The road from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a 180 kilometre long consruction site. The work is necessary to accommodate a constant stream of trucks heading from the port of Haiphong to the capital but our coachload of Pandaw passengers was happy to reach the Halong Bay wharf and climb aboard the RV Angkor Pandaw.
With people and luggage safely stowed we set off for a ‘sunset cruise’ although the sun was nowhere to be seen. Our expedition is under way.
Blogging about the first few days is tricky as wifi is spasmodic in Halong Bay but enjoying it won’t be a problem.

The RV Angkor Pandaw was waiting for us in Halong Bay.

The cocktail hour introduction to key crew members on our first night aboard.