On a recent Exodus Travels tour of Vietnam and Cambodia, I traveled to Halong Bay; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bay, dotted with almost 2,000 islets and islands is best seen on day cruises or boats offering overnight stays. I was a passenger on the Bien Ngoc Cruise Ship where I would spend the better part of the day and the night.
Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves including Bo Hon Island and Sung Sot Caves. Climbing stairs cut into the rock, we entered a giant room with stalactites and stalagmites. Colored lights illuminated the room and offered a beautiful backdrop for the formations. Rooms after room, up and down stairs, and along pathways, we passed breathtaking natural beauty.
After a day of exploring and back on board the ship we watched the sun set and enjoyed a drink on the ship’s stern as the crew prepared a delicious dinner. It was peaceful and dream-like watching the other ships bob in the water as we chatted about our day in this magical place.
