We could feel the awe of Ha Long Bay as our junk made it's way into this world heritage site...
Open waters started to get enclosed by surfacing land masses that were like some mythical dragon creatures in the water under the autumn sun.
To be honest, when my friends pitched to me the idea of going to Vietnam, it didn't turn me on until I saw pictures of Ha Long Bay.
I actually found myself looking forward to having breakfast on a junk with a scenic view.
November was a good time to cruise Ha Long Bay. Skies were clear and the waters blue.
Sadly, the most recommended cruise - the Dragon, was out of commission while we were there, leaving most of us tourists opting for other cruise packages.
Ours did not look like the pictures the agent in Sinh Cafe Travel showed us.
But at least the meals were decent and there was an open roof deck to enjoy the stars...and everything was well within our budget.
Despite looking all rather similar, I think picking a good cruise is important for an enjoyable experience.
After all, you will be spending some time on that boat.
For me, having more open deck spaces was crucial.
Being able to dine outdoors would be best.
(Above: The elusive IH.)
I felt that the Ha Long Bay trip took us back to a time when things were simpler and the pace slower, if not a tad bit wobbly.
Because when you are on a boat and all you have are the mountains and seas, there's nothing else but the scenery and your company.
You slow down to enjoy the view, hang out with friends, have hearty conversations, just be idle and look forward to your next meal.
Views were constantly changing but never less spectacular and the layering of it all made me felt like I was in a virtual scape. A kaleidoscope created by nature or something.
If it weren't for the day and night, it might just have felt like time stood still.
But although mountains and seas were breaths of fresh air, I must say that a couple of days should be enough to wander the waters of Ha Long Bay.
3 days tops.
Coming in for a landing.
(Above: The crew getting ready to dock)
Occasional stops to the scattered islands were welcomed although sometimes getting off and on the boat again can be quite difficult, especially for the old folks i would think, as we hopped from boat to boat to get onto land.
There were choices to canoe, swim or climb.
As I wasn't geared to get wet, I opted to climb a nearby peak.
(Above: Boats came out to play in Ha Long Bay.)
(Above: One of the caves with beautiful rock formations enhanced by strategically placed lightings. But what captivated me more was it's sand-like ceiling that made me felt like I was on an up-side-down beach. Kinda surreal :o)
Back to the boats...
Depending on your preference, some junks had their windows on the outside.
While others, like ours here, had the doors and a corridor, which i think is what we'd rather.
(Above: LY coming out of her room in the morning and meeting up along the corridor.)
Views were constantly changing but always spectacular and the scale of it all made me felt like I was inside a moving picture.
Sometimes it's just open waters, sometimes mountains rise, sometimes junk cruises goes by...
And sometimes, a local might just sail up to sell you some snacks.
Rooms were minimal with just the beds and an attached bath...which was alright as you probably won't want to stay indoors most of the time.
(Above: CT relaxing in the bunk at night.)
I think our favourite place would have to be the open roof deck up above where we just watch the world go by with the wind in our hair.
But not all junk cruises have open roof decks. Some had sheltered ones, some none at all. So pick yours as you like it.
(Above: CT checking out rooms 1,3 and 5.)
We took in as much as we could before we left Ha Long Bay, savoring our return trip, swimming amongst giants.
There is rhythm in the landscape that seemed to make it feel alive and ancient at the same time.
And like cloud formations or stellar constellations, they can easily fuel the imagination and becomes something abstract to lose yourself in.
The scenic tour was a nice contrast to Hanoi, a good choice to complement the urban town and completes our Hanoi-Ha Long Bay Holiday.
(Above: Sunset at Ha Long Bay.)
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