Hi there,

Thanks for the reply, but I found all those things thay you mentioned myself. I was more interested in those specific questions that I wrote.

1, Cát Bà / Hải Phòng combination.

2. Same

3. Same

4. Same

Be aware that it's a bit chilly at this time of the year on the bay, though you may be used to the cold weather.

Cheers,

John

Yes, I was considering combining both but due to work, I won't have too much time. Therefore, it's important for me to figure out which is easier to reach by public transport, better for daily cruises and explorations, and more budget-friendly.

There are always give and take.

Overall, Hạ Long is quitr more expensive. They've been trying to prove themselves as an international hub.

What do you think that means?

Hạ Long is now a tourist center.

Nothing wrong with that as it's what they (the authority+ the people) mostly agreed on that.

Hải Phòng would have much more local characters remaining.

You can always base in Hải Phòng and take a drive to Hạ Long.

You'll see a vast difference; which is better is up to one personal's view.

I think, as a digital nomad, Hải Phòng would give you more of an overall experience of a northern coastal city before it becomes too much a tourist hub as Hạ Long City.

Come before it loses its unique character.

Cheers,

John

Thanks, John, that's a solid argument👍

Yet, how easy is it to book day tours around the bay if staying in Haiphong? As it's less touristy, I guess it might be more complicated to find a reasonably priced day tour from there as most of them depart either from Halong, Hanoi, or Cat Ba... 🤔