Halong bay deep water soloing area

[9b]

Halong Bay is about 160 km est of Hanoi, nord Vietnam, on Tonchino gulf.
Ha Long bay comprises of two bays, Ha Long bay and Lang Ha bay.
To sail these bays, you need a boat, which can be found in Cat Ba, Ha Long bay's main island (or in Halong city if you want to reach islands located on the north of the bay, but Ha Long city is overcrowded with tour groups).
To rent a boat contact Mr Lap (0912 453 257) in advance and ask him for some kayaks and/or a rowboat (his boats have no showers, neither individual cabin and can take up to 8-10 people).
Prices vary according to the season, for example one night on the boat, dinner, two lunches (food is ok), one breakfast, kayaks and rowboat rental for 8 people : about 280 USD (i.e. 35 USD/each).
From Hanoi to Cat ba go to the Giap Bat bus station (Giai Phong street, south Hanoi). Catch a green minibus (Mai Linh buslines) headed for Haiphong : 50 000 VND, departing every 20 minutes from early morning, duration: about 2 hours.
At Haiphong terminus (Cu Chinh Lan street), turn left at the exit of the station until you reach the main harbour for speedboats.
The first ones for Cat Ba leave at 8.40 and 9.00 am.
There are several companies, schedules may vary.
100 000 VND, one-hour crossing.
Total trip duration: 3-4 hours.