Cruise with overnight stay in Halong Bay

Yesterday, it was time to get up early again, as I had to be ready for pickup at 7:45 am. The Halong Bay was touted everywhere as a 'must-see' in Vietnam, and after some searching and exploring different providers, I finally found something, even though it was my most expensive tour and overnight stay ever. But it was worth it. Halong Bay is an area of about 1500 km² in the Gulf of Tonkin. Approximately 2000 limestone pillars, mostly uninhabited islands and rocks, rise several hundred meters high from the water. The limestone plateau of Halong Bay is naturally a UNESCO World Heritage Site... 

So early on, I took a luxury bus from the hotel in Hanoi, traveling for 2.5 hours in gloomy weather to Halong to the harbor, where Chloe - the tour guide, who was still a bit new and reserved in the profession - welcomed me. After a bit of waiting, we boarded the tender boat, then headed to the ship. After a brief introduction and explanation of the program, which included well-rehearsed jokes by the onboard crew - the same ones, of course - we got to enjoy a leisurely lunch while cruising toward Halong Bay. A multi-course menu, always with a view of the impressive landscape. Luckily, I had mentioned beforehand that I am not a seafood lover, as there were many delicacies for others, but for me, the no less tasty extra dish (figuratively speaking). Although this luxury food setup did not necessarily bring me the greatest joy, it was quite nice for the 1.5 days. Then I headed to my cabin, which was indeed aptly named, with a whirlpool bathtub and a lovely balcony with a peaceful view. On the latter, I made myself comfortable and enjoyed the cruise, the arrival, and the improving weather. As I later found out, it had been gloomy, cool, and mostly rainy for the last few weeks. Today would be different, and the heavens smiled upon us. Sometimes you just have to be lucky. 

Then we took the tender boat to the first official program point; namely, the ascent to the Sung-Sot Cave. This is the largest cave in Halong Bay. After climbing a narrow stone staircase, you can admire many stalactites and rock formations inside the cave. As everywhere in Halong Bay, tourists nearly stepped on each other's toes here... Chloe kept pointing out different rock formations where figures were supposed to be recognizable and their legends. At times, you really had to stretch your imagination to see what was described... But from the outside, one wouldn't believe that such a huge, impressive cave is located inside... Upon exiting the cave, the sun had finally come out, shining in the cloudless blue sky. Back on the ship, it was soon time for the next excursion. The destination was Titov Island with its crescent-shaped beach. We had a 50-minute stop with two options; first, a 'hiking tour' to the top of the island, and second, relaxing and bathing at the beach. 'Hiking tour' sounded a bit exaggerated; it was actually just 15 minutes of stair climbing to the mountain peak. The view was once again magnificent. The line of stair climbers moved quite sluggishly up and down... I spent another 20 minutes at the beach, jumping into the really cold water. After returning to the ship, we went up to the sun deck to enjoy the sunset with Happy Hour at the bar and some small snacks. During the sunset, even the crew members took out their phones to snap photos. I only watched the 'cooking demonstration' with one eye, casually. Not every tourist program point has to be attended. Here, a type of spring roll with rice paper and seafood was being prepared. Then it was already time for dinner with a multi-course menu. I skipped the nighttime squid fishing and retreated to the balcony to indulge in my whirlpool bathtub with a chilled drink and a view of the nighttime Halong Bay. Before falling asleep with a view, I planned and booked a bit for my next destinations, initially adding another country to my rough plans, so just before my return trip and before Singapore, I will also be stopping in Bali, Indonesia. In general, the aimless planning is slowly resolving...

The morning program point of sunrise on the sun deck was canceled. The main actor - the sun - did not appear, and it was indeed gloomy and overcast. Once awake at 5:30 am, I participated in Tai Chi at 6:15 am. I will have to get used to gymnastics at that hour... After a light breakfast, we took the tender boat for kayaking in Luon Cave. Alternatively, I could have done a bamboo rowing boat tour there, but being a bit active felt quite good. Moreover, my travel group was dominated by French retirees, where I found the previous day's shared time sufficiently amusing ;-) ... (there were also a few older British ladies present who were quite funny and nice)... Paddling in the kayak was really relaxing, even though the weather was overcast; luckily, rain stayed away. Back on the ship, I relaxed a bit with coffee on my cabin balcony and packed my things once more before heading to the last big feast on the ship for the brunch buffet. Stuffed, we headed back to the harbor and from there, took the luxury bus back to Hanoi. The bus dropped off all guests individually at their hotels, which is fascinating, as the driver maintains calm while navigating through the narrow twisting lanes of Hanoi's old quarter, maneuvering past various obstacles within millimeters... 

Back in Hanoi in the late afternoon, I wandered around the old town a bit and visited St. Joseph’s Cathedral; a Catholic church in the style of Notre Dame. I also went to a performance at the water puppet theater. Here, folkloric puppets perform on water to ancient Vietnamese tales and legends, accompanied by local singing and instruments. On my way back, I strolled by Hoan Kiem Lake in the darkness and stumbled upon the bustling 'Beer Street'. I sat down there for a while before heading to bed after a long day...