Ha Long Bay (which means Bay of the Descending Dragon in Vietnamese,) is a popular day trip for adoptive families staying in Hanoi. Located in the Quang Ninh province on the Vietnamese coast of the South China Sea, the area is made up of fishing villages where the locals live in floating houses. It is comprised of over a thousand islands and inlets, many of which are uninhabited, lending to their overwhelming beauty. The limestone pillars in the seascape are said to be breathtaking.

The journey to Ha Long Bay starts with a car or bus ride to the site where you will board your boat for a tour of the area. Most trips will include an on-board meal as you float along the water. You will encounter the local Vietnamese people who make their living and their lives on the calm water, get to view the amazing scenery (Ha Long Bay is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site,) and relax and enjoy some time outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Many families who will be waiting for a few days before meeting their child will book their Ha Long Bay excursion for those pre-child days, as the trip can be difficult with a baby or child in tow. I have heard from families that it was a little harrowing walking from boat to boat to reach their assigned vessel, and wondered how they would have accomplished that with a little one along for the trip. Trips vary from day trips to overnight excursions. Talk to your adoption agency for assistance in booking your trip; they should be able to arrange all of the details for you so you only need to be in your hotel’s lobby at a certain time and the rest is taken care of for you.

We chose not to visit Ha Long Bay when we were in Viet Nam because we didn't want to be separated from her for a whole day and didn't feel comfortable taking her along, but I really hope we are able to the next time we’re there. From what I understand, it’s not terribly expensive, but it is a long day. Ever family that I have heard from who has experienced it said that it was a moving, remarkable experience.

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More Reading:
Touring Ha Long Bay
UNESCO - Ha Long Bay