Halong Bay Independant tour

Hi All,
I am going to halong bay for 2-3 days to Photograph the island and landscape. I have looke at the tours online and they all r with large groups and catering for the masses... Does anyone know if its possible to rent a small boat and driver to be independant or does anyone have info about independant tour companies there. Also are there many view points on the main land and/or island that are accessable?
all advice helpful, thanks... Reply to this

From Hanoi you can go by bus directly to Ha Long town (Gia Lam bus station, Hanoi), then rent a boat after you arrvive there. My Aussie friend did the trip independently and he found 2 more tourists to share the boat. You also can go by bus/boat from Hanoi to Cat Ba island. Contact Hoang Long bus company on 28 Tran Nhat Duat st in Hanoi, they have 4 buses leaving for Cat Ba everyday. The trip takes 4 hours and costs about US$8. Reply to this

You can get a ferry to Cat Ba island from Haiphong, and then organise a boat to take you on a trip around the island and Halong bay when you get over there.

From Hanoi it's 2- 2 1/2 hours by bus or train to Haiphong. Reply to this