"What of ?" I asked suspiciously.
"You know that film Titanic ?"
"Lucas. This is Halong Bay. It's 30 degrees. We aren't going to hit an iceberg. Goodnight."
Halong Bay off the coast of Northern Vietnam is apparently one of the seven natural Wonders of the World. I'm amazed and disappointed to say it's the first of the seven that I've seen. Really must travel more. A collection of many limestone hills covered in greenery sticking out of the water. Truly a beautiful spectacle, and fortunately not an iceberg to be seen anywhere.
The day had started with several trips to the cash point. I had been transferring money to various accounts and then clearing it out in cash. 22 million dong on the first trip which I took down to Kangaroo Cafe, glancing nervously over my shoulder as I made the trip, then a further 13 million and finally with a little assistance from the Damens, another 8 million. All paid for !
We said goodbye to Raquel before she set off for the airport and the flight home and at 8 we boarded the bus for the 4 hour trip. Half way we visited a workshop for disabled craftsmen. All sorts of paintings, sculptures, clothing and the like with some huge numbers next to them. I admired a table and chairs hewn from huge lumps of multicoloured marble. Couldn't even lift a chair mind you and as for the price tag.... 9.9 billion dong. About £30,000.
We were taken out by tender to our vessel. 
It could take 16 guests. We had the boat to ourselves. En suite rooms over the first two decks, dining room and bar on the middle deck and sun deck upstairs.
We sat and ate lunch of several courses with wine, beer and cocktails as the scenery changed outside. I would have no idea what you would pay for a similar experience in Europe but it would be a hell of a lot more than what this trip cost.
Ti Top Island was our first point of call for a dip in the sea. It is possible to climb the 400 steps to the viewpoint at the top. I didn't, several did.
Back on the boat we were now moored in the middle of a bay surrounded by another 30 or so similar vessels. I kept Mrs Spooky's fluid levels topped up with pina coladas as we watched the sun dipping down towards one of the limestone hills. 
There can't be many more picturesque destinations on the planet than this one. 
I know what you are thinking. That's not a pina colada. You are right, it's a Long Island Iced Tea. It captures the sunlight better than pina colada.
By 7pm we were sat once again in the dining room enjoying another multi course sumptuous meal. Even Lucas was eating well. Huge prawns, stuffed crabs, stir fried chicken with vegetables, dragon fruit and more, topped off with a birthday cake for Jo as they had heard it was her birthday in a few days. 
What an amazing place. Well worth the effort to get here. For just over £100 each for 2 nights accommodation, transport and some stunning food in such a fantastic location, this has to be an absolute bargain.
I hope it doesn't get swamped with tourists. Alas being this close to China, Korea and Taiwan, all with rapidly increasing populations and wealth, there will without doubt be more and more people looking for vacations a short distance away. These 30 vessels could easily become 60. I'm enjoying the relative peace and tranquility though at dawn on the sun deck.
The last 36 hours have included some fraught moments, negotiating borders, flights and high finance. The downtime since then has been awesome though.
No comments:
Post a Comment