19 January 2012 - Cat Ba Island
Luckily when we were looking for the bike shop yesterday we found the Long Bien Station so we knew exactly where it was.
Bought our tickets easily (what?!) and had plenty of time to chill while we waited for the train to arrive.
After the noneventful train ride we rushed to the ferry terminal with some local help in finding it. We had been warned about the 2 ladies that overcharged and we were not able to miss them. But it turns out we were on the fast ferry so it only took 45 minutes to get to the island. Though we had a 40 km ride from the ferry terminal and Cat Ba town.
The ride was pleasant even though my lungs were not appreciating the effort as they were still recovering from a cold. The sun even came out for a bit as we rode through the karst landscape on the coast.
We had a couple with there child who were on motorbike who let us pass so their little girl could wave at us and then passed us again and were at the top of the hill enjoying the view. The girl thought we were an awesome sight and just giggled as her parents waved her arms.
20 January 2012 - Halong Bay
VODKAREDBULL is the word of the day. No I was not drinking them but the Aussies were. Turns out most of the boat was a group of friends from Oz that had gotten smashed the night before and as such were having hair of the dog. It hurt me to watch someone drink vodka redbulls at 8:00 am. Please stick to beer for your continued drinking pleasure. I knew that the day would be entertaining!
Anyway while we stopped to get the kayaks the guys thought it was kayak time and as such went for a swim. Then they decided to get into the kayaks and somehow Vodka Redbull (the guy was yelling it all day) managed to sink a kayak! So we got to watch as the sober guys tried to get a kayak full of water out of the sea. It wasn't even 9:00.
After this episode everyone was pretty subdued for awhile as we took in the beauty of the bays and the guys warmed up from their brisk swim.
We then went for a nice kayak through the bays and even got a little bit of sun to come out. Then enjoyed a lunch prior to heading back through the bays. It was beautiful even though it was overcast.
21 January 2012 - Hanoi
Due to Tet being on Monday the ferry options for Sunday were limited. We wanted to get a ferry directly from Cat Ba Town but the one that took bikes didn't run so we decided to head back already on Saturday.
The ferry left at 5:15 am. We knew that it would be close to catch our train but we should've had about 40 minutes which would be plenty of time. When we got into port we had 25 minutes to get from port to the train station and get us and the bikes on board.
We booked it to the station and made it with plenty of time to spare....three minutes from when the train was suppose to leave. It ended up being 15 minutes before the train left...we could've taken our time.
When we got into Hanoi we got off at the Long Bien Station but the train started to move and there was no cargo unloaded. I stayed with the bags as John ran off with our cargo tickets...turns out that they only unload at the end of the station. So we quickly hopped back on the train and off we went 3 km more.
All in all it was an adventurous morning but when we got to our hotel they had got our email of the change of plans and our room was ready! Love the Camel City Hotel!!
Luckily when we were looking for the bike shop yesterday we found the Long Bien Station so we knew exactly where it was.
Bought our tickets easily (what?!) and had plenty of time to chill while we waited for the train to arrive.
After the noneventful train ride we rushed to the ferry terminal with some local help in finding it. We had been warned about the 2 ladies that overcharged and we were not able to miss them. But it turns out we were on the fast ferry so it only took 45 minutes to get to the island. Though we had a 40 km ride from the ferry terminal and Cat Ba town.
The ride was pleasant even though my lungs were not appreciating the effort as they were still recovering from a cold. The sun even came out for a bit as we rode through the karst landscape on the coast.
We had a couple with there child who were on motorbike who let us pass so their little girl could wave at us and then passed us again and were at the top of the hill enjoying the view. The girl thought we were an awesome sight and just giggled as her parents waved her arms.
20 January 2012 - Halong Bay
VODKAREDBULL is the word of the day. No I was not drinking them but the Aussies were. Turns out most of the boat was a group of friends from Oz that had gotten smashed the night before and as such were having hair of the dog. It hurt me to watch someone drink vodka redbulls at 8:00 am. Please stick to beer for your continued drinking pleasure. I knew that the day would be entertaining!
Anyway while we stopped to get the kayaks the guys thought it was kayak time and as such went for a swim. Then they decided to get into the kayaks and somehow Vodka Redbull (the guy was yelling it all day) managed to sink a kayak! So we got to watch as the sober guys tried to get a kayak full of water out of the sea. It wasn't even 9:00.
After this episode everyone was pretty subdued for awhile as we took in the beauty of the bays and the guys warmed up from their brisk swim.
We then went for a nice kayak through the bays and even got a little bit of sun to come out. Then enjoyed a lunch prior to heading back through the bays. It was beautiful even though it was overcast.
Rice paddies and karst on the way to Cat Ba town
Cave while kayaking
Yes Sir this is really happening
The guys helping get the fully submerged kayak out of the water
Village in the bays
Cave in the bay
Foggy bay
More Halong bay
21 January 2012 - Hanoi
Due to Tet being on Monday the ferry options for Sunday were limited. We wanted to get a ferry directly from Cat Ba Town but the one that took bikes didn't run so we decided to head back already on Saturday.
The ferry left at 5:15 am. We knew that it would be close to catch our train but we should've had about 40 minutes which would be plenty of time. When we got into port we had 25 minutes to get from port to the train station and get us and the bikes on board.
We booked it to the station and made it with plenty of time to spare....three minutes from when the train was suppose to leave. It ended up being 15 minutes before the train left...we could've taken our time.
When we got into Hanoi we got off at the Long Bien Station but the train started to move and there was no cargo unloaded. I stayed with the bags as John ran off with our cargo tickets...turns out that they only unload at the end of the station. So we quickly hopped back on the train and off we went 3 km more.
All in all it was an adventurous morning but when we got to our hotel they had got our email of the change of plans and our room was ready! Love the Camel City Hotel!!
No comments:
Post a Comment