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Vietnam blog: Sara shares shoe scams
On the second day of her Intrepid 10-day explorer tour, Sara Mason-Parker, business development manager at Corporate Traveller, gets acquainted with fellow passengers and discovers a new wonder of the world.
"Go on an Australian tour and expect at least a few Aussies, and if anyone likes a few beers other than the Brits it’s the Aussies, so I’m safe! My group is a great mix of Aussies, kiwis and English, made up of a couple, friends, a family and singles, ranging from 25 to 65, so a real nice mix. We all went for dinner last night but were disappointed that our guide took us to a restaurant that was obviously staged (and priced) for tourists. We talked him into taking us to something more authentic for breakfast, we want to eat street level! Noodle soup for breakfast, yum!
A four hour journey via private minibus to Halong Bay gave us time to exchange stories of the shoe scams we came across in Hanoi. My favourite two being: 1. Buy a cheap pair of shoes, but get charged double when you let the nice shop seller sit and lace them for you. 2. Get paranoid of someone staring at your feet, stop to assess what they’re looking at and get pounced on with a stick of glue to seal your undamaged soles.
Once in Halong Bay we boarded the boat which we’ll be staying on for the night. I must say I’m impressed with the quality of cabins, each with air conditioning and ensuite facilities.
We had a gorgeous lunch cooked on board with various local dishes which we enjoyed whilst sailing round the thousands of limestone rocks, I didn’t realise how vast it was!
Halong Bay has just been identified as one of the new seven wonders of the world. It’s not hard to see why when you enter the magnificent caves where the Viat Kong used to store their weapons. Kayaking is available for those that fancy it, or you can just relax on board taking in the amazing view.
What has surprised me though, out in the middle of this tranquility, is the fact you can purchase almost anything from sellers in their boats (I’ve selected popcorn for a midnight feast) and more astonishingly that I have access to wifi!! Looking forward to my train journey tomorrow to Hue."
Diane
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