Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay

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.

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!!

Nha Trang and Hoi An

6 January 2012 - Nha Trang

We spent the first day in Nha Trang going to the hot spring/mud bath. It was awesome. 20 minutes in a slippery warm clay bath left my skin feeling silky. Then headed to the hot spring water tub prior to having a massage. After all this we went to the warm waterfall where the water acts as a natural massage...if I wasn't hungry I would've stayed there all day!

Oh and probably the best thing was  when we were heading there I was following signs to it and missed one so we had to back track....but we ended up at a gate confused because it was locked...or so it seemed but it actually just looked locked so the locals helped us. Also, prior to that was what looked like a really cute bicycle path that would have been fun to explore but sadly I never made it back there.

Woven basket boat 

Fishing boat

View from the balcony

7-8 January 2012 - Nha Trang

As the weather wasn't that great these two days I sat and enjoyed the balcony and really didn't do to much.  I did have to go on a 3 hour trip to find bus tickets to Hoi An but that was really all I ended up doing.

Did go down to the beach as well but since it was quite windy it was actually nicer to be on the balcony looking at the beach but hidden from the wind and sea mist.

And then on the night of the 8th we got to go on our first overnight bus! Once more I'm glad I'm short as I fit in the tight quarters just fine.

9 January 2012 - Hoi An

Getting into Hoi An is a very odd feeling.  As you walk in the old city there are cute shop fronts but then you notice this non Vietnamese music being piped into the lanes...very very odd.  Once the Disneyworld feeling wears off the town is adorable.

Though for me this was city was a special type of torture as everywhere there are tailors and cobblers waiting to make your ideal anything.  Since it is known for this it is hard to find a shop with good quality at good prices.

The first order of business was for me to order pants and a long sleeve shirt made.  I didn't have any warm clothes (or pants) and knew as we headed to Hanoi and northern Laos that this would be needed.  Originally I was going to get a suit made for when I'm job hunting but the price was still more then I wanted to pay right now.

Then as we were walking around I saw this jacket I was in love with.  I also had been wondering if I should get a jacket to wear off the bike...well I was kind of coerced into it by the sales lady but it turned out good and I once again have a green coat!

If I wasn't on a budget and had limited space I would now be the proud owner of a new wardrobes with multiple pairs of boots!!  But alas maybe next time.

That night we went down to the waterfront and to my surprise the road was underwater!  It was just past full moon and the tide change caused the road to flood.  There was an awesome photo opportunity as a bicycle was parked on what earlier was the sidewalk but now was "floating on water" with boats right behind it.  The streets were lit with silk lanterns and there were paper lanterns floating down the river.  Very pretty indeed.

10 January 2012 - Hoi An


Today I was planning on heading to the beach after my morning fitting for clothes but it was sprinkling.  As such I walked around a little but mostly hibernated or went to the different fittings for clothes.  There was no electricity in town today so the tailors were running behind...though next day turn around is kinda crazy for me.  I did end up getting my jacket which I really like and makes me feel like a real person when I wear it!

11 January 2012 - Hoi An

Today I went around old town.  Went over the Japanese Bridge, into the old homes, communal houses and the folk museum.  Then just wandered the streets alone.  It was drizzling and there weren't very many people out.  It was a great day.

Wontons...like nachos of Hoi An

View of the river

Japanese Bridge

Leaf mudflap

Lady with the best desert so far...sticky, syrupy rice balls with coconut

New clothes!!

ROAR...dragon