Halong Bay Tour - Is there another day tour you recommend instead?
 

My husband and I are going to Hanoi for 5 nights. Originally we were planning to do an overnight on Halong Bay. However, I've read many posts and it doesn't sound as great as I thought it would be:
-Long bumpy 4 hour ride
-Polluted water
-Even top tours may be not what promised
-Safety not up to US standards
-Boats are now all white

Considering our limited amount of time, and that my husband doesn't kayak and I get car sick, do you think we should skip it?

And if so, do you recommend a shorter day tour. Something that's not overnight where we could see life in a traditional town, or other vietnamese beauty?

Thank you, Inor

Clarification on the 5 nights... It is really only 3 solid days. We get in late the first night, and I think the next day we will be so tired from our long journey that we will do very little.
Inor

As you've deduced, Halong Bay can be quite a disappointment. I pictured 'Indochine' and got instead a traffic jam on land and sea. Very sad and I think you're right in considering not bothering. Hanoi is such an interesting place and considering your short time there, I recommend you just enjoy the city. A shorter trip to the bay would just be a larger percentage of your time spent on broken down seats on a long bad road.

I see I've misunderstood, that your question about a day trip refers to going to a different place. My answer is the same, though, I think once you're in Hanoi you'll want to stay.

Me again. I think you can play it by ear. If you decide after arrival that you'd like a short tour of somewhere outside the city, there are travel agents everywhere who can sell you a jaunt on the spot. Absolutely no reason to commit yourself ahead of time.

With a mere three full days in Hanoi, spend it all there. We did do a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, but were had a full week in Hanoi.

Another vote for staying in Hanoi. There is so much to see there I doubt you will have time to fit it all in in the time available. Totally agree with MmePerdu's comment re leaving it to you get there. Head off to the Olld Quarter on your first day and you will find dozens of travel operators more than willing to arrange tours on the spot. That said, with the aid of a decent guidebook it is pretty easy to visit the main sites without a guide.

I concur with the others. Hanoi is an amazing city to explore.

me too - I agree with the others. Wait until you get there and see if you feel you want to leave Hanoi. three days is not much time in Hanoi.

We liked the day trip to Halong bay. Yes the ride was long, but interesting. Left after early breakfast, back for dinner. We had a nice boat, very pleasant staff, excellent food, interesting sights, very good weather. Did not kayak or swim...too cool. Arranged by Metropole hotel. We thought it was very good day.

Hated the rise although the bay was picturesque. It was awfully hot though and there was little relief, except to stay in the room, to avoid the heat. I would never recommend this as a day trip.

On a recent trip to Hanoi, we took a day trip to the Ninh Binh area (two hours from Hanoi give or take) and took a two hour boat ride in, around, and through the Bich Dong cave. We "cruised" on a small, flat-bottomed boat rowed by one woman. The limestone, karst-like hills seemed to resemble those on Halong Bay, a place that we did not have an opportunity to visit. Floating on the waterway and through the caves was both scenic and peaceful and we enjoyed this activity very much.

I agree with most stay in Hanoi. We were in Halong Bay in Jan.Went for 2 days.I didnt think we would make it to the boat crazy drivers!!
It took 5 hrs to get there!!!The highway is under construction.
I would never go for a day not worth it.

I would like to know what the problem is with white boats?