Ha Long Bay Cruise

Cruising around Ha Long Bay was just stunning. A great way to relax and enjoy some time together without having to really think. The 3 day trip included excursions and activities such as kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating, exploring Cat Ba Island, sunrise Tai chi and late night squid fishing. Despite these, the highlight for me was simply cruising around enjoying the breathtaking views with Jess.

The food was amazing albeit a little too much with yesterday’s lunch consisting of 10 different plates and dinner being 5 or 6 courses. The permanent ‘happy hour’ for cocktails helped too!

The room was lovely looking out onto the water although every now and then you’d be greeted by a local approaching to sell drinks/ snacks off a small dingy. At sunset the light rays would reflect off the still water and glisten on the ceiling.

While bamboo boating we saw a family of langur monkeys climbing across what looked like a vertical rock face with babies clinging on to the mothers. While cruising, you’d frequently see large jellyfish the size of a exercise balls go past or smaller ones with long tentacles. On the way to Cat Ba island I took a few photos of the scenery and we all heard a loud splash and everyone rushed to look overboard seeing nothing but a large ripple. Fortunately and by complete coincidence I happened to take a photo at the perfect moment and captured a sting ray jumping out of the water just before it landed (picture uploaded). This was the only ray we say.

The photos just don’t do the bay justice. Everywhere you look you see towering islands covered with vegetation, each different to the one before. Heading out you’d see the horizon way in the distance through the islands and heading in you’d see a glimpse of Ha Long city. To top it off the sunsets were something else too. The first night saw a deep orange and the second a pink glow.

It was a the perfect way to celebrate our engagement and a memory we won’t forget. Off to central Vietnam next.Read more