DAY 3, HA LONG BAY CASTAWAY CRUISE
Wake boarding and back to Hanoi. This morning was similar to yesterday. Phil got the 8am beers again, and the Swedes exchanged looks of “oh, not again!”
I’LL TAKE ALL THE BEER YOU HAVE, KEEP THEM COMING
We are leaving at 10am, but first, we have wakeboarding to do, something I have never done. Reece and I looked forward to Phil trying again because we both knew it would be a laugh.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Phil and I were the only rock climbers to go wakeboarding, so we had the boat to ourselves until we met the others from the island. The ride was stunning, and the weather was perfect, which is unusual for Ha Long Bay. We received a beer and lay down to enjoy the ride. I assume the beer was for Dutch courage. I love how blasé people are about health and safety here.
I remember signing up for a tandem paraglide in South Africa, but after hearing I had a beer, the guy nearly kicked me out.
Wakeboarding wasn’t easy, and my back nearly gave in. Three seconds was the longest I stayed on it. Phil made it all worthwhile for the rest of us, being a constant source of amusement. Credit to one guy who was an absolute pro!
There were six of us in total, and three seconds was the longest I stayed on. Phil made it all worthwhile for the rest of us, being a constant source of amusement. Credit to one guy who was an absolute pro, but the rest of us were hopeless. Most couldn’t even get going, but it was entertaining to watch from the boat.
NEVER CHALLENGE AN IRISH LAD
We are leaving the island now. When we got on the boat, the Vietnamese captain thought he would be funny and offered me a beer. He usually sees everyone dying and avoiding drinks on the last day, so his jaw dropped when I bought them all and asked him for another every 5 minutes until we got off.
I have no idea how we managed to stay on it so hard for the trip, but it was good fun. Waking up drunk and not hungover was probably the key!
MY LOST BAG
Coming back, I got an email saying they couldn’t find my bag, so I asked them to check Sydney. To my shock, they hadn’t bothered. Lo and behold, there it was. I asked for a photo to avoid someone else’s bag crossing the Indian Ocean for nothing, but they couldn’t provide one. They described it though: an Osprey backpack with wheels and a luggage strap, which fits the bill! It will arrive tonight, and they’ll have it at the hotel by 1 pm tomorrow.
NO WIFI
FINAL THOUGHTS
Halong Bay Cruise was so much fun and definitely a highlight of all my travels. I went based on recommendations from many friends. Although it may not be for everyone, it’s generally drink-based with a few activities. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people at the start of your Vietnam trip since many start here and move south. If you worry about traveling Vietnam alone, sign up for this trip.
You can book once you arrive at Hanoi Backpackers or like ourselves who didn’t want to miss out and booked online at Vietnam Backpackers. There are plenty of imitation sites out there as well so please be aware who you are booking with. This is booked through a hostel in Hanoi which means there should also be plenty of like minded backpackers up for meeting new people.
NEXT UP
A day in Hanoi looking out for Motorbikes to buy, can’t believe the first time I’m going to drive a motorbike is in Vietnam of all places!! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
27/229
This post is part of the Vietnam Series, click to explore
