Diary of an Internet Addict

The last full day we had in Vietnam, also day two of the cruise, started at 5.30am with the sunrise.

We crept, no, dragged ourselves out of the bed onto the sun deck to watch the semi-lit sky that was still clouded over, hiding the sunrise. Still, about 30 or 40 minutes later, the sun finally rose sufficiently high enough to somewhat peek over one limestone peak.

Breakfast began in another half hour, at around 6.30am, and the activities for the second day: At 7.15am was cave exploration for about 45 min. For guests on a 2-night cruise, a different activity was prepared.

We had to check out at 9.30am first. Once we returned our room card, we lounged on the deck again until the cooking activity (learning how to prepare Vietnamese spring roll) which was around 10.30am, and brunch immediately afterwards. Then we had the settling of bills for items we ordered outside of the included meals (we ordered four drinks each throughout the two-day trip around US$50) and then more lounging as the ship made back to the edge of Halong Bay.

From there, the bumboat sent us back to the port, where a bus was waiting to transfer us back to Hanoi.

This time around, we checked into Golden Sun Palace Hotel, in the heart of Hoan Kiem. Another boutique hotel with a recess with lanterns at the toilet. At least, this had the window covered, so we didn’t feel too anxious.

Our room was the only room at the highest level of the hotel (level 6). It was fairly big family suite, with enough room to settle up to 5 persons – if one person was willing to sleep on the sofa. (Personally, I’d recommend the rate of 2 pax:toilet though… :D)

When we checked in, the room was nice and cool for us – it was a heavenly respite from the burning weather outside (34°C, feels like 41°C).

The good news was that it was in the middle of the Hoan Kiem district, so everywhere was pretty much a 10-15min drive.

We had to go to the train street of course, which was really crowded.

Afterwards back to where the souvenir shops were clustered. If you intend to get the traditional Vietnamese clothes, do walk around for a few shops. The suits go for 450K – 650K. I got a Vietnamese silk suit for 550K.

I had tried the egg coffee back in Sa Pa, but I wasn’t sure if it was the golden standard or not, so I tried again egg coffee at Cafe Giang, which someone recommended. Thoughts – it was the creamier than the one at Sa Pa (Sa Pa also had some chocolate on it, and the chocolate had some fruity taste to it for some odd reason).

Friday had the Hoan Kiem night market, which runs thru Sundays, definitely worth going to, especially if you’re looking for some bargains.

Tip: Walk around to check out various prices before buying. Don’t give in to pressure.