Ha Long trip report 2009

...... The driver stopped in the road in a souvenir shop for tourists. We enjoyed the bathroom quickly sailed through and Jeane. He saw a small glass of red glaze that really liked and I said to buy, since I could not see again. Well said. 15 minutes later we were back on track. We arrived at the waiting area of the crossing a little before noon. I forgot to tell that they were originally booked the suite only on Valentine's Day, a small ship with only 5 rooms, including suite. Unfortunately, I received an email from Tonkin, two days before saying that it should be and Indochina Sails has offered an alternative, a suite for the new logo (but larger) Indochina Sails III. Tonkin learned that I had to go because if I could do only half price to compensate and I accepted. Indochina Sails also held a bottle of Chilean red in our suite of our problems. Indochina Sails 3 In the lounge there is a cruise ship to carry passengers to the ship. We started just before 12:30. After boarding the ship, guidance and check-in was relatively quick and painless. While the ship was larger than we would have liked, our a / c bathroom was very nice "king-size bed, a shower of rain, plus a Jacuzzi and a private terrace. There was also a safe and a minibar in the room. The luncheon was the first activity was a cruise and international / Vietnamese menu, not a buffet. Very good. The price of the cruise was all inclusive, except drinks and kayaks. Two evening activities "First, a trip Titop the island, the name of a Soviet astronaut who was there with Ho Chi Minh and the second boat to Doi Hang Bat Cave area. "It was quite covered with a few drops of rain to climb several hundred steps to the top of the mountain in Titop Island. Despite the mist, the views were pretty good so we took some pictures. The kayak was better in afternoon "drive the ship has been helpful, we are in a good group and the sky had cleared a little. The lagoon and surrounding waters are very calm, "it was nice to get away from all this as Halong Bay was very busy. Our guide took some great photos Jeane and I in our kayaks. Kayaks cost $ 10US for each additional person . Back on board the boat, we relaxed with our own cocktail in the lounge as it sailed toward the destination anchor for the night. Later, we enjoyed a demonstration of carving foods, followed by a nice dinner. We skipped the film after "The Quiet American" (I have on DVD at home) and turned in early. We got up around 5:30 the next morning (Sunday, 4 / 12), the shower and got ready for the day . The ship stopped shortly after the anchor and headed towards our next destination, a small fishing village and the surprise of the Cave. Coffee and cakes were made at 6:45. Jean and I were photographing the people entertained fishermen, while waiting for transfer to the Cave of 8. We spent about an hour, in a cave, which is actually a series of 3 large caves surprised to be the size and scope of everything. The caves have been reinforced with artificial lighting. The stairs and railings were in the place where he must scale. Guide boat gave us a little history of the caves and has stressed the different formations inside. We returned to the ship for our last meal, which included a buffet breakfast omelets made to order "not as good as the buffet Metropole, but none of the purposes below. The ship's crew asked to take our suitcases more breakfast transfer to the pier. After breakfast returned to our room to find that the maid service was already starting to clean. We have used public facilities, however, and retired for the sun to relax and settle our bill, as we approached the dock. Our driver explained was waiting at the pier and guide the ship helped us with our luggage. I gave him some advice and say goodbye. On one night, two days cruise was just perfect. I did not want to stay an extra night. The unit of exchange is very fast and silent. We made the obligatory stop at the place of souvenirs and overpriced, but do not stop. I think Jean would have liked to have spent more time, but I do not care for these places, in principle. Reported by Craig in the bay of Ha Long: Ha Long Ha Long Kayak Cruise