Ha Long Bay

Seems like when you are in Hanoi one must take the Ha Long Bay tour.  This is a world famous bay 4 hours by road from Hanoi and the only way to see it is by an organized tour.  Not too expensive at $135 for my 3 day 2 night tour.....one night on the boat and one night in the hotel.  Good way to meet people.

This was my first organized tour ever.....hotel pick up at 8am....lunch on the boat at 1pm....kayaking at 3pm.....hiking and swimming at 5pm....dinner at 7pm.....fishing at 9pm.....breakfast at 7:30 am....after two days of this I was ready to drown myself ;)

But it was a good time and I am glad I did it.

You get picked up at your hotel...and meet your cabin mates

There are LOTS of tour boats here

Every one of the tourists looks very similar....it was kind of funny.  I was the oldest of course ;)

Nice room on the boat....$15 extra for singles :(

Bathroom was right over the septic system :(

The average boat is not luxurious but actually very nice

Have to say it was very beautiful and the scenery was all you needed to enjoy yourself

Went cave exploring

There were quite a few tourists at each stop...and this is low season

Food on our boat was very good

Boat houses for Vietnamese families.  Some live here their entire lives

Went on a pretty serious hike one day

Worth it for the view

Harbour police

Monkey Island

Hotel room on Cát Bà Island...hotels are not expensive in Vietnam

Snacks are always following you in Vietnam

FINALLY....back to Civilization......busy Hanoi.......