Originally Posted by
ciciaim
4. the other way is take a private car to Hai Phong (2hours and $70-$80/one way) and then take a hydrofoil to Cat Ba island! (1hour speed boad ride and cost $10/person - schedule : 9am - 11h30am from Hai Phong, from Cat Ba is 3pm) in Cat Ba you can hire a boat to see Halong bay right after you arrival.
I'm not a boat person, nor am I terribly keen on spending 11 hours on a tour, especially with stops to buy gifts and such. This seems to be a better option for me. Any thoughts?