Don’t let the name fool you. Junk boats are anything but, especially when you’re cruising through majestic Halong Bay in Vietnam – lastminute lovely Kirsty dishes the dirt on the Junks.
After landing in Hanoi and acquiring some warm clothes we were set to soak in the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage listed, Halong Bay.
| Hot tip: Halong Bay can be very cold in winter and spring. We weren’t prepared and our mad dash through Hanoi for warm clothes didn’t turn up much that fit… please forgive the repetitive wardrobe 😉 |
Our fearless vessel – The Dragon’s Pearl
I’d seen the pictures but, like my suitcase, I was not prepared for Halong Bay. It is spectacularly beautiful! The water shines a sensational emerald green and the misty horizon adds to the mystical beauty as the ancient looking Junk boats make their way into the port to pick up eager adventurers.
leaving the boats behind as we sailed on our exclusive course with Indochina Junk
After a crowded stopover in Hanoi, a few hours in a bus (and a quick stop at the pearl factory), the sheer number of boats in the harbour made us nervous that our leisurely three-day cruise would be Hanoi madness on the sea. However, once we set sail amongst the 2000-odd islets it doesn’t take long to lose the other boats and feel like there are only a few others around.
Posing and very excited to be heading out on our Junk adventure
Our friendly, young and hip Vietnamese crew (we think they may have doubled as a boy band), on Indochina Junk’s, Dragon’s Pearl boat explain that their license allows them to charter a different path. Considering the number of boats in the harbour, the little bit of extra cash is definitely worth it.
Our Junk has 12 rooms, with ensuite, double bed and wardrobe (for my one warm outfit to air every night) however, our boat is only half full so there is plenty of room on board. Delicious Vietnamese breakfast, lunch and dinners are hosted in the shared dining room – where you can also order 333 (pronounced in Vietnamese it’s “ba ba ba”) beers and play board games with your newfound friends.
The view from our double cabin
Our very comfy bed
Aside from having a great atmosphere on the boat, the scenery is sensational, and our two nights and three days are relaxing, entertaining and amazing.
| Hot tip: If you just want to lay your eyes on Halong Bay and are okay with crowds the cheaper one-day trips from Hanoi would could suffice. However, if you want to soak in the scenery, learn a bit about the culture and immerse yourself in the area I’d recommend a two or three day trip. |
Our itinerary included:
Sailing to the islets where you can kayak or walk up the cliff for a view of the bay. We opt to take photos of ourselves and go for a walk – not yet prepared to brave a wet kayak.
We’re freezing right now but this place is amazing
Mr LML lagging behind on our climb up the cliff
Cave dinner – This was really special, set inside a cave in one of the islets. Not all tours include this, but if you have time to book one that does I highly recommend it.
Our welcoming candles
It was hard to get a good shot but the setting was spectacular
Visiting the floating village – One of us slept off the previous evening’s 333s, and I went out to visit the Vietnamese floating village. The colourful houses, rigged up on floaties are home to a water-born community of Vietnamese who survive by fishing and trading with the mainland. They also make a mean shot by fermenting one of the tree roots from the region – it’s quite potent but a great way to warm up, and the chief is very happy to have a couple with you when you arrive.
| Hot tip: Mot, Hai, Ba Yoooo = Cheers! |
Approaching the Fishing Village
The floating houses were complete with televisions, dogs and outdoor entertaining areas
On the way back to the Junk, I tried the unusual forward-rotating rowing style on the boats… The two-year-old I saw a half-an-hour earlier made it look easy… it’s not.
You do what with the oars?
My inspiration – cutest rower ever
Kayaking through the caves – Kayaking is the key activity on Halong Bay so we embraced the fact that our one outfit might get wet and set off – I’m happy to say it was worth it. Being on the water gives another perspective, making the islets steep rises seem even more dramatic.
| Hot tip:Take a working torch if you’re going through a cave, pitch black sections can be intimidating when your torch doesn’t work. |
It’s frightening in there
Squid fishing – The Dragon’s Pearl crew are more than happy for you to have a jig and try to catch some squid. The final score of my fishing adventure was Squid 10, Kirsty 0… no photos.
After three days of cruising, we waved Bon Voyage to the Dragon’s Pearl feeling recharged. We had ticked another landmark off our ‘To Do’ list and were ready to hit the streets of Hanoi – It’s definitely a must see.
All the boats in Halong Bay were in the process of being painted white while we were there. The brown Junk Boats would, by now, be a thing of the past