Halong Bay, Vietnam

12/28/2016

The View Of Halong Bay Is Really Breathtaking

Hạ Long Bay is located in the northeast of the country and it was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The beautiful and uniquely shaped islets and limestone pillars are scattered all around the emerald waters of Hạ Long Bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Bay features around 1,600 islands and islets of limestone karsts in various shapes and sizes. Hạ Long Bay (in Vietnamese Vịnh Hạ Long) means descending dragon bay. The sound of ‘Hạ Long’ is similar to Cantonese ‘下龍’, which also means descending dragon. The similarities between the Vietnamese and Cantonese language was one of the things I found interesting while traveling in Vietnam. Okay, back to the place… I thought the islets at Hạ Long Bay were so fascinating because on each little islet there were life. It was covered in green vegetation. I believe the biodiversity at Hạ Long Bay was quite unique, including tropical evergreen, oceanic and seashore bio system.

Another Cruise At Ha Long Bay From Afar.

I visited mainly Bai Tu Long Bay, which belongs to the northeast side of Hạ Long Bay on a cruise for two-days-one-night. On the cruise that my friend Belicia and I went on, the average age of cruisers (not including us) were probably age 55-70. We were definitely the youngest cruisers and people on the boat. Even though most of the cruisers were double our age, it didn’t stop us from having a great time. It actually made our cruise experience better. Bel and I were able to have intellectually stimulating conversations that gave us a new perspective on life, cultures and travels. I felt like I was surrounded by a bunch of loving aunties and uncles that were super chilled and loving life. This bunch of lovely elderlies taught us how to enjoy the life of ‘slowing down’.

Waking Up On My Cozy Bed On The Cruise With This View

The thing I enjoyed the most in this cruise was the breath-taking view of course. We had a huge window from our room that looks out at the stunning view from outside. There were curtains in the room to cover the windows but I slept with them open. In the morning, the first thing that I saw when I opened my eyes was this beautiful emerald coloured sea and bays softly lit by the sunrise behind. I was absolutely enchanted by the beauty unfolded before me and I thought I was still dreaming. The water softly collided with the boat, creating a gentle soundtrack in the background. I could also smell a hint of sea salt, scented from the sea. The moment was glorious. As I rose from my bed, my senses started to grow more aware of all the magnificence happening around me. A deep inhale, alas! ‘It is real, it is happening’ I thought to myself. I then reflected on how marvellous the works of the Creator are and how lucky I am to be able to experience His love for His works. For me, nature is great evidence that there is someone/something greater than all of us here on earth. It is difficult to deny that there isn’t a greater power once I have experienced such marvelousness.

As for now, Happy Jetsetting! ✈