Highlights from Hanoi and Halong Bay

Just a quick post before the others arrive.

Hanoi is simply amazing! There is a real buzz about the city (not just the traffic noise), and we have enjoyed a few days roaming around the streets taking it all in. Great food, great shopping, interesting attractions and great prices make this a wonderful place to visit, and a "must go" for any traveler.

We also went to see one of the 7 wonders - Halong Bay. Often overcast, as in our case, but still a beautiful place to visit despite the hoards of others doing the same.

John, Bridgett and Kristina should be arriving within the hour - the hotel lobby will look quite squished with 5 bike boxes in the bottom. More to come soon.

As a side: we have heard  from our friends Rudy and Marlene whom we were staying with in Christchurch. It was a relief to hear that they got through it unscathed, and are starting to return to work. Our thoughts are with them as hopefully life returns to relative norm in Christchurch.

Hanoi street view

Whatever it is, it looks good

more street food

street market

Bun Ha - Pork and noodles, a Hanoi special

The revered Ho Chi Minh is preserved here against his will - was kinda creepy to see a dead guy behind glass

Masses of floating junks waiting to take tourists  to Halong Bay

I hope he isn't going to drink that

Our junk for the night

View from the bow - insert "King of the World Scene" here

Intl symbol for Halong Bay

A little congested with junks

Paddling around the floating village - guess who was doing all the paddling

The floating village

Sunset party on the top deck

Sunset party turned, make your own spring rolls for dinner party

Sunset Halong Bay

Will they all make it through the night?

Morning fog

View from Penis cave - see below

Umm - world heritage?