Monday, 12 Jan 2026: Cat Ba Island

Yesterday, we took the ferry to Cat Ba island and arrived at our new digs here, Phoenix Flower Hotel. Our exploring was limited since most of the day was dedicated to travel.  

Today … Football. No, not the Packers but now we are into the playoffs… the season continues.  That meant “Admin” time for me this morning and into the afternoon. Still gotta deal with mail (thank you Dellene!!!) and bills. 

In the afternoon we ventured out and wondered about our little town. Of course markets were involved.  Not too many cultural opportunities here’s so we stick to shopping and culinary diversions.

Sunset at the tallest building near by that had a rooftop bar. The view was dampered by muck in the air.  But even bad sunsets are better than no sunsets. 

Back at the market, both Justin and I scored a jacket with zip in liners. No, we don’t want to need them but the fact is that we do need them. These items are made in Vietnam and the prices are great. Now we just have great them home. New suitcase?  Back to the market?

I had talked to the lady at our hotel about visiting the secluded village of Viet Hai. You can only get there by boat or by trekking. I didn’t really like her options so, this evening, we met Julie, a local tour guide and we changed our direction to by-pass the village and spend the entire day on the boat in southern Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. We set that up for Wednesday. 

We went to the beach this evening.  What was advertised as "right across the street" was a fifteen minute concrete jungle walk.  They've built kiosks and restaurants in preparation for scores of tourists.  The fountain looked lovely but lonely.  A few children raced around on electric cars while parents looked on.  Even the icecream shop was empty.  

This is the view from our balcony.  

This is so sad and not at all what the info on line indicates. I am so disappointed.  There is incredible construction underway here and it is scheduled to continue through 2027.  They’ve reclaimed at least 250 meters of land right in front of all these hotels.  Once beach front, now, we look out at construction of condos and more hotels.  Cranes, digging, dust, noise. They say it will be a world-class destination, but today, it’s not what we wanted. I wanted ocean views and beach access as promised. 

More exercise equipment begging for someone, anyone...

Nine years ago today we were in San Miguel de Allende with Cousin Mike.  Goodness!