What to say about Halong Bay?

Want me to tell you about Halong Bay???? Halong you got!! Mr Anh left us in the capable hands of Hoang as we boarded a tender to be taken out to our junk in the harbour. Will was taken by the secret room on the boat - some would call it an adjoining door. Then cruise we did, island after island, some 2000 in the region in total.

It's absolutely amazing to see people living on the water in fishing villages. We came across our first one when we stopped to do a spot of kayaking. When we were finished the captain seemed to think nothing of crushing a kayak or two and then bumping into the side of a fellow junkateer. Needless to say my reaction was appropriate. Later Gem and Will hit the beach to head to the lookout. Upon their return Will drank the dreaded local water and soon succumbed to scurvy as all good sea pirates do. He was out for the count for the next 24 hours.

The food was great but the scenery was unbeatable. Finding a mooring spot for the night was easy with another 23 junks nudging in close for the night. Sunrise and tai chi on the top deck before we made our way to one of the biggest caves in Vietnam. I was wondering what all the fuss was about until we went further in....... Wow!!!!

After this we cruised some more before heading back into the harbour. I think they should change the name of 'junk' to 'bump' or 'crash' as the case may be. Seems that's how you park. Our captain took out a pole on our junk when he nudged the anchored junk next to us. Gemma ain't got nothing on this guy - though strangely I was instantly taken back to our trip on the Murray.

So the journey continues from Halong Bay back to Hanoi then on a flight tomorrow to Hue. As soon as I can get Mum and snooks off their sun lounges.