November 24th
A solid breakfast and around 08:30 we started cruising under overcast skies to Cong Dam…
….on arrival, we were transferred via tender to the island where we walked up a small hill which provided some great views…
…..then visited a cave…..
….and kayaked through the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam…..no spills today > the kayaks were more stable and we had great fun “racing” our Lithuanian friends. Then back to the Dragon Pearl as we set sail for Hon Co Island passing through some beautiful scenery…btw I cannot take credit for the aerial shots as they are courtesy of one of the guests who had a drone !!!
The game plan is for some swimming or relaxing and then a BBQ lunch on the beach…
...another great meal as we enjoy bbq’d prawns, chicken, fish, several veggies and salads all chased down with ice-cold beers or cocktails…
Reluctantly we need to head back to the junk as we have some ground to cover before reaching our anchorage for the night….
Not so hard as we can sit on the deck enjoying cocktails and the passing vistas which are great as the sun slowly sets…
19:00 is dinner time and the chef and crew have done a great job again. Given their limited galley space…
……….the staff try really hard and put on a super show, lovely dinner under the stars …
The chef then brought out three food carvings …pretty impressive artwork !!
After dinner more drinks keep the conversations going strong until it is time to give up the ghost and call it a night.
November 25th
Today looks to be beautiful as we set sail homeward bound after a “light” breakfast on deck…
En route, we visited Vung Vieng fishing village. It was first established in the 19th Century as a mooring for the local fisherman, and a place where they could exchange goods and currently some 300 people reside there. The government tried to move the people to the mainland but they resisted as they did not want to leave the sea where they are experts, whereas on land they would be, ” babes in the woods”. The bulk of their earnings still come from the fishing industry although supplemented by the growing tourism industry. After another transfer from the junk we were rowed by the local ladies passing through the village, fish farms etc.
…..finally visiting a pearl farm (developed by Japanese interests) which is intended to diversify their income stream ….no Annie did not buy any pearl paraphernalia….
Time to sort out our gear and check out of the cabin, settle the bar bill and enjoy the cruise as we head to the harbour. There is one last lunch before disembarking at Hon Gai Harbor…
By 13.30 we are on our way to Hanoi (luckily no second puppet show) and checked in at the Hanoi Antique Hotel by 17:00 > as frequent guests we are upgraded to a larger room…
Long day, early dinner, then repack our gear and bedtime as tomorrow is another transfer day.
Great pics and narrative. Enjoy
Thanks so far so good…