Halong Bay of Vietnam

My one and only reason to visit the Vietnam is Halong Bay, an archipelago with more than 3,000 islands in the north coast. Most of these islands is of rocks that emerge from the sea, like the picture on the side. Contrary to what we used to see in Brazil, has virtually no island beach. During my trip I received several recommendations to not fail to meet. Was it worth it!

The best way to visit Halong Bay is by boat. I made a mini-cruise that included a night on board, all meals, navigation channels and by numerous transfer from Hanoi (4 hours of road). The sea is very calm because of the natural protection offered by the islands. It is an expensive trip, but I can say that is worth every penny. Ate lobster, shrimp, squid, various fish and crab. I was lucky to meet great companions during the trip. A couple of Dutch and 3 Australians, all with many travel in baggage. Besides the great company, won several tips on Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Turkey.

While browsing are many floating houses such as the photo. The islands have no land suitable for agriculture. Thus, hundreds of people living in these small houses and survive based on fishing. More recently, with the growth of tourism, they have developed boats that operate as small grocers. In them you will find drinks, food and some utilities.

The boat has a boat in which explore some attractions in the bay. One is a pond that is hidden behind a small opening in the rock (see photo opposite). The lake is surrounded by craggy mountains and there is no way to achieve it by land. Also explore a cave illuminated in another beautiful island (there are 90 and few other caves in the region).

This boat is identical to the picture that I was. From the deck of a note by the side of the sun and the other the birth of the nearly full moon (I photographed the full in Hanoi). See picture on the left side of the balcony where you can a panoramic view of the bay. The next day the agreement early for sunrise, but the overcast weather did not allow a picture that I like.

I arrive in Hanoi in late afternoon, and I have enough time for a quick walk of recognition. The Vietnam was colonized by the French, which is perceived in the building of 3 floors of the historic center. Many stores are decorated side by side. As a layman, the pieces join with China. All very cheap! I think with R500 you can decorate a small apartment quietly.

Crossing the street seems mission impossible! There are no traffic lights, and the streets are populated by motorbike. The cars are minority, and no tuk-Tuks. A small car driven by a bicycle paths is used for short (one of these in the picture alongside). The recommendation I have received is to cross the street at a slow speed and continues. Never run or stop suddenly. The bikes simply deviate from you. Tested and really works!

I reserved a time this morning to photograph people in the vicinity of a Taoist temple. I confess that it is difficult to distinguish between Vietnamese, Cambodians and Chinese. They are all alike! I saw many young people. The Vietnam as one of the Asian tigers, growing consistently and offers various opportunities for work. Although a socialist country, I see on the streets an atmosphere of pure capitalism. Can you explain this contradiction?

The Vietnam is investing in tourism. In a single street, which looked for the quarter last night in Hanoi, I found 5 small hotels, all brand new, clean and honest prices. I discovered that there are options for trekking both in Halong Bay and in Sapa, near the border with China. The coast is full, and there are several beaches well recommended. My 72 hours in Vietnam convinced me that it deserved more, maybe a week or two.

I arrived a few hours in Ko Samui, an island in southern Thailand. Now I am in a dilemma. I think it will take away from my holiday vacation, leave the camera in his bag, forget the laptop and sit on the beach doing nothing ... The answer will come in 3 or 4 days ...

Vietnam Spirit Travel
Travel Halong Bay
Sapa Adventure