Week 2 - Ha Long Bay and Hue

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Week Two we travelled from Hanoi north east to Ha Long Bay and then south to Hue.

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Photos

We set sail
Week Two began with an overnight trip to Ha Long Bay. Lauren is helped aboard the Junk that we would stay on overnight.

Ha Long Bay
Soon we were amongst the green water and jungle clad limestone carsts that make up Ha Long Bay.

Cave Hideout
One of the standard stops was this enourmous cave used as a hideout for years. It was even used during the Vietnam War.

Junks On The Bay
We weren't the only ones visiting Ha Long Bay that day!

Swim
Time for a swim before bed

Sunset over Ha Long
After a swim we kicked back and watched the sunset over the Bay. Needless to say it was an amazing sight.

Dinner Spectacular
We shared a great seafood dinner with another young Australian couple from Melbourne. Pork was optional!

Paddling About
The next day we explored a bit more of the Bay on a smaller boat.

Relaxing on deck
Lauren always found some time to relax.

Respite in Hanoi
Before heading south to Hue we had a day's rest in Hanoi where we found this garden cafe to escape the traffic. Here we recovered after being beaten by only one day to a painting in a gallery nearby that we wanted to buy.

Hue Citadel
Hue is Vietnam's ancient city. Behind Lauren is the Citadel's flag pole flying Vietnam's national flag. We spent three days exploring Hue's ruined palace and royal tombs.

Hue Bridge by Night
Hue was quieter than Hanoi but with only two bridges over the central Perfume River it still bustled with traffic.

Hue Forbidden Palace
Hue's main attraction is the ruined palace. Today the government is spending significant sums restoring and rebuilding it - will be great to see in 10 years or so.

Hue's beaches
We also spent an afternoon exploring the beaches on a nearby peninsula. Visitors could rent beach chairs and be waited on hand and foot with drinks and seafood. It was nice but Hawaii this wasn't!

Last Night in Hue
On our last night in Hue we had dinner in a beautilfum private home. The food served was that enjoyed by the Royal courtiers of ancient Hue.

Royal Tombs
Before we caught and afternoon bus south to Hoi An we had time to visit a Royal Tomb. Not so much a burial place as a giant display of each rulers wealth and power.

Ready to relax in Hoi An Lauren?
After two weeks of active touring we were ready to relax in Hoi An!