Halong Bay

We have seen many pictures and always hankered for a visit to Halong Bay. The geography with the numerous limestone outcrops is spectacular. Even as we approached the bay during our drive from Hanoi the sheer number of outcrops created an almost infinite layered pastel blue hue. They were stunning and distracted the eye from the numerous fragile fisherman platforms in the middle foreground.

During a brief welcoming drink while our bags were transferred we climbed aboard a tender heading for our overnight accommodation. 

We had landed one of the superior cabins near the front of the ship. The bathroom was larger than some city centre hotel rooms (Paris and London spring to mind). Helen and Martin (who had a similar quality room opposite) were given a briefing on the room’s features which included a spa bath (a first for us on a ship). While Helen later enjoyed this particular luxury I am not sure Martin quite grasped the operation as he was found washing his socks and jocks as if the spa was an open air washing machine…..

The only downside to the room was that the floor sloped up towards the bow. Our suitcases, being of the 4 wheel variety, kept wanting to make their way down into the bathroom.

Once the room was sorted it was off to explore the ship.

We quickly got underway and meandered around many of the islands. They seemed to go on forever (hardly surprising as there are almost 2000 of them).

The changing light and weather made for remarkable views. We were even treated to a rainbow.

Cruising can be challenging especially while trying to relax on the bed. It is difficult to close your eyes given the ever changing panorama.

In the evening of the first day we visited a fishing village. We were rowed around in groups of 4 in what were coracle like boats. Although commercialisation was underway the fleet looked little changed. 

We had an early start the following morning with coffee and pastries followed by half an hour of Tai Chi, a walk up Ti Top island and packing all prior to breakfast at 9:30. Travelling is tough!

Getting to the top of the island was quite an effort (427 steps), but the view was spectacular. There was little breeze so the sails were all for show – however the look is unique.

We departed the ship at 11:00, travelled back to Hanoi, had a light meal in our hotel, travelled to the airport and caught a delayed evening flight to Hue. The hotel in Hue was a very welcome site and we all passed out just before midnight.