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- Dag 59–64
- 14 maj 2024 - 19 maj 2024
- 5 nätter
- ☀️ 29 °C
- Höjd över havet: 168 m
VietnamHang Suối20°44’49” N 107°1’40” E
Cat Ba, Vietnam

After finishing the Ha Giang Loop, we headed back down to Hanoi (on a slightly less VIP experience) and then to the island Cat Ba which is the largest island of Halong Bay (UNESCO site).
I had been to this island before briefly, but Jodie had her sights set on trying some deep water solo rock climbing which is something I didn't even know existed last time I was here. It is essentially climbing up cliffs that are coming out of the water, meaning you can climb without equipment and if you fall you won't injure yourself (badly) as there is water to break your fall. When you reach the top of your climb, ypu jump into the water.
Our fist evening there we were exploring the island and happened to bump into two climbing traveller instagramers that jodie follows in a climbing shop. We took this as a sign and opted to go for this company to do our climbing experience with.
The next day we took the morning to hire motorbikes and explore the island a bit more, visited the national park and a really big cave. Then in the afternoon we had our climbing. We (only three of us, essentially a private tour) were taken on a boat out to a nearby cliff in a mini island in Halong Bay, surrounded by loads of smaller islands and limestone cliffs. Weather was pretty much ideal, clear skies and sunny but not too boiling hot. Our guide was a crazy climber named 'Hai' who had only been a guide for a year and had been a barman before that.
The boat drove to the bottom of the cliff (you go straight from the boat onto the cliff and then the boat drives away) and we all got straight to climbing the first route without any briefing at all! Luckily we have both done quite a bit of bouldering so knew what to do for the most part.. Hai also had a laser pointer to help us with where to go if needed.
We would all take turns climbing. Very surreal experience climbing high without any equipment. Even though the water is there, it still is scary looking down at the cliff, and I'm not usually scared of heights. The highest I climbed was around 12 or 13m (the max height of an Olympic diving board is 10m). Jumping from this distance hurt a lot.. He told us to land like a pencil at the last minute, but after I jumped that went out the window and I forgot everything he said and landed with my hands flailing and chest tilted towards the water. Still have a bruise on my chest and the underside of my chin hurt for a few days after that.
The climbing itself was also quite challenging, lots of times where I would struggle to find a foothold or handhold and the rocks were sharp so got lots of little cuts and grazes everywhere. After about 5 or 6 climbs each, we relaxed and swam in the ocean whilst the sun was going down. Amazing scenery everywhere.
This day was probably the highlight of the trip so far, one of my favourite experiences.
The following days weren't so nice as I got food poisoning not long after this, so basically was recovering and not doing much for 2 or 3 days. Tried to take the medicine I brought but it wouldn't stay down long (nothing would..), thankfully I have fully recovered now.and am eating and drinking normally.
Next stop - Osaka 🇯🇵Läs mer
ResenärThis account , photos and videos are absolutely terrifying and so dangerous 🫣😨 but well done for having done it! I couldn't even look at the photos! So pleased that you are now better. Enjoy Japan and hopefully it will be less dangerous there! Take care 💕🥰
ResenärTF you’re not doing any more of that solo rock climbing! It does sound like an unforgettable experience but not necessarily something you’d want to repeat...hopefully! 🫣🫣
Resenär
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ResenärWell done Chris and Jodie for facing your fears! Wouldn’t be me but you handled it well. One for the memory bank!