2D1N HALONG BAY CRUISE — DAY 2
Sunrise
On a side note, we had wanted to catch the sunrise but alas, despite waking up early like 5am plus and having our sights affixed on the big windows in front of us from our room, we didn't spot any amazing sunrise.It could be on the other side of the ship, but we did not step out from our room as it was chilly outside on the deck and we had wanted to keep warm in the room.
We wondered why there were no sun rays or were they simply blocked by the towering islets.
Have you caught the sunset on Halong Bay before?
Tai Chi Strokes
Most, if not all tour packages we saw has this very intriguing segment on the itinerary — Morning Tai Chi.We were a ship full of young people and if you think this is for the seniors, then nope. Surprisingly, many on board turned up for the morning 6.30am class. We were not masters, but well, for the spirit of fun!
Read my interview on how to choose the best Halong Cruise.
Cooking Demo
The Chef tour guide showed us through a demo on the discovery of making our own Vietnamese traditional spring rolls. Everyone had a chance at rolling the spring rolls for ourselves.
After which, our spring rolls were deep fried before served
We had these home cooked food (tasted great) for lunch.
There were more dishes but we were already tucking in by then, so no photos.
Our last stop for the day before returning to Hanoi City was the Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautifully acclaimed caves in Halong Bay which saw us hiking up some 600 steps, enchanted by the limestone formations.
1. Sung Sot Cave
One of the most famous caves in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave is spectacular easily accessible by ascending up flights of well-paved stairs. Within the cave, be enthralled by thousands of stalagmites and stalactites formations illuminated by colorful spotlights along the way.Sidetrack: The Japanese guests, in particular, were given each a radio and earpiece from which they could clearly overhear the tour guide's explanations and they were moving very S-L-O-W-L-Y in the cave. We were thinking it could be a tour group from Japan.
We, on the other hand, with our local Vietnamese guide, as with many other groups of tourists, did not experience the same moments. We had no guided tour and everyone was soon walking at their own pace ( as it was crowded), with the guide not really bothering to take a head count.
We soon "lost" our guide among the sea of people. It was a pity really, being in such a beautiful and significant place but not knowing the facts and bits.
I guess for the prices paid this was the best it could be?
We walked so fast trying to catch up with the guide that we didn't really take time to appreciate and sightsee — which we should have.
Photobombed with no choice as it was too crowded.
We grabbed a stranger to help us with the photos.
On the way out to the exit from the cave...
I guess for the prices paid this was the best it could be?
We walked so fast trying to catch up with the guide that we didn't really take time to appreciate and sightsee — which we should have.
1st Part
The interior of the cave illuminated by dazzling lights.
Look Out For Colors
This portion of the cave is presumably the centrepiece, being illuminated at its most colorful.
Photobombed with no choice as it was too crowded.
We grabbed a stranger to help us with the photos.
On the way out to the exit from the cave...
2nd part
This part of the Sung Sot cave sees natural light filtering from above and also serves as the exit.
Once you have reached the top, looking down, this is what you will see.
And we took a photo at the exit...
...before descending down again towards the docking area.
This marked the end of the Sung Sot journey as we headed back to our ship
Our ship 'Scorpion'
Conclusion
Laze on the deck admiring the scene of Halong Bay or simply enjoy the salty breeze. It was definitely a memorable experience and I would recommend you to try out for a night cruise on the bay.
Experience the beauty of Halong Bay!
Experience the beauty of Halong Bay!
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