The less traveled areas of Hạ Long Bay.
The Dark Side
As Carrie mentioned in her Cát Bà post, Cát Bà is the less touristy way to explore the beauty that is Hạ Long Bay. But the island has another story to tell. The all too familiar human story of death and destruction. During the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s, Cát Bà was one of the most heavily bombed areas of the north by American forces and the scars remain. Climbing to the top of ‘Cannon Hill’ located near the center of town, you’ll find old battlements, shrines, and memorials of those troubled times. It’s a solemn and eerie place. A reminder, as if we need one these days, of the darker side of humanity.
Top of Cannon Hill. Preparing for battle. War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Top of Cannon Hill. The ‘battlements’ remain from the war between the USA and Vietnam.
The Natural Beauty
But Cát Bà Island, although respectful of the past, is looking to the future. A future based on the incredible natural beauty that is Hạ Long Bay. The island is in the early stages of developing the infrastructure necessary for a large scale tourist invasion. Upscale hotels are already in the construction phase with plans for more. Currently – spring of 2016 – it’s a fun, laid-back place, providing an excellent atmosphere in which to explore an incredible natural wonder. We hired a local tour guide for an all-day adventure that began with a 15-kilometer ‘stroll’ through the jungle, then lunch at a local, family-owned restaurant which was located in a
Entering one of the bunkers on Cannon Hill.
small village. This was followed by a boat ride through the less traveled areas of Hạ Long Bay, which included a stop at one of the floating fishing villages. When we booked the tour we were told that the jungle walk portion was an easy 7-kilometer walk. Well, it wasn’t! Steep climbs on jagged rocks were frequent. Still-recovering-hernia-boy was not pleased, but all in all a very fun day.
Exiting a bunker on Cannon Hill. A bit eerie!
Bottom line:
Forget Hạ Long Bay City! Take the road less traveled and experience an unspoiled, or at least less spoiled, Hạ Long Bay via Cát Bà. You’ll find yourself nestled in with friendly locals, away from the crowds, where you can explore the area’s past, its local people, all while not feeling like an ATM machine. See it via Cát Bà Island, but do it soon or just wear your pin number on your tee shirt.
Hike Drink Live Laugh
[amazon_link asins=’B07CBT478P,B07G477LQZ,B01MT8JP4A’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’vinohikcom-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a1a60149-b51d-11e8-82a1-bf53c9cd06b8′]
Our tour guide leading us through the park on Cat Ba Island. 15 tough kilometers.
Frog Pond, Cat Ba Island. Didn’t see any frogs, but it was sure pretty.
More from frog pond. This was about the halfway point of a very difficult 15km hike. Rest was appreciated.
The view from the top of Cannon Hill. Worth the short hike? I think so.
Floating fishing village. Ha Long Bay, the less traveled way.
Another view from the top of Cannon Hill. The light was eerie, matching the war museum we were walking through.
Checking out the floating fishing village up close. The tour was really very well done.
The future before your eyes. The fancy hotel construction begins. See it now!
I am again enjoying your travels with you and seeing the beauty of another part of the world but for now I’ll just stay in Florida. Thank you for including me in your travels.
Hey Guys!,
Glad you are happy hiking around the world again! Guess we’ll catch up when you back.