Magical and mysterious Halong Bay

Behold the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. The natural preserve (declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994) of more than 3,000 islands in the Gulf of Tonkin definitely lives up to the hype.

From Hanoi, we were picked up by bus to Halong City (approximately 3.5 hours journey) where we boarded the Indochina Sails for our two day/one night cruise. The day began with lunch on the boat as we cruised the bay and took in the sights: emerald waters, limestone cliffs rising out from the sea, and incredible caves.

After lunch, we stopped at Titop Island, where we climbed to the top to take in the 360 degree view of Halong Bay. We really lucked out with the clear, sunny weather.
After another 45 minute cruise, we arrived near Bat Cave, our kayaking spot for the afternoon. We boarded two-person kayaks and paddled through Bat Cave (yes, there were bats...LIVE BATS!!!) and all around the inlet before heading back to the boat to enjoy the sunset.

After working up an appetite with all our afternoon activities, we thoroughly enjoyed the fresh seafood buffet dinner. I clinched the title of Fat Kid of the Day by going back for thirds, and devouring a giant plate of delicious BBQ squid. (Tragically, Fritz stole the title back the next morning by beating me out at breakfast and going back for seconds of fried eggs--he has it coming though, because apparently we are climbing a mountain tomorrow.)

We were excited to see JP and Catherine--the very nice French couple we met in Hoi An--on our same boat. It was wonderful to have some friendly faces among the 24 passengers, and a group of about eight of us definitely enjoyed the 2-for-1 "happy hour" on the sundeck of the boat before retiring for the evening.

The next morning, we visited Surprise Cave, a massive, three-room cavern. I would have posted photos, but they really don't do the place justice. Let it suffice to say that it was quite amazing--definitely no claustrophobia, the thing was enormous!

Another highlight was the lovely, evening breeze on the sun deck of the boat. For the first time in nearly three weeks, I was not drenched in sweat. Apropos that very thought, I should mention that I am writing this post from Sapa, in the Northwest of Vietnam, very near the border with China. Sapa is a beautiful mountain town that is currently blanketed in mist and fog, and it is significantly cooler than anywhere we've been thus far. We are all very excited to finally break out the sweatshirts and fleeces we haven't used since our transcontinental flight, and have been lamenting carrying.

More to come from Sapa!