Back in wifi zone :-)
Just arrived back in Hanoi again after an amazing 24 hours..
Now at Hotel swapping bags, packing clean clothes for our next leg further north to Sapa. All go! More later....

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Posting yesterday's blog today.

Day 17 and over half way through our big trip.

Another earlyish start. After a hearty breakfast (no duck embryos today!) we were picked up in a mini van by Indochina Junk tours at 8.30am.

A four hour journey to Halong Bay. This was broken up after 2 hours at a Stone masonery stopover for 20 minutes. We are getting familiar with these stops ...they are tourist traps selling merchandise at inflated prices! (but the opportunity for a toilet break is welcome)

Having endured that 18 hour train ride, 4 hours is nothing for us Bambers now!
We are greeted on arrival at the very small port of Halong Bay and taken to our junk boat, The Dragons's Pearl, III. There are 18 passengers altogether (Emma and jake the youngest. Damian and I we think are the second oldest couple!)
We LOVE the boat. The girls are in one room, the boys next door. Taking into consideration the size of the boat, the rooms are very spacious and sparkly clean :-) (no silk sleeping bag liners needed here!) and even the shower room/toilet doesn't feel squashed in!

We start to set sail 15 minutes after we have boarded. Oh my goodness...WOW!
Some background ...Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, the magnificent Halong Bay, northeast of Vietnam is spread across a 580 sq mile area, with over 1969 pinnacle shaped limestone and dolomite outcrops scattered across it. According to the legend, the bay was formed when a gigantic dragon, Ha Long (meaning descending dragon ) plunged into the Gulf of Tonkin and created the myriad islets by lashing its tail. Only 900 of the islands are named, usually by their identity.. camel island, butterfly island, cloud island.

We were all taken aback by the scenery. Totally stunning. For me I think its the most beautiful place I have ever visited, simply breathtaking. Our boat is sailing along the Bai Tu Long route, a far less commercialised route and the boats that sail this route have to have a special license.

1.30pm..lunch served on the 1st deck (3 altogether). It was delicious! Just thinking about the shelled prawns in garlic sauce and the steamed fish are making my mouth water again.

3pm..In our cosies and trunks ready to board a smaller bamboo boat to take us to see some caves. Through time, the shape formations on some of these caves now are stunning. They used to be homes to fishermen.
Next a kayak ride! I chickened out, but the kids and Damian had fun.
It was hard work though, as the group had to stay together and a set route had to be followed within a set time. I chilled on the beach :-)
There was relaxation time though on their return, clear waters and soft golden sand with Halong Bay as the backdrop...

5.30pm...back on The Dragon's pearl. Freshen up, then time to wind down on the sun loungers. I read and took in the beauty of all the scenery unfolding in front of us. The water is sooooo calm and it's silent all around us. Very surreal and peaceful.

7.30pm...compliments to the chef. Another superb dinner! We all cheered as each course came out with an intricate vegetable/fruit carving.

9.30pm..retire to our rooms to sleep (in my case blog)

Tomorrow, a 6am start for those who want to jump off board and swim in the Bay. Needless to say the kids are both up to this! Breakfast at 7, then a trip to Vong Vieng, a fishing village along the Bay.

It's been an awesome day and one I will always remember. For me a definite highlight of the trip so far.

Px