VIETNAM/CAMBODIA - 2025
Friday 9 May'26 - Hanoi/Ha Long Bay
Another 0600 rise for an 0800 departure from the Sunway Hotel. We are off to Halong Bay, some 3 hours away, for an overnight cruise. Hanoi’s original name was TanLong or Ascending Dragon, which is in the mountains and HaLong or Descending Dragon, which is on the coast. As we were leaving Hanoi, crossing the Red River at this time in the morning, the traffic was quite light. The 1 thing I took away from yesterday was that traffic in Hanoi can be best described as poorly
choreographed mayhem. About ½ way along the journey, we had the obligatory restroom stop (or happy room as Mr Chien called it) at a place (Legend Pearls) that specialises in cultured pearls, where they explained the whole process. It also had a shop that upon entry, you could watch the jewellers making the various items. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed. After that, you walked through the store. I was amazed to see not only the white versions but black, gold and pink ones. The items were beautiful but a bit pricey. 1 item in particular took my fancy BUT as it was $45,000 USD, I continued to walk (very fast).
From the carpark, you could see Halong Bay’s famous landscape across the fields. Just amazing! Next, into Halong City, which apparently, in the last few years, has become the equivalent of the Gold Coast, with 1,000’s of apartments being built. If you’re interested you can get a 3-bedroom unit, right on the beach, for around 350,000 AUD. Finally arriving at the cruise terminal, before boarding our cruise
And away we go!!! After a safety briefing from the ship’s crew & checking into our rooms we were off on either a kayak or, my choice, a bamboo boat ride into the Hang Luon cave. After that, some went to see the pagoda at the top of a mountain (some 426 steps) and then a swim from the beach below. I stayed onboard and had a massage!
After that was over, back to the boat and a Happy Hour, where, if you bought 2 drinks, you got another for free but in reality, they just kept coming regardless. Unusual, but popular. I have to say that the Bay was very busy in my opinion, although on speaking to the staff, they all said it was only around 50 % of the boats normally.
After happy hour finished, there was a rice paper spring roll course on the top deck, followed by Sunset drinks and snacks.
Whilst there was a presence of cloud, it was still an amazing sunset.
After dinner, a relaxing drink on the deck, admiring all the other cruise ships. Then off to bed…
