There is a chance that when you visit Halong bay there is going to be lot of small boats full of travellers and tourists sailing in the waters between the limestone rocks that create Vietnam’s best known landmark. But if you want to see other interesting places with less people, Lonely Planet has a few suggestions for interesting places other than Halong bay.
For example, if you have time, go to Cat Ba Island right next to the Halong bay whose southeastern shores are home to its own limestone islands with isolated beaches, and when you want to sail on a boat, the boat operators are only going to charge you a part of what you pay in Halong.
Bai Tu Long, when you sail to the north around the coast from Halong, promises to have less people than Halong. Have its own wonderful nature and outside activities like hiking and cave exploring.
Chances are your visit to Halong bay will include lots of small boats jammed with travellers and local tourists sailing the waters between the limestone outcrops that create Vietnam’s most recognizable landmark. But if you’re interested in seeing some other just as interesting but less crowded places, Lonely Planet has a few other suggestions on what to see besides Halong Bay.
For example, if you have time, go to nearby Cat Ba Island whose southeastern shores are home to its own limestone islands with isolated beaches, and where boat operators are likely to charge you a part of what you’ll pay in Halong.
Bai Tu Long, further north along the coast from Halong, promises to be less crowded than Halong, and to have its own stunning landscape and outdoor activities like hiking and cave exploring.
Definitions
jammed – very full
limestone – a type of white stone that contains calcium
outcrop – a large mass of rock that stands above the surface of the ground
crowded – having a lot of people or too many people / full of something
stunning – extremely attractive or impressive
hiking – the activity of going for long walks in the country for pleasure
cave – a large hole in the side of a hill or under the ground
