11th November - Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay and begin cruise   Geoff Brock & Bruce Gamble
         
     

 
 
 
 

Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay
for afternoon / overnight cruise
Saturday 11th November 2017
 

Our guide, Quan was waiting for us in the hotel foyer as we finished breakfast. We checked out, where the lovely lady who had greeted us so effusively on day one apologised for not seeing us the previous day because she was not on duty and asked if she could write to Geoff and his "beloved best friend". Geoff said yes and gave her his email address.

Quan was keen for us to get going for the three and a half hour drive to Halong Bay, so he called the driver, who arrived within moments at the hotel entrance. The hotel staff lined up to wave as we drove off, which was a lovely gesture.
 
After driving for about two hours, we stopped at a large tourist souvenir shop for a break.
 
 
The Bhaya cruise terminal at Halong City. We had a thirty minute wait there before boarding the ship, during which time refreshments and free wi-fi were offered in air-conditioned comfort. It was a good start!
 
 
It was soon time to board our ship
 
The ship's dining room
 
Our cabin
 
Setting off for our cruise in Halong Bay...
 
...along with quite a few other vessels.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After sailing for several hours, the anchor went down. We remained here overnight.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It was a lovely location to admire the setting sun.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cocktail time, with a two for one offer. It would have been rude not to...
 
 
 
 
 
 
We were served a very good dinner
Tomorrow was going to be a long day, with some distance to cover using various modes of transportation.
 
 
©Geoff Brock and Bruce Gamble