Ha Long Bay is located along the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Here we had some of the most unforgettable adventures, exploring its towering limestone formations hidden caves, and visiting vibrant floating villages aboard a traditional junk boat.
The pictures don't do the beauty of the area justice; the emerald waters with a breathtaking panorama of limestone rocks that seem to defy gravity. As we weave through the maze of formations aboard our junk boat (I will explain the name later), we are treated to glimpses of hidden caves and secluded lagoons.
Our journey took us to a small floating fishing village, where we are welcomed with open arms by the friendly locals who call this place home. We were taken aboard a small row boat where our guide, a man probably in his 50s rowed us to his home. These villages are miles from shore and we were struck by the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. We learned about their traditional fishing techniques to intricate handicrafts, both testaments to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam's coastal communities.
Our next stop was kayaking through a monkey cave (which was definitely false advertising as we didn't see any monkeys). My last time kayaking was about 15 years earlier in Phuket where Baba and my brother shared a kayak only to leave my sister and I in our own to fend for ourselves. This time around, as much as I love O, I was taking the more experienced kayaker with me in my boat - M. We had a smooth kayak around the bay and as I looked over I could see Baba was having a more difficult time, but payback is a ^#$&%#!
Our final stop along on our junk boat cruise was Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave. Before we arrived there as our junk boat maneuvered out of the monkey cave bay, it scratched quote significantly the two other junk boats that flanked its right and left. Needless to say this is where they get their nickname as junk boats from, but as long as our boat can get us back to the mainland, we are worry-free. As we stepped into Sung Sot Cave, we were immediately greeted by the cool embrace of the cave's interior, a welcome respite from the heat of the day.
Inside, we are transported into a world of wonder and awe, as our eyes adjust to the dim light and our senses come alive with the sounds and smells of the underground. The cavern stretches out before us, a labyrinth of winding passages and towering chambers adorned with intricate rock formations. We catch glimpses of whimsical shapes and mythical creatures, from dragons, turtles and elephants to towering pagodas and cascading waterfalls.
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