Monday, October 3, 2016

HANOI TRIP # DAY 3 - 2D/1N HALONG BAY CRUISE


2/9/2016
FRIDAY
Happy Independence Day, Vietnam. 

After breakfast,  we checked out of the hotel and departed for our cruise in Halong Bay. The driver just dropped us off at the marina and we made our way to the office to check in. However we were informed by the tour office (The Glory Legend) that they did not have our bookings! 

Jumping with joy.... a private cruise to ourselves...

After seeing groups of tourists leaving for their cruises and waiting for almost an hour, things were eventually sorted out and we were able to board the Halong Phoenix Cruiser.   The government here have  very strict and proper embarkation rules and regulations including submitting photographs and passports and without the approval, the captain would not depart from the marina otherwise if he is caught by the marine police, his license could be revoked and the poor fella could be without a job!   
The guide told us that the charges for this private cruise is around UD$5000 per nite.. aren't we so lucky, its a bonus out of the misfortune!  
Look at the certificates adorning the wall..

the elegant dining room. 


enjoying the view @ the sundeck upstairs... 

In no time, they were able to prepare a light lunch for us..... 

refreshing salad

It was a very enjoyable lunch..

After the delicious lunch, we checked out our cabins for the night and this is one of the artworks along the corridors. The cabins were spacious and clean with attached bathroom as well. A reminder here, DO NOT throw any tissue papers into the toilets otherwise!!!  The guide told us that there is a very strict regulations on waste disposal for all cruisers.. everything is packed up and sent back  to the mainland where they have a special waste disposal system.  This is to ensure that the Bay remain clean and unpolluted (of course now and then you can still see a rubbish or two due to the carelessness of the tourists)  and everyone can enjoy  the Bay.   He told us that it was a different story a few years back if we were to visit Halong Bay then.   It was polluted and contaminated and rubbish floating everywhere.   The government decided to resettle the fishing community and moved them to the mainland;  impose strict regulations on the cruises plying the bay and also have a proper waste disposal system to the mainland  and these efforts definitely paid off as you can see from the beautiful landscape around the Bay now.  

Time to cruise Halong Bay.... "descending dragon bay"  it was declare a UNESCO heritage site in 1994 

The guide told us that there are 1969 islands surrounding the bay.. easy to remember because 1969 the year the first man walked on  the moon and 1969  the year, their beloved president Ho Chi Minh died.  

The clusters of limestones islands form a very impressive landscape with the emerald clear waters  




My girls preferred to go kayaking instead... 





notice how the colour of the water changes as we get near....








This is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of the Bay. 

The island is named by the President Ho Chi Minh after the Russian astronaut, Gherman S Titov when he first visited Halong Bay in 1962.  Surprising he visited the place again 30 years later.  

There is a beautiful white sandy beach but the must do attraction is ....... 

Yes, climbing up 400 steps to the view deck for.....

this magnificent panoramic  view of the bay. 





the mystical landscape with the setting sun.... 

back down to the beach....

As the sun began to set,  it was time to depart  back to the cruise for our tea-time......
refreshing fruits platter with coffee and tea 
the coffee was just yummy.... 



watching the setting sun on the deck 

The twinkling lights on the cruises all parked in the bay for the night.. 

The guide had prepared a special dinner for us tonite ......

his heart-felt apologies for making us wait for the boarding.......

boiled octopus served with the chili dip...




It was a truly delicious and happy meal. After dinner, some of us did tried squid fishing, but without success.

working out those calories .....
We had a wonderful jovial time in Halong Bay with the BEST guide (so patient and accommodating and jovial).  He is not your usual tour guide... but a talented young educated man(he holds a Marine Engineering Degree) He was unable to find a job with his degree, oh yes, he had plenty of offers from the people he met on the cruises (he is so likable!) but to leave the country he would really needs to pay a lot of money .... just wrong time and wrong place?  But he told us that he loves his job and most important he is passionate about his birthplace- HalongBay.  God bless him. 



3 comments:

  1. Lovely! Lovely! Halong Bay has been a top holiday destination for many friends who persuaded me to visit too. I love the many islands that dot along the scenic cruise. I can imagine the thrill because I enjoyed the boat ride to Pulau Langkawi where there are just very few small islands around. This Halong Bay is so different and interesting.

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    Replies
    1. Yes interesting as well as a UNESCO heritage site too!

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  2. Wow...lucky u... upgraded to a more luxurious cruise ship..:) Lovely photos elaine, very picturesque..

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