If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, Halong Bay is likely at the top of your must-see list. Its emerald waters and towering limestone islands make it iconic. When my friend in Hanoi booked a day trip for me, I couldn’t wait to finally visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. However, the day turned out to be a mix of amusing, frustrating, and downright bizarre moments.

The Journey Begins

The day started early in Hanoi at the Opera House, a classic meeting spot for tours. After some waiting (and the usual delays), a small van arrived. The driver, clearly in a rush, waved me aboard. Inside, a mix of travelers greeted me—people from Japan, the USA, and South Korea. I was the only German in the group, but thankfully, everyone spoke English. We shared travel stories, making the ride pleasant enough.

On the way to Halong Bay, we made an unscheduled stop at a pearl farm. While it was interesting to see how pearls are cultured, the stop clearly aimed to sell overpriced jewelry to tourists. Most of us resisted the sales pitch and quickly returned to the bus, eager to reach Halong Bay.

The Ticket Trouble

At the port, things went sideways. Our guide handed out tickets to everyone but me. Confused, I asked about mine. The guide said my payment only covered the bus ride, not the boat tour. After a quick phone call to my friend in Hanoi, the situation was resolved. I got a ticket but was placed on a boat full of Vietnamese locals instead of with my group.

The Belly Incident

Let me tell you something—if you’re a bit on the heavier side like me, be prepared for some unexpected attention in Vietnam. It’s happened to me before: locals wanting to touch my belly, as if it were a sign of good fortune or something. But this time, it escalated. On this boat full of locals, after a period of awkward silence, people started coming up to me and—believe it or not—stroking my stomach. It was a bizarre, borderline hilarious situation, but not exactly what I had envisioned when I thought of cruising through Halong Bay.

The Tour: Islands and Overcrowding

Ignoring my new belly-rubbing fan club, I escaped to the upper deck to enjoy the scenery. And to be fair, the views were stunning. Halong Bay is everything the brochures promise—jagged limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the green waters. However, the dreaminess of the landscape was overshadowed by overcrowding. Our boat stopped at two islands, both of which were packed with tourists. The sheer number of people made it hard to appreciate the natural beauty.

During the island stops, we had a meal onboard, which was surprisingly good. Fresh seafood, rice, and traditional Vietnamese dishes were served family-style, a small highlight of the trip. But overall, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Halong Bay, at least during a typical tourist outing, felt more like a conveyor belt of mass tourism than a serene natural wonder.

The Return Trip: Yet Another Twist

Just when I thought my quirky day was over, I learned that I wouldn’t be taking the same bus back to Hanoi. Instead, I was crammed into a different bus full of Chinese tourists. Let’s just say, it was not the most comfortable ride back. No one spoke English, the bus was crowded, and after the long day, I was more than ready to be back in the city.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

At the end of the day, I can say I’ve been to Halong Bay, but I can’t say it was the experience I had imagined. The landscape is beautiful, yes, but the overwhelming crowds and the constant feeling of being shuffled from one tourist trap to another detracted from the magic. If you’re the type who enjoys ticking off famous landmarks, then sure, go for it. But if you’re looking for more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Vietnam, there are other places that offer just as much beauty without the throngs of people, like Sapa or Tam Coc.

Halong Bay is undeniably a wonder, but as with many bucket-list destinations, it comes with a price—the price of mass tourism. So, my advice? Visit if you must, but don’t make it the pinnacle of your Vietnam trip. There’s so much more to this incredible country than what’s advertised in glossy travel brochures.

Safe travels!