The
morning started with an unusually early wake-up call at 6.00am. We grabbed
breakfast before embarking on the long drive to Ha Long Bay, setting off
promptly at 8:00 am. Throughout the day, we made a few comfort stops and
enjoyed lunch, but for the most part, we were seated on the coach, trying to
shake off the fatigue that had accumulated from days of non-stop sightseeing.
Did I manage to catch some shut-eye? You bet I did. Exhaustion from constant
walking and exploring during this trip through Vietnam and Cambodia ( Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & HCMH) had taken
its toll. As we journeyed towards Ha Long Bay, heavy rain slowed us down,
prolonging our travel time. Finally, we arrived at our hotel around 9:00 pm,
had dinner, and retreated to our rooms for some well-deserved rest. Amidst it
all, some curious fellow travelers couldn't help but wonder why I was traveling
alone and where my husband was, with a few even attempting to uncover my
marital status. But honestly, I paid little attention to their inquiries - after all, Malaysians have a reputation for being quite inquisitive.
By 8:30 am, eagerly joining the queue for
our Ha Long Bay Cruise by 9:00 am. The weather was nothing short of wondrous,
with the wind blowing gently as we boarded our Vietnamese boat, fortunate
enough to have it all to ourselves. Cruising through Ha Long Bay was an absolute
delight. With its UNESCO World Heritage status and reputation as one of the
natural wonders of the world, it was bound to be a winner. The sight of
majestic mountains, crystal-clear waters, and boats gliding up and down made it
feel like we were sailing through paradise itself.
After about half an hour of cruising, we
made a stop at Dau Go Cave, which was included in our cruise itinerary. Getting
off the boat wasn't the easiest task, but with the help of the boat crew, we
managed to make our way into the cave in a single file. Dau Go Cave was
sincerely admirable, with its breathtaking beauty leaving us in awe. Known as
the Cave of Wonder, it boasted the largest and most stunning grotto in Ha Long
Bay, showcasing magnificent rock formations in various shapes and sizes,
adorned with colorful lights. However, I couldn't help but feel that the
colorful lights were a bit overdone, detracting from the natural beauty of the
cave. In my opinion, simple white or yellow lights would have sufficed,
allowing the cave's natural splendor to shine through without any unnecessary
distractions.
After spending a mesmerizing 20 minutes
exploring the depths of the cave, we made a U-turn and headed back to the bay,
boarding our boat once again. The return journey offered the same stunning
scenery, allowing us to soak in the beauty of Ha Long Bay one last time. Our
cruise package included a sumptuous lunch served on board, featuring an array
of seafood and vegetarian dishes. From stir-fried veggies to freshly caught
seafood, each dish was a culinary delight, made even more satisfying by the
knowledge that the ingredients were sourced fresh from Vietnamese waters. We
ate to our heart's content, savoring every bite before reaching the pier and
bringing our unforgettable Ha Long Cruise to a close by 1:30 pm.
Our next stop was a visit to a Coffee
Café, which also doubled as a mini coffee factory. Here, we immersed ourselves
in the rich history of coffee in Vietnam, learning about the various techniques
and equipment used in coffee processing. While Vietnamese coffee is renowned
worldwide, I found it to be a bit too thick for my taste, despite my
appreciation for its bitterness. Having already indulged in coffee during
breakfast and lunch, I decided to skip purchasing any coffee samples and
instead focused on soaking up knowledge about Vietnamese coffee culture - a truly
enlightening experience for any coffee enthusiast.
Ha Long Bay trip was truly unforgettable, a
memory that I will cherish for years to come. As a nature lover and someone who
finds solace in the soothing embrace of water, the unspoiled beauty of Ha Long
Bay left me mesmerized. From the moment we set sail until our return journey,
the scenic vistas captivated my senses, offering a sense of tranquility that I
had long yearned for. And let's not forget about the lunch - it was a culinary
delight that left me wanting more. If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, missing
out on a Halong Bay experience would be a regrettable oversight.
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