Departure from Hanoi in rainy morning, weather seemed not to suppose us. However, we still are expecting for a fantastic Halong bay cruise with Gray Line Halong Tour. This time we decided cruise in 2 days one night- This was the first time we chose the new Grayline brand. Therefore we expect to see its appearance more. Indeed, we are really eager to go to Halong Bay. It has been long time we haven’t come to visit. I guess it has changed a lot with better service and more things to do there. Grayline bus picked up us at 8am in front of Hanoi Opera House. On the way, we can see so many beautiful sightseeing with green paddy fields even we can see the farmer with buffalo in the field. That is such an amazing sight that you could not miss.
Finally we arrive to Tuan Chau wharf at noon. Luckily, the weather is so nice without raining, instead of some sunshine and fog a little bit. This weather expect for a wonderful trip ever. The staffs led us to waiting lounge. All fantastic staffs always smile and welcome us. We are warmed up our soul and body with a cup of hot tea. Now we have time for relaxing and preparing for the trip ahead. To access the cruise, there is a Grayline tender come and pick up us, from lounge to Tender; we are welcome elegantly by red carpet. The crew gives us life jacket and instruction us how to use it. Let’s say goodbye to Tuan Chau wharf, we are heading to the Grayline Junk. What on my eyes, that’s an amazing junk with unique design. This is the first impression when we see this junk from outside. To welcome on cruise, we are taken one round around the junk, there are 3 crews stand in front of the gate hand up and wave to welcome us. In my mind this boat looks strong as a scorpion. We can see clearly the tail link strongly to the junk. Put the first step on cruise, now we are among the sea and islands. We are served lunch set in Tonkin restaurant on second floor. It looks warm with cozy wooden light.
Firstly, staff welcomes drink. You can choose fruit juice or red wine. Take a seat on chair; we enjoy our lunch to get energy for some interesting activities ahead. But I discover an interesting thing is that let get out of the table, bring your dish to the terrace. It is more wonderful to enjoy both food and sightseeing. You can feel life is magnificent. We check in our room. The room is convenient with warm water, nice facility and bath stub. There are also a fruit basket and free water in room. We take the first fall in the bed, that’s so comfortable and irresistible from a sleep. But not, I will keep this for tonight. In the afternoon, the tender take us to Vung Vieng fishing village. That is impossible how they can live on the fragile house and boat. There are many children, they live there and even rowing to take tourists visits this village. We visit Dome Cave, we boat through many beautiful various shaped islands. Do not forget to take some snapshot because you can make story to tell your friends.More interesting, we stop over a souvenir shop, we can see how they make pearl. In the shop they display many various and colorful pearl products. You can buy as gift from Halong to your friends.
It is getting dark nearly at 4pm, the tender take we back to Cruise and continue cruising to Drum Cave. After fresh BBQ dinner, we can join an exciting Karaoke contest. Everyone really have extremely fun there. We cheer and sing. It seems we forget all tiredness in long way on bus.
One more thing I can do after bathing is go to the terrace, enjoy a glass of fine wine, there is nothing more interesting than. Halong is more magical at night. Perhaps, many lights from overnight cruises harmony with islands make this place more magnificent or it is truly beautiful nature harmony with water and moon light. All makes my first night staying in cruise is unforgettable. Get up early in the morning, I open the window to get the dawn then I climb up to sundeck to get some early sunshine and do morning-exercise. I do not think that I could sleep very well like that. I thought I was dived in the beauty of Halong. I feel refresh in the new fresh air. I take a deep breath, I will feel absolutely comfortable.
Titop is our final destination, some tourists want to climb and conquer Titop Island, and these others prefer going to beach, take picture and swim. I stop for while just to look around and feel the peaceful and find what change. This is second time I’ve been here. Its beauty still remains so. Because it is tourist site therefore the harbor is invested and in construction to make it larger. Finally, we end 2-day cruise. Coming back Hanoi with regrettable. In fact, it is hard to say goodbye with Grayline cruise team, I have really enjoy the trip and get the good service, good cruise.
