March 29th - Halong Bay, Vietnam

The skies were gray and overcast upon our arrival into Halong Bay, known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon”. According to legend “a dragon, spat jewels into the sea to protect against invaders and those gems turned into the nearly 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the bay’s placid waters.”

 

Enjoyed a nice drive through the city to Tran Quoc Temple. Here many offerings were left for the gods. These gods either have a sweet tooth or they were having a frat party that evening. Most of the offerings consisted of cookies, coke and beer. It might be interesting to make a return visit in the evening to see what is really going on.

 

Then it was off to the local markets – always great fun – so much energy and so many unusual things for sale. The fruits and vegetables were abundant and looked very fresh.

 

After the market we walked over to the Long Tien Buddhist Pagoda, very quiet and peaceful after spending time in the market.

 

Stopped for some great views of Halong Bay filled with floating homes and fishing boats.  Across the street from here is the newly constructed Viacom shopping mall. Really an amazing place and a sharp contrast to the rest of the city. On the second floor there was a supermarket (this is where I would be shopping); on the third floor was an arcade that even had bumper cars; and on the fourth floor there was an ice skating rink, restaurants and movie theatre complex. I do not think the concept has quite caught on with the locals – the supermarket seemed to be the only place with any patrons.

 

Headed back to the ship for dinner and then the city treated us to a light show – I am sure the orange and blue bronco colors were no accident!

 

March 27th - Da Nang, Vietnam

Arrived to a damp, but cooler day in Da Nang. Took a 2.5 hour drive through
the city of Da Nang and into the countryside to Hue, the former Imperial
City of the Nguyen Emperors from 1802 to 1945.

Stopped for lunch and then headed to the Tu Duc Tomb, one of the numerous
tombs surrounding the countryside here. The tombs were not just a final
resting place for the emperors, but were created as a place of recreation
with pavilions, gardens and lakes.

On the way back to the ship, we made a stop at China Beach, a former R & R
destination for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. All evidence of
their occupation of this area has been removed and a new road was built in
2003. It is now lined with restaurants and hotels that cater mostly to the
local crowds.

Since it was Sunday, there were families out and about enjoying the holiday.