Experience the Natural Wonder of Ha Long Bay: A Guide to Planning a Day Trip from Hanoi

Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Vietnam, and a day trip from Hanoi is the perfect way to experience it. With its thousands of limestone islands and emerald green waters, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a truly breathtaking and unique experience. A day trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is a great option for those who want to see the bay's beauty without spending a night on a boat. This guide will provide all the information you need to plan your day trip to Ha Long Bay, including the best tour options, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your time. So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, get ready to be amazed by the beauty of Ha Long Bay and make unforgettable memories on this day trip from Hanoi.

1. Early Morning Departure: Most tours depart Hanoi in the early morning, usually around 7:00 am. Make sure to have a good breakfast and be ready to leave on time.

2. Travel to Ha Long Bay: The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. The tour operator will provide transportation, usually by bus or minivan.

3. Embark on a Cruise: Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay, you will board a cruise boat. These boats vary in size and amenities, but most will have a dining area, sundeck, and comfortable cabins.

4. Explore the Bay: The cruise will take you through the beautiful karst formations of Ha Long Bay, stopping at different islands and caves along the way. Some of the most famous spots include the limestone island of Ti Top, which offers panoramic views of the bay, and the Sung Sot Cave, which is one of the largest and most impressive caves in the area.

5. Activities: Depending on the tour, you may have the opportunity to participate in different activities such as kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.

6. Lunch and Dinner: Meals are usually included in the tour, and you will enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and dinner on board the boat.

7. Return to Hanoi: After a full day of exploring, the cruise will return to the port in the late afternoon. From there, you will be transported back to Hanoi, usually arriving back around 7:00 pm.

8. Recommendations: Make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater as it can get cool on the boat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Also, bring your camera or phone to capture the beautiful views of the bay.

Overall, a tour to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi is a great way to experience one of Vietnam's most iconic destinations in a single day. It's a perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Discover the Charm of Hanoi: A Guide to Exploring Vietnam's Capital City

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a destination that offers something for everyone. From its rich cultural heritage and historical sites to its delicious street food and bustling nightlife, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Hanoi. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Hanoi and make the most of your time in this vibrant city. From exploring the Old Quarter to visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, this guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect Hanoi vacation.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Quarter

• Upon arrival in Hanoi, check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up.

• In the late afternoon, head to the Old Quarter to explore the streets and get a sense of the local culture.

• Start your food journey by trying some of the famous street food options such as Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi.

• Some recommended street food vendors are Pho Thin, Bun Cha Huong Lien, and Banh Mi 25.

• Make sure to also check out some of the local markets, such as Dong Xuan market, where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts.

• End the day by taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see the iconic Turtle Tower.

Day 2: Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the Temple of Literature

• Start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

• Afterward, head to the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius and was Vietnam's first university.

• For lunch, try traditional food such as Bun Cha, a dish of grilled pork and noodle, or Bun Rieu, a crab and tomato noodle soup.

• In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology which showcases the traditional culture and customs of Vietnam's ethnic minorities.

• End the day with dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, such as Quan An Ngon, which serves a wide variety of traditional dishes.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village

• Take a day trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, located just outside of Hanoi.

• Here, you can see how traditional ceramics are made and even try your hand at making your own pottery.

• For lunch, try some local specialties such as Nem Chua (fermented pork roll) or Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe)

• After your visit, return to Hanoi and spend the evening exploring the city's nightlife. Try some local beer at a Bia Hoi corner or enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Day 4: Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum and the Hanoi Hilton

• Start the day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, which served as a prison for both Vietnamese and American prisoners during the Vietnam War.

• Afterward, take a walk around the French Quarter, which is known for its colonial architecture.

• For lunch, try traditional food such as Bun Cha, a dish of grilled pork and noodle, or Bun Rieu, a crab and tomato noodle soup.

• In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum which showcases traditional and modern Vietnamese art.

• End the day by taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Pho or Spring Rolls.

Day 5: Departure

• Before departing, take one last stroll around the city and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.

• Try some traditional food such as Banh Cuon, a dish of rice rolls filled with meat and mushrooms, or Xoi, a sticky rice dish.

• Head to the airport and depart Hanoi, but with the memories of the delicious food and rich culture that you have experienced in the city.

In conclusion, Hanoi is a city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and delicious food. From exploring the Old Quarter to visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the Temple of Literature, there are many things to see and do in Hanoi. The city's street food scene is also not to be missed, with a wide variety of delicious options to try. A day trip to Ha Long Bay is also a must-do, offering visitors a chance to see one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. With its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, Hanoi is a destination that should not be missed. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Hanoi.

Delicious Japanese Onigiri at the Beaverton Farmers Market | Kazy's OH!NIGIRI

Update: The stand is unfortunately no longer there.

Those that know me know that I am a big fan of Japanese cuisine. I try to make a trip to Japan once or twice a year, but due to covid I have not been able to for some time and it still may be some time longer before I can. Thankfully I have found a local spot here in Beaverton Oregon to give me that feeling of Japan I miss so much; Kazy’s OH!NIGIRI.

Onigiri, which can also be known as omusubi, or nigirimeshi, or just simply rice ball, is a Japanese food made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in nori (seaweed). They make for perfect snacks or even a full meal. Onigiri is extremely easy to eat on the go which may be why they are so popular in Japan. I pretty much eat them everyday when I am visiting Japan.

Kazy’s OH!NIGIRI brings that authentic Japanese taste to the heart of Beaverton. You can treat yourself to her delicious onigiri on Saturdays at the Beaverton Farmers market. See her Salmon, Spicy Salmon, and Spicy Chicken Miso onigiris pictured below. Yes, they are mouth watering just looking at them! Check out the full MENU.

One of my favorite things about her onigiri is the rice. I think rice is a very overlooked ingredient and the perfect texture along with flavor is key to a good onigiri. Kazy’s rice is perfect! Her attention to detail is amazing with each onigiri being an individual work of art.

Onigiri is not the only item she makes. I also have to highlight the amazing Tamagoyaki which is a Japanese sweet omelette made by layering egg. I have yet to taste a better one!

Kazy sells out very fast, but you can pre-order from her website https://www.kazysohnigiri.com/ Monday - Thursday to guarantee yourself some delicious onigiri. Your order will be ready for pickup on Saturday at the Beaverton Farmers market.

Also make sure to follow Kazy on social media to stay up-to-date on any new food items or possible pop-up locations. She has done a pop-up at Muji in Portland a number of times.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kazys.ohnigiri/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kazys.ohnigiri/

---