Cat ba island

We had 3 nights on Cat Ba island off the north east coast of Vietnam. The approach to the island leads you through ha long bay, which is home to a really unique set of limestone rock formations jutting out of the water. Most of these islands are too small to live on but are still covered in trees. Some even have private beaches, which we had the pleasure to explore on a rock climbing trip....

Unsure of how to spend our 3rd day on the island, we sat down over a tasty tuna burger - really tasty - to discuss our options. Coincidentally, an American mother-daughter travelling combo who we'd previously met on the boat to Cat Ba were on the table next to us. They were tall and slim, with an excitement for daily events that seemed almost insincere - like their lives were a sitcom, very animated but very nice people nonetheless. 'Hey guuuuyyyys how's it goin?' (You'll have to ask me to do the accent it's practically half of the story). Asking the usual questions of how we had spent our day, we told them about our motorbike journey through the national park and they told us about their day out climbing. They really loved it and ultimately convinced us to try it. Lighting a cigarette, the mum crossed her legs and looked into the distance... 'You know what happens....?' Taking a puff at this point, 'you're entire...life...becomes about taking that next step...'

Needless to say I spent the rest of the night doing impressions of her! The following day we found that we couldn't quite endorse her view of what happens while climbing but we did have an exhilarating experience. The physical demands, overcoming fears, the beauty of our surroundings.

The organization who took us climbing are called Asia Outdoors. This company makes a refreshing break from the swath of rubbish deceptive tour companies Vietnam usually offers. It was kinda surreal being with the Asia Outdoors crew. They're all young, good looking, physically fit boys and girls who love the outdoors. They're from all over the world, they have a hang out called 'The Good Bar' which is where you'll find them on a night. There's one guy who works for them who just annoys them all the time and has a REALLY squeaky voice, but everyone loves him deep down. Basically they're like the power rangers in their off duty state... I was kinda half expecting to hear someone howl 'cut!' and then a camera crew appear out of nowhere...

That night we journeyed out to the beach hoping to find it empty, and we did! Lovely still weather with just enough breeze to keep us cool, the sound of the relentless waves greeting the shore, the sight of a solitary island centered in the sea - an apt focal point. All our senses were given relaxing stimuli and we were well content until tiredness took over. The following day we caught a bus full of Irish and a couple of Welsh people back to mainland. It was so endearing hearing those local accents (big shout out to Aoife!) and we chatted about Father Ted and pies n gravy all the way back to Hanoi!

Above: sunset on halong bay

Below: the motorcycle diaries

Below below: Mandeep getting her climb on