Wednesday November 1st

We had booked a luxury trip to Halong Bay so we were picked up early morning by a classy air conditioned van for the 3.5 hour ride east. This is one of nature's more impressive creations... 3000 limestone islands just off the east coast in the Bay of Tonkin (see here for pictures and details and good old Wikipedia for the quick version.

We boarded a nice boat (16 rooms so not crowded) and cruised out for about 7 miles passing countless of the islands and being well fed en route. There was time for sunbathing on the top deck before we docked at one island for sunset. Those who chose had the chance to climb to the island's peak for a different perspective while Tracy made use of the bathlike water temperatures (the whole limestone system is not deep).

Back on board the good food continued and once again the top deck was great, this time for viewing the stars (though there was a near full moon to contend with). Our overnight harbor was full of boats although there was hardly crowding in the extensive waters. I can only imaging what the place will look like if Vietnam continues to become a popular tourist venue as this is it's prime natural site.