Halong Bay: One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful Sites!

We hopped on a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay. In less than 3.5 hours we were on a boat headed to one of the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen. Halong Bay was filled with moss covered cliffs.

 

 

 

 

We started the adventure with a small hike through a cave. For millions of years water and wind wore at the yellowstone to form house-sized caves. The caves started at water level, and the waves smoothed the interior walls. Then, as time continued, the cave rose above the water level and stalagmites and stalactites formed. Now, the caves have smooth ceilings and ruff walls.

 

Next on our itinerary was kayaking! We paddled around from island to island. After another hike and a short splash in the water we headed back on the boat. Though, the goofy British boys wouldn’t hop on the boat until they all split a jellyfish they found beached on shore. Ewww! They throw it back with a disgusted face and in a swallow it was gone!

On the boat we learned how to make the “labor-intensive”, Vietnamese spring rolls. We sat at large tables and ate family-style with many dishes passed around. Our meals consisted of BBQ chicken, fried fish, fried potatoes, fried chicken, fried spring rolls, salads, rice, noodles, and the traditional new year’s cake. Boy, do they love their fried foods!

The rest of our evening was spent playing drink games and sneaking beers on the boat. At night, women will row next to your boat trying to sell drinks and food. The boat crew does not want you to buy from these women because they will not get commission. Well, money talks and the women’s beer was half the price!

 

The next day we took a tour through an oyster farm and learned how pearls are made. By noon, we were back on the bus heading to Hanoi!

Gooooodbye Halong Bay!