Returning home to Hanoi

Here's a picture of us leaving the hotel.

Governor's Mansion Tour

After our lunch on the sea, we traveled to view the governor's mansion (Jung). The home was situated up against a mountain and many stories high. We climbed and climbed the home and then took up the side of the mountain where stairs had been made for many many feet. Along the mountain we saw the governor's zoo. He had monkies a sea turtle and other animals. The views were amongst the most impressive anywhere!

The governor's second wife greeted us at the end of our tour of their mansion. We ended our visit with green tea.

A Stunning Private Beach

We drove to a private beach. Our group of nine was the largest on a beach of 20 people. Very private and secluded. We had squid jerky--quite good. We were told most people went to the free beaches and thus this one was emptier. Beautiful water, wonderful swimming in the sea and views too majestic for words! No jellyfish here either--unlike when we kayacked in Halong Bay! The sand here is exported to Japan or France (sorry I don't recall which) because it is so nice. Water is a beautiful blue (whereas in Halong Bay it was an incredible green) and we could see clearly to our knees.

Floating Restaurant on Sea

We had lunch with several local dignitaries in Halong Bay. They were very gracious to us and treated us to an exquisite seafood lunch! We had many courses and all of it was wonderful! We were the only party in the restaurant. It appeared it had been reserved for us. We took a boat to get to this restaurant on the sea. Attached is a picture of Linh's mom and dad as well as her aunt and uncle who traveled with us.

'Surprise Cave' of Halong Bay

As part of the itinerary to our cruise we went to one of the mountain islands and were able to access a cave entrance, they call this the mystery cave of Halong Bay. It was unbelievable, once inside you immediately begin to see it's grandness and natural beauty, pictures does not even begin to tell the story, this has to be seen in person to full y appreciate.

Vendors of Halong Bay

One of the most interesting aspects of Halong Bay was all of the little fishing villages that were on the water along the edge of the mountains. The day we set sail we were encountered by vendors, no different than before in our travels throughout the countryside except for one big difference, all of these vendors were approaching us by way of row boats! Once we were close enough to their floating village they would paddle out to us and show us their goods they had for sale. Taken back by the efforts of this Rachel and I decided to purchase a large Koch shell from a lady who was selling assorted shells and pearls, after haggling her down"I love free" to almost half price a deal was struck and we had our Souvenir for the trip.

Halong Bay Cruise aboard First Class Boat

As part of our honeymoon Linh's parents put us up in this beautiful classic cruise boat for one night and as you can see the views were spectacular, the landscape was power full in it's grandness yet gentle in it's beauty.

We stayed on a cruise boat one night/two days and attached are some of the views from our ship. All meals aboard the boat were buffet-style. Peach juice was the best!