Halong Bay, Vietnam

 In case you missed my professed love affair with Vietnam, 

you can see our pictures from Hoi An {here} and {here}

(as a side-note, last week's Bachelor episode with Juan Pablo was filmed in Hoi An!) 

Halong Bay was an absolute mystery and an absolute delight. 

It is one of the natural wonders of the world, and it's not hard to see why. 

Kevin and I booked at 3 day, 2 night cruise on a junk boat in Halong Bay. 

oh.my.gee. 

It was breathtaking, almost unbelievable that anywhere could be so utterly beautiful. 

The first day we arrived, we cruised out into the bay and went kayaking. 

It was so much fun to meet the other guests on the boat, as it is such an international mix! 

We made friends from Australia, France, South Africa, Ireland, Israel, England, Korea and Portugal. 

The food was fabulous, and they even catered to me being gluten/dairy free! I was impressed:) 

Everything is so fresh and delicious. 

The second day was one for the record books, as it was probably one of the best days of my life. 

A second boat came and picked up a few of us (the 3 day people!)

and headed another 2 hours into the bay where there were literally no boats in sight! 

The boat anchored, and we had hours to swim, kayak, lay out on the deck, 

read and eat more delicious and fresh food! 

Friends, it was heaven. 

We swam in the clear waters, kayaked to private beaches,

 and literally laughed and pinched ourselves at what we were experiencing. 

We did not take it for granted! 

We also had the most glorious sun, which can be a rare treat in Halong Bay. 

Do not go to Vietnam without going to Halong Bay! 

A few tips if you are going: 

- book your boat in Hanoi, as the prices are cheaper! 

- We'd completely recommend doing a 3-day cruise if you can! The 2nd (all day) part was our favorite! 

- We chose the Halong Dragon Cruise (which was a bit on the middle/lower end, at $175pp). If you are looking for a really great one, our friends recommended the Margueritte Junk Boat, which was a little pricier at around $240pp or so! 

- Bring a waterproof bag to put your camera in when you go kayaking, and for general weather on the boat! 

- Definitely bring your swimsuit!!! 

Enjoy the pictures…sorry there are so many, hehe!! 

Happy Monday,

love Katie 

 {our dear friends we met….from France, and Australia!} 

 {the floating village in Halong Bay}

 {the pearl farm below…fascinating!}