My husband and myself left for Halong Bay from Hanoi in the
morning. We had no idea about this place before. The trip was arranged by Mrs
Ha Thao –sales and Marketing manager of Joy Journey Hotel,our place of stay in
Hanoi. And we are so grateful to them for suggesting us this trip. I guess a
trip to Vietnam would have been incomplete,if one does not visit Halong Bay.
Halong bay is 4hours drive from the city of Hanoi. The
consists of a dense cluster of some 1600 limestone monolithic islands each
topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising
from the ocean and is one of Asia`s vast spectacular wonders.
Designated a World Heritage site in 1994,it
is a vision of ethereal beauty and northern Vietnam`s number one tourism
hub.
We reached in the afternoon. After waiting for sometime, we
were taken to a large boat. Welcome drinks were served on our arrival on the
boat. Here we met our Guide Mr.
Thang(not sure with the spelling), who briefed us about our schedule and things
we will be doing at the Island. Here we met people from different parts of the
world.
Janice and May mui are from USA of Chinese origin, Beate
from Germany, Tamar and Lital from Israel.
After hogging on some delicious Vietnamese lunch ,we checked
our rooms and freshened up and headed to Thien Cung Cave.
We were astonished by
the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. It is one
of the most magical caves as its name we have seen. Once visiting Thien Cung
cave you will have a sensation of just having seen a unique and interesting
fine-art museum which is created by nature. It is a perilous one and pictures
are beyond imagination and intellect of the human beings.
Evening time was for kayaking. It was another experience of a
lifetime. We went Kayaking around hidden
caves, secret lagoons, going where big boats cannot. Its an absolute paradise
for nature lovers.
After kayaking for about 45 minute, we were back to the
boat. Talking to our new friends and Watching a magnificent sunset from
sundeck was so relaxing for the body and mind, I wish we could spend some more
days like that.
The real beauty of Halong bay is best experienced abroad an
island cruise. There are many cruise boats ply the emerald sea and spending at
least one night on the bay is a must. Ended our 1st day with
delicious Vietnamese dinner.
Next day morning we were taken to another island. Upon
reaching we were given bicycles to explore a nearby village. I have not ride a bicycle for ages, so was not comfortable riding one and it was same with my new
friend May. So we got hold of a local guy, who took us there and back in his
scooty. The village propitiously welcoming us with its curvy mountain lane. We
felt as if we were at our village back home.
Later in the evening we reached Catba Island. We all stayed
at different hotels. After resting for some time, we went for an evening
stroll, visited the local market and said our final good buy to Jenice and May.
It was so wonderful meeting them and hope we meet them again very soon. (In fact
we did plan to meet May on our visit to Sanfransisco, she invited us for dinner
also, but things didn’t work and we couldn’t meet.)
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| With Jenice and May Mui |
Next day morning we left for Hanoi with a stopover at an
island for lunch with around 20 strangers.
Finally we reached Hanoi at around 5 in the evening. It was
one of the best tour and the best part was meeting so many new people.
Halong bay and Cat Ba Island is photographers paradise. It
has stunning natural scenery and ideal for capturing magnificent photos,
specially during sunrise and sunset.
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| The Boat Family |
