The Halong Experience

 From Hanoi, it is a 3-4 hour coach ride to the much talked about bay.

Though the distance is a mere 160 km, the narrow roads and the speed limit given could only mean a slow and laborious ride. The consolation is you get to see miles and miles of rice fields interspersed with maize and peanut crops. Buildings are still tall and skinny and I wondered at it. Even when they had space and land in the suburban areas, the locals still continue the practice. It only goes to confirm that habits die hard and culture is difficult to break.

 This is the first spot to say that we had reached the mouth to the bay.

It was indeed a welcoming sight.

 Very soon, the touristic feeling comes in; a notice to all travellers that you have arrived at a World Heritage point. Halong Bay has been designated a world heritage in the 90s and since then much has been emphasized on the preservation of this part of the world.

 Before embarking on the short ride to the cruises, travellers are 'parked' at this interim rest area and of course...wifi services. Everyone is engrossed in the activities of their phones. No one talks but they communicate with the device. I am also like that.

Quan is quite an entertainer with his jokes and he is an easy man.

Soon, we were ushered into small vessels for the cruise.

We were on Victory Star cruise and it had many rooms; how many I do not know.

We opted for one night's stay but you can opt for more.

 When it first started with a cruise ploughing the waters of the bay; it now has more than 100 doing the activity during peak seasons. How tourism has boost up the place. Needless to say, this natural habitat created by God has today brought in monies that help in the survival of many locals.

 Again and again we have been reminded that we are now along a natural wonder of the world.

Go see it.

 The womenfolk repeatedly seen doing activities which I thought should be done by men.

The so called weaker sex never complaining but complying.

 Beautiful.

Peace.

 Fishing villages are dotted along the bay.

 Majestic.

 On the cruise, activities were also created; in case the customers get bored.

Actually, with a book in the hand, time will kill itself.

 The Malaysian is displayed.

Apparently the flags of all the nationals present would be displayed.

A good trick.

 

 The dining place is neat and sweet.

 We were introduced to a cooking session.

 That's how you make Vietnamese rolls.

 We ate them ourselves after making them.

It's different from Malaysian popiah.

 In the evenings, you can swim or even catch or fish for squids.

But on that particular evening, the squids did not appear.

So, it was zero catch.

 You can also go kayaking or you do gazing and photography activities at the deck; anything as long as you are entertained. Who can actually entertain you best except your own thoughts?

 Along Halong Bay, the locals sell their sea shell products and even rear pearls in their water farms.

 They rowed in boats to sell groceries and set up fish traps for fishing.

 This is a squid vessel. Notice the number of lights attached to it. Squids are attracted to bright lights.

They catch squids with the help of lights.

Life seems tough and primitive but they are enjoying a peace many cannot find. Quan told us that the most impending challenge they have is drinking water. Water, water everywhere but they cannot be consumed. So they trade their goods for water?

 

 However primitive life may seem, they have caught up with technology.

This lass is deeply engrossed in teh telecommunication process.

The hand phone is revolutionary; as powerful as anything.

You cannot stop anyone from the phone; from a teen to the house help in the home.

It's either peace when they have them or war when they don't.

 The Halong experience is another memory under our cap.

Thank God for the time and experience.