Side Trip in Ten Photos

After crossing into Vietnam from China, Tami and I hunkered down in Hanoi. The city has a lot of character but it's one intense place. After three weeks we decided to take a break and go down to the ocean to a place called Ha Long Bay. It's famous for these limestone karsts studding the coast. We ended up spending two weeks bouncing around a few locations. It was breathtaking.

View of Hon Gai from a Karst on the edge of the bay. We climbed up here twice, spent at least three hours and saw no one. Notice Tami down to the left with her hands up.

Ultra-modern bridge spanning a smaller bay between Bai Chay and Hon Gai.

Father of a family we spent time with in Hong Gai. They have a view to die for.

The boat out of Hon Gai to Quan Lan Island. Hello Ha Long Bay.

One of the beaches on Quan Lan. We pretty much had them to ourselves like this. Gulp...

Tami (if you close) over Bai Tu Long Bay.

Cai Rong pier from a karst in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Rolling down the pier to ice the fish.

One part of view from our hotel room when we returned to Hong Gai.

Drying sea stars in Hong Gai.

We're still in Vietnam - mid-way down the coast in Hue. For our latest photos you can click here: LINK http://destinationasia.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album46