Spent a very bumpy night in the train but both of us managed to get some sleep. arrived at 5:30am in Hanoi and were picked up by Vim and taken to a hotel close by for a shower and breakfast.

On the road again to Halong Bay - 4 hours most of which I slept and Janet dutifully kept up the chatter with the guide. We stopped along the way for a break at this wonderful place that was full of craft made by the victims of Agent Orange. A really great selection ranging from silk embroidered paintings,jade to these lovely very large statues including wonderful pink and grey marble fish.

Then to our luxurious berth on the Violet Junk. What a lovely room and bathroom. Only six cabins on board so we are being very spoilt.

Went for a trip to a floating fishing village - some 600 people live there and they have their own school. We were rowed in a "bubble " boat by a local fisher woman and then went into a cave system complete with stalactites were they shelter during typhoons and hold large celebrations.

Back on board and obligatory cocktails on the upper deck (well someone has to drink them!!). Had fun at a cooking demonstration and learnt to make Janet's favorite spring rolls.

Dinner was served on the upper deck - Janet and I will both roll home after eating these five course meals for lunch and dinner!!

The second day the sun came out which made viewing some of the 2200 islands much clearer. Went to one of the beaches for a swim - which we declined - sadly just too much rubbish in the water.

Back on board for brunch and back to shore, to be picked up again by Vim and back to Hanoi.