Day 215, Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Beautiful Ha Long Bay

We were up early again this morning, as we checked out and onto a private coach to Ha Long Bay. Samantha sat with me and we chatted the whole way, together and also with Phi, our guide, who told us lots of interesting things about Vietnam.

Roomy cabin

On the way we stopped at a workshop for disabled people, who made stone carvings as well as the most beautiful tapestries. They were so fast at the stitches and did some stunning work, one in particular which I loved; a black and white picture of a Hmong woman with a baby on her back. I was so tempted to buy one, but the one I really loved was over $2,000, and I didn't want a different one, so came away without, but enjoyed the stop anyway.

The workshop 

We arrived in Ha Long and our boat was waiting for us, we were all surprised to have such a big boat all to ourselves! I think we have almost as many staff as we do passengers! Samantha and I share a cabin, very nice room, hot shower, so much more than we expected. A yummy lunch with lots of seafood, and then a stop at the caves, which were definitely worth a visit. Back on the boat, relax for a while, then stopped at a wee beach so we all went swimming. It wasn't tropical, but not too cold either, and a cool experience.

Our huge boat

Ha Long bay is made up of over 1600 islands and a World Heritage Site. Unfortunately the local operators and fishermen don't always respect the nature reserve they have here, so there is a bit of pollution in the water, especially at the start of the bay, but further in it was clean enough to swim in. A nice hot shower when we got back and next thing we hear 'hello, you want to buy?'. So Sam and I peeked out of our cabin door and here is this girl in a junk selling wine and beer, chips and biscuits. 'Cheaper than on boat' she tells us. Funny! Out in nowhere and selling wine and beer.

The Caves

Another beautiful meal with prawns and oyster pancakes, and sleep on the boat, a gentle movement rocking me to sleep.