Fantasy Islands.

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We have left the lovely country of Lao behind and we're moving on to Vietnam. The calm of Lao has been replaced by the frantic hustle and bustle of Ha Noi. With it's 8 million people and 36 million scooters it is a nightmare crossing the street.

Luckily we decided to stop off on Ha Long Bay for a short cruise. Wow, what a difference. Quiet, peaceful and most of all the view of a lifetime.

The best part of the cruise had to be the Surprising Cave. It was huge. Nestled in one of the islands it blew us away with it's size and beauty.

Back to Ha Noi for a night and now we're off to Hue on the overnight train.

Later.

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Photos

Face of Lao
Just one of the beautiful people of Lao.

Vang Vieng view.
The view from our hotel room.

Motor scooters galore.
There are purported to be over 8 million scooters in Ha Noi. I think that most of them are parked on this street.

Uncle Ho's Mausoleum
Here's me standing guard in front or Ho Chi Minh's little pavillion.

Posing at the Pagoda.
The One Pillar Pagoda in Ha Noi.

Ha Long Bay
It really takes your breath away. No photo will ever capture the beauty of these fantastic islands.

Crazy caves.
On our cruise we stopped at the "Surprising Cave". Which totally lived up to it's name.

Aaarh, scurvy dog.
Lesley planning the "Mutiny on the Pinta"

Man overboard.
Of course someone had to jump ship.

Cruising
Lesley enjoying a boat ride through the karsts in Ha Long Bay.

Dawn on Ha Long Bay.
The eerie view from our cabin on the Pinta Cruiser.

Buddha.
Yes another Buddha.

Comments

[Jar]

Awesome!
These are great photos! Keep 'em coming! Glad to see both of you are enjoying yourselves.

[Ed]

nice !

[Bruce]

Thanks for the pictures you must be having a wonderful time I told Charlie that you were on a holiday. When will you be back in Toronto. Bruce

[rhendy]

thaiwan
trying

[lynn armstrong]

Carolyn and I have just been looking at your blogs on her computer (mine has been out of commission for several weeks. Looks like you are having a fabulous time - your photos are fabulous! Love, Lynn and Carolyn