Thursday, January 30, 2025 – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Ha Ling Bay, in northern Vietnam.

HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM
A naturalist’s dream
A visit to the north is incomplete without a trip to Ha Long Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: clearing mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers and marine life threatened by game fishing.
Beyond its geological uniqueness are hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.

Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, is its entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand plant species recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy on inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several squirrel species. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight, with several fascinating trails.

Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Ha Long Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay, farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungles.

SIGHTS
• Cat Ba Island
• Cat Ba National Park
• Fishing Villages

DINING
Ha Long City, the launching point to Ha Long Bay, is not the place to come for fine cuisine or any cuisine. You’re better off suppressing your appetite until you dine aboard the ship. However, there’s a string of mediocre restaurants on Ha Long Road just west of Vuon Dao Road. If you want to try something local, tu hai is a shellfish specialty from Van Don Island. Other Ha Long dishes include dried shrimp, steamed cuttlefish, sea snails, and gat gu (steamed pancakes made from rice flour).
Note: Most venues are closed for the Lunar New Year.

Today’s Excursion – Cruising Ha Long Bay by Junk Boat

Ha Long Bay ranks among Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions and has been designated a World Heritage Site. We explored this wondrous seascape aboard local junks.

The name Ha Long Bay, meaning ‘where the dragon descends into the sea,’ originates in an ancient legend according to
which a giant dragon appeared, aiding the local people in their fight against northern invaders. After the victory, the
dragon and its young remained, turning into a fence of rocky islets as protection from further invasion. Even today, sailors and locals still claim sightings of a giant sea monster.

Ha Long Bay’s famed seascape offers fantastic images of fragmented limestone outcroppings, sheer cliffs, massive rock arches, and tranquil coves. Some of the rock formations rise from the sea up to a height of 900 feet, projecting strange
images.

Sceninc Cruise, Thien Cung Cave
We explored this magical scenery onboard traditional junk. We relaxed as the vessel glided through breathtaking seascapes of fragmented limestone outcroppings, past colossal rock arches, sheer cliffs, picturesque coves, and islets rising out of the sea like green-clad monsters. We watched this amazing scenery unfold while enjoying some green tea.

We visited Thien Cung cave. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. We were astonished by the animated and splendid beauty made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of heroic tales.

3:00 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Chan May, Da Nang

Hue, on the Perfume River, was the seat of Government of the
Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The citadel is its landmark with its palaces and Forbidden City – reserved only for the Emperor. Sadly, the site of the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War was severely damaged. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is lovingly and painstakingly restored. | The largest city in Central Vietnam has superb beaches and is now a busy holiday destination. Visit the Marble Mountains, see the fantastic Dragon Bridge, or venture outside the city to Hoi An’s ancient, colorful, walking town. Here, you can shop to your heart’s content while appreciating its history.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant