Ha Long Bay

There is good reason that Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage Site. And, this trip was first class. But first, the things that impressed us on the way. Our wonderful guide, Moon, was completely fluent in English and very knowledgeable about the country. We had one huge passenger van just for our family, and the driver didn't play chicken with the other cars. And the highway was well-paved, with not much traffic. The things you learn to appreciate.

When we arrived at the bay, we boarded a beautiful wooden junk, with only three other people on it. Then they paraded out some of the best food we've had on the entire trip - fresh prawns, stuffed crabs, stir fried squid, spring rolls. Meanwhile, we steamed thru these gorgeous rock out croppings, by a floating village, and took a dip in a quiet bay. The guide told us we could walk thru one of the caves - she didn't mention that the cave was better than Carlbad Caverns. The rock formations were fabulous and abundant, it really felt like we had entered another world.

Fantastic day!