Ha Long Bay

From Hanoi we travelled by bus to Ha Long Bay. We passed through several villages along the way with all heir wares displayed along the roadside. Passed many makeshift "shoe stores" with shoe displays neatly layer out on tarps spread on the ground. Saw several hair salons which were mirrors put up on the fence with a chair facing it.  There were acres and acres of rice paddies along the way which often had burial sites for the family members dotted through them.

Reaching Ha Long Bay we boarded a traditional junk with 20 of our fellow travellers.  The bay is a world UNESCO site and truly is beautiful with its rock formations creating meandering pathways with new views around each corner.  A highlight was a trip to shore to explore the Sung Sot Cave also known as the cave of surprises.  Known for its stalactites and stalagmites it was absolutely stunning.  Three separate caves joined by walk throughs each got bigger.  The largest one could have easily been a setting for Star Wars.

Our junk in Ha Long Bay

Beautiful rock formations

Local boat

His fishing boat and his home

Inside the cave

Stunning

Massive caves

Beautiful formations

Sunrise thriugh the smog