Day 1

What can I say about Ha Long Bay?  I am not sure.  It is amazing, and up for a place in the natural 7 wonders of the world.  As you set off on the boat, you don't think too much of it.  You can see some peaks, but only after you have made your way out a bit further do you become lost in the labyrinth of jagged limestone peaks and emerald green water.  The tour that was done was ok.  We saw the main cave that was just unloading tourists by the boatload, literally and figuratively.  It was pretty, but felt unreal - roping, lighting, signs - kind of eliminated the cave feel. 

Later on you have the opportunity to rent a kayak for 80,000 vnd.  Its okay, you get eaten alive, but you can see some cool things and are right on the water.  You can go to a lagoon which again loses some of its zeal because everyone is going to this lagoon.  The highlight of the kayaking is when I got a lady to cut they price of her waters in half as we paddled up to her on the kayak.