It’s a wonder of nature worth voting for

Posted by admin on May 23, 2011 under News | Be the First to Comment

The ships cruise on Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province Photo: Derek Milroy

There are some places in planet earth you have to pinch yourself to realize you are not watching some fascinating David Attenborough documentary but are actually really witnessing such amazing beauty and then there is…… Halong Bay.

On my first visit to Vietnam, I apologize for my ignorance but I had never even heard of it but on a holiday to Hanoi, I was told I just had to go by the local hotel manager in the French Quarter.

Okay, why not I thought. Granted the rocky bus journey from the capital city was not your five-star luxury coach trip but then you get what you pay for US$100 for a 36-hour trip cannot be sniffed at.

Once we arrived at the port in Quang Ninh Province, it was the usual tourist hang out but nothing I think can prepare you for this fairytale voyage.

The caves and island of Thailand are world famous but with Vietnam just a recent tourist destination to most westerners it is a blessing. Overkill can ruin these places of beauty.

Once we set sail, it was straight to the dinner table with my friend John Carney and our 10 ship mates. Lunchtime saw us have the most beautiful sea food I’d ever experienced at that time and washed down with a few wines before we looked out in wonder at never-ending mountainous islands that have to be seen to be believed.

It was like make belief as you think you are being dragged into some fantasy movie set. I had never seen anything like it before or since. It is on course to be named one of the new wonders of the world, which will be richly deserved. There was even a spot of rain which ensured the mist added to the beauty and mystery of this newfound land, to me anyway.

After looking it up I discovered the bay’s limestone monolithic islands that are covered with jungle vegetation total 1,969. Some of the islands feature caves, grottos, lakes and secluded beaches and wildlife including monkeys and lizards.

After late lunch it was back to the dinner table for more delicious local cuisine and a few drinks. I’ve never had such a peaceful experience. It was the perfect way to escape from your stressed-out existence and appreciate the wonders of nature.

The next morning it was time for more food, you certainly didn’t go hungry on our little boat. All the food was included in the price with only drinks to be paid for.

And then it was onto the Thien Cung and Dau Go caves a short distance away and their amazing bright colors and beautiful shapes and a good walk to sweat out all the booze from the day before. When we reached the caves though we knew this was the beginning of the end and we had the aherm comfortable bus trip back to Hanoi to look forward.

The rocky bus trip aside, I have to be honest and admit that although I’ve been around a bit Halong Bay has to be the most magical place I’ve ever seen. Wonder of the world? Rubber-stamp it now people.

By Derek Milroy

Source: The Saigon Times

Let’s vote for Halong Bay at http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/voting