Journey to Island Caves
It was a 3 hour coach journey from Hanoi to get to the harbour
The strange shapes of the islands are due to the fact that they are all limestone, and were eroded by wind and rain when the sea level was much lower than it is now. Of course, within limestone you also find great caves - as here. No interior photos, I'm afraid - my film wasn't fast enough.
Off Around the Islands
The many islands in the bay mean that there are seldom any waves, making the sea hospitable to these floating houses
Lunch Spot
This is where we stopped for some swimming and kayaking. Rowing under a low tunnel, we entered a salt-water lake, surrounded by land on all sides, with only our tunnel for entry and exit.
You needed to be a good swimmer, as it wasn't easy getting out of the water
An emergency was sounded when our boat ran out of drink, and this one arrived with new supplies.
Sinh is probably better suited as a tour guide than a pirate
Sailing Home
Ok, I admit to tweaking the colours a little bit.