March 4: On our way to Ha Long Bay

On Tuesday morning we took a ride, for three long hours through the countryside

They're still driving on the right hand side, on our way to Ha Long Bay

We stopped aside a paddy field, where the locals work hard for their yield

In the ice-cold water the women kneel, as we drove to Ha Long Bay

We arrived at noon at the waters edge; saw rows of statues on a ledge

And dark green creatures in a topiary hedge, when we got to Ha Long Bay

We boarded a tender tied to a float, that took us to the “Jasmine Boat”

It was quite cool but I have no coat, here at Ha Long Bay

We sailed amongst the limestone rocks, watched fishing boats arranged in flocks

A trip ashore at two o'clock, sailing in Ha Long Bay

A floating village we did see, houses on foam held above the sea

A simple life, but not right for me, here on Ha Long Bay

Dinner was the greatest fare, seafood, salads, it all was there

We drank our wine without a care, afloat on Ha Long Bay

Tomorrow is another day, we'll leave the boat, "tam beit" we'll say

To the bar I went, my bill to pay, leaving Ha Long Bay

Onto the tender and back ashore, our tour is done, there ain't no more

I'll remember this for ever more, our night on Ha Long Bay

Back in the car for three more hours, the traffic madness our mind devours

Behind the seat we both do cower, to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay