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If your idea of nocturnal adventure involves dangling a fluorescent-lit lure off a gently swaying boat in Ha Long Bay while squid play mind games with your dignity, welcome aboard. Ha Long Night Squid Fishing is Southeast Asia's answer to midnight existentialism-part ancient maritime tradition, part cheerful tourist trap, and fully committed to making you doubt your hand-eye coordination. Historically, squid fishing dates back centuries here, a source of sustenance and commerce for Vietnamese fishermen who expertly coaxed these mischievous cephalopods from the depths. You, however, will probably just coax laughter from locals as your slippery quarry dances mockingly beneath your line. Practical tips? Arrive after sunset-around 8 or 9 p.m.-when the squid start partying beneath the boat lights. No need for months or even days of advance planning; you can usually book a spot the same afternoon, and at roughly $15-$25 USD per person, the humiliation of being outsmarted by calamari won't break the bank. Do bring a sweater (it gets cooler than you'd expect), some patience, and definitely a sense of humor. And even if you return to dry land squidless, dignity bruised, it's absolutely worth it for the sheer absurdity, the glittering silhouettes of limestone karsts in moonlight, and, of course, the bragging rights of having once battled-however unsuccessfully-the cunning squid of Ha Long Bay.

Quan Lan Island isn't just another quiet dot off Vietnam's northeastern coast-it's the kind of place where pirates once prowled, ancient merchants swapped tales and silks en route from China, and today, travelers chase their modern fantasies of isolation (ideally with Wi-Fi and cold beer). Get there in the late afternoon when the sun dips lazily toward the horizon, turning the postcard-worthy beaches into shimmering, Instagrammable art, minus the filter. To secure your personal slice of deserted paradise, book a rustic beachfront bungalow at least two weeks ahead-you're not the only urban refugee craving isolation. Bring enough cash to cover your adventure (ATMs? Dream on), about $40-50 USD per person per day should do it, along with mosquito repellant, a flashlight (for late-night wanderings or inevitable blackouts), and a sense of humor for the inevitable language mishaps. Quan Lan Island may not promise luxury or nightlife, but waking up to silence broken only by gently lapping waves is a privilege few can claim. After all, stories that start with "Remember that remote island we got stranded on overnight?" always win at dinner parties.