Halong Bay

 


The 1 969 limestone karsts in Halong Bay are a UNESCO World heritage site. They are 500 million years old. 




At night, even if they were not seen, it was like sleeping among friendly giants. It was very quiet and we were  gently rocked to dreamland. 




I woke up this morning on the boat to see this through the window.


We climbed a switchback trail to the top of this karst. 4 people from the group swam in the nippy waters; it is still 10ish degrees. Several kayaked. I declined as I had only the clothes I was wearing and kayaking is always a wet affair. 


Although they call the boats junks, they are not the lattice-sailed ships associated with the name. Ours was fairly well appointed. Each room had a shower  Some were like small cruise ships. 







We were very well fed by an all male crew. Crab cakes in the shell to start. In the last pic, the fish was caught in a carrot trap LOL!








Before covid Vietnam hosted 20 000 000 tourists each year. In Halong Bay, massive accommodation construction began. Then Vietnam totally closed when Covid hit. There are hundreds of empty condo buildings and partly finished structures. The waterfront looks like a dystopian film set. Last year just 10 000 000 visitors. 

Comments

  1. SEJanuary 30, 2024 at 1:59 AM

    Lots of smiles at the dining table. The swimmers were brave souls to withstand the cold temps! 🥶 Those karsts are very cool geomorphological structures! Wow!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2024 at 7:47 AM

      I’m practically speechless bro. This is an AMAZING experience/opportunity for you in every way! You will never forget this trip. Thanks for including us in your travels! I didn’t say I am completely speechless. 😂 💕 LOU

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2024 at 7:36 PM

    Halong Bay was not on our itinerary and I regret that. It must have been stunning to see this heritage site. Your pictures and narratives capture that. Wendy and Bob from the DR of course

    ReplyDelete

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