Ha Long Bay, located northeast of Vietnam, is one of the most popular destinations for both local and foreign tourists. Recognized as one of the world's new seven wonders of nature, this haven of majestic landscapes and water forms is a must-see.

Aside from its world-class natural beauty, it's just 2-3 hours from Hanoi so you could just pack an overnight bag for a weekend getaway.

PLACES

The most frequented activity is the island cruise which can last from a day to a couple of days. The price range is from US$200 to $400 depending on the type of accommodation and duration but there are cheaper options for day tour which includes kayaking and caving. I only paid around $25 for day trip with a full course meal and a 4-hour tour including the cave tour. Kayaking was paid separately and there was no guide. It was really short yet sweet.

If you're a beach bum or an adventure buff, there are also other choices for you. One of the major attractions you could visit is the Sun World Ha Long Complex which actually has a waterpark with some exciting yet child-friendly rides.

The Queen Cable Car is another must-try being a Guinness World record holder as the cabin with the largest capacity that runs from Bai Chay district, crossing over the karst formations of Ha Long Bay to Ba Deo Hill. Although the operating hours are currently affected by this covid situation, they still open regularly on weekends.

ACCOMMODATION

Along with Ha Long Bay's popularity are great opportunities for local business focused on providing relatively economical accommodation choices for tourists. I'd suggest you book online for more reasonable prices, reviews and reservations. I stayed in a vibrant community of Bai Chay district with a French-inspired ambiance.

TRANSPORTATION

Like any other nearby provinces of Hanoi, Ha Long can be easily reached by bus or limousine. Buses are the cheaper option but it can actually run for 4 hours or more. There are many travel agencies and hotels that can help you book a seat in a limousine. This is mostly preferred because of its shorter travel time. If you're staying in a hotel, the best thing to do is to ask help from the staff.

Locals are always very accommodating especially if they're doing business with you. They value customer service and their business so much that they would treat you like family. Well, that's based on my experience. 😋

Here's a short video, not a vlog 😋, of my Ha Long Bay trip

If you happen to be based in Hanoi and been wanting to take a quick breather over the weekend, Ninh Binh would be an ideal place to go. From the capital, it only takes less than two hours to get to this paradise. If you're a fan of amazing natural landscapes and underground rivers, this is the perfect getaway for you.

awesome view at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Places to see

TRANG AN

another mandatory shot when taking the boat tour in Trang An

Ninh Binh is known for its karsts formation amid rivers and plains. This unique beauty garnered much attention as the iconic film Kong: Skull Island was shot here. So you'd know that the itinerary would include the Kong Island shooting locations but the only way to see them is by boat.

COST

This tour costs 200k VND with different choices based on durations and locations. Each boat must carry at least 3 passengers so if you happen to go alone, you'd have to wait for the slots to be filled in or you can pay for the rest of the seats.

DURATION

Since I didn't have much time, I chose the 4-hour tour which highlights boating through the underground rivers and caves and passing by the famous Kong Island. Several temples were also part of the tour by which time local tourists would pray or light some candles.

SITES

At each stopover, refreshments and snacks are sold but there are no restaurants where you could sit down and enjoy a full course meal but you do have ample time to grab some snacks and walk around.

There were some parts of the tour when I just chose to stay in the boat because there wasn't really so much to see and do. Instead, I enjoyed a chat with the boatwoman who spoke Vietnamese all throughout our conversation. I mostly used translator app to respond to her but luckily I picked up some of the words she said. Most locals are really friendly and accommodating.

Here's some relaxing shots of my boat tour in Trang An.

TIPPING

Don't forget to tip your boatman/woman before ending the tour. Tipping is considered polite and a manifestation of gratitude and appreciation.

HANG MUA

This is also a must-see! It's like a vast mountain resort with an overlooking view and an easy hiking trail. I was even wearing my platform sandals going up to the peak.

It only costs 100k VND for the entrance fee. You could also enjoy local food served in the restaurants and cafes within the place.

Hang Mua Peak

There are 2 peaks with a small viewing deck that could get crowded during peak seasons. Summer seasons in Vietnam tend to be really hot and humid and most of the trails are not shaded so be ready with some sun gears.

panoramic view | Hang Mua

Also, before leaving don't forget to drop by the lake with huge water lilies. This place is panoramically amazing.

a conversation with the frogs | Hang Mua

Getting there

The cheapest way to go if you're on a DIY tour is either by bus or by train. Unless there's a national holiday, it would be convenient and cheaper to buy tickets at the bus or train stations but this might be a little challenging if you don't know basic Vietnamese.

In this case, booking tickets online might be a better alternative. As for me, I also find it convenient to book a train ticket on the website because I can pick a seat and pay using my card.

Another popular option is the limousine because it could take you directly to Trang An where the major attraction is located. You can also book for this online.

If you're on a tour package, the transportation is the last thing you'll worry about. That's pretty much covered with your package most of the time. There are many travel agencies in Hanoi that offer great deals for a day trip in Ninh Binh.

Where to stay

Again, booking websites could be your bestfriend in finding a great accommodation. There's a good range of options from boutique to luxury hotels in Ninh Binh but should you want to stay near the main attractions, pick a place somewhere in Trang An or Tam Coc.

I had an awesome stay at Trang An Valley Bungalow. I loved how the cliffs are also your bathroom walls so you're literally sleeping at the foot of enormous rock formations.

loving these cliffs at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Check out some random videos I took during this trip

Vietnam generally has a tropical climate especially in the southern part but it is quite interesting to note that this country can also offer 'winter-feels' minus the snow. If you want to try out a much bearable cold weather, visit the northern provinces especially in December and January.

One of the provinces with the lowest recorded temperatures is Lao Cai where the famous SaPa town is located. The place is famous for both local tourists and foreigners all throughout the year. A famous landmark called Fansipan or better known as the Roof of Indochina is flocked by tourists due to its remarkable sea of clouds view.

Fansipan Peak

Transportation

From Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, you can reach Sapa town in 5-6 hours by bus, train, van for hire or private. One of the most common ways to get there is by bus which will cost you around VND 300 - 500 ($13-21) depending on the type of bus. Booking a bus ticket can be done online even on the day of your trip but the online booking could be more expensive than calling the bus company directly. If you're staying in a hotel, the staff could also do the booking for you and provide you with more details. This could be a good option to avoid miscommunication.

Train routes are also avaible from Hanoi to Lao Cai but this is not recommended since you have to take the bus or taxi to Sapa unlike the bus where you may get off few blocks from your hotel.

Some may also opt for vans for hire or private cars especially those coming from Noi Bai International Airport. This option can be costly but maybe convenient for you. If you check out Sapa's official website for tourists, you can find more information about airport to hotel transfers or as another option, hotels could also arrange the booking for you. Most hotels here are accommodating with requests like this.

Accommodation

Accommodation might be the last thing you'll ever worry about. The town is swarmed with both budget hostels and luxury hotels. Booking online through famous websites maybe a convenient choice but you just have to provide exact details like extra beds and check-in or check-out time because any immediate changes might actually cost you more.

Staying right at the center of the town allows more time to explore the city at night but if you want an exhilirating mountain view right from the windows of your hotel room then you might want to consider booking a hotel away from the town center. Although there are some hotels located at the towncenter advertising fascinating landscape views, the town has become more congested and commercialized with more building constructions in sight.

Places

Fansipan Mountain is always on the list of the must-visit places in Sapa. The magnificent sea of clouds is one of the most popular reasons tourist never miss climbing to the peak. More info here.

The Sun Plaza building is a prominent tourist spot that it has become an unwritten rule to take an obligatory photo in front of this establishment.

Sun Plaza | Sa Pa

Nui Ham Rong Sapa Mountain is another promising attraction where you could possibly see the most anticipated cherry blossoms. Get ready to be mesmerized by a miscellany of flora in its most natural terrain. The intricate rock formations with passages forming like small caves are just amazing. You're actually lucky if you get to this part though. The place is overwhelmingly huge that you might actually lose your way. Just make sure you get to the top because a breathtaking view overlooking the city is waiting for you.

Yay! We found the viewdeck at Nui Ham Rong Sapa Mountain

The hotpot restaurants there are also a must-try or if you want something familiar to your tastebuds, it wouldn’t be so hard to find the nearest Italian or French-themed fastfood.

Souvineer shops should also be in your list. The items are incredibly cheap you'd wish to hoard. You can't probably buy the same items in any shops in Hanoi with the same price.

Weather

Always make a habit to check the weather conditions before visiting Sapa especially Fansipan. Rainy seasons could actually spoil the awesome view of the the sea of clouds at the Fansipan Peak and it gets really windy up there. The cold months on the other hand could be foggy but there's a 75% chance of a clear sky in November and December. While in the summer, Mr. Sun can get a little tough that it will be scorching hot and uncomfortable while climbing to the peak. The peak is an open area so be ready with your sun protection gears.

Price Tag

Accommodation - for as low as $13 per night, you can get a decent hotel room at the town center.

Transpo cost - From Hanoi to Sapa, and vice versa, expect to pay around $12-15 for a bus ride.

Food - almost every corner of the town has a hotpot restaurant that serves seafood buffet at around $12. There are also fastfood shops that offer a seven-dollar pizza or drink that can surely satisfy a hungry tummy on a budget.

Attractions - Fansipan cable car ticket would cost a chunk of your budget while other attractions are free or with minimal entrance fee.

Pack your bags and get ready for Sapa. Here are some photos for inspiration.

Excuse the puffer jackets. These were taken on a 4°C clear sunny day in December so behold the sea of clouds!

contemplating with the sea of clouds

Remember Platform 9 3/4 with this shot? | Fansipan | Sa Pa

Taiwan cradles a plethora of budget-friendly hostels and BnBs so finding the perfect accommodation that suits your budget and needs should be as easy as pie.

TIPS!

Booking a place to stay is often a requirement upon entering Taiwan with a tourist entry visa. Upon arrival you will most likely be asked by the immigration officer (IO) to show a proof of booked accommodation.

Get paperless!
I used to print on paper the reservation details but I found it really inconvenient and impractical when you can just use your phone. I worry that my phone would die so I won't be able to show my documents but really it was just 'me' being paranoid.

Get an app on your phone for hotel bookings so it'll be more convenient for you to open your reservation details especially when an IO asks for it. I usually save a screenshot on my gallery just in case I won't get internet connection yet.

Read the reviews!
Before you feel giddy with paying for a place to stay, it's imperative to read reviews and view photos to get a glimpse of the place. Most of the time negative comments are true and can really cause an inconvenience even how trivial it was presented.

I experienced booking on a hostel because it was cheap and the location was excellent. There were great feedback from guests. Although I've read some negative comments, I disregarded them thinking these were just trivial matters that can be overlooked or perhaps the guests who left the feedback were 'just too picky'. Guess what, I was wrong. I learned.

Pay when you stay
Opt for 'pay-when-you-stay' accommodation if possible. If anything comes up unexpectedly that would necessitate for a change of hostel, it would be easier by then to cancel your reservation without charge. Some may charge for cancellation a day or two before your expected arrival. Although it's not always good to be a 'joy reserver' or so they say, I don't want to risk being charged on my card.

I'm sharing my reviews and experiences with the budget accommodations in Taiwan. I toured around two cities in Taiwan for a week and stayed in three different hostels.

Mini West Hotel - TAICHUNG

YAY! 💯

✅ economical - it was just around 10 USD per night with breakfast
✅ breakfast included - not as overwhelming as a buffet but it was a generous perk with the price you pay
✅ location - there's a bus station right in front of the hostel; it's a walking distance to nearby bus stops for other destinations; near convenience stores and 24/7 food places.
✅ cleanliness
✅ spacious bunkbeds - it was like a mini bedroom; sheets and pillows were comfortable and clean
✅ privacy - although it's a shared room, each bed has roller blinds
✅ reception - you can check in anytime
✅ staff - accommodating and friendly regardless of the nationality; I'm a bit observant about how staff treat their guests because I had an experience of being ignored or not attended to right away because some white guy came in - this toxic Asian mentality!

NAY ❌❌❌

❌bathrooms are shared with both (all) sexes

❌going up or down the upper bunkbeds maybe a little uncomfortable due to its vertical ladder
❌no shoes inside is okay but sharing slippers is not

Angel's Hostel - TAIPEI

YAY! 💯

✅ economical - it was just around 10 USD per night
✅ free snacks - chips and there's a coffee machine (not free though); they've got a kitchen and laundry services for guests
✅ location - it's a 3-min walk to Ximen metro station and Ximending, a famous night market in Taipei
✅ vibe - it gets a little crowded at the lounge area but the warm smiles and laughters are priceless moments of a backpacker's experience
✅ staff - friendly and can converse in English
✅ bunkbeds - comfortable and the staircases are awesome; unlike other bunkbeds, they don't have vertical ladders, they've got mini staircases so it's comfortable to walk up or down

NAY ❌❌❌

❌cleanliness in the bathroom
❌shared toilet - toilet is situated outside the hostel; it's shared with the other tenants of the building; some parts of the toilet needed repair

Neosoho - TAIPEI

YAY! 💯

✅ excellent location - it was a 2-min walk to Taipei Main Station which connects to the airport line and other major cities and counties in Taiwan
✅ economical - it was just around 13 USD per night
✅ wide lounge area with dining tables and computers

NAY ❌❌❌

❌cleanliness - sheets and pillow cases were unchanged; the bunkbeds are dusty especially the upper ones; the curtains atop the cubicles were torn and dusty; toilets lack maintenance

❌privacy - when you get the upper bed, it would be so awkward to see other guests and even more uncomfortable to see people sleeping in the next cubicle.
❌bunkbeds - uncomfortable, too elevated (upper beds) that you'd hit the radiator or lights with your head; vertical ladders with little to no space to land your feet on; it was a horrible yet funny experience falling 2 steps from the ladder!

The reviews were made with all honesty and are actually based on my personal experience. Yours may be different. Feel free to react and interact!

Browsing through my neewsfeed, I stumbled upon this magnificent view which I thought was just a manipulated image. Turns out, this one's legit!

Welcome to the Golden Bridge in Vietnam! This newly opened attraction had instantly drawn hundreds of tourists every day. The Golden Bridge is situated inside Ba Na Hills, a huge amusement park in Da Nang, central part of Vietnam.

Finally, the Golden Bridge

So, where's Da Nang? Read on.

Transportation

By plane

As of this writing you can take a direct flight to Da Nang from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, UAE, Taiwan, Hongkong, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Laos.

If your country is not in the list, you're actually in for a more exciting trip as you'll get a chance to see more of what Vietnam has to offer by exploring other cities.

Most tourists enter the country through its major cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Fortunately, domestic flights from these cities to Da Nang are quite cheap. Promo fares are always available on the major airlines of Vietnam, Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines so this itinerary still jibes the budget.

You shouldn't miss visiting nearby attractions in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh before flying to Da Nang.

By Bus

This option requires ample time. From Ho Chi Minh, it'll take 19-24 hours and from Hanoi, it'll take 16-18 hours. Sounds excruciating? This isn't going to break your purse but it'd somehow break your neck. It's a hyperbole but it's really cheaper to travel by bus. The bus fare is around 400,000₫(16 USD) to 600, 000₫(26USD) one-way. If you enjoy travelling and sleeping on a bus, there are a lot of sleeper bus you can take. The cost varies on the comfort you'll experience. For instance, there are buses that don't have their own toilet inside so you'd probably have to pull up your Google Translate app to tell the driver to stop for a 'pee break'.

By Train

Train rides in Vietnam may be long but the scenic countryside view can ease the boredom away. I personally like to travel by train but only for short distances. When travelling to Da Nang, the travel hours are similar to that of the bus rides. While buses are quite cheaper, some seat options on the train could almost match to that of a plane ticket. Trains have berths that would cost up to 900,000₫ (39 USD one-way) depending on the type of cabin you'll have. If you don't mind being seated for the entire ride, then there are soft or hard seats which cost the same with sleeper buses. The trains are equipped with toilets and portable food carts.

Accommodation

Ever since Da Nang has become touristry, cheap youth hostels and inns have popped out everywhere so it's not a challenge to find a budget-friendly hotel in the city for around 7 USD per night. Da Nang also boasts of its luxury hotels and resorts which are still quite cheaper than other five-star accommodation in other countries.

If you plan of getting the most of your time in Ba Na Hills Resort without the flock of tourists, then staying inside the resort would be the best option although you still need to pay for the amusement park ticket for a lesser price. The hotel accommodation may cost up to $200 USD/night for a double room. Booking online would be a smart option to get discounts.

Currency

The currency in Vietnam is called VND: Vietnamese Dong (locals pronounce it as 'dom'). Most business people in Da Nang accept VND but some tour agencies may accept dollars. It's always smart to change your local currency with USD because most money exchange shops in the provinces of Vietnam don't accept any other currencies but USD.

On a personal note, I had to travel to Hanoi (the capital) and take that 6-hour train ride so I can have my Philippine Peso (PHP) exchanged with VND. I learned my lesson to always have USD in my purse when travelling to other countries.

Taking a City Tour

By Taxi

As soon as you step out of the terminal in Da Nang (bus, train, or airport), taxi drivers will be on the lookout. They can be a little aggressive but you can just firmly say no if you've got a plan to follow. There are some taxi-hailing app (like Grab) which can be used in Da Nang. Some taxi drivers even offer to check your Grab app and pay the fare as shown in your app. Fair enough. This is only ideal if you're travelling from the terminal or airport to your hotel. For city tours they will charge differently. You can try to haggle.

By Private Car

In my case, I took a private car which happened to be a Grab car, too. It was less expensive because it was more of a rideshare. I paid 50,000₫ (2 USD) for a 10-minute ride from the terminal to my accommodation. I met the driver just outside the terminal. No prior bookings were made.

I also hired the same driver to take me and my friend to Ba Na Hills the next day for just 600,000₫ (25USD). He helped us reserve tickets and get a little discount.

By Motorbike

You read it right! If you know how to drive a motorbike and you've got an International Driving Permit, you can rent one where you stay. Can you drive without a license in Vietnam? Although this sounds illegal, I've known a lot of foreigners who drive motorbikes without a license. aw enforcement in this country is also very lenient when it comes to motorbikes.

The staff of the hotel where I stayed offered me a motorbike-for-rent without even asking if I've got a permit or if I even know how to drive.

Weather

Generally, the northern provinces of Vietnam experience four seasons. Be prepared with your sun screen and shades if you plan to visit from May to September. December is probably the coldest month so prepare your jumper or jacket. For the rest of the months, the weather may be rainy or warm. Rain gears will be a neccessity especially in September or October. The climate system has drastically changed over the years so better check the weather forecast.

Nearby Attractions/Cities

Most tourists visiting Da Nang will also consider nearby tourist destination like Hue and Hoi An. It takes less than an hour by bus to go to Hoi An from Da Nang. Hoi An is one of the many cities in Vietnam known for its culturally rich tourist spots which are quite accessible. Aside from cultural trips, you can also experience paddling or boating in their rivers.

From Hoi An, it will also take less than an hour to reach Hue, another historically rich city in Vietnam. Apart from sightseeing and boating, you shouldn't miss authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Hue.

Places to see

TRANG AN

HANG MUA

Getting there

Where to stay

TIPS!

Mini West Hotel - TAICHUNG

YAY! 💯

NAY ❌❌❌

Angel's Hostel - TAIPEI

YAY! 💯

NAY ❌❌❌

Neosoho - TAIPEI

YAY! 💯

NAY ❌❌❌

The reviews were made with all honesty and are actually based on my personal experience. Yours may be different. Feel free to react and interact!

Transportation

By plane

By Bus

By Train

Accommodation

Currency

Taking a City Tour

By Taxi

By Private Car

By Motorbike

Weather

Nearby Attractions/Cities

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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