The Cutest Place to Stay in HaLong Bay - HaLong Ginger Homestay
Originally posted July 19, 2018
If you're planning a trip to northern Vietnam, chances are taking a HaLong Bay Cruise is high on your list. Most people go straight from Hanoi to the bay and almost immediately board their cruise, however, if you have the time, I highly recommend staying at least one night in mainland HaLong beforehand.
WHY STAY A NIGHT IN MAINLAND HALONG BAY?
The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay can be a bit exhausting. If you're a morning person, maybe you won't sweat the early morning wake up call, but I personally was SO tired once I had finally arrived and it was time for the cruise - (Seriously... barely survived happy hour... mostly due to my extreme exhaustion).
This time around, we opted to head to HaLong Bay a day early. This allowed us to rest up, while also giving us just enough time to explore. We got an early morning bus from Hanoi, and were dropped off right at the door of our adorable homestay in HaLong. Once there, we dropped off our bags, ate some lunch, and went to hike Bai Tho Mountain.
If you're not already convinced to stay a night, check out this incredible view of the bay from Bai Tho Mountain, and then get ready to book your accommodations in HaLong.
WHERE TO STAY
Sold on staying a night in the mainland?
Skip the fancy hotels and resorts, save a few bucks, and book a stay at the HaLong Ginger Homestay instead... a cozy, convenient, affordable, (and totally instagrammable) little homestay...
HaLong Ginger Homestay was our home away from home for a night, and we really loved it.
This beautiful, cozy property, offers a variety of room options and styles, so, whether you're travelling solo or with a group, you'll be able to find something that works for you!
Breakfasts are delicious (and included), and the hosts are incredibly helpful with arranging things to do or transportation around the area! They even have a cooking school on-site that was undergoing renovation during our stay.
Keep reading to find out more about HaLong Ginger Homestay's location, property and how to book your stay.
LOCATION
The HaLong Ginger Homestay is centrally located about 2-3km away from the beaches and downtown, and only 7km away from the pier. Our limousine bus from Hanoi dropped us off right at the front door.
ROOMS
QUEEN BALCONY ENSUITE
This room was perfect!
Located on the second floor of the house, it has a large, comfy bed, a private bathroom, and a private balcony overlooking the beautiful garden downstairs. This is a great spot to enjoy your breakfast or coffee in the morning.
DOUBLE BED WITH SHARED BATHROOM
The "Mango Room" is a cozy double bedroom on the second floor of the house. It has one double bed, a beautiful garden view, and is perfect for couples or solo travellers.
MIXED DORMITORY
This room is also upstairs in the house. It has two bunk beds and can hold up to four people. Book a bunk for yourself or the whole room!
Though there isn't an ensuite bathroom in the room, the toilet and shower are conveniently located just across the hall.
TWIN OR DOUBLE GARDEN BUNGALOW
Located in the garden, these little wooden bungalows are a quirky, adorable (and totally Instagrammable) place to stay. Choose from the bungalow with one double bed or two twin beds.
These options also have a shared bathroom.
BOOK THE WHOLE HOUSE!
There are four bedrooms in the main house, allowing for a total of 10 guests to stay comfortably. If you're travelling with a large group, book the whole house on AirBnb for a low nightly rate! New to AirBnb - see the link at the end of this article to find out how you can get $40 off your first stay!
COOKING SCHOOL
The Halong Ginger Homestay is home to the Ginger Cookery. Though their space is currently under construction, they typically offer a variety of courses based on the season.
WHAT TO DO
Hike Bai Tho Mountain! This is an absolute must if you're staying a night here!
The beginning of the trail is across the bridge, and there isn't really a safe walking space for pedestrians. I'd recommend getting a grab or taxi!
BOOKING
For updated prices and availability, contact HaLong Ginger Homestay directly via email at gingerhomestay@gmail.com. Many of their rooms can also be booked on AirBnB or Agoda.com.
