Halong Bay part II

2014 January, The Long Trip - Vietnam, Halong Bay

More pictures from Halong Bay.
It was hard to find information about the cheapest way to see it. Everybody kept saying that they decided to take a more expensive trip instead of the cheapest one. I took the cheapest option and it was enough for me. A half a day trip during which I visited the most important places and one cave.
To get back to Hanoi, firstly, I took a bus number 3 to the Bus Terminal Bai Chay which cost 7,000.00 VND (0.24 e). Buses or minivans going to Hanoi can be found both inside the bus station and parked arround it. Once more, better check everything before you sit on your seat on the bus as even if they sell you a ticket to one terminal the bus will go to a place marked on the front window. The same day I went to the airport in Hanoi as the next day in the morning was my flight to Thailand.

The rock is on the 200,000VND bank note

Fisherman house

Shop

Boat terminal

Bus no. 3 to Bai Chay

The street near the Bai Chay Terminal 

Halong Bay part I

2014 January, The Long Trip - Vietnam, Halong Bay

From Hanoi there is an option to take a tourist bus with a tour (1 or 2 days trip) the prices stars from 22 USD. Second option is to do it on your own. I decided to do it on my own.
From Luong Yen bus terminal there is a but to Bai Chay (Halong Bay) second option is a bus from Giam La. I took the bus from Luong yen. It should be 3,5h ride but it took almost 6h. We spent a lot in Hanoi trying to pick up as many passengers as it was possible. There are many buses around 4 buses per hour and they go to different location. Do not trust when you buy the ticket - better check what is on the bus and wait for another. The bus costs 100,000.00 (3.5e). Mine stopped on the main road outside Halong Bay and i walked around 3 km. 
In Halong Bay there are many hostels and hotels with reasonable prices. I paid for my room 250,000.00 VND (8.7e) per night. the next day I took a 4 hours boat trip. I took a normal boat without agency and it costs 100,000.00 VND (3.5e) plus there is entrance fee + 1 cave 170,000.00 (5.9e).

Cave Thien Cung