We were picked up from the hostel early that morning to be taken to Halong Bay. We got the coach across to Halong City where we boarded our boat which we would be staying on for the night. We were lucky to have a really good group of people on board the boat from Australia and Europe. That afternoon we cruised around Halong Bay, whilst having an opportunity to do our first bit of real sunbathing! Our first stop on the cruise gave us an chance to go kayaking in the bay. We were all expecting this to be a relaxing experience, however with strong currents and having to dodge lots of big boats it was far from tranquil!!

We hopped back on our boat and were taken to some of the largest caves in Halong Bay. The caves were really great, and were made even better by our guide pointing out the most ridiculous things he thought he could see in the rocks.

Once we'd finished with the caves we got back on the boat and cruised to a place to stay for the night near the island of Cat Ba, Here we were given the opportunity to have a swim in the bay (by jumping off the boat) which the lads quickly decided was a great idea. With it being pitch dark the girls decided to give it a miss!

The next day we were taken ashore to the island of Cat Ba. Here we were picked up by a new guide who started by taking us off cycling around the island. It was nice to get away from the hectic waters, but still pretty strange to be in such a big group. We've grown pretty used to just doing what we want, when we want.

After our cycle we were taken by boat to our next nights accommodation, Monkey Island. This island had no-one else on it apart from a few bungalows, a place to eat and a beach. The afternoon was spent just lying on the beach and swimming in the sea (To the Trowells: Sarah even properly swam in the sea!). It was the most relaxing day we've had since we left home!

That night was spent drinking and chatting, there was even an unsuccessful attempt at karaoke. It was great to have a chance to meet lots of other travellers.

The next day we got the boat back to Hanoi so spent most of the day just relaxing on deck in the sun. We arrived back in Hanoi late that evening and got the night bus to Hue within the hour.

We all agreed that Halong Bay was not what we were expecting. After having such a relaxing time away in Yangshuo, Halong Bay seemed so much more chaotic. It would have been such an amazing place to visit before there were so many tourists, but now it seems to lack the tranquillity that it should have. This is not to say that it isn't a fantastic place! But after spending so much time away from tourists, its quite a shock to the system.