Long way to Halong Bay

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CS: Seas settled but it seemed interminable to make Haiphong largely because all the ETAs had been so far out and ever stretching, but when we finally approached land on the afternoon of Sunday the view was spectacular. The pictures do not do justice to the scenery because there is a deep pall of smoke clouding the atmosphere but the scattering of ‘dragon’s teeth’ - a myriad of small and not so small rocky outcrops - throughout the bay gives the sensation of a never ending maze.
We were warned that we would not berth here but we were able to travel significantly up river before we dropped our pick and were immediately swarmed by small boats and large barges all seemingly jockeying for attention. We were boarded by numerous Vietnamese selling all manner of goods but the Ship’s Agent did not arrive in time for there to be any chance of shore leave. The conditions were calm and balmy, notwithstanding that further out in the bay the wind had been cold so evening passed with observations of tentative efforts by our crew to prepare for unloading. We are not taking on any cargo here and are scheduled to depart Monday afternoon. Word on the ship was that we could disembark onto any smaller vessel for a ride, but could not go ashore anywhere, and it might turn out to be quite a ‘ride’ as the price to return to the vessel could become as high as 300 USD. Needless to say we chose to enjoy the view from our ship. We are disappointed that the effort (which was considerable) to obtain visas for Vietnam has proved pointless but what we have seen whets the appetite for more and we definitely plan to return. Next stop Hong Kong.

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Photos

Smoky Sunset
Hello Halong

Comments

[Lisa]

Hey!!
Hey you two! Lovely photos!! Shame about Vietnam after the trouble to get visas!! All quiet on the home front - I'm back at work today (not so great!). Great blogs - keep em coming!!! Love you oxoxoxox

[Klaire]

What a shame you didn't get to go ashore in Vietnam! The photos from the ship look fantastic though. Glad to see everything is going well - everything fine here. Look forward to reading more travel adventures. Take care. Klaire xo