Day 4 - Halong Bay

The day started at 6.30 with a Tai Chi class on the deck.  Quite a few of the group took part.  Paul took photos. 



After breakfast we were transferred to a day boat for a cruise around the furthestmost part of the Bay where there were less tourist boats.

Heron


Morning Scenery - overcast and quite cold

Morning Scenery - overcast and quite cold

Morning Scenery - overcast and quite cold

Our first stop was to a beach which was reached by walking through Trinh Nu cave and the sun came out as we arrived.  Our group had the beach to ourselves and it was very peaceful.  The cave was used to shelter people from bombing during the wars and there are engravings in the rock of names and dates.

Stalactites in Trinh Nu cave 


Beach from cave viewing point

Trinh Nu Cave 

Engraving of inhabitant of cave


Sanpan waiting to take us 
back to boat.

I asked about wildlife as we have seen very little here.  I was told that most species have been hunted for food in the past and no longer exist here.  Anything remaining like monkeys and snakes are not eaten.  I have seen a small number of birds including a Heron and some sort of Kite and some huge butterflies.


 
Bird of Prey - Sea Hawk or Kite

 
Small bird with very loud voice

 
Some sort of Kite

 
Some sort of Kite

After lunch on the dayboat, we sailed around some outlying karsts before going to another cave where the remains of giant snails are found.  There is a lagoon inside this cast.

Scenery around the bay

Scenery around the bay

Scenery around the bay




Me Cung Cave


Me Cung Cave

Me Cung Lagoon

We had a good sunset and then dinner and an early night ready for a full day tomorrow. 




We are on an overnight train tomorrow so it might not be possible to update the blog.

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