Our Ha Long Bay tour started as most do with a four hour bus journey from Hanoi. It would have taken alot less time but our bus driver had loads of friends along the way which I guess he hadn't seen for ages because he couldn't resist popping in to see them all. Luckily for us, all his friends were local artisans who didn't mind showing off and trying to sell us their lacured art or marble statues, whilest our driver had coffee with his mates. To be fair to him he did try to make up time on the road by over taking everything on the road infront of him, even if there was on coming traffic.

Eventually, we did make it to the harbour and it wasn't long before we were setting sail in our Junk boat. As we sailed out into the bay the boats crew served us a fantastic lunch as we got to know our fellow passengers. We have been really lucky with all the tours we have done to meet such lovely people and this was no different. Our boat was great and our room was a really good standard, ensuite with air con. That afternoon we headed towards the floating village so we could kayak in one of the bays. It was a bit cold and grey so no one was that enthusiastic but we braved it, with a strict no splashing rule! After this we moved onto one of islands you can access to we could walk to the top of the hill for views on the bay, which was beautiful. It's the only place I have been to so far where a grey and misty sky only seems to add to the place.

The next day we went to the 'amazing' cave, I had been winding up our guide Quan that this cave better live up to its name and it didn't disappoint. After a small first cavern it opened up into a massive cave which went miles back into the island. After this we headed back to the harbour for lunch before the long drive back to Hanoi.

That night back in Hanoi we met up with an american couple that were on our boat, Kelly and Emili. We decided to meet them at their backpackers for free local beer during happy hour. The evening starting innocently but by the end I had drunk, vietnam vodka, upside down tequilla slammers, and even snake whisky! The next day with the worlds worst hangover we decided to go and see the embarlmed body of Ho Chi Minh, an interesting experience but not god for the nausea.