So - let me say this. All of you need to put Ha Long Bay on your "bucket lists!" It is sublime - a little like the Grand Canyon in the sense that no number of previewed guidebooks, photos or enthusiastic descriptions from previous visitors can prepare you for the impact of standing in the middle of the scene!
The train from Lao Cai arrived more or less on time in Hanoi and Kathy and I walked a couple of blocks to the hotel the travel agent had arranged for us to use to shower, etc. After another great breakfast, our driver picked us up for the 4 hour drive to Ha Long port, stopping on the way at a sort of "best of Vietnam" department store filled with beautiful jewelry, lacquerware, sculpture, clothing and watercolors. Kathy bought a jade pendant, I watched.
When we got to the marina, we were hustled into a tender for the short trip to the cruise boat - "The Starlight" - given a short orientation and seated for a gargantuan lunch.
After cruising the bay for an hour or so we anchored in a sheltered corner of the bay and hiked to "Amazing" or "Surprising" cavern. It was good to get some exercise after days of riding in cars and trains. Later, while most of the other travelers were off swimming, Kathy and I had the boat to ourselves to take photos and chill.
A drink and a short cooking class was followed by a dinner as delicious, and if anything, even bigger than lunch. The chef on this short cruise has really outdone himself. A few minutes of truly awful karaoke was enough to send us back to our cabin early, but it was just as well after a long day.
More pictures on Facebook and more here tomorrow or the next day.
More pictures on Facebook and more here tomorrow or the next day.
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