This video almost never happened; this trip out into the bay almost never happened. Don’t you love when mother nature throws a wrench into your plans? Actually I shouldn’t complain since I’ve had really spectacular weather for most of my trip.
Vlog #19: Contiki Big Indochina Adventure: Halong Bay, Vietnam
httpvh://youtu.be/sfUpe_OZtsw
Faced with the possibility of having to turn back and stay in town at a hotel instead of out on the bay, we took a chance and chose to wait 2 and 1/2 hours to see if we could try one more time to venture out onto the water. Luckily our waiting worked out for the best and they eventually allowed some boats into the bay.
Our boat’s captain took us through a different route than what they usually go through, so we did end up missing out on a few viewpoints and beaches that they apparently stop at. However, just being out on the bay was good enough for us!
Wow, can I just say how absolutely beautiful Halong Bay is; hundreds of mini islands darting out from the sea. Spectacular! I even kind of enjoy the fog covering since it gives it that Magical Mystical feel, something I am all to familiar with when it comes to famous tourist spots.
One item of disappointment; I did pick up on all the trash floating in the bay. So much garbage, it really is a shame. I would not go swimming in this bay.
That night we anchored in a small cove with a couple other boats and had ourselves a small pirate themed party before heading to bed.
The next morning the fog had cleared quite a bit and the water was calm and perfect for us to do a bit of kayaking through a hole in the rock which lead to an even smaller, private cove.
There Krista and I attempted to look for monkeys which alas, failed. So instead we sung Disney songs all the way back to the junk boat. (I saved you from hearing them in the video).
And then that was it. It was back into the harbour and back to Hanoi where we said our final goodbyes to everyone. Thus the end of my 25 day Contiki Big Indochina Adventure.
Exhausted yet? Well I hope not since we are jumping right into the Thai Island Hopper East next! See you soon!
