Highlights of Vietnam Part 3

14 May Highlights of Vietnam Part 3

Posted at 10:32h in Alistairstravel by
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DAY 6, Thursday 2nd April 2026 Hanoi

Early that day we flew from Da Nang to Hanoi, a flight that was included in our tour package.

Map of Vietnam highlighting major cities including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, along with routes for cruises, land travel, and flights.
Trip’a’Deal map for ‘Highlights of Vietnam’

Shortly after arriving at our hotel in Hanoi, Legend Westlake (around 11am) we had lunch at a restaurant across the road, then took a much needed nap, ready for a walking tour of the surrounding area. While Maggie and I did this, the rest of the tour group went to the old section of Hanoi (Markets and Train Street etc.).

Hanoi has a population of approximately 5,764,980. We saw only a very small part of the city, through bus and hotel windows, plus our walking tour.

The Hanoi Walking Tour

A scenic view of a pathway lined with palm trees, leading towards a brightly colored traditional building with intricate architectural details, where visitors are strolling near a body of water.
Entry to Tran Quoc Pagoda (our guide for walking tour was Lee, in white shirt)

A tall, ornate pagoda with multiple tiers and small Buddha statues, set against a cloudy sky, framed by a decorative gate featuring traditional patterns and a lantern.
Tran Quoc Pagoda

A worship area featuring a prominent statue surrounded by smaller figures, decorated with offerings and traditional items, viewed by individuals in the foreground.

Two individuals pray in front of a large incense burner in a temple courtyard, surrounded by ornamental plants and a traditional roof.

View of a city skyline along a lake, featuring a mix of modern and traditional buildings, with boats on the water and green islands visible in the foreground.
View across West Lake
A bustling street scene featuring ornate white gates, pedestrians walking on a paved sidewalk, and vehicles passing by on a busy road lined with greenery.
Entrance to Quan Thanh Temple

A large, intricately carved statue of a historical figure sitting in a traditional pose, surrounded by colorful flowers and offerings, with red curtains and ornate decorations in the background.

Aerial view of a foggy urban landscape featuring a lake, illuminated buildings, and a winding road lined with trees.
View from a hotel window 5.36am on Day 7

Aerial view of a busy intersection filled with motorcycles and cars, with a crowd of commuters navigating the streets.
View of busy road from our hotel window 7.42am Day 7

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Day 7, Friday 3rd April 2026 Ha Long Bay


Board Bus 9am at Hotel – rest stop around 11.30am and arrival at Ha Long Bay around 12 noon – our guide for this tour was Sui

A man and a girl sitting at a table in a café, with the girl holding a red fan. The café has a modern interior with artwork on the walls and other patrons in the background.
Kennedy and Kimberley at rest/coffee stop

Smiling older woman standing by the water, with boats in the background.
Maggie, while waiting to board our Junk

A small wooden boat with a blue canopy and a Vietnamese flag is navigating through water, with larger boats visible in the background.
At the top centre of photo is our Junk, Vacation Indochina Travel, with tender attached at rear and flower pots on top deck

A cozy hotel room featuring two single beds with decorative red and gold bed runners, a bedside lamp, and wooden paneling. Personal items such as a water bottle, clothing, and a hat are scattered on the beds.
Our ‘Stateroom’ on the junk

Have I mentioned this; mattresses in Vietnam are only available in one level of comfort, HARD?

A small bathroom with wooden walls, featuring a round white sink on a black countertop, personal care products, a towel, and a toilet visible in the image.
Our bathroom

A large white boat with a flag sailing near rocky islands on a calm waterway under a cloudy sky.
Heading to the anchorage with other tour groups on similar junks

A girl in a red sports jersey and denim shorts sits next to a man wearing sunglasses and a colorful scarf, both smiling on a boat surrounded by flowers and chairs.
Kimberley and Steward awaiting lunch before the activities commenced

Swimming

A crowded beach scene with people in swimwear enjoying the water, surrounded by boats and mountainous islands in the background under a cloudy sky.
The Ha Long Bay Beach

Ride a Sampan into Luon Cave or Paddle a Kayak?

Maggie and I, plus Kristy, Steward and Kevin took the sampan, while Kennedy and Kimberley opted for a tandem kayak.

A man paddles a small boat on calm water near a floating dock, surrounded by lush green cliffs.
We boarded a Sampan like this one

Scenic view of a tranquil bay surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with two boats carrying passengers gliding over the calm green waters.
On our way to Luon Cave

Luon Cave is an arch shaped tunnel under Bo Hon Island, which serves as an entrance to an otherwise enclosed lake.

Tourists kayaking through a rocky cave in clear waters, with onlookers taking photos in the foreground.
Entering Luon Cave, Kennedy and Kimberley paddling a blue kayak (left side of photo)

Tourists wearing orange life jackets taking photos while boating in a scenic lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
The enclosed lake

A monkey sitting on a tree branch with a rocky cliff background, surrounded by foliage.
Golden Monkey (Macaca Mulatta)

Scenic view of rocky cliffs with lush vegetation, rising above calm green water.
Water erosion undermining the mountain walls

A man wearing an orange life vest stands on a small boat, holding a pole and looking out over the water. The background features lush green mountains and a cloudy sky.
Our Sampan Operator

After the activities of the day, all boats and passengers began to settle down for the night. Nah! It was just the calm before the loud Karaoke systems cranked up.

Two illuminated cruise boats docked in calm waters surrounded by mountainous landscapes in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, during twilight.

Immediately after dinner the karaoke singers on our junk revealed themselves. Kennedy showed his singing prowess, along with several of the ladies. The music kept rolling out until well after Maggie and I went to bed. The repertoire was full of songs we both enjoyed, despite the fact that they kept awake until curfew. What time was that???

A scenic night view of a harbor with illuminated boats and flowers in the foreground, reflecting on calm water.

Silhouetted mountain peak with a bright orange sun rising above it, creating a dramatic atmospheric effect.

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Day 8. Saturday 4th April 2026 Ha Long Bay

A tranquil harbor scene at sunset with boats anchored in calm waters and limestone mountains in the background.
7:08am Saturday 4th April

After breakfast we set off in our tender towards the limestone caves.

Scenic view of limestone cliffs and a boat in a tranquil bay with green waters under a cloudy sky.
Entrance to the caves in the side of the mountain to the right

A rocky cliff with a large cave opening, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. A pathway leading up to the cave entrance is visible, with people walking along it.
Closer view of the entrance to the three caves

A picturesque view of a tranquil harbor surrounded by steep, lush mountains, featuring several boats docked along a curved pier.
After climbing the stairs to reach the first cave’s entrance, we had this view of where our tender brought us ashore

The Limestones Caves

A group of people exploring a cave with unique rock formations and stalactites, illuminated by lights.

Visitors exploring a large cave with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, surrounded by rocky formations and a scenic pathway.

Close-up view of a cave wall featuring stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing various textures and colors of natural mineral formations.

Interior of a colorful cave with natural rock formations and visitors exploring along a lit pathway.

A large, intricate stalagmite in a cave, featuring detailed textures and formations, illuminated by subtle lighting.

Scenic view of a harbor surrounded by limestone cliffs, with boats docked and a small boat leaving a wake in the turquoise water.
View from 3rd cave’s exit platform

After lunch on the junk, we headed back to the Ha Long Bay Marina to board the coach for the return trip to Hanoi.

A view of a calm sea with a boat sailing in the distance, framed by colorful bougainvillea flowers in the foreground. The scene is set under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and misty atmosphere.

Lush green cliffs and rocks beside calm turquoise waters, showcasing a scenic coastal landscape.

A scenic view of a calm body of water with rocky islands on either side. A white cruise ship is anchored near the left island, which has a steep, green-covered peak. The sky is overcast, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

We had a wonderful time at Ha Long Bay, but we were happy to arrive back at the Legend Westlake Hotel, Hanoi for a rest.

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Day 9 and 10. Fly Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur, change aircraft and fly overnight to Sydney, Australia

(Others in our tour group (12) stayed in Vietnam for an extra 5 day tour.)

Thank you for accompanying us on our Highlights of Vietnam. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and we hope you enjoyed this coverage of the tour.

Until next time, Stay safe and well.

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6 Comments
  • Gregory J Flint
    Posted at 19:11h, 14 May Reply

    As usual, great photos and story! Thanks, Alistair.

    • Alistair Dewar Photography
      Posted at 14:47h, 15 May Reply

      Thank you Greg

  • Rob
    Posted at 21:21h, 14 May Reply

    Another great collection.

    • Alistair Dewar Photography
      Posted at 14:47h, 15 May Reply

      Thanks Rob

  • Heidi Pauly
    Posted at 20:12h, 26 May Reply

    Lovely photos Alistair😍

    • Alistair Dewar Photography
      Posted at 11:27h, 27 May Reply

      Thank you Heidi

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