Vodka, Rocks and Monkeys
Trip Start
Sep 30, 2005
1
47
82
Trip End
Sep 01, 2006
Halong Bay,
Vietnam
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The tour we was on had only 13 people (unlucky for some), which is generally a good number for a group, and was made up of Kiwis, Germans, Dutch, Americans and Brits. We waited at the docks for a while, as the boats try to squeeze others out of the way, so that we could board it. We were presently surprised by how big the boat was (Sometimes they over crowd), as well as pretty good accommodation, and a good variety of meals, which was all included in the price
01. Sqeeze the boats in
. BARGAIN. There was a good vibe among the group, and we all got chatting fairly quickly, which is a bonus, as we were stuck together for the next 24 hours at least. The boat slowly made its way out to sea, and the weather was wet and misty. I think that although sunshine is always a bonus, it really added to mystery of the whole place. The rock formations are spectacular to say the least, so please look at the pictures. We made a couple of stops that day, first at a very large cave which had some fun formations (look at pics), and later on at a small island, where the views from the top gave a stunning 360. We following a Dutchman's lead and had a swim, which was refreshing to say the least, and I think everyone else thought we were completely off our trolleys (u decide). The boat pulls up for the night nearby, and you eat dinner, surrounded by the formations. Our newly acquainted Vietnamese American friend has 4 bottles of Vietnamese vodka aboard, all costing $4 each, and the night leads its due course.
On the second day, the boat deposits 6 of us on Cat Ba Island (the rest on a 2 day tour). Cat Ba is the largest of the entire island, which has a population of 12 000 people, who mostly make their money from fishing and tourism. We hike for a couple of hours up to a scenic tower, and although it wasn't too steep, the slippery conditions, combined with inappropriate foot wear made it tougher
02. Cruising in Halong
. Me and Kate then did a bit of Kayaking in the evening (included in our deal), it was cold, and wet, but was really nice to see the formations at that level, as well as a few more caves. We kayaked all the way to Monkey Island, where we saw as you might expect a few monkeys, but spent the majority of the time buggering about like small children, skimming stones is still fun. Fact.Back at the hotel, we take a warm shower, and enjoy a mug of coffee, or should I say glass, you never get mugs out here (minor complaint, it's the little things). We then join the others for beers, vodka (dam you Bruce) and more cards, which I would like to admit I won. (Kate says not quite to this).
The next day is the long journey back, where more than a few of us were feeling a little sorry for ourselves, but of course we disserve it.
We spent another day in Hanoi, which was mostly spent wandering or writtinf these blogs. We did visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, where you see his white ghostly body, very weird, and i got my hands pulled out of my pockets my some heavily armed men, felt like a naughty boy. new challanges and a new country.
Comments
halong bay
thanks for mentioning the £30 trip! I saw on one the net and wasn't sure if the price was right until I read your article. Which company did you use?
Good read! Must reemmber to get Vietnamese vodka....are they lethal?
Chinny
Halong Bay Tip
For a unique high-end experience, book passage aboard the Emeraude -- a copy of a French steamer that once plied these waters in the early 20th century. Certainly the largest boat at 55m (180 ft.), the elegant Emeraude has 38 cabins, a fine-dining outlet, and plenty of room to stretch your legs. The luxury trip comes with a price tag, of course, but the 2-day, 1-night cruise is well worth it.
Leaving Hanoi at 8am, you'll check in at the private Emeraude pier and be shuttled to the boat. Before checking in to your cabin, you'll enjoy welcome drinks and a quick orientation. Compact, as ship cabins always are, onboard rooms are decked out in hardwood, with nice fixtures like air-conditioning, a private reading lamp, slippers for shuffling about the decks, and a tidy, compact bathroom area with toilet, shower, and a separate room for a small sink stand. Everything onboard is retro, which means pleasing hardwood, brass, and fine linens. The oversize wicker chairs on the top deck are cozy, and you'll find shaded areas as well as sun-worshipping space. A casual, friendly atmosphere pervades, especially when the corks start popping.
Dining onboard is a delicious buffet, and most guests find themselves sharing a meal with new friends. Lunch on day 1 is followed by a stop at the Surprise Cave, then an afternoon of cruising and great views of the islands. The boat docks in a quiet harbor and guests have an opportunity to, on their own or with a guide, explore nearby Trinh Nu and Hang Trong, the Virgin Cave and the Cave of the Winds, or take a dip in the bay. The back of the boat is low in the water and there is a sturdy ladder making it easy to get on and off (the adventurous will join the crew for dives off the upper decks). Dinner is a sumptuous affair of fine local cuisine (heavy on seafood) and good Western options. Enjoy drinks on the upper deck as you watch the moonlight glisten off the bay.
Day 2 starts with tai chi classes on the sun deck as a brilliant sunrise paints its colors on the arching canvas of high limestone peaks jutting from the glassy waters. Blissful. After your exercise, tuck in to a hearty Western-style breakfast. The boat returns to the dock by 9:30am, and a direct transfer finds you back in Hanoi by lunchtime. The trip is quite memorable, and a ride on this retro ship, outfitted to the nines, is unique to Halong Bay. The price for the overnight cruise is $290 for a luxury cabin for two and $490 for the one-suite room, but discounts for larger groups are available. Transfer from Hanoi costs $100 for a four-seat vehicle. Check the website at www.emeraude-cruises.com or call the offices at the Press Club in Hanoi (tel. 04/934-0888; fax 04/934-0899).