The Ferry to Cat Ba was an overcrowded vessel that has seen better days, but at least the rain stopped, seas are calm, and no one got seasick. Someone kindly gave up their seat so that this old guy did not have to stand for the 40 minute cruise to the island. We tried not to think about the low life jacket/passenger ratio.
It was about a 30 minute ride from the dock to town, again someone gave up their seat for us. Total trip time from Hanoi to Cat Ba town: approximately 5.5 hours. Total trip time according to Lonely Planet guide book: 3 hours.
We stayed at Sunrise Resort for the first three nights. Very posh. Internet deal 4 days 3 nights, $85 per night with one free dinner and all free breakfasts, pool, beach, beachfront bar, top floor ocean view, quiet. Well worth the price. Only downside is that it’s about 3 km from the town center, and stairs up to the 5th floor.
The sunset resort from our balcony. Not the budget traveler yet!
Our beautiful little beach in front of our hotel.
We walked to Cannon Fort on Day 2. Day 3 we took an all-day motorbike tour from Mr. Zoom ($25 per person). We had a wonderful trip with Viet and Zoom who took us to see a wonderful temple along the water on a not so sturdy boardwalk. We also saw Hospital Cave where families and soldiers lived for 8 years during the American War, and hiked in Cat Ba National Park. Pete also learned to drive a motor scooter (automatic transmission). During conversation with our guide I found out that he lost 5 family members during the American War.
Pete on the motorbike learning to drive. If mom could see him now!
The rickety boardwalk to the cave temple
A rickety road during one of our tours on Catba.
Our outstanding guide Viet on the hike in Catba National Park
The view from the top of the hike at Catba National Park
Another fabulous view!
Denise and Pete at the top. It was a difficult climb
Pete in one of the tunnels in Cannon Fort
Denise being questioned by the Viet Cong! Kidding!
Took a 2 day 1 night tour of Lan Ha and Halong Bays. Six people on the boat, $128 per person from Cat Ba Ventures. It was a beautiful trip with people from Germany and France who spoke great English so we were able to share travel stories. During the cruise we kayaked through some nice grottos and lagoons, and spotted a few monkeys in the trees.
Our boat and our German friends Anna and Mark kayaking
Our room on the boat before we messed it up.
The scene from the boat.
Incredible and relaxing.
The narrow hallway in the sleeping quarters.
The main deck.
Cave kayaking!
Fabulous meals on the boat!
Beautiful boat seen on our first day on the boat
Denise found time to paint again. Karsts in Halong Bay with fishing boat.
We decided to stay at a “home stay” where a local family cooks for us and the housing is traditionally Vietnamese. We had an incredible dinner. We decided to spend the next day just relaxing and Denise just painted all day in the garden.
Th inside of our private house!
Here is our homestay entrance to the main house.
Here is the beautiful grounds of the homestay
Our wonderful host!
We did stay three nights in a very nice budget hotel (Mr. Zoom’s Backpacker hostel). We had a very nice double room for $10 per night. Mr. Zoom is quite the character. He owns or has an interest in his hostel, a hotel next door that he runs with his brother or cousin (I never got that straight) named Mr. Winner, a laundry, a travel agency, and a restaurant. Ten years from now I expect that he will own half the town.
Left Cat Ba for Ninh Binh on October 19.
Hello cuz – the two of you are truly blessed to have the opportunity to travel to all the amazing places. i enjoy following you on your blog!
I really enjoy reading all of your post and enjoy the beautiful photos. All is good on the home front.
Love your blog and pics ! And paintings ! Sounds like a wonderful time. Thank the Lord for dentists!
Great pics Pete and Denise! It’s wonderful to see how your trip is progressing. Keep having fun!
Patrick
Thanks for your support! We are working on keeping it safe and having fun too!