We left our hotel at 8:15 for our 2 hour drive to Ha Long Bay. We stopped for coffee along the way at a very busy highway stop. It was massive and included a snack shop, bathrooms, temple area and bonsai and grapefruit trees.

Our second stop was at an oyster farm. OK, it was a pearl sales opportunity, but they did a great job of describing how cultured pearls are made.

We made it to our boat. We are on the largest wooden boat on the bay. Our group has the boat to ourselves and it has been really fun. We cruised the bay and took in the amazing views.

It was somewhat overcast today so the colours didn’t come through as much as we’d have liked them too.

We took the tender off the boat to explore Ti Top Island where we had the option to climb 400+ steps to a look out or go swimming. I did neither as I am nursing my knee injury from November. While the climb was manageable, the 400+ uneven stairs that didn’t have a handrail seemed a bit too much. Dale was aware of how much Ha Long Bay has changed in the 10 years since his visit. The bay is much busier with both boats and people.

We then went for a cruise into a lagoon through Luon Cave.

We ended our day with happy hour (2 for 1 drinks are never dangerous) and supper. However, before supper the men in our group were challenged in a spring rolls making contest. The good news was that Greg was declared Master Chef in charge of spring rolls with a certificate to prove it.

Once again we ate well and are now crashing in readiness for another busy day tomorrow. I hope we sleep well tonight. It is really quiet on the Bay but we are also at anchor and the boat has been turning slowly for the past few hours. Not dizzy yet!