Cruising in Lan Ha Bay

Another sleeper bus overnight from Hue to Hanoi which was the most successful sleeper bus so far, I actually slept! Sleeping was good as I was meeting a bus to take me straight to Lan Ha bay for an overnight cruise.

Landing in Hanoi ahead of schedule meant I was in Hanoi at 4.30am and had to keep myself busy until 7.30 so I headed to a 24 hour........ McD's! I sat watching Hanoi wake up, it was great viewing. I'm fascinated by the obsession of group exercise in Asia, another example of a love of socialising. Sitting with my coffee, watching from the window, a large number of people arrived and music on, loud, and a very energetic mainly upper body workout started and continued for over an hour and a half! Average age 60!

I felt energised just watching that! I wanted to join in but didn't have the foot wear!

A short walk (and a slip and fall over, like a turtle with my heavy pack in my back, what a sight!) to the opera house for my bus.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side, it was foggy and misty the whole cruise but it made to a mysterious mystical journey. The boat was calm and slow and we all enjoyed a swim, kayake and time together as a group.

My ship mates were from Italy, Portugal, France and Germany. All couples and families which was a different dynamic but it was a pleasant journey. Good food and good company. The real reason we were all there was for the scenery and the experience.

After a great night's sleep and an early breakfast, we cycled to Viêt Hai village, explored the village and had a fish foot massage (small fish sucking and nibbling, odd) then it was back to the boat to get ready to leave.

The bay was beautiful but it is quite apparent that it will be ruined by humans and non bio-degradable waste which is really sad but for the time being, I'm really happy I made the trip even if I did feel a little like the problem!

Now onto the last few days in Hanoi and sadly Viêt Nam!Read more