The following morning, we transferred to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise and exploration of the bay. We enjoyed an afternoon kayak where the kids got to take out their own Kayak. We stuck close together, not wanting anyone to get lost, and explored a few bays. Following the kayak, the kids went swimming in the south China Sea, it was “chilly but worth it”. Afterwards in a lukewarm hot tub on the cruises deck we had a very interesting conversation with an American couple from Texas. Discussing farming (he was a Pecan Farmer), health care, social welfare systems, and politics. Despite having different views, it was a good conversation and educational for our kids who tend to be over exposed to their parents worries about the world’s current political state, the conversation was less polarizing than would be expected. Dinner was an amazing six course menu featuring different seafood and Vietnamese specialties. After dinner there was the cultural favourite of karaoke which we heard from the back deck of the boat where the kids were trying their hand at squid fishing. They felt it was a bit of a gimmick, until a German fisherman caught two squid and more appeared in the water. No one else caught any squid but the kids enjoyed meeting a trio of Australian women “who were hilarious to talk to”. The following morning, we got up early to explore Tra Bau, allowing us to see more caves in Halong Bay. Our boat had a very animated, humorous, and disinhibited boat driver. He enjoyed bumping into the other boats like he was playing bumper cars. When we arrived in a more private bay, he proudly showed us what contribute to his animated disposition!
