Ha Long Bay

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Ha Long Bay was probably our favorite spot in Vietnam. We took a tour for 3 days, 2 nights onboard a great boat. Package tours aren't usually our thing but this one truned out to be worth every penny.

There was 13 of us on board the first day/night as we cruised out into the huge limestone formations that cover the bay. Enroute we stopped at a large cave. It was bit cheesy as it's been lit up with coloured lights "to make it more interesting". But the views from the cave mouth were spectacular. Later we were given time to jump off the boat for a swim before dinner. The food on the trip was great every day - loads of fresh squid and other seafood.

The next day we left the big boat behind for the day, and most of the other guests, and 4 of us set out for a day kayaking/fishing. Not much happening on the fishing side - Tom caught a crab but that was it for the day. Not a problem though as the beer was cold. The kayaking was great, we saw a few caves and then paddled through a fishing village near to Cat Ba Island (the main island in the bay). Over 400 people live in this floating village most of the year round, along with probably 300 very loud and effective guard dogs who looked ready to jump onboard the kayak if we got to close. That night we stayed on Cat Ba Island which was..........OK i guess. The whole town seemed to be one big disco with neon everywhere and not much else to do.

Next day we got back on the larger boat and sailed back to the mainland with a swim along the way. Then it was back to the noise and hustle of Hanoi.

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Photos

The View
This was the view as we approched the Karst formations

Tour Boat
Most of the tours, including ours, were on this type of boat

Kayaking
Some fellow travellers we shared the boat with

Comments

[Brent]

What was the name ?
What was the name of the Company. Thanks