Arrive at the limestone caves:
Tour caves so vast even the slightly claustrophobic are comfortable:
Learn the difference between stalactites (the mineral drippings suspended from the ceiling):
And stalagmites (deposits rising off the floor, built up from ceiling drips):
Tour guides delight in showing things like this stalagmite (not what they call it) to tourists, shining lights on it to be sure no one can miss the reference:
Now see them everywhere:
Soldiers hiding here left their mark:
Emerge back into the sunlight high above Halong Bay with all the tourist boats and some locals’ homes:
Walk “home” to your boat:
Nicci Carrera 