* pictures noted bottom to top
We were happy to finally confirm the remaining schedule with Quynh which meant a week extension of our time in Southeast Asia. After making flight changes with airlines, we met our driver and Quynh, who graciously rearranged his time to accompany us. With fun and interesting conversation about many things including Buddhism and the historical background of the US/Vietnam war, the 3 hour road trip went very quickly.
Upon arrival to the crowded harbor (picture 1), we were escorted to a small, covered, motor boat where we joined the other 12 passengers (all Dutch who spoke limited English). We then boarded the elegantly appointed Bai Tho Junk Boat (picture 2). Our room was beautiful (picture 3) - wood paneled with big double bed, air conditioning, and a clean, lovely bathroom.
First 'activity' was a 7 course seafood extravaganza (picture 4) in the elegant dining room (picture 5) while the boat gently moved us through the scenic World Heritage site (picture 6) of 3000 islands, 1553 square kilometers of water and local people who live there (picture 7). We just couldn't stop taking pictures.
After our delicious meal we took a motor boat to one of the islands where we walked through the Amazing Caves (picture 8)- real name - and a lookout area where a view of the Bay was revealed (pictures 9 & 10 with Quyhn). As with the rest of the Bay, it was not only 'amazing'....but beautiful, incredible, and just plain fantastic!
After the caves we were taken to another island with a golden sand beach and steep stone steps to the top. The walk up to the pagoda observation structure (picture 11) was an effort but once there, so worth it! The 360-degree vistas were breathtaking (picture 12). Once back on the beach, the water vendors in their open row boats were out in full force trying to sell fish, shells, and basic provisions as we stood on the docks waiting for our ride to the boat (picture 13).
An hour later we returned to the boat for some down time and then another delicious seafood meal. After dinner we enjoyed more time with Quyhn then retired to our comfortable room to sleep.
We woke up from a restful, quiet sleep and after a light breakfast took a boat through a cave (picture 14) into a peaceful lagoon. Back at the junk we rested on lounge chairs at the top deck to read and catch up with off line computer work. Soft breezes, beautiful views, and the quiet slaps of calm water were enjoyed for a while until our last meal - lunch.
Back in the car and the return ride back to Hanoi, we stopped at a rice field (picture 15) where locals were harvesting both mechanically (picture 16) and manually. Quynh explained how important rice production was to Vietnam as well as how it was prepared for consumption. In addition to the rice plants, there were many tombs in the rice fields which were the final resting place for family members (picture 17).
We stopped at one of the villages on the way to the city where we were shown the homes and in this case a new, very large Christian church used for worship by about 70 families of that village.
When we arrived back at the hotel we rested, enjoyed a Mexican dinner at a local restaurant, caught up on computer work and went to bed.
Next day we packed up for our trip to Hue and Hoi An.
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