Halong Bay

Our weekend in Halong Bay started with a very early start, i mean, were now set in a life where we go to bed when we want and get up when we like so when the alarm went off at 6:30 it was uncomfortable. Still we were excited so were able to drag our bums out of bed and check out of our hotel. We were met in reception by a Vietnamese guy with the biggest smile we have ever seen; he introduced himself as Tony. We soon noticed Tony referred to himself as the third person which was actually very humbling. He took us to the mini bus where we were met with 10 other people who all introduced themselves and straight away we knew we were with a friendly brunch, and we were in for a good time.

The minibus was a 4 hour journey, but listening to a bit of the Beatles helped make the hours fly. We were being entertained by the crazy driving of our bus driver and every other driver on the road. We soon realised the crazy driving doesn't just exist in the city, they drive like maniac's on the highways as well. Playing chicken with oncoming arctic lorries just to overtake one more bus. There were a few moments when everyone on the bus let out a sigh of relieve as we flew past a few near misses.

As we got closer to the bay the sky seemed to get bluer, the sun felt brighter and the city smog disappeared. The view out to the bay was a real wow moment.

Halong Bay

We were soon on bored our gorgeous boat Imperial Junk being served a massive lunch of fresh fish, rice, salad, chicken stir-fry, watermelon . . . the food just kept coming. After lunch we were shown to our rooms. We were the only pair given a room on the upper deck, we thought it was a bit strange but Tony came and whispered "Tony give you free upgrade, sshhhhhh". Cabins sorted, we started cruising through the bay while drinking a few beers, and enjoying the truly breathtaking views.

Our boat

Our upgrade

One of many amazing views on the boat as we went through the bay

Our first stop on the cruise was to a cave set in one of the islets in the bay. The caves name literally translated to English is 'The Surprising Cave', and it certainly doesn't lie. On entering the cave you enter a rather large section. Thinking this is big and rather spectacular we moved on down a narrow opening, just to enter a much larger section, which is even bigger and more spectacular. The pattern just kept repeating its self.

just one part if the cave

Can you tell what these rocks are in the shape of? Jonny could tell, Amber thought they looked like rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . Its a Tourtoise??

After the cave we took part in some kayaking around the bay and visited a local floating village. It was interesting to learn how many of the people in the village will only touch land when they take the fish that they catch at sea to the amilland market. It was also interesting to see how the village cope with simple every day activities such as gaining fresh water, electricity and education for their children.

The floating village - home to about 20 families

This was followed by a quick dip in the see which was like having a warm bath. The bay was so warm it was hard to think that we were swimming in the sea. After a quick shower and dressing for dinner we were met by yet another banquet of food and dinned with wine and beer under the stars. With other boats around us it was quite a magical evening in the bay.

The following morning started with another early morning alarm call but we didn't mind as we wanted to make the most of the day. Breakfast was served on the deck of the boat as the sun was rising. We were taken to a smaller boat as the big boat we were on was not registered to enter the waters in which we were heading to. It was weird that this was the case considering we were always in Vietnamese waters. The 'border' was manned by army, police and had doctors for the people on the floating and isolated villages to use if they ever need medical help, as they don't always need to go back to the main land. Our new boat took us to CatBa island which is the biggest island in Halong Bay. There, we were given a bicycle and started a 45 to 60 min bike ride through forests, a cave and round mountains. The views on the way were again amazing and it was interesting to see all the rice production that took place on the island. We arrived at a very cute isolated and self sufficient village. All the locals seemed very happy to see us and we were happy to see their cafe as we were desperate for a drink after cycling in the heat.

Jonny riding in the beautiful bay

Our group on their bikes

Amber riding through the beautiful bay

Riding into the village

After a bike ride back to the boat, we were then taken to our island, where we would be spending our final night. Words cant really describe the wow we felt as we saw our bungalows sitting on the beach, in the bay of our very own island. We were served yet another massive lunch and were then told to make ourselves at home. We were excited at the thought of waking up to these amazing views, it was just so beautiful. We wasted no time and threw on our swimming costumes and headed to the sea. We started walking out, we walked and walked and the water was still only up to our ankles, we managed to walk to another little island the sea was out so far, we couldn't believe how fast and far the sea had left the bay. With the tide going out it meant that we couldn't swim, but we were able to see some amazing wildlife, we saw so many starfish and crabs, some tiny some huge, it really was a whole new world for us. In the evening a lovely buffet dinner was served on the beach which was most picturesque. The night was finished with many beers in the beautiful setting with great company.

The view of our island from the boat - the raftto get to the bay was so unsecure but well worth it

Our island

2 of 100s of starfish in the bay

Jonny as the tide went out and sun went down

Not a bad way to wake up

The final morning we woke early to the sound of the sea. We had an early 7.00am breakfast but we were used to this now. The tide had come in and fully swamped the bay. It was incredible, the beach we had walked out to had completely disappeared under a few meters of water. We were so sad to leave the private island. We boarded our boat and enjoyed a nice cruise back to Halong City where the tour ended. At lunch in the city we all clubbed together and all put in a couple of Dollars each for Tony as a thank you for such an amazing trip. In total there could not have been more than about $40 - $60 but Tony seemed totally lost for words.

Us with the fantastic Tony

We have had the most amazing time and if anyone gets the chance to visit Halong Bay we can strongly recommend it. We have met some fantastic people on the cruise and have swapped details with them. We are hoping that we will be able to meet up with them later on in our trip.

Some of our lovely group x

Still loving every moment, Vietnam has redeemed itself after Hanoi,

love Amz and Jonny x