Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam includes 1,600 islands and islets, which makes up a fabulous seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. (that's what UNESCOs world heritage listing says ...)
Recently added to a list of the top 7 natural wonders of the world I was really looking forward to making this trip having seen so many picturesque images (with sun and blue sky) and excited by the prospect of exploring via a kayak with my camera. 5 Hours on a bus later I arrived the weather was over cast, hazy and threatening with rain...a feature of my time in SE Asia...Determined not to let this spoil things I got aboard a boat trip. All the boats around Halong Bay are of the traditional wooden Vietnam/Chinese style with carved dragons heading the ship rather romantic and atmospheric as I boarded i felt like I was in an end scene from the goonies (when they find the treasure !)
The caves were the best I have been to, the walking was scenic and views breath taking. I loved the boat ride and seafood lunch. A couple of hours at water level in a kayak was really rewarding getting to paddle through some of the caves and see some wildlife up close (including the local kids on the floating houses!). The only thing that takes away from the halong bay experience for me is that it is not really possible to get the best out of the area without being on an organised boat tour, the many unexplored islands and inlets were begging for me to come and play but the nature of the tours are quite restricting, perhaps because its a world heritage area and their commitment to preservation you might think...cynical me thinks not ....whilst i was paddling around the bay i saw on more than one occasion the local people tipping waste into the bay, tour boats throwing rubbish over board and slicks of oil on the surface of the water....this added to the pearl farming and over fishing made me wonder who actually polices the management of the area.
I left with a feeling that in a few years this beautiful place would be spoilt forever and I had witnessed the beginning.
1 comment:
Hi Heather. Hope you got some nice weather in Halong Bay and the boat wasn't full of cockroaches! Our boat seemed full of them and they were scurrying around the bedroom for the one night we were there. I think me and H dreamt they were climbing all over us, but then again it might not have been a dream!
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