Vietnam and Ha Long Bay

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Our arrival in Hanoi on Wednesday morning greeted us with weak and sporadic wifi so we were unable to update our blog until now. Our first 2 days were spent in a small and charming boutique hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi. I cannot begin to describe how busy the traffic is in this city but also how it moves so efficiently despite the congestion. At first we were afraid to cross the street but soon we discovered the proper technique.....cross anytime, the lights don't actually mean anything, 2nd rule: you Must yield to cars and trucks and busses....they will hit you if you get in their way. 3rd rule: motorcycles will go around you as you cross the street provided you maintain the same walking speed as you cross. If you start running or stop on the street it screws up their timing and they will hit you! I am happy to report that we have so far not been run over in Hanoi.

Our next big excursion was an overnight trip to Ha Long Bay. Approximately 160 kilometres were covered in the 4 hour drive from Hanoi through towns and villages and agricultural countryside. The drive was quite interesting and also a much needed break from the noise of the city.

Our cruiser for the Bay was to be the "Phoenix Luxury", a 12 cabin ship specifically built as a tourist cruiser for 2 to 3 day cruises, we opted for 2 days and 1 night. Unbelievable views, great meals, cheap drinks, and 2 of the best tour guides we have ever encountered made the tour something we will remember forever! We went kayaking to a private beach, hiking to the top of one of the mountains, caving, did some squid fishing off the boat at night, and made some new friends with the other tourists whose nationalities includes British, Finnish, Swiss, American, Japanese and German. I think we both enjoyed fishing for squid the best although only the British couple were successful at catching anything!

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Photos

Vietnamese Women
Many Vietnamese women use these ancient carrying poles to sell their items on the street.

Motor Bike Baby Seats
No helmet required!

Room 502 -Royal Palace Hotel
$34.00 Canadian per night

Another sales woman
Selling mangos

Fat Stacks!
$4.5 Million Dong, that is roughly $250.00 Canadian

Ha Long Bay
There are approximately 3,000 islands in the bay

Comments

[Sabrina]

Your trip
This trip is sounding so amazing! I'm totally loving the motorbike baby seats! Great pics you two!!