Orhun Karpuz Sit On Top Kayak

Kayak Wall

An Ode to Ha Long Bay

Our three days and two nights on a the wooden junk named Valentine, of Indochina Sails may just be our most memorable trip together since I was 10 years old and accompanied my mother to visit the sea for the first time. Now I was a 20-something girl, old enough to stretch by my mother’s side on two deck chairs and enjoy the darkness surrounding the numerous white limestone towers, not to mention the melodious ballads flying up from the wooden deck into the sky. It was our first night on board, a moment so tranquil that it made a western couple stand up and waltz. At the time, our junk was still moving slowly ahead, passing through the cool sea-breeze and many gigantic limestone towers, which impressed us with their bizarre shapes in the darkness.

This wasn’t what we were expecting when we joined the newly- designed cruise.

We were excited the moment we took a tender to step onto the gigantic wooden junk, which resembled an ancient French-style palace floating on the sea. Passing through the glittering dining room, with its windows facing the sea, we reached our cabin. My mother and I immediately saw beyond the wooden doors: two parallel white sheeted beds, a jar of white Madonna lilies, two large windows covering almost half of the brown wooden wall, and a splendid view of the sea outside.

Our first day was spent relaxing on the deck and in our cabin, although there were various activities tourists could enjoy partaking in on land, such as visiting Bat Cave, Cua Van fishing village or Soi Sim Beach. Most of us were not interested in stepping off the junk, since it served as an idyllic day-trippers’ paradise. Lying on the beds at night, we could see both the high limestone towers and bright stars glittering in the dark sky.

We went to bed early that night. Perhaps it was the effect of consuming a few glasses of good red wine on deck, or the cool breeze coming in from the large window mixed in with the intoxicating air from the cream lilies, that served as soothing lullabies.

The second day began filled with energy as we woke up early to participate in a tai chi session on the sun deck. We then transferred to the day-trip boat and cruised to the bay’s most untouched areas. A buffet-style breakfast was served on the boat, which was not only impressive in its various delicious Western dishes, but also served very good Vietnamese pho (noodle soup).

By the time we completed our breakfast we had reached Ngoc Vung Island. It was sunny and none of us could refuse to take a light bicycle trip through untouched forests to enjoy the natural scenery here. After half an hour, we found ourselves in front of the endless white sand-beach with not a single human shadow in sight. From afar, the sea could appeared as an emerald. I changed into a bathing suit while my mother chose to relax under the cool shadows of the pine forest.

The highlight of the trip turned out to be kayaking in the afternoon, when our boat reached Cong Do area. All of us were very eager, although my mother seemed hesitant. She had never squeezed into a kayak before and she didn’t know how to swim.

Our yellow kayaks followed each other, moving in the low surf, with the warm waters of the sea lapping, and the cool breeze wrapping around us. The high rock formations seemed much higher when looked up and could make our way through all the narrow slots between the towers to discover a strange area where big boats couldn’t reach.

Our second day came to a good end with a delicious dinner, a grilled seafood feast, after which we went off to see people catching squids offshore. Passengers who caught squids could be found at our table for a second dinner, laughing away as they shared their funny stories.

The next morning our ship steamed forward to Sung Sot Cave, one of the bay’s most impressive limestone caverns. The entrance required a hike up stone steps to a spot high above the bay. More steps led into receding chambers, past humongous stalactites and stalagmites that resembled giant sandcastles.

Our cruise ended in the afternoon with us waving to the staff as we returned to land.

Many hesitate to vacation in a sailboat, but it is worth trying, for once you go, you will want to go again and again. It is advisable to go in a group, as you can share together all the wonderful moments of sitting standstill in the cool sea-breeze, listening to love ballads, sipping Vallformosa red wine, while the limestone towers all around move softly as the boat keeps drifting ahead.

Ha Long is like a story whose ending I thought I had reached but in reality I discovered that it has many alternative endings that need to be discovered, again and again.

About the Author

Active Travel Asia

# 303, 3rd Floor, Building 30 Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 4 9446230 | Fax: +84 4 9446231

Active Travel Shop
,
Active Travel Vietnam

ACTIVELY EXPLORING HIDDEN LANDS

Passing Kayak Island $59.99 John Bortniak Passing Kayak Island - Wall Decal

Detail of Red Kayak $24.99 David Wall Detail of Red Kayak - Photographic Print

Kayak on Ao Phang Nga $124.99 Austin Bush Kayak on Ao Phang Nga - Wall Mural

Folding Wall Mount Kayak Rack - by Gear Up $54.99 This wall mounted kayak holder is a great way to protect your kayak, keeping it up and out of the way.  Mounting this kayak hanger is simple; just measure your kayak, position and mount the kayak hooks to the wall of your garage, storage shed, or home's exterior.  The wall hanging kayak mount features heavy duty powder coated steel tube construction with foam rubber pads to gently hold and secure a single kayak.  Kayak cradle arms conveniently fold to the side when not in use. Generous 15.5" depth accomodates most kayak designs.  175 lb. Weight capacity.  All mounting hardware included.   Type: Carriers Color: Grey

Kayak Sports Wall Clock by CafePress $15 I'd rather be kayaking. Kayak lovers will adore this gift. Sports Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

Women in Double Sea Kayak in Banksia Bay $124.99 Andrew Peacock Women in Double Sea Kayak in Banksia Bay - Wall Mural

Person's Feet in a Kayak, Lake Tahoe, California, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Person's Feet in a Kayak, Lake Tahoe, California, USA - Wall Decal

Kayak in Tutea's Falls, Okere River, New Zealand $24.99 David Wall Kayak in Tutea's Falls, Okere River, New Zealand - Photographic Print

: BWCA Namekagon 2012 Kayak Wall Calendar by CafePress $21 Featuring scenes from the Boundary Waters BWCA Wilderness and the Namekagon River Kayak Wall Calendar Keeping track of important dates on your calendar is easy when you can view 12 months of inspiring images that reflect your personal interests. Our high-quality calendar is printed on thick 100lb cover weight paper and adds impact to any room.

Kayak in a Lake, Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Kayak in a Lake, Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA - Wall Decal

Man on a Kayak in a River, Orcas Island, Washington State, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Man on a Kayak in a River, Orcas Island, Washington State, USA - Wall Decal

Man on a Kayak in a Lake, Orcas Island, Washington State, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Man on a Kayak in a Lake, Orcas Island, Washington State, USA - Wall Decal

Close-up of a Kayak on a Car Roof at Sunset, San Francisco, California, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Close-up of a Kayak on a Car Roof at Sunset, San Francisco, California, USA - Wall Decal

Red Kayak and Autumn Colours, Lake Benmore, South Island, New Zealand $24.99 David Wall Red Kayak and Autumn Colours, Lake Benmore, South Island, New Zealand - Photographic Print

Sea Kayak and Taiaroa Head Lighthouse, near Dunedin, New Zealand $29.99 David Wall Sea Kayak and Taiaroa Head Lighthouse, near Dunedin, New Zealand - Photographic Print

Gear Up Deluxe Wall Mount Folding Kayak Rack $57.69 The Gear Up Deluxe Folding Kayak Storage Wall Hook Set is a step up from our basic kayak wall storage hook set. The unique design allows you to fold the storage arms against the wall when not in use and weve even included an accesory bar below the main storage hook for storing a paddle or hanging other accessories from it. We utilize the same durable rubber boots that we use on our kayak carts to ensure a soft contact point between the storage hooks and your boat and you can adjust the boots as needed to fit your specific boat. 200 lb weight capacity. Each Hook is approximately 17 x 15 x 2. 5lbs weight. Type: Carriers & Racks Color: Black

Kayak Sports Framed Tile by CafePress $15 Framed Tile for those of you living on a lake or river, for home or cabin. To remind you of boating on peaceful waters, here's a product for you. Kayak batik art by Sue Duda. See COASTERS too Sports Framed Tile Set off our decorative ceramic tile in its own stylish stained wooden frame -- the perfect way to complete a decorative gift or keepsake. Rounded edges and quality construction make this Framed Tile the ultimate wall accent. Frame measures 6qu

Kayak $74.88 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A kayak (sometimes generalised as a canoe) is a small humanpowered boat that traditionally has a covered deck, and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler who strokes a doublebladed paddle. The cockpit is covered by a spraydeck (skirt) that keeps the inside of the boat (and the paddlers lower body) dry. The spraydeck or similar waterproof covering attaches securely to the edges of the cockpit, preventing the entry of water from waves or spray, and making it possible, in some boats, to roll the kayak, capsizing and righting the boat without it filling with water or ejecting the passenger. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/10/12 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.20 inches

Kayak Graffiti Sports Bumper Sticker by CafePress $5 the word KAYAk ..inspired by graffiti urban art Sports Bumper Sticker Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks -

Kayak Math Sports Bumper Sticker by CafePress $5 love your kayak Sports Bumper Sticker Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks -

Commitment: Kayak $14.99 Commitment: Kayak - Art Print

Oxford Kayak $24.99 Oxford Kayak - Photographic Print

Red Kayak, Sailors Cutting, Lake Benmore, Waitaki Valley, South Island, New Zealand $24.99 David Wall Red Kayak, Sailors Cutting, Lake Benmore, Waitaki Valley, South Island, New Zealand - Photographic Print

Sea Kayak, Milford Sound, Fjordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand $29.99 David Wall Sea Kayak, Milford Sound, Fjordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand - Photographic Print

Aerial View of a Kayak in the Sea, Deception Pass, Skagit County, Washington State, USA $129.99 Panoramic Images Aerial View of a Kayak in the Sea, Deception Pass, Skagit County, Washington State, USA - Wall Decal

Kayak Sports Modern Wall Clock by CafePress $42.5 With a stylish aluminum body and sturdy glass face, this Modern Wall Clock is both great-looking and durable. Measuring 14 in diameter, it's perfect for the office, kitchen, TV room, or wherever you need that modern touch. Featuring Quartz movement for t Sports Modern Wall Clock With a stylish aluminum body and sturdy glass face, this Modern Wall Clock is both great-looking and durable. Measuring 14 in diameter, it's perfect for the office, kitchen, TV room, or wherever you need that modern touch. Featuring Quartz movement for t

Live Love Kayak Sports Wall Clock by CafePress $15 You live for and love the extreme water sport of kayaking. You love the open water and the rapids. Great gift for the whitewater kayaker, sea kayaker or ocean kayaker. Sports Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

Roll Your Boat Kayak Bumper Sticker by CafePress $5 Show everyone how much you like to roll. This shirt lists all names of the competition rolls in Greenlandic. of course. The names are right-side-up on the front and upside-down on the front back. Kayak Bumper Sticker Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks -

Life is Short Paddle Often Kayak Sports Bumper Sticker by CafePress $5 Show off your love of kayaking with these cool kayak bumper stickers. To see more kayak designs and apparel by 2 Krazy Kayakers go to www.cafepress.com/2krazykayakers Sports Bumper Sticker Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks -