Day 14 - Halong Bay

Scenery outside the bus on the way to Halong Port


A frustrated Ang after waiting for a long time to get up the Junk

It was yet another long 3 hours bumpy ride by van to the habour of Halong. It is a busy port packed with Junks as well as crowds after crowds of tourists. Waited for a quite a while before our guide could settle all the admin issues and bring us up the Junk.


The 'Fighting Cocks' at Halong Bay


Our deluxe room on the Junk

Had a seafood spread for lunch on the Junk and it was great. Halong Bay is about 1500Km^2 big and home to plenty of cliffs and caves.




What does this look like?



Limestones in the caves, also known as salactites, were things we only read about in geography books and it was the first time that we actually saw them personally. As the Junk cruises through the waters smoothly, everything around you looks the same like it was a few moments ago. Everything was 'Same Same but different'.






Mathieu Brechoire the director

Oh and we got to know some French who work for a TV station back home! Mathieu Brechoire is the director and he actually brought a few of his crew members along for his trip to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.. a bunch of jovial and outgoing people!



As the junk anchored at calm waters for the night, we decided to get into the waters and have some fun! Our entrance into the water was to jump from the top level of the boat! The short thrill before plunging into the water was fun enough for us to repeat the process again. Weiyang even tried diving into the waters head-first at the lower deck. Unfortunately, he injured his back due to his awkward plunging position. Will this be the end to his 'Swim Seal Coach' career?


Sunset at Halong



A sumptuous dinner followed suit and it was pretty much a showcase of each nation's unique way of 'Cheers' in their country. Definitely we had to do our traditional 'Yum... Seng' in order to compete with the French's and the Vietnamese's!

After the fulfilling dinner, we went to chill at the top of the boat and had a great chat with 2 Australians, Jo and Braun. From traveling to diving to the rare species of lethal animals in Australia, we practically talked about everything under the sun. They were the perfect mates to kill the night at Halong Bay. However, music and lighting from other Junks spoilt the fabulous night scene and one can hardly enjoy the serenity of the region.

This sort of freedom seemed too much for President of the planning committee, Ang. He had been so used to the hectic lifestyle which he has in Singapore and didn't really adapt to this sort of laid-back freedom. Everything felt like a facade to the life he had in Singapore.. come on Ang! Time to relax!

3 more days to Singapore. Kai and Song wants to stay longer.

Day 15 - Halong Bay