Halong Dream Hotel Halong Bay

... face was actally turning prawn shaped. The weather was much colder which was ok as we spent the day heading back to the mainland on our junk boat. After reaching the mainland we went for seafood dinner and headed back to Hanoi in a coach.<br><br>I think this trip was the highlight of our journey so far. We met lots of friends and had a really great time, and now I also like seafood. Hope the pics show how good it was!<br>

... Bay was created by a great dragon that lives in the mountains - so our tour guide tells us, although we were a bit dubious about this explanation!! That afternon we kayaked around some of the rocks and through a cave which led us into a magnificent lagoon, we also paddled over to a fishing village where the trade is passed down through generations, apparently people are actually born on the floating villages - we saw signs for an ATM but were pretty sure it was ...

... I had not met yet. I felt like the Pied Piper.<br><br>Ok, so I brought out some more computers and let the kids go at it. Oh, maybe I made a mistake. They knew how to open Activities, but had not yet been taught to close some before opening others. It was a little wild, and I got concerned about having charged computers for the afternoon session in school. But it was sure a lot of fun!<br>

... here is so different from Thailand, as is the language. But the people are very friendly and helpful. Mostly, I have found that when someone speaks to you, they do not have an ulterior motive. Rather, they are genuinely curious to learn about life in other places. I am sorry that I can't speak Vietnamese, but I can't. That's an unavoidable fact. <br><br>Today I came from Bai Chay by taxi to the Indochina Junk Company office in Hong Gai near ...

... avoid animals that kept wanting to run in front of our bike - we narrowly missed a chicken and a big male goat! John and July recommended going to the resort for lunch that was through Cat Ba Town itself and around the next headland. They were certainly right about the great food - Cesca and I shared a sandwich as it was huge. That afternoon Cesca and I lazed around on the beach as the other two went off for more bike exploration. We met up with them again for Bia Hoi and ...

<br><br><br> <br> <br> <br> <br><br>Being my 21st Birthday we were soon stuck for ideas on what to do to make it special, as we are always doing exciting things. We thought the Ha Long bay would be a nice way to celebrate. <br><br>We searched for hours trying to find the best way to explore the bay. At first we wanted to do it on our own, but we soon worked it out that it would of cost us at least three times the price. The bus/boat combo ticket from Hanoi to Cat Ba town was going ...

... took 3 hours on the boat to get us to Halong City, and from there it was back onto a minibus and back to the mayhem of Hanoi.<br><br>All I can really say more about Halong Bay itself is that I think I'm going to struggle going anywhere else on this trip that can rival the place for it's beauty. If anyone reading this is thinking about going to Vietnam, or even wondering where to go for a holiday, then get yourselves to Halong Bay. You will not be disappointed.<br><br>UTV <br><br>Bazz<br>

Left Ninh Binh in pouring rain at 5.30am &amp; went on a public bus to Halong Bay. It was the most terrifying stressful trip with very fast crazy driving &amp; overtaking &amp; very loud ongoing beeping of the horn. The horns here are much louder &amp; longer than at home. Never was I so glad to get off a bus!!<br><br>We boarded our beautiful big wooden boat at midday &amp ...

... so if your food was late - we were impolitely told to wait a moment, Emma ordered a drik which never came and when asking for the drink for a second time she was told - that they did not have the drink. The drinks in general were warm - so not a good sprite. (Favorite comment - John paying for his 2 'warm' beers)<br>My food was ok - but if you are hungry do not order the shrimp soup - it is about the size of a coffee cup - Jorge had to order 2 and still not filling. <br>

... of Internet connection. It took another motorbike man journey to find a place in a hotel I'm pretty sure I'd walked past an hour before. My money saving $7 trip from Hanoi had turned into a mammoth $23, 6 hour trek. It was good to experience the travelers route as opposed to the tourists for a change but knew I wouldn't be doing either if i didn't hold onto the passport! <br><br>Off to Cat Ba Island tomorrow. Lets hope my luck improves!