We travelled from Hanoi to Halong Bay for an overnight boat trip to see the karsts. It’s a world heritage site and the sight of hundreds of karsts rising from the water is amazing. The downside
is there are far too many tourist boats and the waters of the bay are full of
litter.
I was fascinated by the fact that the people of Halong Bay
live in floating villages and, of course, travel everywhere by boat.
This also means that their market stalls are water borne.
It seemed as if every time we dropped anchor, a little boat pulled alongside to sell us their wares.
It seemed as if every time we dropped anchor, a little boat pulled alongside to sell us their wares.
Unfortunately our boat captain took a dim view of this,
although I’m not really sure why. We had paid for the ‘cruise’ up front so I
couldn’t understand why he discouraged the floating market boats.
By way of protest, I bought fresh fruit from a couple of the
ladies when the captain wasn’t looking!
Sounds a very interesting experience. Think I'd have bought some fruit too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patsy - yes, it was a great experience. I did ask one of the English speaking crew members why the market boats weren't welcome, but I couldn't get a sensible answer out of him.
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard to resist purchasing items from such a colourful display. Must take some skill to stow eveything to keep an even keel, too.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Yes, the goods were beautifully displayed - and I'm sure you're right about taking care with the balance, Ann - they did look quite precarious!
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me the variety in this world of ours. I don't know how many times I've seen photos of Halong Bay, Susan, but it still captures the imagination.
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me the variety in this world of ours. I don't know how many times I've seen photos of Halong Bay, Susan, but it still captures the imagination.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a strange place, Jo. I was very anxious to visit and I don't regret it for a moment, but I must confess I found the littered waters shocking and the hullabaloo of tourist boats a bit too much. It's a good example of how tourism can have a negative impact!
ReplyDeleteOh what an amazing sight it must be to experience in person! I don't thin ki would like th constant sales pitch but it does make a beautiful photo. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Sue - Halong Bay is very photogenic, despite the human interferences! I was there in winter, hence the misty shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing looking place. It's a shame about the litter in the water, though. The tourists really ought to know better.
ReplyDeleteHi Bun, thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, Halong Bay is amazing - I'm not sure it's the tourists themselves who are directly responsible for the litter though. I think the problem is more to do with lack of infrastructure and lack of control by the authorities.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally. Vietnam was very photogenic! :)
ReplyDeleteWow this market for bay Areas..I have seen many places where market on the boat.
ReplyDeleteHalong Bay Vietnam