DAY 3, HA LONG BAY CASTAWAY CRUISE
This morning was quite the repeat of yesterday with Phil getting the 8am beers in again and the Swedes giving each other the look of “oh not again!”.
I’LL TAKE ALL THE BEER YOU HAVE, KEEP THEM COMING
Leaving at 10am but first we have wake boarding to do, something I have never done. Reece and I were looking forward to Phil having a go again because we both knew it would be a laugh.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Myself and Phil were the only Rock Climbers to go to the wake boarding so we had to boat to ourselves until we met the others coming from the island. The ride was stunning and weather perfect which is unusual for Ha Long Bay. We were given a beer and lay down and enjoyed the ride. I can only assume the beer was for the dutch courage. I just love how blasé people are over here about health and safety.
I remember I signed up for a tandem paraglide in South Africa but after hearing I had a beer the guy nearly kicked me out.
Got to say it wasn’t easy, and my back nearly gave in, I Think 3 seconds was the longest I got on it. Phil being Phil made it all worth while for the rest of us though and was a shape the entire time. Credit to one fella though who was an absolute pro!
There were 6 of us in total and I’ve got to say it wasn’t easy, I think 3 seconds was the longest I stayed on. Phil being Phil made it all worth while for the rest of us though and was a shape the entire time. Credit to one fella though who was an absolute pro but the rest of us really were just hopeless, most of which couldn’t even get going but it was entertaining watching from the boat.
NEVER CHALLENGE AN IRISH LAD
Leaving the island now and when we got on the boat the Vietnamese captain out thought he would be funny and offered me a beer. I think he normally sees everyone dying and staying away from the drink on the last day so his jaw dropped when I bought them all and asked him for the same again every 5 minutes until we get off.
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 the email about my bag to say they couldn’t find it so asked them to check Sydney and to my shock they hadn’t yet bothered. But Low and behold there it was, I’ve asked for a photo as I don’t want someone else’s bag making its way across the Indian Ocean for nothing, but they can’t for whatever reason! They were able to describe it though; Osprey backpack with wheels and a luggage strap which fits the bill! It will arrive tonight and they will have it at the hotel by 1pm tomorrow.
NO WIFI
I always wonder why it was so much fun. Was it to do with the group we got in with? The copious amounts of beer going down our necks? The list of fun activities on offer? Or maybe it was down to them all along with the fact we were on a deserted island with not a single trace of wifi.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Halong bay Cruise was so much fun and was certainly one of my highlights of all my travels. I went of the basis of that very recommendation from a lot of my friends. Although it may not be for everyone, its generally drink based with a few activities thrown in. It is however a great opportunity to meet new people at the start of your Vietnam trip as a lot of people tend to start here and move south. So if you are worried about traveling Vietnam alone, then sign up to 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
