Hanoi Trip Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and is often considered a side trip not to be missed from Hanoi. We have joined a cruise called V'spirit, which picked us up from our hotel at about 8:30 am. 

Even though our destination is only 170 km away, it took a 4-hour bumpy bus ride to get there, including a few more pick-up at other hotels and a 30-minute break at a souvenir shop. At the terminal we met our guide for the next two days, who was a Vietnamese guy who could speak English quite well. 

From the pier we boarded a small boat that took us to our cruiser, which was not that big but comfortable enough. We stayed at the lower deck while the 3-bed cabins and the dining room was on the upper deck. A uncovered sundeck was on the top level with long tanning chairs. Equipped with air-conditioning and private bathroom, our cabin had windows that opened up to a view of the Halong Bay, which was exceptionally beautiful under the morning sun.

It was wise for us to leave our suitcase at the hotel in Hanoi as we would not have space here to even open it up in our room!

There were several fishing villages in Halong Bay and small fishing boats were seen from time to time.

After leaving our bags in the cabin, it was time for our first meal on V'Spirit. The Vietnamese-style lunch was just average but the scenery outside made up for the simple meal!
Our first excursion among these limestones islands took us to the Sung Sot Cave. Stalactites of the most unusual shapes and sizes were suspended from the high ceiling. Lit up with spots lights of different colours, it was quite a spectacle. 

One end of the cave opened up to a cliff, which offered another amazing view of Halong Bay.

The next stop was a small island called Soi Sim. A short hiking trail took us to the highest point of the island in about 15 minutes. The trail was quite narrow and steep and the opening on the hilltop was so small it would not hold more than half a dozen people. The view, obscured by overgrown tree branches, was not much to see. The sunset was better enjoyed on the small beach. 

Just before it got dark we returned to V'Spirit for a nice hot shower before dinner was served, which included a dish of prawn cooked in front of us and a few other seafood.
After dinner there were the options of squid fishing (which we attempted for about 20 minutes, during which we caught nothing but two Vietnamese ladies who tried to sell us water and snacks on their fishing boats) and a game with other guests in the dining room. We stayed on the upper deck before the sea breeze got too strong and returned to our cabin for an early night.

 A little cooking demonstration by the crew member (above) and quiet time in Halong Bay (below)