Who: Bill and Linda Johnson of Boulder, Colorado
Where: Halong Bay, Vietnam
Out and about: This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site in northern
Vietnam contains 3000 limestone and dolomite islets, which rise out of the waters in a 1500 square kilometer area. The legends say that a dragon’s tail lashed mountains into these small islets to stop an advancing enemy, so the name, Halong Bay, means “Bay
of the Descending Dragon”. Sailing on the calm waters on junks around these rugged peaks is truly a memorable experience.
Travel tip: You can rent a junk for ½ day, full day or several
days. A full day with lunch costs about $12.00 but come hungry as they serve huge meals from the tiny galley on board. Our boat stopped at a local fisherman’s floating home to pick up the fresh fish for lunch. Be sure to stop at one of the island grottos and caves that have recently been discovered or stop at a sheltered cove for swimming. This is a
place to relax and enjoy some truly unique and beautiful scenery.
