The next morning, it’s on to the Coach, and the group are off to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay. It has thousands of limestone islands, diverse karst formations, and numerous caves.
After a few hours on the coach, we reach the main town servicing the Bay area, and board our boat. We each have our own cabin, and will be very comfortable for the next 24 hours.
After an excellent lunch, a number of us go kayaking, and also explore one of the beaches on the many islands. Halong Bay is a very busy and touristy area, and unfortunately there is a bit of debris floating around.
A demonstration by chef on how to make spring rolls, is followed by a wonderful 4 course dinner. The food cannot be faulted!
The cabin on the boat is air conditioned, and we sleep well. For those who wish, there is Tai Chi on the boat deck at 6:15 am. After breakfast, a number of us are transported to a nearby island, featuring the Sung Sot Cave. It is massive, with impressive stalagtite and stalagmite formations.
It was then back to the boat, Halong City, bus and back to Hanoi. The group then had a rickshaw ride around the Old Quarter, with Kien also showing us the sights on foot. The group then divided into two. The train travellers taking the overnight express to Hue City, and the remainder, who were flying. We were the latter, and very pleased with ourselves!
