Blogs from Northeast, Vietnam, Asia - page 11

After breakfast we left Boss and picked up another couple. Typical stop on way at giant tourist shop with silk and lacquer ware and giant stone turtles. On arrival to Halong Bay 3hrs later we were ushered to the Glory Cruise waiting area and offered tea whilst we waited for our fellow cruisers. A tender took us out to our junk. Really lovely timber interior with lots of velvety accessories. Once everyone was on board we cruised through the bay with the massive limestone rocks passing by as we had lunch. We stopped at a fishing village and kayakked around. A fellow traveller lost his iphone from his pocket as he got out of the canoe so our return to the boat was delayed a little as one of the local guys tried diving for it. ... read more

Dec 12, 10 a.m. Almost froze bf dinner last night, but warmed up after stuffing myself with seafood and rice. Slept early, up at 6:30 and left by eight. The tourist bureau, or whoever organizes this thing, are very good at moving bodies. We left on a smaller junk from the bungalows, then an hour later ended up on our original "luxury" boat w. Staterooms and dinining room. In between, we dropped off another group at their larger boat, and another group joined us on the big boat. Most of the day spent on boats and a bus getting back to Hanoi. Great meal on a terrace overlooking the street. One moment of terror when I realized, as we were given the bill, that I hadn't topped up my wallet (we've been taking minimal cash out ... read more

Dec 11 Ah yes, the people. I'd forgotten how good it feels to have a beer with other travelers and hear their stories and throw in one or two of my own. The young people were welcoming of this old fart last night. Some glimpses: 1. After about five minutes, it became clear yesterday that James from Ireland, 30?, a male nurse in care facilities, wasn't about to let his nation down. He was both hyperactive and funny from the moment the beer fridge opened here, and only when we went kayaking was he without a beer in his hand. I sat beside him later, for some reason, and he revealed a serious and caring side that was passionate about demanding more qualified care for his clients. 2. His three Irish female friends, one of whom ... read more

Have just spent the last three days in Halong Bay. Weather was very overcast and it rained on the 2nd day - but that didn't bother us. This bay is a UNESCO world heritage site. 2000 limestone islands that rise steeply out of the sea. Very picturesque. We were on a boat with about 20 other people - met people from all over the world and had fun with them singing karaoke and sharing meals. We were taken into some pretty awesome caves - Surprise Cave - set of three caves that got increasingly bigger - very beautiful but the crowds of people spoilt it a bit. Later that day we climbed to the top of one of the islands (took about 20 min). Then came back down for a swim - water was great. Next ... read more

Hi everyone. Had long uncomfortable trip up here, but all worthwhile. Hanoi is a fascinating city. There are 6million people and about the same number of motorbikes. Its on the go all the time. We are in the old quarter of the City near Lake Hoan Kiem. Spent the first day wandering around this area and went to a Water Puppet Theatre show. They have shops for everything here with particular things all in one area, eg around the hotel is all the shoe shops, another area will be all clothes, and even Christmas decorations. People are all very friendly, and the Hotel people are particularly helpful. Climate is not too hot but quite humid. We have eaten at local restaurants trying out the Vietnamese dishes - all have been really nice. I don't think we ... read more