Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty was simply astonishing. Ha Long Bay’s iconic karst outcroppings, famously featured in films like James Bond – are every bit as dramatic in person. Towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and natural tunnels lead to secluded bays that feel almost otherworldly – it is all just as dramatic as you would think.
Inland, the scenery remains breathtaking. Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” offers lush landscapes where water winds through rice paddies and steep hills. The photos (click here) offer only a glimpse, and though haze muted those in the bay, the grandeur is unmistakable.
Studiosus, the tour company, promises “intensive life” experiences rich in culture. Some of their offerings caters specifically to solo travelers—and while “heavy culture” might sound dry, this crew is anything but. We’re 22 strangers: 6 men, 16 women, averaging perhaps 60ish years old. It is hard to imagine a livelier or more fun group.
We span a wide range of professions and dialects from across Germany, plus a Swiss, an Austrian, a Hungarian, and a guy from Missouri. I introduced myself in (ok, somewhat accented) German as hailing from the Upper Palatinate, where I’ve lived for 33 years. That got quite a laugh and, apparently, the first joke of the trip. Our seasoned guide later told someone we were the loudest and most fun group she’d ever led. We took it as a badge of honor.
In the photos you’ll notice we took boats along the Ngo-Dong River through natural tunnels. But if you look closely, you’ll also note that most of the rowers (the majority women) use their feet and legs rather than hands and arms … something I’d never seen. A wonderful hour through magnificent landscape. On the way to Ninh Bihn, we stopped by a Buddhist Temple in a steep hillside, before checking into the hotel. Several of us wandered through town and stumbled on a Vietnamese version of a beer garden … the food was so-so but the atmosphere quite enjoyable (one table of German’s louder than the rest).
The following day, we departed early for a three-hour drive to Ha Long Bay and our Junk Boat. I’d imagined a modest wooden boat from the movies. What we got was the Victory Star – a far more luxurious vessel, complete with private balconies, full baths, and a top deck perfect for soaking in the view. The food was superb, the crew gracious, and the scenery – those countless islands – was unforgettable. We climbed a island hill for pictures, visited two fantastic caves, and enjoyed a wonderful evening aboard.
The next morning began with Tai Chi at sunrise (a comedy film of my attempt was thankfully not made), followed by a bamboo boat or kayak ride through yet another natural tunnel; most of us opting for kayaks. We emerged into a stunning bay encircled by sheer cliffs – and a few goats. Being the first group through, we had majesty to ourselves for a while. Then the mood shifted as many more boats arrived at which point we turned into Ozark teenagers, ramming kayaks and laughing like kids. “Middle-aged” might be a generous description of some of us, but damn, that was fun.
Sorry, there aren’t many pics with the kayaks, most of us weren’t comfortable taking cameras. After a quite nice brunch on board underway, we departed for Hanoi’s airport, a delayed flight to Da Nang and bus to our hotel in Hoi An – an ancient trade town with Chinese & Japanese influences which is a UN World Heritage Site. A significant storm delayed the flight and as I write flooding in Hoi An scrubbed the morning’s activities. But we’ve rain jackets and will depart soon for wherever they want to take us (spoiler for next post, the afternoon was great, if a bit wet!).
1 comment:
Cool beans!!!
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