Halong Bay (Vietnam)

We took a 3 hour bus journey from Hanoi, further north up to Halong Bay. Halong Bay was amazing. It is a dramatic series of 3,000 islands emerging from the surrounding emerald green water. The weather is usually cool and drizzly and we were very lucky to enjoy a dry stay for the two days that we were here. We had a great boat, complete with viewing deck on top, and meandered through the islands. We hopped off here and there to explore the many caves in the area and also went on a two hour kayaking trip from our boat. Here is a look at our boat, The Santa Maria.

Halong Bay gets it name from the legend of a dragon that lived in the mountains. As the dragon made its way towards the sea, it thrashed its tail and created all the valleys and inlets. Only the high ground can now be seen. The translation of Halong Bay is “Where the Dragon descends into the sea.” Here is a picture of us on a platform at the mouth of one of the caves.

Here is a picture of one of the caves we visited. Quite touristy given that there is electricity and walkways in the cave!






We had wonderful guides that even provided nighttime entertainment. Here is a look at them singing some Vietnamese songs. At least we think they were Vietnamese songs, however, they could have been about us tourists given the fits of laughter that some of the crew of the boat were in. Eamon reciprocated and sang an Irish song for the crew. Too bad he fogot the words to his second song …but he got a free beer anyways.



After a few free beers (that turned out to be added to Wade’s tab), the traveling dossers were passed out in the mini bus drive back to Hanoi.