Halon Bay is best known for its 3,000 limestone and dolomite islets sprinkled over 1,000 square miles. Legend has it that when the Vietnamese were under attack long ago, a dragon came to their aid, splitting mountains to impede the progress of the enemy. Wind and water weathered the porous limestone in the course of a million years, and this process created the limestone cathedrals, colonized by stunted and twisted vegetation. The romantic setting of rugged island peaks and bays dotted with ailing junks has inspired a whole genre of Vietnamese paintings.
Our drive to Halon Bay carried us past colorful rice paddies and a hundred miles of roadside shops. We made a pit stop at a favorite charity store filed with stone carvings, embroideries, scarves, bags, and ceramics. Arriving at the dock, we took a small motor boat out to the waiting junk. For the next 24 hours, we relaxed amidst 30 other tourist-filled junks enjoying catered lunches and dinners, and views that couldn't stop being photographed.
For a link to the complete set of photos for the last two days, and to a YouTube video of some of our recent experinces, click on: Monday, Feb 7th, Halong Bay, Tuesday Morning, Feb 8th, Halong Bay, and video of Halong Bay and Hanoi on Tuesday Night: (Halong Bay Video)
Gregory
Ps. For the one who asked about the hotel we stayed at in Siem Reap, it was the Somadevi, and it was great. Centrally-located, great pool, and terrific restaurant.
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