Halong Bay Vietnam

With nothing to do but enjoy the fantastic views this is a great way to relax. This is truly an exceptional experience. Our driver from Hanoi took the wrong road and we were stuck on the freeway to Ho Ann in the central Vietnam. So trip was very long and out of our way. But we did arrive safely and on time.

When we arrived at check-in we were told that the good news was that our room on the cruise was upgraded but the boat was filled with Chinese tourists. Bill thought that would be fine and l told him he would not have anyone to talk too!!!! To our surprise we were transported to a higher level boat and given the luxury cabin and were the only passenger's. Another couple joined us at the floating fishing village. For lunch we had jellyfish salad, squid cakes, grilled chicken, fried tofu with tomatoes, clam soup, broccoli and cauliflower steamed, rice then cream caramel and fruit. The meal was very good.

Our second day in Halong Bay we transferred to a day cruise that had three other passengers. We cruised around the same islands and stopped at Ti Top island for two hours. This island is the only island that you are allowed to swim. The beach is a natural golden sand beach. On the top of the limestone mountain is a small gazebo, there are 423 stairs to get to the top for the view. This a very busy place as the Chinese come on the weekend and take a day trip. Everyone goes to this island.



Lunch and more food. I am not sure if they think that we need to eat constantly. Every set menu has 8 or 9 dishes with soup and rice. Then off to another cave and kayaking around one of the limestone mountains. Bill decided that he was just going to sleep on the upper deck. He is definitely not himself today I think the heat is getting to him. He decided to have a Jacuzzi and he got stuck in the tub again! Now he is having another nap as we are moving to our overnight location were we will have cocktail hour and learn to make deep fried spring rolls. Then more food.

Floating into Lagoon

The cruise in Halong Bay is just circling around the same group of mountains over and over but it appears that you are in a different location. You really do not see very many of the 1000 karsts peaks but it is still very beautiful. On the third day in the bay we will visit the biggest cave which has 600 stairs to complete the trip. This area is also packed with tourists. Then we return to Halong City harbour before driving back to Hanoi to catch our plane to Laos.



If you are going to do a cruise spend the money for a decent boat so you will be happy. There are a lot of boats that do not look very good. You can choose from day trips, two day or three day trips. Spending the night on the boat anchored is very relaxing and you even get a chance to squid fish.

Cave Interior