M and I took a short break to Cat Ba Island last month. The trip was organised by a local travel agent as a "thank you" trip for its clients. Apparently, it is a fairly common practice in Vietnam. :) The turnout was quite huge and there were 3 bus-full loads of passengers.
To get to Cat Ba, we had to take a 3 hours bus ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong. From there, we took a hydrofoil (about 45 mins' ride) to Cat Ba. Throughout the rides, the travel agent staff was constantly making jokes and playing games to create a lively atmosphere. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, I had fun watching them.
To get to Cat Ba, we had to take a 3 hours bus ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong. From there, we took a hydrofoil (about 45 mins' ride) to Cat Ba. Throughout the rides, the travel agent staff was constantly making jokes and playing games to create a lively atmosphere. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, I had fun watching them.
A street scene from Hai Phong
Presenting the hydrofoil!
Inside the hydrofoil
When we arrived at Cat Ba at 1pm, we were given a short tour around the island, followed by lunch. Cat Ba is famous for its nature reserve park which is huge and well preserved. I had wanted to go there initially but Cu shared that it was too far and I would not have enough time to complete my walk. Sigh. That was a real disappointment for me.
The resort where we stayed in was very nice by the local standard. It had a pretty seaview where we could see huge limestone rocks emerging, coupled with two small beaches. Along the side of the beach, there were small hills where one could take a slow stroll up to enjoy the scenery. I thought the beaches didn't look enticing but there were lots of locals frolicking in the waters.
The resort where we stayed in was very nice by the local standard. It had a pretty seaview where we could see huge limestone rocks emerging, coupled with two small beaches. Along the side of the beach, there were small hills where one could take a slow stroll up to enjoy the scenery. I thought the beaches didn't look enticing but there were lots of locals frolicking in the waters.
The limestone rocks out of the sea
The resort where we stayed
Nice swimming pool and facilities
One of the two man-made beaches in front of the resort
The other beach, taken during our short hill expedition
At night, we were treated to a sit-down dinner as well as a really entertaining performance by the organisers. Kudos to them! I couldn't stop laughing throughout the night as one of the male staff gave a near perfect impersonation as a female star! There was also a fashion parade where the staff swayed down wearing quirky costumes representating famous street names in Hanoi.
The male star is the fourth "lady" from the left in green and white
The next morning, there were some beach activities organised where participants could have fun and win small prizes. M and I opted out of the games as we did not understand what they were saying at all. Instead, we took a break and played pool, chess and surfed the internet. By 1pm, we were required to check out of the resort and make our way back. It was really quite an interesting experience for me.
We reached Hanoi at close to 6pm in the evening and decided to head off to Al Fresco's for dinner. Will share more on the food there in my next entry as this is to remain purely a "trip" report. :)
We reached Hanoi at close to 6pm in the evening and decided to head off to Al Fresco's for dinner. Will share more on the food there in my next entry as this is to remain purely a "trip" report. :)
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