The Bay of the Descending Dragon

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Halong Bay (or the bay of the descending dragon which is what it means) is a bay in the gulf of Tolkin in Northern Vietnam, about three hours drive East of Hanoi. It has nearly 2000 islands and with emerald green water and amazing natural scenery its a pretty special place to visit. Like the bay of islands NZ but on a massive scale and with very Vietnamese touches. Our tour consisted of a cruise and a night on a traditional Junk Boat, you have to take to the water to see any of the sights out here.

However, its one of those places that is beautiful because of water, and it rains here lots, particularly at this time of the year and our trip was no exception. Had it been an excellent day maybe it would have been the most scenic place we have visited but its hard to say given the mist and the drizzle. Still had a swim in the Gulf which was pretty fresh! Have a look at the pics and see what you think, although photos never seem to do a place so vast justice.

We booked our trip with the Saigon Cafe, it was a bit dearer than other companies but it was a good tour. There was the usual waiting around and slight air of disorganization that you get with trips in Vietnam but otherwise it was very good. Our Junk seemed to be better than lots of the others and the food was top notch, the guide was also good. Excellent place !

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Photos

The Bay
The view of one of the bays from the top of one of the many islands.

The Bay, Again
Same as, good innit?

The Fishmongers
A lady out selling sea food from a raft.

The Cave
Inside the biggest cave in Halong Bay

Junk
A typical Junk boat, many of these shift tourists around the bay.

Claire and John
Us, look how fat I am getting! Bia Hoi Belly!

Comments

[Dad]

Wow, what a spectacular place. It must be quite something when the sun shines! Loved the pics. dad

[paul]

cant wait
heres a little comment, just to prove we havent completley forgotten you both, really looking forward to vietnam now, especially Bai Hoi sounds like my kind of school canteen!! happy traveling.... ps we finally leave NZ in a week, i think its fair to say weve seen most of the country now.....loved every minuite of it to