Junk boats ready to take tourists out to the bay.
My first day in Hanoi I booked myself on the next Ha Long Bay tour. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage sight and a must see in Hanoi. The boat load of us set out to spend two nights three days in the wonderful, awesome and sunny weather of the bay...or so I was told.
The trip itself was rather fun. Great people. Great views. A fun kayaking trip into a "secret" cave. The weather was not. I was told that it was sunny and people had gotten tans from laying on the beach recently.....so, trying to pack light I didn't bring anything heavier than a 3/4 sleeve sweater.....seriously not smart. I spent the entire time freezing.
The bay
After sailing about a bit we got into kayaks and went to a "secret" cave which was kind of cool.....The views were great from the boat. I have tons of pictures of rocks....... There were about 30 people on our tour and we had a great time playing games and socializing over a few drinks the first night.
The largest game of kings I have ever seen!
After an early morning wake-up on day two we headed for Castaway Island and I spent the day relaxing as it was too cold for water sports like tubing and such. The entire day seemed to be relaxing until we had some unwanted friends in our cabins. I guess I shouldn't be surprised but there were rats running around our huts at night waking up people and causing paranoia. I can't say I slept much that night.
Rat Island...
The third and final day was spent in transit island-boat-shore-bus-hanoi...it was tiring but it seemed that everyone made a show at the five year anniversary party the hostel was throwing that night. If it wasn't for the people this trip would have been a bit of a bust....but I had a great time hanging out with an interesting crowd of people!
Pretty sure this is someone's house....
4 comments:
It's too bad the weather wasn't better. I really loved Ha Long Bay. Do you think you'll go back one day?
The weather was bad but the group was fun, soooooo I say it was a win in the end. I don't know if I will go back, there is so much to see before I start backtracking.....but I would like to.
My favorite part about that trip was going into the caverns, I thought it was just incredible down there. Glad you are having a good time. You are inspiring me to actually start writing my blog about my travels! Have a Merry Christmas in Vietnam.
Heather! You should write your blog. I want to see your pictures and such! I didn't really "journal" the way others do so I am just keeping this blog and find it quite relaxing to spend an hour or so every few days recaping....otherwise I forget everything! Hope you are having a great xmas at home, I am a wee bit jealous! A wee bit!
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