Hanoi Trip Day 3: 13th Sep 2014, Saturday - Ha Long Bay
河内之旅第三天：9月13日2014年, 星期六 - 下龙湾
Attractions for the day:
Ha Long Bay 下龙湾 [
Google Maps Link]
Thien Cung Cave 天宫洞 [
Google Maps Link]
Accommodation for the trip:
Church Boutique Hotel Hang Gai 杭盖H＆K教堂精品酒店 [
Google Maps Link]
Early morning after breakfast, our tour guide picked us up in coach. We then went around town to pick up other people who were going for the Ha Long Bay day trip. There were a group of Korean ajumas, some other Singaporeans, some Caucasians. Got the chance to see the other parts of Hanoi city, like the 5-star hotel areas, which some of the other tour members stayed at. We even got to see the Hanoi Stock Exchange and Hanoi Opera House.
A globe which reminded us of the one at Universal Studios Singapore.
Hanoi Opera House.
We even got to see the Hanoi Stock Exchange.
Our very first stop was a short break at some touristy area meant to make us buy something. Plenty of artwork and handicraft on display and on sale. In fact some of them were really exquisite. But then again we were not interested in such things so we did not get anything. Got some iced coffee instead since it was such a freaking hot day.
Lots of artwork to choose from.
All of these ladies hired to make handicraft.
And plenty of sculptures too.
Nothing like iced cold coffee to beat the heat.
Along the way to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, where we would be taking boats to cruise along Ha Long Bay, we witnessed very beautiful scenery of the Hanoi countryside. Plenty of fields where farmers planted their crops, with the mountains in the distance making it a picture perfect scenery.
When we reached Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, the swarm of tourists and the blazing sun made it a less than enjoyable experience. Our tour guide then handed us the tickets to board our boat.
A picture-perfect scenery.
Very crowded wharf, where almost everyone was headed to Ha Long Bay.
Tickets to visit Ha Long Bay.
All of these boats ready to set sail.
And this is our ride for the day.
The whole of our tour group boarded the same boat, where we were seated at several tables. Right after we set sail, lunch was served. There were plenty of local delicacies served. Quite an enjoyable lunch, with the breeze brushing against our faces, watching our boat travel through the picturesque Ha Long Bay.
Some fresh prawns straight from the waters nearby I believe?
Some local fried delicacy.
Fried eggs with other fillings.
Pork and mixed veggies dish.
Of course there will be fish.
After the lunch, the boat stopped at certain points along Ha Long Bay. Our guide then explained each spot, each rock, and to spot certain rocks or features which looked like some animals. Later on, we reached a place where there were canoes and rowboats for tourists to take to visit a special area where only these modes of transportation were able to enter. Had to purchase tickets at 120,000 VND each to have a ride on these alternate forms of transportation. We were given life-vests and then off we go. Dear and I shared a rowboat with a Caucasian and his kid. There was a local on board each rowboat who would row us into this special area. Canoes would be navigated by the tourists themselves.
We entered an inner enclosed area through a cave-like tunnel which was all surrounded with high cliffs. The height of the tunnel was probably just enough for someone to stand upright while in the rowboat. It was no doubt an interesting experience.
Our first view of the beautiful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Works of art from Mother Nature.
Momo Dear and Ha Long Bay.
You can never get enough of such beautiful scenery.
Another nice view here.
Everyone was going through this tunnel.
Quite a traffic jam in the tunnel.
Another different view within the lagoon, which was after the tunnel.
Tiring but it was quite an interesting experience.
Time to head back.
Many other tourists were happily rowing away.
The afternoon sun created beautiful shadows across the surface of the rocks.
It's amazing how all these surfaces were carved by waves.
Heading back through the tunnel.
The works of nature over millions of years.
Getting another look at nature's creations.
If you look closely, you will see thousands of crabs scurrying across the mud.
Marvel at nature's works.
This seems more man-made than a work of nature.
Houses on water.
After the adventure through fascinating rocks and cliffs, we boarded the same boat again, where we were taken a final tour around some interesting places around the area. Our guide pointed to us two rocks which looked like two chickens. The next stop was then Thien Cung Cave.
Our guide says these rocks resemble two chickens.
Our trip across Ha Long Bay comes to an end.
A nice view of the boats and the surroundings.
More rocks to marvel at.
We had to climb quite a few steps to reach the entrance of the cave. Upon entering, one could feel the cold air within the caves, which was a huge contrast to the heat outside. The rocks, stalactites and stalagmites, were all shone with colourful lights, making it feel like you were in some children wonderland. We marveled at the amazing sculptures that Mother Nature had carved out of these rocks over millions of years.
Tickets to enter Thien Cung Cave.
Dong means cave.
Actually it's all very normal natural rock formations.
It's up to the individual's imagination to make these rocks come alive.
And without the colourful lighting, it'll all be monotonous.
Feels like we were at some children wonderland.
Not sure what this was supposed to resemble.
Found a nice place with light rays shooting into the cave.
These stalactites must be millions of years old.
It really is a fascinating sight.
More stalactites here.
The trek through the labyrinthine cave took roughly 20 minutes. We reached a point quite a height from the docking area of our boats, which provided a nice view of the area. Then we walked all the way to our boats where we gathered to be ferried back to the wharf.
At the same time, my sister actually came on the same tour in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay on a company trip and by coincidence we met there, therefore we stopped to take a photo together. Took the chance to take a picture with our friendly tour guide as well.
Momorange takes a picture with Ha Long Bay.
There is a flight of stairs leading to who-knows-where.
Last few pictures of the magnificent scenery.
Just so happened my sister is also here on holiday.
A picture with our tour guide.
An enormous bridge from a distance.
The blazing hot sun casts beautiful reflections off the waters of Ha Long Bay.
On our way back, the gigantic rocks and mountains of Ha Long Bay became anthills.
It was a long way back to Hanoi. After we returned to our hotel room, we took a short break before heading out to look for dinner. It was already dark by that time, and we decided to settle dinner at one of the restaurants around Hoan Kien Lake. After looking around for a suitable place, we decided on a restaurant called Quan Bia Minh. We got a table at the second storey area where we overlooked the streets of cars and passers-by. A great way to experience the hustle and bustle of Hanoi city life.
We ordered some pho ga and some chicken and veggie noodle soup. To Dear's horror, there were some insects in her soup. Sadly, she scooped the insects out of the soup and continued eating her dinner. We ordered Tiger Beer as well to match our dinner, which was a good way to cool ourselves down from the heat at Ha Long Bay earlier in the day.
Chicken and veggie noodle soup.
Pho Ga
The menu of Quan Bia Minh.
And this marked our last night in Hanoi. Could not believe we were going home soon!
