Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds thousands of karst mountains jutting out of the sea. Most visitors get there via a 4-hour bus ride from Hanoi, or a tour boat from China. It’s best to spend a night on board a yacht anchored far out in the bays so you can soak up the incredible views. Here is a brief tribute to this stunning experience.
Our yacht left harbor with our band of 10 travelers plus a crew of 6. There was space for 20 guests, so we had plenty of room in the cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom.
Fishermen live virtually full-time on their boats, rafted together in a protected bay. They nap and often party by day, then fish at night, drawing in schools of squid and fish with powerful spotlights.
Some of the islands hold caves where you can climb and explore. It’s not for the claustrophobic. Humans lived in these caves in prehistoric times, leaving behind deep layers of snail shells from their dinners.
After a long cruise we reached our day’s destination. As we sat at anchor for the night I enjoyed watching the kayaks glide by.
Old-fashioned fishing boats were juxtaposed against modern kayaks.
Yachts sit in a sheltered bay as the shadows deepen into night.
We had a stellar dinner with our tour group, followed by a round of karaoke in the main cabin. Too soon, it was time to bed down in our queen size cabin. I barely felt the waves on the becalmed ocean.
In the morning we awakened to the sound of seabirds.
On a quiet deck we enjoyed our coffee and reflected on the beautiful surroundings.
