Cat Ba

Cat Ba is a sleepy little fishing village near Halong Bay, where I stayed overnight on a weekend tour with Rubicon Travel. At night, the little fishing village turns into a bit of Miami and a bit of Las Vegas, with bright neon lights and restaurants that spill onto the sidewalks. During the day, everyone flocks to the sandy beaches, where you can rest, take a swin and karaoke on the beach.

Yes, you read that write. Karaoke on the beach. A local shop keeper has carted out a huge loud speaker, microphone and television that permits Cat Ba's finest to belt out the songs on the beach. What is particularly entertaining is that the karaoke beach is located in a small bay that has great amplification and echo abilities. For miles and miles, you can hear people croak out the oldies but goodies, which always makes for a relaxing afternoon. Not quite.