Day 46, Sunday April 27 we have a 2.5 hour drive with our guide Sonny and driver Mr. Tuan from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay for a three day, two night cruise around HaLong Bay and environs. We will be driving through Haiphong on our way which is the third largest city in Vietnam and it figured prominently in the Vietnam war as it was subjected to heavy bombing and its harbor was mined.
Our cruise ship line is Orchid Cruises which was launched in 2018 and employs state of the art design with a second to none cruise routing. Going beyond the ordinary itinerary, Orchid takes you through the most hidden part of Halong Bay.Waiting room of Orchid Cruises waiting to board that small speed boat which takes us out to our larger cruise boat.
Video of us crossing Halong Bay to reach our deluxe boat accommodations that are akin to a floating boutique hotel.
Video shows the boat staff welcoming us as we approach.Ha Long Bay is famous for its breathtaking scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is characterized by thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald-green waters, creating a mesmerizing landscape. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.Our cabin had a private balcony and bathroom with panoramic views of the bay.Bathroom with Japanese toilets which we were well versed in using from our 3 month in Japan.A tub with a view Everyday we were given a bowl of fresh fruit and other snacks.
A video Jim took while taking a shower.Private balcony.There were many cruise ships in the bay. Most of them are nearly empty as this is their off season. Two of five cabins were occupied on our ship. We were served lunch and then put on another smaller boat to take us to Bright Cave where we had the option of kayaking or taking a traditional bamboo boat into the cave. We opted for the traditional boat and joined tourists from other cruise ships to explore the bay and caves.Our group and rower. Vietnamese women tend to stay very covered up in spite of the heat to avoid sun exposure.We were quite impressed with this very strong woman’s rowing ability.Entering Bright Cave. There is a Dark Cave but it is only accessible at low tide and they have closed it to tourists.As we floated into the dramatic entrance we admired the stunning limestone formations and natural beauty.
Amazing stalactites reaching almost to the water in places.This was our boat that we spent two days and nights on with only one other couple the first day and only seven other people the second day.More views of the bayand more views of the boats interior. The dining room, white grand piano and the bar.Stairs to the upper deckand the upper deck bar.Lovely swimming pool on top deck. It was not used by us but a Brit couple with three teenagers enjoyed it the next day.
Video of our anchorage for the evening. Not exactly remote and private.Preparing for our evening cooking class.Making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls tonight.
A video of the competition between Chris from London and Jim.
Jim’s final flourish with fried scallions, a video.The following day, our only full day on the ship, we again took a smaller day boat to another boat which took us to Cat Ba Island.A local family fishing boat.
Video or our day boat captain who is continuously correcting and overcorrecting while steering.Us, relaxing during our hour long transfer cruise.Finally arrived, billboard advertising the Bay’s diversity.
We had a choice of walking, biking or e- ecarting to the village.
Video of tourists having their feet cleaned by Garra Rufa fish which nibble on the dead skin of the feet. We did not try this.A challenging bridge that people were walking over just for fun.Jim preferred a wider path over the bridge.This is our destination on Cat Ba Island.This village is surrounded by the lush forests and limestone mountains of Cat Ba National Park. The traditional village offers a look into the local culture.Local culture of snake wine which Jim of course had to try.Another evening cooking class with a new group of friends. Tonight we are preparing fried spring rolls.
Video of our spring rolls being fried up.
A video of our tour director teaching us a Vietnamese toast with traditional rice liqueur or moonshine.Final nights meal with our new friends Rafael and Liliana who live in southern Texas and he works in Mexico just across the border.Our server who took the above picture and then this selfie.Last day we head out on another day boat to visit Trung Trang cave. Sandy stayed back as there are bats in the cave.The pith helmets are to protect our noggins in the low areas of the cave.After the day-boat we take a bus to the cave.This is the reason Jim is alone on this adventure.This family from the UK is celebrating the parent’s 25th anniversary.Lili and Rafa.Jim did not see any bats but it was a beautiful cave.Heading back to our day-boat.The staff expressing their appreciation for our visit.This man taking this picture was so cute. He looked after Sandy when she stayed back on our morning venture.
Halong Bay was a nice break from the inland heat. We finally had a chance to meet new friends which we have really missed on this trip as everything has been so luxurious and private.
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