Ha Long Fishing Village and Phu Lang Pottery Village

We woke up early in Ha Long Bay to a sunny day, fresh air and peace of the bay. Breakfast was served outside on the deck. Then the ship’s tender took us to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, where we were rowed in rustic basket boats to see the local people who call Vung Vieng their home. We got a glimpse into their daily life, by visiting the village’s floating school and community home, gate and pearl farm. We passed through the lagoons as we returned to the Dragon's Pearl Junk. As soon as we got back we were told a big storm was approaching and all the boats were being called back to shore. So, unfortunately, instead of having a second night on the boat as planned, we headed back to Hanoi after a delicious seafood lunch on the boat. On the way we stopped at Phu Lang, a pottery village. We saw locals playing chess, and making coffins and large ceramic floor tile. The village makes second coffins. Apparently they dig up the first coffin after two years and transfer the bones to the second coffin, which is much smaller. Dinner was at our favorite restaurant in Hanoi, The Green Tangerine.