Vietnam – Ha Long Bay 21/5/16 – 22/5/16

Day 5
We arrived at Hanoi station at 5am, and met by our guide who took us back to the hotel where we had left our large luggage. Following a shower and breakfast, we were on another mini bus, this time travelling to Ha Long bay. Arriving in Ha Long bay was a beautiful sight. It can be described as Vietnams Caribbean, it is stunning, blue waters everywhere, and many islands dotted in the sea as far as you can sea. The boats were magnificent, rising out of the ocean, dozens of them, all wooden, looking graceful and each one with its own traditional beauty with lavish carvings everywhere. We were transferred to our boat The Royal Palace, with ease and was soon shown to our cabin. WOWZERS, it’s beautiful inside. We soon found out from the captain, at his cocktail arrival meeting, that we were on a 4 star vessel. Not sure what a 5 star would be, but what we had blew our minds away. It was luxurious in every way. Within 15 minutes of arriving on board we were served a huge 5 course lunch. Then given 30 minutes before the activities started. A trip to an oyster/petal site, kayaking, and swimming. I was shattered so opted out of the first 2, whereas Tina was out there. Her solo kayaking skills was amazing, doing solo in a double kayak, very impressive.
When you first set sail into the bay there are a lot of other boats but pretty soon you find yourself silently sailing along alone amongst the most amazing rock formations.
Half an hour later it was dinner time on board the vessel. This was a spectacular occasion, 5 course sumptuous affair. Each course served to our table in turn. There was so much food, it was unbelievable. Each course tingle our taste buds and like any gastro 5 star menu, it all disappeared as we savoured every mouthful. After this semi mega station, we went up to the top deck where the sun was setting over the 100’s of hills and mountains that we were amongst. It was the most beautiful setting I have ever been in. When the sun had set well we’re left gazing at 1000 stars shinning so brightly in the non light polluted sky’s above us.
Day 6
The following morning after another grand feast, we were all taken to visit huge caves in the middle of Ha Long Bay. We climbed around 100 steps to get to its entrance, but it was soooo worth it. Stalactites and stalagmites everywhere. Caverns and caves galore. It took us around an hour to get through them. We were then taken back to our boat, before being picked up for our 2nd night in the bay at Nam Cat Island.