Hanoi was followed by a luxurious overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay aboard the Peony. We were greeted at the boat by friendly staff and a hearty buffet lunch as we cruised across the bay. After our humble experience of Hanoi and the havoc of the big city, kicking back on our cabin’s balcony watching the limestone karst formations drift from view was a calming treat. The afternoon and evening had several activities in store, the first a short kayaking excursion exploring Lan Ha Bay’s inlets. Mason and I shared a double kayak, paddling through the green waters to quiet spots in the bay where we could just sit still and listen to the sounds of birds and water lapping against stone.
Returning to the Peony, our group had the opportunity to jump from the boat into the bay for a quick swim. Although cloudy and cooler than we anticipated, the weather held out for plenty of time on the top deck of the boat for pictures and evening drinks before a cooking lesson (spring roll appetizers!) and a long multi-course dinner. We tried our hand at night squid fishing from the stern of the boat, with no luck, and slept like babies.
The next day’s activities led us on a cruise to Cat Ba Island, where we could get into the jungle for a bit and explore the Trung Trang Caves. A short hike up a series of stairs provided us with a good view of the seemingly endless green, dense environment. Our guide, Ha, let us know that the impressive scenery served as the backdrop for King Kong: Skull Island. The jungle hummed with the sounds of insects, birds, and the occasional chatter of what must have been monkeys hiding high above us, as we made our way through and out of the cave tunnels.
After a 15-minute bus ride back down the winding island roads, we made our way back to the ship for a final meal and goodbye to the ship’s crew, and cruised back to port where a comfortable air-conditioned van waited to take us back on the two-hour drive to Hanoi. We decided to explore the city for another night and day, again staying in the Old Quarter to soak up as much food and culture we could possibly get, before continuing on our journey to Cambodia.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.