"We may lose and we may win, though we will never be here again" - The Eagles

While in Hanoi, we also spent a few days visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay! I know I have said this a few times already, but it might have been the most beautiful place I have been in my life. Ha Long Bay covers an area around 1,553 km2, including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone.

We spent our first night in Halong Bay on a cruise ship floating through the limestone islands and soaking up the sun and the views.

 Beautiful view of Ha Long Bay from our cruise boat*

On our first night we took out some kayaks to watch the sun set over the limestone islands. It was breathtakingly beautiful and completely surreal. The water was so calm and easy to glide through.. much easier then kayaking through the rapids in Vang Vieng!

Our kayaks parked outside Hang Đầu Gỗ cave just before sunset*

Staying true to form, we also did some splunking. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Hạ Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. It has three large chambers which have tons of stalactites and stalagmites. 

 Splunking in Hang Đầu Gỗ cave in Ha Long Bay*

There are two bigger islands, Tuần Châu and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the smaller islands. On our second night in Ha Long Bay, we stayed on a much smaller private island. It was just about 30 people sleeping in huts on the beach with a bar, tiny kitchen, and a speed boat for tubing.

The private island we stayed at in Ha Long Bay*

Goodmorning Vietnam!!!!

I have spent the last little bit in Vietnam and I love love love it!!!! I had heard some horror stories about being ripped off and taken advantage of but so far these have all just been stories of past travellers... no personal experiences.. yes! 

My first stop in Vietnam was the capital, Hanoi. Under French rule, the French colonial architecture style became dominant and remains in Hanoi today with the tree-lined boulevards and its many villas and mansions, Grand Opera House, Saint Joseph Cathedral, and the historic Hotel Metropole.

Me and my Cambodian room mates were reunited which was AMAZING!!! It was so great to see them after being apart for 3 weeks. Its amazing how close you become to people you are travelling with. 

Cathy, Lauren, me and Kim in Hanoi* 

Hoan Kiem Lake (meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword") is located in the historical center of Hanoi. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. According to the legend, emperor Lê Lợi gave a magic sword called "Heaven's Will" which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake. There is a Turtle Tower (Thap Rùa) standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend. Along the side of Hoan Kiem Lake, there is a huge globe with an abnormally large Vietnam on it.

Globe along Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi*

Hanoi was selected as one of the top 10 cities for food in the world and Vietnam's national dish Phở has been named one of the top 5 streetfoods in the world. I agree with both of these!!!

View of the streets of Hanoi along the  Hoan Kiem Lake*

While in Hanoi, we also made a little visit to snake village. We got to play with some smaller-ish snakes, watch a cobra and Vietnamese man battle it out a bit, and then of course try some snake. It was delicious! We ate the meat, skin, bile, and a bit of the blood. Some people even tried the heart but Im not that brave. When in Vietnam, act as the Vietnamese do!

Kim with her little snake friend in snake village, Hanoi*

"But Baby it's cold outside..."

It's not cold like it is in Toronto, but it is veryyyy chilly up in Luang Prabang and I dont know how I feel about it. The days never really get hot and there is a cool breeze and at night time the days

Yesterday we went to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside that lead to the main drop with a 50m cascade.  

The main drop of Kuang Si Falls*

The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream which you are able to swim in. Because its so cold, we opted not to swim.

Turquoise blue pools of Kuang Si Falls* 

We also went to the Bear Rescue Centre in Luang Prabang. This place houses endangered Asiatic black bears which have been saved from poachers and traffickers. Also housed here is Phet, an Indo-Chinese tiger that was saved from a similar fate but we didn't get to see her.

Endangered Asiatic black bears*

There is love for Che Guevara even in Laos.
"Justice remains the tool of a few powerful interests; legal interpretations will continue to be made to suit the convenience of the oppressor powers" - Che Guevara

Che Guevara seat cover on somebody's motorbike* 

As always, Cathy and I had no problem finding some nice red wine. We came across this fantastic wine bar that was throwing a private birthday party so it was packed with nice food, interesting people and great music. I am very grateful I have found a friend who enjoy's red wine as much as I do.

The back of the wine menu*