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In 1994, Ha Long Bay was registered as Vietnam's second World Heritage site by UNESCO. When my first trip to Vietnam 6 years ago, every tourist said "Don't miss the Bay if you were visit North", so I decided to go there next day of my arrival of Hanoi. As I wanted to stay boat, I joined '2 days/1 night on boat tour' for 26US$.
Fascinated sea view from observation platform of Sung Sot Cave There are more than two thousand limestone islands, large and small, in 1500 Sq km area. Legend said the islands were created by Mother dragon and her children. "Once the country was danger, Mother dragon and her children landed and beat back. When they belched out precious gems that turned the islands. After then islands defends foreign enemy forever." Next morning our vehicle left Hanoi at 8:00 through Red River Delta to Ha Long city. In the middle of the way we had a short break around 20 minutes, and arrived the city at 11:30. What I was surprised were the port were swarming with ships, we boarded through another boat.
Immediately lunch time began: salad, spring rolls, fried chicken, fried vegetables and fried fish with a thick starchy sauce, etc. Against my expectation, every food was so delicious so we all satisfied the lunch. (Notes : Drink is not include the tour fee) |
As this area consists of limestone many islands are dotted with caves. Our guide said, "Today's highlight is to explore limestone cave. I hope you will like it." After 1 hour cruising we landed one of an island with cave and went up stone stairs at cliff.
Present spectacle in the cave Entrance of the cave was not so large but the instant we came out narrow rocks path like tunnel, a magnificent view opened out before us. The path through marvelous stones then led us to observation platform. For a while we enjoyed spectacle sea view. |
Houses on the water After explore the cave our boat cruised through floating village. I'm not sure but these were pearl farm or fishing village. They remind me of Tonle Sap in Cambodia. 
When we reached Lan Ho Bay our boat stopped and dropped anchor into the sea then guide tell us, "We will stay here tonight, it's time to try to kayak. Let's go!" Then another stuff brought down three kayaks carefully to the sea. It was my first time to row a kayak. On the kayak scenery seemed different from on the upper deck I guess for eye's level were closed the sea. It was very fantastic experience for me.
This sea area must be staying point of tour boats, because gradually boats gathered one by one like a pirate base of the Bay. Unfortunately we couldn't see sunset we enjoyed calm silent night each other. |
Early next morning boats pulled up the anchor and started one after another.
After two hours cruise the boat suddenly stopped and dropped anchor again, and guide said "Everybody it's a swimming time!" To hear that some of us were dived into the sea cheerfully. Because of I can't swim we took a chat on the upper deck to see swimmer with envy. |
We returned to Ha Long City before noon
After landed we took lunch at sea view restaurant and four hours ride to Hanoi. Price : 26US$ per person (Group below 16 pax) Includings : Vehicle, boat trip, guide, hotel, food, other (entrance fee and kayak) Schedule : Day 1, Leave Hanoi at 08:00. Day 2, Return to Hanoi at 16:00-17:00 |
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