Archives for 2012

As long as it floats.

After getting settled on the boat, eating lunch, and visiting the cave, we had the chance to kayak. The weather was a bit chilly so not everyone took the opportunity. There was no doubt for Mike and me, even when we saw the equipment. We were by far the shabbiest looking kayak crew, but as long as it floats!

We kayaked through a cave (more like a tunnel) into a calm and wide lagoon. Monkeys sometimes play here but they had better things to do on this day.

At dinner later that evening we were able to get to know our fellow travelers a bit better. I’m happy to report that everyone on our tour was lovely.

xo, jill

A big decision.

Booking our Halong Bay tour was probably the most daunting decision making of our entire trip. We knew we wanted to take a tour. I knew I wanted to sleep on the boat. But we didn’t know which of the many companies to trust. Our heads were spinning.

After doing a lot of internet research* and inquiring at a few tour agents, we decided to book with Vega Travel. We could have paid less for our tour but decided to take the advice of most travelers: Do not skimp on your Halong Bay experience.

We chose a 3 day, 2 Night (1 boat, 1 hotel) tour that included opportunities to kayak, bike, cave, and hike. (You’ll notice that most of the tours are the same with only slight variations.)

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Hertiage Site and was recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Halong Bay is famous for the thousands of limestone karsts that stick up out of the water. The misty fog that often covers the bay contributes to the very mystical and mysterious atmosphere. It’s easy to see why visiting the bay is on nearly every tourist and traveler’s list.

Ok, so the tour began when we were picked up at our hotel. We drove out to Halong Bay and began cruising on the water.

We saw the iconic Fighting Cock islet and took in the scenery.

After lunch we visited Hang Sung Sot (Surprising Cave). The cave was large and did indeed hold a surprise…but I think I’ll let you see for yourself if you ever visit.

After the cave we kayaked but I think I’ll save that for another post.

xo, jill

*There are horrifying stories out there. Like not being fed enough food, rats on the boats, and coming back with a broken nose! I found this article really helpful. In the end we chose a company that was listed in Lonely Planet, had a recent good review on Thorn Tree, and whose office we had already seen in town.

and here’s why.*

Turtle Tower sits to one side in Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. This is what it looks like at night.

xo, jill

*from Night’s Nice by Barbara and Ed Emberley