Life on the ocean waves

Trip Start Nov 03, 2008
1
15
65
Trip End May 2009


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Flag of Vietnam  ,
Monday, December 1, 2008

07.30 start from the hotel, Mac was horrified and hid under the blankets, it didn't work.  On the way to the bay the group stopped at a childrens support shelter called the Blue Dragon and had breakfast with the kids, it was good fun and quite humbling.  The Bay was about three hours away and gave Mac a chance to have a snooze.  The boat was a  "junk" hotel and was great.  After a fantastic lunch it was time to explore.  Bri and Carol went for a canoe around the bay and Carol did fantstic although Bri who was at the back kept soaking her with water from the paddle.  In the evening Mac and Mable tought the others how to play cheat, Chocolate the Belgian did remarkably well which goes to show you can't trust those from Brussels or  the mainland of Europe.  After a noisy night on board it was back to Hanoi to catch the sleeper train.  Mac was sad to leave as he liked Hanoi very much, they just had enough time to grab a beer at their new local.... yes ther bar with kids stools and wash the glasses in ditch water, but then what do you expect for 30p a pint Chocolate from Belgium
Chocolate from Belgium
 !

The caves at Halong are amazing, which is what one of them is called. We were told that the islands ...all 1,996 were created by a dragon. Brokeback from the states ( now called Flip Flop)  is a geologists and thinks thats rubbish, but I know they exist.The bay is full of boats ( no s**t Sherlock ) but the ones that are the most interesting are the ones that the women in conical hats paddle furiously to catch up with you to sell you fruit and stuff. One of them was a floating supermarket, which isnt so surprising as 2 of the islands are inhabited...they have to get their loo roll somehow and Ocado doesnt cover the area ( what a surprise) . Mable x
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Comments

notsoclever
notsoclever on Dec 6, 2008 at 02:46PM

Great Fun
Hi Guys, Still loving your blog entries - keep them coming! Great photo taking the micky out of Titanic (lol). You're obviously having a great time and meeting some interesting people, which is exactly as it should be; mind you, that 'Chocolate' bloke looks like the baddie from 'Heroes' so I'd watch him if I were you. Trev.

explorevietnam
explorevietnam on Dec 8, 2008 at 07:08AM

When you cruise Halong Bay, do it in style!
Halong bay is one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in Vietnam. In order to truly explore the beauty and peacefulness of halong bay and not get trapped with the other hundreds of tourists that go there every day, treat yourself to a cruise on Indochina Sails, preferably Valentine (Indochina Sails' smallest boat with only 5 cabins).

Indochina Sails picked us up in Hanoi and drove us in a minivan to Halong Bay. There we boarded Valentine - our oasis for the next 24 hours. The rooms are beautifully and stylishly decorated, a mix between east and west. We had roses on the bed and in the bathroom (with jacuzzi and rainforest shower!). The cruise started off with a 6 course lunch while cruising through the beautiful limestones. In the afternoon they took us to climb one of the limestones and then to a beautiful little bay far away from all the other tourist boats to go kajaking. Dinner again was a 6 or 7 course meal, beautifully arranged and absolutely delicious. After dinner the crew organised some squid fishing. Next day, we had a thai chi lesson on board, again while cruising through the beautiful morning scenery. After a little excursion, we were served a superb breakfast and then were driven back to Halong Bay.


Exploring halong bay with the valentine is the only way to do it, in our eyes. Valentine (indochina sails) allows you to explore the bay almost on your own and experience the peacefulness and mysticism of it far away from the crowd.

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293924-d1136156-r22360829-Indochi...

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