Nature’s work of art

When in Greece, eat as the Greeks do A bird watcher’s paradise

Nature’s work of art

If there was a dream sequence with a sparkling bay dotted with wind-sculpted knolls, weather-beaten and hollowed out into mysterious grottoes, fluttering sails of junk-boats and a brilliant sunset, it would have to be set in the Ha Long Bay.

Alternatively, imagine a thriller set among the rising hills with secret caverns and you would be right again. Your thoughts would match those of Guy Hamilton, the director of James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, since he shot part of the film at Ha Long.

This magical landscape led to its entry into the list of World Heritage Sites. The words Ha Long mean ‘where the dragon descended into the sea’. According to local legend, Ha Long was created by a huge dragon to protect the local population from invasion.

There are about 2,000 tiny islands, which extend all the way from the Gulf of Tonkin. These islands are ringed by limestone hills and tiny strips of sand. According to some geologists the formations of limestone hills could date back to the Palaeozoic Era. The hills eroded by wind, tides and rain over millions of years created the interesting landscape that amazes tourists.

shutterstock_135270224

mere three-and-a-half-hour scenic drive away from Hanoi, Ha Long sees an influx of tourists during the high season. Ha Long is the bay’s main gateway, where the buses drop impatient tourists. Innumerable junk boats have been fashioned into a tourist-boat fleet to cater to the ever-growing demand. The road to the jetty is lined with many luxurious resorts and hotels. Ferried by the boats up to the well-furnished junk boats, tourists find themselves awed by the limestone monoliths soaring up from the emerald waters. Eagles lunge towards the unsuspecting fish. Seconds later they emerge victorious, the catch struggling vainly in their beaks.

Sleeping on the well-furnished junk boats is quite an experience. A two-day package comes with cooking and Tai Chi classes, sightseeing sprees and sumptuous meals. There are diving and kayaking opportunities, along with rock-climbing and fishing.

The view of the setting sun from the deck is magical and one can spend hours gazing at the scene unfolding before the eyes. The azure waters of the bay take a golden hue reflecting the streaks of a dying sun and the junk boats turn into shadows as the sun bids goodbye and sinks behind the hills. It is a humbling experience as one watches the magnificent unrolling of nature’s beauties in a serene setting that defies description.

A post-dinner loll on a deck-recliner is equally unforgettable. A sky lit up with stars, the faraway twinkling lights of other junk boats and the silhouette of the hills have the makings of a brilliant painting. Tiny boats, laden with snacks, drinks and other offerings glide by, providing a photo opportunity to the shutterbugs.

The dawn is equally priceless as the sky gradually brightens and the mist rises exposing the shrouded hills. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that those moments make the trip worth the effort.

shutterstock_94992478

Those wishing to explore the many caves around the bay are rewarded by the stunning structures created by the stalactite and stalagmite formations over the centuries. The Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Surprise Cave, is the largest one in Ha Long Bay. After an arduous climb, visitors are rewarded by the spell-binding formations that have been created by nature. The platform outside the cavernous cave, provides a breathtaking view of the picturesque bay. For those who want to avoid the climb, there is the Dong Thien Cung, which is equally rewarding.

The tiny strip of beach is overcrowded with sunbathers and swimmers but watching the majestic mountains as waves crash against them is a sight to behold. Kayaking in the lagoons is quite popular with those who want to exercise their arms while those with sturdy legs often venture out to conquer the nearby hill summit. For others, who are looking forward to communing with nature and opt for a quieter experience, there is the deck on the boat.

The nearby Cat Ba Island has a national park that makes it worth a visit. There are adventure sports like trekking, rock-climbing and sailing. There is also the Bai Tu Long Bay, which is just a short boat trip away and promises a much private experience since not many tourists venture there. Although the scenery is not as stunning as at Ha Long, the number of junk boats in the area is much less and the bay offers the same opportunities of visiting the caves, kayaking and swimming.

shutterstock_129338063

Getting there

There are buses that run between Hanoi and Ha Long. Most travel agencies at Hanoi offer packages for Ha Long Bay. The hotels may also have dedicated travel desks that make the arrangements.

Booking a cheaper cruise may sometimes lead to an unhappy experience as there are several unscrupulous boat companies in the area. Some of the reputed cruise companies are Paradise Cruise, Halong Party Cruises and Au Co Cruises.

Stay

If you want to stay for a longer time at Ha Long city, you could look at the various options that are offered in various price segments. Novotel Ha Long, Royal Lotus Hotel, are situated within walking distance from the pier. Comfortable and affordable, they offer a beautiful option of staying with a striking distance from the bay.

The right time

The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is March to mid-June. The weather is foggy and visibility is low from January to March. Tropical typhoons that normally take place between mid-June and September can lead to cancellation of tours. So check before you make the bookings. It is sensible to book with tour companies that offer full or partial refunds in case of cancellation owing to bad weather. September to December is ideal for those looking for off-season prices.

(Published in The Week, December 13, 2015)