Distance from Hanoi Old Quarter
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· ~ 150 km – shuttle bus/car · 2 hour transfer
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· ~ 170 km– shuttle bus/car · 3.5 hour transfer
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· ~ 180 km– shuttle bus/car · 4 hour transfer
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Highlights
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· Cat Ba national park (in Cat BA island)
· Fishing village: Viet Hai, Cai Beo
· Cave: Dark & Bright, Trung Trang Cave, Hospitality, Thien Long
· Beaches: Ba Trai Dao, Cat Co, Cat Co, Tung Thu, Van Boi
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· Fishing village: Cua Van
· Cave: Amazing/Surprised (Sung Sot Cave), Dau Go Cave, Luon Cave (for kayaking & swimming), Mecung, Trinh Nu
· Halong pearl Farm
· Fighting Cock Islet
· Beaches: Titop, Soi Sim
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· Cap La & Tra San island (for swimming & Kayaking)
· Cong Do & Cong Dam for floating hamlets or for swimming
· fishing village: Vung Vieng
· Caves: Thien Canh Son, Thay / Hang Thay
· Beaches: Ban Chan, Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Tra Gioi
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Pros
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· Tranquil and unspoiled
· Less touristy and cleaner than Halong Bay
· Shortest travel time required
· Including Cat Ba island and Cat Ba national park – a wealth of historical attractions
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· The largest areas with the biggest and most impressive caves
· Only bay with a fully inhabited floating village
· Highest density of limestone karsts
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· Untouched and quiet
· Less touristy and cleaner than Halong Bay
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Cons
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Relatively smallest
Floating villages are much smaller than the others.
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Extremely crowded by more than 600 boats (you will easily get stuck in caves or beaches with other thousands of people)
The most polluted areas
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Longest travel time required
The lowest density of limestone karsts
caves are smallers and less stunning as in Halong bay
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Recommendation
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Best place for visitors who love kayking, swimming, trekking, hiking.
2 day trip is the most common choice
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Best place for people who love the most amazing views.
2 or 3 day trips are the same
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Best place for travellers who are looking for tranquility, relaxing trip.
3 days trip is the most common choice
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