We’re supposed to be picked up by bus, but instead we have to walk about a kilometre to wait for the bus elsewhere. On board, we make our way uneventfully east towards the coast, and  Halong Bay.
After much waiting around at the boat terminal, we get split into different groups and board our junks. On board are two Danes, Ceceilie and Louise; two Malaysians, Lynette and Li Sa; an Australian, Kym; two American’s, Steven and Benson; and Henri, Cedric and William from Montreal.Â
Our first stop is a huge cave – easily the nicest, and biggest, I’ve seen so far. There are actually two caves, but only Kym and I investigate the second. I meet two Vietnamese girls in the cave, who come as often as they can. This is their third visit.
Back on the junk, after our tasty seafood lunch, we’re supposed to do some kayaking. Our guide tells us we only have half an hour to kayak, so the majority of us don’t bother. Only the Malaysians and Americans give it a go. I was kayaking only a week ago, so I’m not too fussed.Â
We chat after dinner, anchored not far from where we were kayaking. Women on boats approach the junk, trying to sell us food and drink. Ours is the only boat that spins in circles (albeit slowly) throughout the night.Â
Henri and I are to share a room, but it’s near the engine, and is far too loud, and smells too terrible. We’re afraid the fumes will kill us, so Henri sleeps on deck, and I sleep in the dining area where we feel we’re more like to wake up alive.
