Halong bay.

We booked a tour through our hostel for Halong bay. It was called castaway tour. The owners of the hostels also own an island which they've turned into a party island. We were told about the tour and what happens on it so we weren't sure whether we was going to go but we're glad we did!

Halong bay was beautiful, possibly the nicest places we seen. There are 2 to 3 thousand tiny islands. There were 40 people in our group and 30 were on the island already from the previous night. All the accommodation was dorm rooms and we shared one with Ross, John and a Dutch couple who absolutely hated us. I'm not sure if they knew what they booked because I don't think they enjoyed themselves at all!

Once we checked in we set up a game of frisbee with a group of Americans that were far too keen. After we lost, badly, we got in a kayak and went around some of the islands. After some time we got into a good rhythm and were flying! We pulled up at another island and found some husky puppies, had a cuddle with them and then went off again. When we got back on the island the previous group were back from the cruise and we all sat down to eat. After eating it was a quick shower then back to party, dance on tables and for Jake to pretend to ride a horse on the beams on the ceiling & Anne-Marie to win the limbo challenge. We drank far too much beer and the gong was rang far too many times meaning we had to do far too many shotguns! If the gong is hit the person buys the whole island a drink. Not surprisingly we didn't hit the gong being the tight Cornish people we are!

The next day the gong was rang for breakfast at 7:30. The four of us looked at each other and said not a chance. The reps came into our dorm about half 9 to get us up to leave at 10. Ross just told her to be quiet and jump in bed with him so she did and we got up very hungover with 5 minutes to spare. We was on the boat for an hour when we had our first stop. Everyone was drinking in that hour to get rid of the hangover! The views were unbelievable! During the stop we all got in the kayaks and went around for an hour and a half. Kayaking over coral was incredible even if it was freezing! Then it was back on the boat for dinner and another cruise.

When we got back to the island we met the new arrivals, and partied like the night before. We made it until about 12 and realised everyone else was gone. Anne Marie has mothered Jake, John and Ross, looking after all the passports and even packing for John and tucking him in at 9 that night. We have been offered to go to New York and stay with the Americans that we met. We've got their names and are getting them on Facebook to hold them to it!! 6 hours on 2 boats and 2 busses we made it back to Hanoi, very tired and in need of a good, long sleep before our flight back to Thailand.