Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Ha Long Bay Part II

Ha Long Bay

I was really surprised about the motivation of small business operators here.There are a few girls in small boats hanging around very early in the morning, at about 5am, trying to sell all kinds of stuff, from rice wine to chewing gum or vegetables but all really expensive. From what I've seen and heard the people here are so nice and friendly. They are calm and always smiling. Maybe they are do that for their business but at least they know how to smile.

Ha Long Bay

The boat stopped at a fishing village for whoever wanted to buy fresh seafood or check out the fishing lifestyle. There are many floating houses located nearby and they have constructed lots of floating nets to keep the seafood in for selling. I bought some crabs and some prawns to bring home for a meal. I realized that it is more expensive than in Hanoi but I think the quality is better. Maybe I don't know how to bargain or that's the price for ocean service.

Ha Long Bay

I understand that people can live in all kinds of conditions, but I don't think I could live in the middle of nowhere for my whole life. People who live in this area seem very happy with their life. I saw quite a few guys and girls dyeing their hair with different colors and by the way they were talking, it seems that nothing can affect their life and they do really enjoy their life. They earn quite a lot of money from their seafood business and they go to Hai Phong twice per week. They have all of the latest entertainment such as DVDs and the latest music. The local children have their own school. They have a pretty good life with whatever they want.

Ha Long Bay

Vega travel is a very well organized tour company, and this tour was well worth what I paid. The tour guide was good, the boat and the bus were clean and driven well, and the bed was very comfortable and clean. I think this is my high recommendation for whoever comes to Vietnam and wants a good tour agency. Vega travel: 24 Hang Bac- Ha Noi - Viet Nam -Tel: (84-4)9262092- Fax(84-4) 9260910 - Email: vegatravel@fpt.vn or go to their website: http://www.vega-travel.com/.

Ha Long Bay

Sorry about no posts but my work has been busy and I had some time away for the Independence day holiday.

11 comments:

Jimmy Tran said...

Vietnamese God -

I was at the same spot - the floating community - in Ha Long Bay, when I went in winter 2001. I was with others from the City College of San Francisco. Some Ha Long people in a boat sold some of travelmates a turtle because my (rather idiotic/idealistic) travelmates wanted to save it and set it free. So they did. We travel a kilometer or so, and release the turtle. Meanwhile, the krafty Ha Long boat people are following us, ready to recapture it. We are ridiculous.

I (thirstythong.blogspot.com) am making my way to Viet Nam come October, flying into Ho Chi Minh City, making my way up to Hanoi. Would love to catch up with you when you are free. Peace VG.

Van Cong Tu said...

Hi Thong, Let me know when you come then we will catch up for a drink Ok.

junebee said...

Wow, interesting to live right on the water like that.

BionicBuddha said...

It seems like such a peaceful place. Perhaps with this global warming there will eventually exist a large portion of the world who live on floating communities...

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www.bionicbuddha.com

Chelsea said...

Wow - the pictures are so beautiful. It seems you had a very serene vacation. I know what you mean about visiting small towns. I recently went to a friend's wedding back in my hometown. It made me realize that I could never go back and live there again - yet all of my okd friends were very happy. They are more content with the basic everyday things in life. I feel that perhaps being in a larger city is nice because it is more culturally diverse, but it is also easier to get caught up in the "rat race". Great blog! Thanks to Bionic Buddha for the link...

Writer and Nomad said...

fresh seafood is the best. i know what you mean by not being able to live in the middle of nowhere. i grew up in the middle of nowhere, but love cities so much. i do, however, think they are much more stressful than isolation. i do miss it sometimes.

Jade L Blackwater said...

I am certain I could live in the middle of no where and be perfectly happy! I've never considered living ON the water though... I bet they sleep really well!

It's always so much fun to visit your blog... thanks as always for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tu,

Love your blog about life, food and travels. If all goes well, I will be in Hanoi the 2nd week of October. Perhaps we can meet up for a drink? Also would like your recommendation on a nice restaurants before leaving Hanoi. How do I contact you? Drop me a note raynguard-blogger at y.a.ho o dot com if you're interested.

Cheers,
-Ray

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

I love the pictures that you have posted. I love seeing how some people live and the scenery is beautiful. I can't imagine living out in the water in a little hut, but if they're happy then, that's all that matters.

Thank you for the lovely and imformative Vega Tour.

Van Cong Tu said...

Hi all, thanks for all comments. if you guys come to Hanoi, please let me know so that I can show you around or we can havea drink or a meal. Have a good day

Vietnam tours said...

Halong is one of the most tourist destination in Vietnam.