Halong Bay turned out to be everything that the Li River in China was not. It was clear, sunny, filled with blue-green water, and simply breathtaking. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, this is a vacation spot for many Asian people (although we saw very few because it is not vacation time for most Asians)…our good luck!
The Regent Mariner had arranged for a 3-hour ride for all passengers on a “junk” boat to cruise among the monoliths of Halong Bay. The bay stretches 80 miles with over 3000 monolithic islands, composed of limestone and dolomite and covered with lush green tropical foliage. The scenery was fabulous. We saw many fishing “villages” of 20 or so houseboats tucked away amongst the mini hills. These people loaded their small motorized boats, of varying sizes and styles, and made their way to the junks carrying sight-seers from all over the world as they tried to sell us everything from fruit to fish.
Three hours was truly not enough time to adequately explore the nooks and crannies of Halong Bay. It was enough time, however, to make up for our disappointment with the Li River trip in China. We will let Jerry’s photos tell the rest. Next: en route to Saigon (we still can’t convince ourselves to call it Ho Chi Minh City)
The Regent Mariner had arranged for a 3-hour ride for all passengers on a “junk” boat to cruise among the monoliths of Halong Bay. The bay stretches 80 miles with over 3000 monolithic islands, composed of limestone and dolomite and covered with lush green tropical foliage. The scenery was fabulous. We saw many fishing “villages” of 20 or so houseboats tucked away amongst the mini hills. These people loaded their small motorized boats, of varying sizes and styles, and made their way to the junks carrying sight-seers from all over the world as they tried to sell us everything from fruit to fish.
Three hours was truly not enough time to adequately explore the nooks and crannies of Halong Bay. It was enough time, however, to make up for our disappointment with the Li River trip in China. We will let Jerry’s photos tell the rest. Next: en route to Saigon (we still can’t convince ourselves to call it Ho Chi Minh City)
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