Halong Bay: The Dinner

57: Spelunking in China
65: Paragliding in Switzerland
89: Underground cave rafting in New Zealand
94: Ziplining in Costa Rica
103: Truffle-hunting in Croatia
112: Skydiving in the wilds of Davis, California
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1,773: Cave dining in Vietnam

Cave dining in Vietnam was not high on my bucket list but IT SURE AS HADES SHOULD HAVE BEEN!  If it’s not on your list, bump #7!  If it’s on your list, move it up at least 550 spots.  #doyoureallyneedtoswimwithsharks

The highlight of our time in Bai Tu Long Bay was hands down the cave dinner.  It is exactly what it sounds like.  Words can’t really do it justice, so I will let the photos do most of the talking.

But first, a brief lesson:  As discussed in my previous post, the karsts in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are made of limestone.  Over millions of years, carbonic acid and other organic acids in rainwater and ocean water dissolve away the limestone, leaving cavities which grow over time.  Many beautiful structures – including stalagmites and stalactites – form inside caves as carbonic acid, carrying limestone, drips through cave roofs and onto their floors.  Structures inside a cave may require millions of years to develop.  #dontquotemeonanyofthis #illdenyit

For our dinner, the crew of the Dragon’s Pearl transformed a massive cave into a beautiful dining room using…tealights?!  #everythinglooksbetterbycandlelight  #youcanbuy100tealightsfor$2@IKEA  #IKEAlove

5,329: Appreciating various animals carved out of produce 

Next stop—Sapa!