The Descending Dragon.

Trip Start Sep 29, 2008
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Trip End Aug 2009


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Where I stayed
Phoenix Cruiser
(Halong Bay hotels)

Flag of Vietnam  ,
Saturday, November 22, 2008

We are on a two day cruise around Halong Bay, the famous limestone islands that jut from the translucent waters. The 1969 islands are said by legend to have been formed by a dragon descending into the sea, where the bay gets its name from, and that the flailing tail cut out the magnificent islands. From the deck of our balcony on the wooden junk, we can see where this legend came from. The islands certainly create a unique landscape, the view constantly changing.
We stop at the 'cave of suprises' where stalagmites and stalagtites form weird and wonderful shapes. The turtle and hanging legs are easily spotted, but the one most photographed, largely by the women is a huge phallic columb painted red!
We then spend an hour kayaking around the base of some of the islands, before returning to the boat for nightfall. Once it's dark Dave goes swimming in the refreshingly cold sea!
We sleep on the boat and then the next day continue the slow cruise around the bay. It is all very relaxing.
By afternoon we are heading back to Hanoi and the airport.
The tensions start to rise.
We are trying to arrange a meeting with a taxi at a major roundabout on the outskirts of the city! The clock is against us.
But without a hiccup we make the taxi and make it to the airport with time to spare.
The flight to Laos is basic, but on schedule.
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