I have a new filming destination to suggest to the crew at Lord of the Rings... Ditch New Zeland and go for Halong Bay. They could probably use the money more in Vietnam and the scenery is spectacular.
We only had time to speed around the bay for a day (anyone planning on going try and factor in a 2 day, 1 night trip, it sounds like better value for money) but we still managed to see all the main sites and even crack out a bit of kayaking, the best way to get up close to the fishing villages.
We had a bit of a flash packer experience as we ended up on a very posh boat (the deluxe) and certainly managed to wangle a VERY nice lunch complete with token Desperate Housewives to make us in our travelly gear feel pretty disgusting as they spoke of their swankey expat homes in Singapore with their manicured nails and pearl necklaces.
We also went and saw the caves in the bay which were spectacular. I've been caving before, but these were like nothing I've ever seen.
1) because they're enormous
2) because of the droves of tourists, literally swarming like ants through them.
The authenticity was spoiled a little bit because of that and because of the disco lights that were everywhere. They made it look cool but it was less au naturale and more Ibiza chic.
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