So since we were lazy last night we had our bags to pack this morning – we had to take day packs with us to Halong for our 2 night stay but the hostel didn't have lockers so it meant we had to take our valuables with us too which was annoying. Anyway we walked to the other hostel to get picked up there and after over an hour delay waiting we got on the bus. We got off the bus and eventually made our way to the boat and were allocated our rooms. We were told when booking the trip it has AC which it did but they didn’t tell us it was only switched on from 9pm so we absolutely sweated sorting our stuff in the room then it was time for lunch which was not the best (not off to a good start here are we!!) the boat set said and Halong Bay is without a doubt a beautiful place.

Then it was time for our cave walk – we went off to get our geek walking shoes only to realise that they were not on board AGGGGGGGGGGG disaster they were either left on the bus or back at the hostel . As much as our geek shoes are not the best looking things they have been without a doubt the best purchase we made before leaving and have wore them non stop as they are so comfy – this was one of the very few days we havent wore then since we started travelling and now they were gone, we got the guys to call the bus driver he said they weren't there – we were gutted, the guy said to me they were just shoes - yeah but they were our fooking shoes !! 

Anyway we went to the cave which was massive and really cool (forgot to take the camera in our shoe stress) then we done some kayaking then it was time for dinner which again was rubbish – mostly seafood which we hate so instead we got given tofu – YUK.   To top the day off the lock on our door broke and he was wanting us to leaving it till the next day….er no thanks we have already lost our shoes and we didn’t want our netbook or camera getting stolen too so eventually they chnaged the lock and got it fixed. We had a good group of people onboard so got stuck in about the beers and some more drinking games and karaoke – then staggered off to bed in the wee small hours .

DAY 2

We woke this morning as the air con was turned off again at 7am - not amused as were were sweating like mad in our tiny cabin trying to get ready !! It was absolutely pissing it down and thunder n lightening so we sat indoors eating breakfast then it eventually died down – we got on another boat to go to Cat Ba island to explore then it was off to Monkey Island where we had another tofu lunch then had the afternoon to sit on the beach woo hoo. We were staying in little wooden beach huts which were really nice but again with timed air con!!

We gathered for drinks later that night but it wasnt really a group full of party people so had a few beers and headed to bed. Up at 7am the next day for more bus, boat, bus journeying to get home - we had to ask several times for a swim stop in the baking heat which we got but only for 10 mins then somehow we were back at shore waiting for the bus for an hour with no fans on and it was roasting - so much for not having time to swim!! 

 I think the tour totally depends on the group you have with you - thankfully we met a cool Aussie couple to drink with which was great.

That night we met up with our friends we met in China to watch the Man City V's Man Utd game - poor Marc it all started so well but they got beat at the last minute - soooo not good when everyone else including the bar staff were Man Utd fans!!! It was a few more beers then bed lol