Early start + on coach by 7.45 for 4hr drive to Halong City. Very flat & verdant again, sometimes with neat planting e.g beautiful, large Bonsai in nurseries. Crossed Red River of huge width, into largest rice-growing area in N Vietnam. At rest stop, our 1st experience of row of ladies’ public squatting toilets, but we all chose to queue for cubicles!
Crossed Red River delta with increasingly large bridges to Hai Phong, largest port in Vietnam. Could see thousands of containers to/from round world. Then mangroves & pearl fisheries in salt water. Stopped at large facility, preparing + selling pearl jewellery, from white, gold & black pearls, some thousands of US dollars!!
Sorting pearls
By 12 noon, ready to embark on Bhaya Classic boat, for overnight cruise round unique bay of thousands of Karst limestone pillar islands, covered in vegetation. Beautiful en suite cabins, in solid wood & balconette – very atmospheric.
A beautiful bijou cabin
Could be as quiet or involved as we wanted. Did kayaking which we enjoyed, the only disappointment being the beach afterwards, where water pollution was obvious – terrible shame in this beautiful UNESCO area.
About 12 guests got involved in preparing spring rolls as entertainment (bit like old Generation Game) – great fun with play off between Charlie + me! He won easily + got chef ’s apron + hat as prize!
“And the winner is ...”
Lovely meal with handmade cake
Later on, after an exotic cocktail, we could lie on deck in balmy weather & see the stars, with water lapping.
