Hong Kong to Ha Long Bay: A 3-Day Dragon Boat Festival Getaway

Make the most of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday with a 3-day, 2-night trip from Hong Kong to Ha Long Bay, one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World"! Highlights of the Itinerary: 1. Transportation Guide: On the first day, take an early morning flight to Hanoi (approximately 2 hours), followed by a 2.5-hour tourist bus ride to Ha Long Bay pier. Board a traditional wooden boat in the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise with the sea breeze, and savor Vietnamese drip coffee. 2. Core Activities: On the second day, charter a boat to explore the "Surprise Cave" and take a bamboo raft through stunning limestone formations. In the afternoon, challenge yourself with sea kayaking, navigating through karst peaks. End the day by hiking to the top of Paradise Island for a panoramic view of the "Guilin on the Sea." 3. Local Experiences: Spend the night on a boat, learn traditional fishing techniques from local fishermen, and join a Vietnamese sticky rice dumpling-making session the next morning. Wrap sticky rice, mung beans, and grilled meat in banana leaves for a unique Dragon Boat Festival experience. 4. Food Guide: Must-try dishes include grilled squid and spring rolls with fish sauce at the pier night market. Onboard meals feature seafood hotpot with freshly caught shrimp and crab. Tips: • The weather during the Dragon Boat Festival is hot, so bring a sun hat and waterproof phone pouch. • Book your boat accommodation in advance, and prioritize rooms with outdoor bathtubs for a relaxing soak under the stars. • For the return trip from Hanoi, consider taking a night bus and an early morning flight to save on one night's accommodation.