Ha Long Bay. Tam Coc.

The Ha Long trip wasn't what I expected. Two days on the boat was actually only about 4 hours. What do I mean? Let's recap.

It took us about half the day to the bay due to traffic. Once we arrived at the pier, all I saw was organized chaos. Remember that word? Haha. There were tons of people all huddling in groups near their guides, waiting for tickets or waiting to get on the correct boat. Thank goodness we didn't attempt to go at it alone. Sorry LP, it's best with a group. Anyway, we finally got on our boat, which was more nicer than I anticipated. We then were able to enjoy some fresh Vietnamese cooked seafood on our boat. But then it turned to shit…quick. We were informed of an approaching storm. Oh mother nature….WHYYYYYY!!!

By now you should be able to guess that our trip itinerary changed. Where we were once able to have slept on the boat, NOPE!. I was really looking forward to staying up late to see the stars, and waking up early to see the sunrise. As much as I was looking forward to it, I wasn't going to chance it. After the last stormy ride when I left Koh Tao, I know I should be on land.  Despite it all, I tried to enjoy the little sailing our boat did around the bay. I mean the sun was out, and the view all around us was spectacular - huge limestone cliffs looming over the water appearing like mountains. Pretttty. When it got darker, we docked at Cat Ba Island. Ehh…  no point trying to sound nice. The island was crap. I mean I tried to think positively, really I tried, but the island was all construction, and it smelled like shrimp paste. That's a clear indicator of --- let's quickly get the hell out please (especially after my last experience).
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The next morning it was still cloudy and rainy, and there was even a slight chance we were told we might have been able to leave...seriously???ＮＯ Luckily, it cleared just long enough for us to leave and kayak for 30 minutes before heading back into the harbor. lol.  I guess I can just chalk this up to another kind of experience, and since clearly the weather and all my weird experiences with mother nature has shown, it's all "Mai Pen Rai."

Our Boat

Day 1

Limestone Rocks surround the bay

And this is Day 2

The other trip was to Tam Coc, and to the Hoa Lu temple. Simple amazing. While I could of done without viewing another temple that used to be the ancient capital of Vietnam, Ｉloved our time after. We rode bikes through the countryside. Soooo beautiful. While the weather was still cloudy, it was the perfect weather when biking for over an hour. I was afraid it would be too hot. haha - What a joke. Anyway, Tam Coc is known as the "Ha Long" on land, and truly it is. There were what appeared to be endless cliffs surrounded by land rather than water. After biking and having lunch, we took a tiny boat ride down a river near by. Our guide when not rowing with his hands….used….his feet! What a sight that was. It's kind of a nice way to end our time in Vietnam - taking in the countryside without obstruction of ridiculous signs and people trying to peddle you for cash or sell you crap. Oh wait….nope that happened even there. I guess there really is no escape from the hungry when there are those who can give a little (sorry I didn't cough up cash to yawl…poor traveler by this point).

Hua Lu Temple

Jenny and our bike guide

"Vultures"

Overall, I'm so glad we took this 2nd trip. It helped make up for our disappointing adventure to Ha Long Bay, and despite the vultures um…street vendors, it was exactly as I imagined small town life to be.