Halong Bay

Both had a good nights sleep, and after a great breakfast we head off on the bus to Halong Bay. Because we are coming back to the same hotel we were able to leave one suitcase behind. It is a 3 hour drive and we have to dodge the motor bikes and early morning traffic, but we get a good run and will be early at our dock in. So our guide Duc suggests a stop off along the way at an oyster farm. It is quite a busy place with buses and vans everywhere. After a 45 min stop where we learn about oyster insemination and farming and the obligatory walk through the shop we head off to docks. We have a 15 minute wait at the docking area before we can board. The ship is quite large and spacious. WE depart as soon as everyone is on aboard. We are told internet will be intermittent with poor reception. 

After settling in we have lunch as we continue to cruise through the bay. It is an amazing sight. The food is amazing, many dishes but small servings. After lunch we have a kayak paddle around the area near Trinh Nu. I partner up with Vince, as his wife doesn’t want to go and neither does Ann. We paddle around for 45 minutes, it is smooth waters and easy going but tiring on the back and legs. We then head to the main boat where we pick up others and head to a cave that we walk through and on the other side is a clean beach. Some have a swim and then we head back.

There is happy hour at 5.30 and a demonstration of how to make spring rolls and then a vegetable carving demonstration. 

Dinner is once again many delightful dishes.

Tried internet but no luck. It has been a busy day and tomorrow looks like the same.

Sorry about photos not coming out in order, process is very touchy.