Day 3 (1st Feb 2013)

Last night we went out for dinner to a place called 'Bea Hoe'. Bea Hoe is famous for street food. There are n number of eateries on that street, serving n number of  Vietnamese cuisines with drought beer named 'bea hoe'. There was a festive atmosphere all around. All the stalls were buzzing with people of all nationalities, mostly young. Food was being served, beer was flowing and all of this was on a busy road full with scooters, cycles and vendors selling various items going stall to stall. It was a lively atmosphere.

We concluded 'bea' is beer in Vietnam. We had a lovely evening and spent only??? about 1,50,000 Dongs (about Rs.380 )

Today we were to go to Hallong bay, thus got up early. Got ready by 8. Almost every one from our hotel were with us on this tour that we had taken with ODC Travels.Tour cost - $110. The distance to Hallong City is about 170 kms but it took us 3.5 Hrs. The road was not overly busy but it was like a continuation of Hanoi all the way as there was no break in buildings on either side of the road till Hallong. We had a break in between for tea at a mid way restaurant cum curio. The curio was selling handicrafts made by handicapped people.

We reached Hallong at about noon and immediately boarded the cruise boat. It is a wonderful two storied vessel, which took us to the open sea. Hallong bay is famous for its rock outcrops protruding out vertically, out of the sea. There are about 1969 such small islands. Most of these are uninhabited. Hallong bay is among one of the seven natural wonders in the world and one has to see it to believe it.

We were served lunch on board. It was a 5 course meal. At about 3 pm the boat was anchored at one point from there we went Kayaking around some islands for about an hour and docked at one island, where we hiked up to the top. The view from the top was simply amazing. The plan was to swim there after but the water was too cold, so we dropped the idea and came back to the cruise boat. Had a hot shower and went on deck for a glass of wine. Then there was a cooking class where we were taught to make spring rolls :-)

At the time of dinner we for the first time got introduced to our co-passengers ( thanks to a girl from Chile named Paula - she was a wonderful girl, very cheerful and bubbly.) There were 6 girls from Chile. A Malaysian family of mom and dad with their 3 daughters and middle daughters boy friend and we three, that is 15 of us on board. We had wonderful time interacting with these people about their culture, professions, customs... and as usual food was delicious ( Squid with banana flower, boiled vegetables, spring rolls, fish, steamed prawns some pork dish, etc. and Dragon fruit for dessert )

After dinner there was karaoke.  Paola & Makarena sang some really good songs, we were just the silent spectators as we did not know a single song that was on the karaoke server. The ended on this musical note.