Vietnam / by Sherri McEwen

Bai Tu Long Bay 

After trekking, time to relax on a cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay -- further east and more remote than the touristy Halong Bay.  

Three days sailing in emerald waters amongst the rugged outcrops of limestone rock called 'karsts'.

According to legend, an immense dragon descended to Hạ Long Bay (meaning ‘’Descending Dragon’’) millions years ago, dropping numerous eggs. The eggs hatched forming thousands of rocks and islands. The tail of the dragon extended far out to sea, forming Bạch Long Vĩ island (meaning "The Tail of the White Dragon"). As she returned to heaven, she said good bye to her offspring at the Bái Tử Long Bay (means "The dragon parts the offspring").

Van ride to the boat cruise. 

Van ride to the boat cruise. 

Masthead of the Dragon Legend. 

Masthead of the Dragon Legend. 

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Hot tub on deck.

Hot tub on deck.

View from my room! 

View from my room! 

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Exploring the karsts. 

Exploring the karsts. 

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Just when I thought I was lost ... there's the Dragon Legend! 

Just when I thought I was lost ... there's the Dragon Legend! 

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Squid fishing off the back deck! 

Squid fishing off the back deck! 

Breakfast! 

Breakfast! 

Local fisher. 

Local fisher. 

Hanging out with the Captain while he practices the win win - 2 string banjo like instrument.

Hanging out with the Captain while he practices the win win - 2 string banjo like instrument.

First mate -- waters are shallow (10 meters), no sonar!

First mate -- waters are shallow (10 meters), no sonar!

Floating village. 

Floating village. 

Transportation around the village. 

Transportation around the village. 

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Fish net. 

Fish net. 

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Pearl farm. 

Pearl farm. 

Seeding oysters. 

Seeding oysters. 

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Caves on one of the islands. 

Caves on one of the islands. 

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Last dinner onboard - chef's food art! 

Last dinner onboard - chef's food art! 

Carved carrots! 

Carved carrots! 

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Water puppet theatre. 

Water puppet theatre. 

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