Discovering Hanoi Part 2: Halong Bay

Halong Bay, which translates to 'Descending Dragon Bay' is a destination to be reckoned with. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was also a setting for two previous James Bond films.  Okay I sound like I'm writing a travel article. Geez. Anyway, the tour started with a 2 to 3 hours drive from Hanoi central to a docking area where all the boats and ferries to Halong Bay usually depart and arrive at. That day, the weather was not in our favor. It was raining when we left our hotel up to the point when we arrived at the docking area. But we didn't let it ruin our mood. We were ready for Halong Bay, come rain or shine.

We got on the big boat and it cruised towards the open sea. Lunch was served on the boat; they were French fries, spring rolls, some chicken dish cooked with soja sauce, steamed prawns, fried fish with sweet and sour sauce and some vegetables. We shared meals and chatted briefly with three men from Italy and a Japanese guy who we sat with during the journey. Shortly after lunch, we were looking out to the sea and Halong Bay revealed itself in all its glory. Ta da! Beyond were isles and karsts made of limestones all standing tall and majestically above sea levels. Other things that made the sight were tourist boats as well as local fishermen boats, a few fishing villages built on wooden stilts. We also saw banks which were built for the people living on sea to deposit and withdraw money. How convenient! Local vendors selling their produced goods on a smaller boat.

 

There is a story behind Halong Bay but I'll let you google it. :) During the excursion, we also had the chance to visit Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe) or also called the 'Cave of Marvel' by the French. It is one of the biggest caves in Halong area. We were led through a narrow passageway and soon we were standing in a massive interior cavern illuminated with multi-colored fluorescent lights. The lights were a little bit tacky but it was nevertheless an awesome sight. Our tour guide, Sunny was pointing out stones of stalagmites and stalactites that resembled different kinds of animals, a Buddha and a Virgin mary among others.

After spending some time in the cave, we got back to the boat and it headed back to the initial docking area. That marks the end of our Halong Bay excursion. Yes, we didn't get to take pictures of Halong Bay at its best with the lingering fog, mist and all but at least we now can cross Halong Bay off our list. The next few days were work and conference day for Oliver and he had to be in university and attend talks whole day from morning till evening while I got to enjoy a day at the sauna and jacuzzi, the swimming pool and city tours with people I was fortunate to know in Hanoi. I am a happy wife cum traveller.

More about Hanoi in another post. What can I say? It's an amazing city.