Halong Bay - Peony Cruise 下龍灣
I craved to visit Halong Bay. The name means "descending dragon". Legend says a dragon and her children descended from heaven to defend the Viet people from invaders, spraying fire and emeralds or jade. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes. When under the sunshine, your eyes see thousand islands floating on emerald waters. The first business trip to Hanoi in 2007 was too short for a visit to the Bay. And so, 12 years later my dream was fulfilled.
After doing some research, our ultimate choice of Halong Bay tour was Peony Cruise. It cost around USD500, 3D2N two persons. The boat was new which offered higher value than famous but aging boats. We patronized Best Price Travel. Thompson who took care of us was very attentive and responsive. The other good thing was application for VISA and complimentary foodie tour in Hanoi. We enjoyed the cruise, tour and service very much.
We picked March for the cruise. It is not a perfect month for the Halong Bay. No sunshine and fortunately no rain. Towering limestone karst appeared behind a layer of mist. They look mysteric and romantic. The mind was set free while sailing through hundreds of islands. Most of them are barren. The tranquillity was superb and nowhere else could compare with.
We were picked up from our hotel, Golden Rooster, before 9am. The trip, including a long break, to the ferry terminal at Cat Hai Town of Haiphong City took more than 2 hours. I was very sick, probably caused by the breakfast at the hotel. Well, it did not discount my experience of the Halong Bay.
After settling down we were served warm buffet lunch. Later, we were taken to a nice bay for kayaking. It was the first time in my life. We enjoyed the beautiful surrounding, the calm sea and the kayaking. It's marvellous to sail between the towering islands.
The cruise offered evening cooking class. The first night was fresh spring roll. One just brushes water on the paper roll, put preferred fresh ingredients onto it and roll/wrap it. It is then dipped into a sauce of vinegar, sugar, lime, fish sauce, etc. The atmosphere was great. Guests enjoyed it.
Then it is time for a romantic dinner. Candle light, delicious food, applause and celebration. Guests with birthday, anniversary, honey moon, etc. Happiness filled the dining room. The most spectacular was waiters carrying candle light in hallow pineapples. Guests were thrilled. Ordinary spring rolls served this way became a splendid dish winning clapping hands.
We had a night with sound sleep. On the next day, outside the window were wonderful views of islands in misty blue. It's heavenly beautiful and romantic!
After breakfast we had a long and tranquil sail to the Cat Ba Island, one of the largest in the bay. We saw floating villages when we were close to Cat Ba. Fishermen and their families had primitive lives. Living standard is not high. I could not imagine how they survive during the stormy seasons. Sigh!
Bicycles were ready when we left the boat. We had a great time touring around freely. Villages were celebrating a couple's wedding. Happy singing and laughter could be heard from far.
We were then taken to a small pond and invited to put our legs into the water to enjoy massage by fish. Funny! A house and farm were opened for our visit. Life is primitive. Snake wines were on sale. Scary .........
We returned to the boat. Fabulous lunch was served. All of us agreed that it was the best meal in the three days. Fresh and very delicious. Thanks to the chef of the day boat!
After the delightful lunch we enjoyed one hour kayaking in a quiet bay. A French couple reached to a beach and swam there.
The sail back to the cruise was quiet and beautiful. We had a short rest. The cooking class on the second night was fried spring roll. The night ended with a nice dinner.
On the third day, we were taken to a cave. After a quick lunch we were then on the way back to Hanoi.
https://youtu.be/PBnALeqKzZg
Comments