After almost a week in Vietnam's largest city's I was done, get me outta here. Where better than the Island of Cat Ba in Halong Bay to chill out for a few days. With over 3,000 Islands in the bay (more like rock formations) Cat Ba is the only inhabited one.
Only little challenge was getting there, arrangement was easy but the journey itself was a little drawn out. In summary - Back of a scooter - bus - another bus (including sleeper bus for 2o mins above) - boat - bus and then a short car ride to the hotel. On arrival we checked in the beautiful sun rise resort. I am going nowhere now for 3 days. Below is the view from our room.
Local legend says that long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long Bay (hence the name "Bay of Descending Dragons") and began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form barriers against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam.
A modern legend claims that a creature named the tarasque still lives in the bay. With the head of a Lion, six bear like legs, an ox like body covered with a turtle shell and a scaly tale that ends with a scorpions sting. I for one will be giving it a wide berth.
Highlights: Ahhh air conditioned room, mini bar, pool
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