The road from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

There was a brief idyllic moment on the drive from to Hanoi to Ha Long ...

all four hours of it, when I thought how lovely....

we are out of the 'toot toot' of the city onto greener country pastures. 

As I said, it lasted about a moment...ok maybe five. 

From that point onwards it was fast and furious...playing 'dodgem' to oncoming traffic. 

The 'toot toot' of motor scooters which by that point was music to my ears 

was replaced by the continuous honking of trucks and public buses on the move...

and yes, the silver car below...was going for it..they really thought they could pass that bus. 

The miracle of miracles..they all just managed to get by. 

I on the other hand, had completely worn the leather seat beneath me, 

gripping on for dear life. I did not let go...on the ride up to Ha Long 

or the ride coming back to Hanoi...in the dark. 

You do not want to hear about that ride...trust me. :)

Would I advise you doing the same?

Yes..but take a tranquiliser first, preferably a large one.

Was it worth it? 

Without question.

Ha Long Bay (or Halong) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 

 featuring thousands of limestone rock formations. 

Many are covered in lush tropical plants and contain enormous hollow grotto's.

Fishing villages consisting of floating houses are dotted throughout the islands.

It is a way of life, like no other I have seen.

That's Vietnam...one never ceases to be amazed.

With the sun moving in and out of the clouds..all the way to sunset.

Inspiring... 

images~jeanne henriques