A Solo Travellers Mind

The journey from Cao Bang to Cat Ba was a long one, but not particularly unpleasant. Firstly was the night bus from Cao Bang to Hanoi, where I slept the entire way. From here, I found out I needed to be at another bus station, so hoping on a grab bike I would leave my hands in the arms of a young gent at 5am. Arriving at the right station I purchased a bus ticket to Hai Phong, this was a two bus job and a subsequent taxi to the port after I was dropped off in the middle of the road (this is a theme of buses in this country). With no ferry booked in advance, it was a true hoping and praying game that there would be space on the next boat. Luck was on my side when the taxi driver shouted Cat Ba out the window and managed to get me a bus/speed boat across to Cat Ba. From here I jumped on the first bus I saw. It’s quite uncommon for people to do this route alone, as most do the Cat Ba cruise, with the tour guides confused about how I managed. I’d say the last 3 hours of my journey were organised chaos with me genuinely having no idea what was going but magically getting to where I needed to be after 5 buses, 2 taxis and 1 speed boat. 

With the rest of my day free to see the local sights I head towards a veiwpoint near by. I knew Cat Ba was beautiful but I’m honestly mind blown at just how incredible it is. And at why there are so few tourist here in comparison to say Southern Thialand. The beach’s are amazing, the sea is warm, and the rocks out at sea at really something. Its a glorious place to relax, and most certainly worth the travel! 

While watching sunset I bump into Nick, my American friend from Koh Tao, a wee catch up over dinner and I head back to the hostel. Greeted by my Australian roommates, Riley and Roy, I take up the offer to go for (one) drink. One soon turns to four, which turns into pool tournaments, which then turned into hiring a karaoke booth and singing our hearts out. On return to the room me and Riley wake up a sleeping Roy and chaos begins. Four thirty AM soon comes around and me and Riley finally decide to sleep. Awoken in a rather hungover state, I made the executive choice to change my boat tour around HaLong Bay to the following day, instead opting to spend the day on the back of Riley’s bike (impressive driving considering he’d never driven one before (sorry dad, promise we were safe!). We hike up to a veiw point, at a leisurely pace considering our delicate heads and visit a particularly narrow cave, before scooting home to finally chill. The hike cured the hangover but it most certainly did not cure the tiredness!

A refreshed Emma rises ready for the boat cruise around Ha Long. A farewell to Roy and Riley who are heading to Ninh Binh today, where I’ll be heading tomorrow. 

My final day in Cao Bang and I finally made it on the HaLong Bay cruise. A day full of pretty scenery, kayaking, jumping off boats, swimming with fishes and wonderful beaches. With the most beautiful lunch I’ve had in Vietnam included! A spread of fried fish, chicken, pork, spring rolls, rice and soup! The day finished with dinner with friends from the cruise, before an early night (me actually passing out in bed in my day clothes, clearly I needed the sleep). 

It was a lovely few days, and a blessing to be back by the sea after over a month without it!