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of classical melodies. It was like a
dream – a royal-style feast in a cave
palace among stunning stalactites and
stalagmites.
We returned to our junk late at
night, but nobody was ready for bed.
With a canopy of glittering stars above
us, a refreshing coolness in the air and
the fluorescent lamps of cuttlefish
boats in the far distance, the bay was
truly magical. It was pure bliss just to sit
around with the other travellers.
Some of us opted for an adven-
turous night time activity - watching
fishermen casting nets for cuttlefish.
We disembarked our junk and came
alongside a fishing boat by canoe to
watch fishermen catching fish and
squid. The fishing boats use 500-watt
fluorescent lamps as bait to attract fish
into their nets. After ten minutes, the
light is turned off and the nets hauled.
We watched as squid and a few large
cuttlefish were separated according to
size and species by the fisherman’s wife
and he folded up their fishing-net to
prepare for the next catch.
We made our way back to the junk
with a basket of fresh squid for even-
ing supper, but we still hoped to land
a catch ourselves, so we dangled daz-
zlingly bright fluorescent lamps off the
junk. Several fishing rods and hooks
dropped in and after just several min-
utes, a young boy and I managed to reel
in some more squid.
After a short but deep slumber, I
woke up very early to enjoy the sunrise
and practice Taichi on deck. Later, the
junk anchored next to Cua Van fishing
village where we kayaked around and
saw the local way of life, including the
local floating primary class.
We left the village and made an
adventure tour to Luon Cave by kayak.
Passing the imposing arched rock en-
trance, we came across a round, tran-
quil lake, surrounded by trees and high
cliffs. Monkeys ran to and fro in groups,
birds twittered in the green bushes
above, and many orchids hung their
sweet-scented flowers.
Halong Bay is really all about the
glory of nature and the spectacular
limestone karst formations that make
the bay one of the world’s most unique
natural wonders, but it is made all the
more spectacular when combined with
a luxury cruise.
QUANG NINH IN FOCUS
FAST FACTS
Offshore services: All luxurious cruises and
junks in Halong Bay, such as Bhaya Cruises,
Paradises Cruises, Au Co Cruises, Life Resorts,
Indochina Sails and Valentine Junks, offer 2 day
and 1 night, or 3 day and 2 night offshore pack-
ages with various itineraries of leisure, relaxing,
entertaining, sightseeing and water sport activi-
ties, and can even offer parties or meetings on
board or in a cave. Packages include meals, ac-
commodation, sightseeing fees and transporta-
tion between Hanoi and Halong Bay.
Inland services: There are numerous four and
five star hotels along the Bai Chay Beach with
views overlooking the bay such as: Halong Pla-
za, Saigon - Halong, Novotel Halong Bay and
Cong Doan hotel Visitors can shop at the night
market or be entertained at the Royal Amuse-
ment Park by the sea.