our sweeping view of Ha Long Bay today:
Today: Sweeping view of Ha Long Bay from the highest lookout point
And this is the same picture I took five months ago back in November:
Green water is reflecting the rays of the sun vibrantly (magically?)
All in all, we had the adventure and the experience and I walked away with a deeper appreciation of how lucky I was to experience all of this on a bright and sunny day five months ago (see related post).
