In Ha Long Bay there are thousands of karst islands of which Cat Ba is the largest. To get there we had to take a boat and follow other tourists on other boats
Called in at an island with an extensive cave system which as been illuminated for the benefit of tourists. Overhead flew what we think were sea-eagles, though no one was able to confirm or deny this.
Bird
Cave
Bridge
Among the islands were a number of floating fishing villages. We called in at one that was fish farming.
Boats
Fishing Village
Fish farm
Lunch
We had lunch served on the boat. Not only was it substancial but also varied and tastey
Islands
Motorbikes
The town of Cat Ba is on the oposite side of the island from the boat quay. To get to our hotel we had to take a motor-cycle taxi.
Took a stroll around the harbour. The town was is the process of development, but much more in keeping with the surroundings than Ha Long. A pleasant promenade had been constructed round a quieter section of the harbour.
The heat radiating off of the tarmac was being used to dry small fish.
Drying fish
Fishing Boats
View
Communist youth
As we returned to town we came upon a parade of the local Communist Youth who each gave us a cherry 'hello' as they passed.
That night, in town, there was a pop concert on the sea front. The town was also illuminated
Street at night
Thursday 27 October
View from Hospital
The next day we took a trip, first to a Vietcong hospital built into a cave. The complex was extensive. We were shown around by one of the soldiers who used to work in the hospital.
Inside Hospital
Group on trek
Secondly we trekked through forest to one of the islands high points where we came to a lookout tower with a verto inducing climb.
Squirrel
Forest
View from top
Ferry
To get back to the main land we took a local ferry back to Ha Long
