A Cooking Boat Cruise of Ha Long Bay! Sailing to Halong caves with Vietnam Food Tour.
No Instagram filters needed, when you’re traveling in Ha Long Bay. The humidity naturally gives you a blurred vignette effect.
Vietnam remains one of my favorite destinations of 2015. I got to live my dreams of being a Pirate… by taking a boat trip through Halong Bay, with Vietnam Food Tour!
We had our very own private ship, thanks to Hoa Binh Cruises. Keep on reading to see how we climbed the mast, dined on seafood, and drifed through Vietnam’s misty mountains.
I’m sure you have seen photos of Ha Long Bay before. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its green, funny-shaped islands.
The name Halong translates to “descending dragon bay” because legend says it was created by a charging dragon.
My tank top with silver pentagram symbols is by Rat Baby Clothing — get it here! I paired it with a skull scarf.
Shop more Gothic fashion by clicking below:
If you’re in Hanoi, going east to Halong Bay is a must (it’s a 3-4 hour drive away).
We recommend hiring a reputable driver and guide, as we did with Vietnam Food Tour. They arranged everything for us — the car, hotel, boat tour, activities. It’s absolutely worth it. We could sit back and soak everything in, without having to haggle or stress about logistics.
Since we were on a food-centric tour, we began by visiting the local outdoor market. Like on our Hanoi tour, we saw vendors selling all sorts of fresh seafood that came straight out of Halong’s waters.
A colorful group of vendors. Our guide, Bao, told us about the special squid pie sold here. She picked up a few specialties for us to try during our cooking boat cruise.
Motorcycles zipped around us, as we took in all the colors and action.
The wet market section was full of live oddities from the sea. Locals come here to pick up the catch of the day.
This view is even more majestic in person. Ha Long Bay is dotted with thousands of limestone islands like these.
We saw Vietnamese boat people refilling their supplies of water. They live and work in these floating homes.
We learned that according to another legend, a family of dragons spat out jewels, which formed these islets and protected Vietnam from invaders.
My mate John Skeleton and I took photos non-stop — Ha Long Bay is the definition of photogenic!
(This skull print scarf protected me from the mosquitoes.)
We were looking forward to the boat tour of the bay, on a Hoa Binh cruise. However, we were amazed to find… that we had the entire Pirate boat to ourselves!
Vietnam Food Tour is all about custom, personal experiences — so they book their clients on private boat tours. Now that’s the life for a Pirate.
Spreading my arms wide as we sailed, I felt like Captain Carmina. The only other people onboard were Long John Skeleton, our first mate Bao, and a few cabin members who served food and drink. (And actually steered the ship.)
“Yo ho, there be a pirate’s cove of treasure ahead!”
John climbed the mast, all the way to the top — as you can see in our fun travel video!
Before long, our boat was nearing these jewel islands. We prepared for plunder.
(My tank top is by Rat Baby Clothing — more picks below.)
Most of these islands are uninhabited, and lush with tropical vegetation. I imagined them to be hidden with secrets and chests of gold. We docked on Driftwood Island, climbed up the path…
.. and found ourselves in the famous Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave).
The humongous grotto is filled with hanging stalactites. The shapes seemed like something from a sci-fi movie, reminding us of bones and Giger’s Alien.
Different parts of the cave are dramatically lit so that visitors can admire the details. Or in this case, “Hail Miffy!”
That’s me at the bottom, arms raised. Like a bat in a cave.
My tiny scale of the photo conveys how grand it feels to be inside this grotto, which dates back to the Pleistocene era around 2 million years ago.
Doesn’t this look like the set from an alien horror movie?
Vietnam Food Tour organized our visit so that we came during a less busy hour– so we were able to avoid the tourists.
I flew our flag, upon exiting. I hereby claim these caves for my crew!
A hook for a hand. Arr, there’s nothing like the Pirate’s life.
We continued to explore Halong Bay. Our boating adventure is among my favorite memories of the entire year.
Time to plunder the ship’s seafood. Our crew helped us to grill fresh clams, prawns, sea snails and other delicacies of the ocean.
What a treat, to dine on fresh seafood while taking in these grandiose views of Halong Bay.
For a closer look at the grottoes, we piled into a kayak.
What can I say? It’s an absolute dream to paddle right up to these mysterious islets, and duck through hidden tunnels that open into lagoons.
But let’s give credit where it’s due… John did pretty much all of the rowing work!
(Watch our Pirate cooking cruise in action, above and here in this video.)
Some visitors choose to stay overnight on a boat cruise. We chose to only do a day tour, and spend the night at the top-rated Halong Plaza Hotel.
I was glad to sleep on a stable surface, and in a spacious room. We also enjoyed hanging out at the hotel’s lobby bar, which offers a nice selection of cocktails.
Halong Plaza also had an impressive buffet breakfast, which was included with our stay. I tried the steamed rice noodles, a traditional way to start the day.
The restaurant also hangs garlic to keep vampires away!
John took a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. The large hotel also has a sauna and gym.
Our room had a magnificent view of the bay and bridge, which lights up with rainbow lights at night.
The manager took us to the rooftop — what a view!
For dinner, our guide took us to a classic seafood restaurant. As always, Vietnamese food was full of fresh, healthy flavors. We had soup with ginger and this small fish found only in Ha Long Bay.
Then, we went to the Halong Bay night market to shop. The night market has a new location, with a modern setup.
The vendors sell everything from Vietnamese loose tea, to beaded Hello Kitty purses…
… to a stuffed goat head! Mr Skeleton shows his appreciation for the horned one.
The goat was a bit too large to take home, so he decided on this green skull. Pop the top, and there’s a space to keep treasures.
Thanks to Halong Plaza Hotel for the excellent service and big rooms. They’re one of highest rated hotels in Ha Long Bay for a reason.
And of course, to our guides Vietnam Food Tour. Their Savor Vietnam package, which includes sailing around Halong Bay, let us see the best of Northern Vietnam.
Have my Vietnam travel stories convinced you to come here yet? If you have questions about traveling, or anything at all, please let me know in the comments!
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Hotel Sav Hong Kong: Floor of Love art exhibition for charity! Pop-up design shop, Goth holiday gift guide.
Hello from my colorful home in Hong Kong — Hotel sáv!
As you might recall from this story, I have a “La Carmina room” at this award-winning boutique hotel. Artist Naomi Rubin and I took part in their “Floor of Love” project, which dedicates the entire 22nd floor to art and charity.
I’m excited to share that the Floor of Love is officially launching in December — and hope you will stay in our room at Hotel Sav!
In this post, I’ll show you the new, original art that Naomi created for the opening exhibit.
I’ll also take you inside Sav’s new Pop-Up store, rainbow afternoon tea set… and end with a Gothic gift guide, highlighting holiday presents under $20.
Let’s begin in my “La Carmina hotel room” at Hotel Sav. (My address: Room 2219, 83 Wuhu St, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong)
Last February, my team and I went to support the hotel opening, and created this travel video about decorating this space to represent “Love the Dream.”
Now, Sav Hospitality is celebrating the launch with a big Floor of Love event. The Sonic Garden space will feature new works by the artists — including Naomi! — and the 19 decorated rooms will be open for viewing.
Our art will be paired with wines that match the themes (Love the Planet, Community, Dream, Memory). There will also be food tastings, a graffiti car display, and music. Best of all, you can buy the works, and proceeds will go to the Disabled Association and Make a Wish Hong Kong.
You can peek inside the various Floor of Love artist rooms in this photo diary, as well as see more of the La Carmina works (such as these sketches featuring scenes from Hong Kong).
Keep scrolling to see the three new pieces that Naomi made… they feature my Scottish Fold cat Basil, and mouth-sewing!
I always feel at home when I stay in my Hotel Sav room, and wind up with the most vivd, lucid dreams.
(I’m wearing a Sailor Moon jacket that I got in The One – Tsim Sha Tshi mall. This fashion collection features clothes with Sailor Moon symbols and patterns. My black Very Metal dress is Gladnews, and the Unknown Pleasures tights have a Joy Division print.)
On the first floor lobby, anyone can shop the “Pop Up At SAV” — a collection of local designs that celebrate art and lifestyle.
This space has an eye-catching selection of jewelry, purses, watches and more. There’s a rainbow rack of sáv Beach Wear, and all types of stationery branded by the hotel.
I’m wearing a Korean bracelet and squeezing a “towel bear,” which I’ll give to my baby niece as a present.
The wall of paintings is by local artist Mark Lui. You can shop for his Design Works cell phone cases, which come in carved wood and rainbow prints. I’m carrying one of Mark Lui’s Botkier tote bags, which are among the most popular items.
I hope you’ll stop by the Pop Up at Sav, to check out these artistic goods!
And now, let me share with you the three pieces Naomi Rubin made for the Floor of Love opening party. Below are her titles and “a short bit of story that takes the viewer a little closer to the memories she drew from when painting.” Let’s start with two inspired by Basil Farrow the Scottish Fold cat!
Family
2015
Pencil and acrylic on paper
“It’s a rare joy when you get to meet the family of someone close and feel the realization that you already know them. Then, you can draw them some more.”
Back-Alley Photography
2015
Pencil and acrylic on paper
“The first time we shot photos on that trip, it was on the way to meet some unlikely co-workers. We stopped in a back-alley that made for unusual lighting but fantastic poses and composition. Most of this city is real, but the parts have been taken from all over — kind of like a real city indeed.”
Last Minute
2015
Acrylic on paper
“The posters were made on the train ride up, and pasted guerrilla-style around town as we filmed. We checked out the venue space only the evening before, and even that changed around on us. We were ready though, because we had been practicing.” (Hint: if you’ve followed our TV-fixing work over the years, you may recognize this scene from the Joko vs Klaas lip-sewing episode!)
It’s wonderful to see how Naomi’s art continues to evolve. She is currently working on a mystery project; you can watch her Naomiyaki site for changes.
While staying with Hotel Sav, I also got to try the new “Floral with Colors” Afternoon Tea Set. It’s a rainbow delight of sweet and savory treats, decorated to look like a blossoming garden — complete with chocolate soil and a twirling butterfly.
The bite-sized delights sit next to flowers by Hahahflorist. I had fun eating the mousse with a miniature garden shovel, and skewers of mozzarella with tomato and caviar.
Anyone who orders the Floral Tea Set receives a packet of flower seeds and a Casetify screen protector for free. And if you wear a floral dress or accessories to high tea, you might get a special tote bag too.
The hotel also has a new “Patisserie by sáv” on the ground floor, serving fresh cakes and pastries every day.
I think you can see why I love staying at Hotel Sav! It’s less than a year old, and has already racked up awards for best design, branding, marketing and more.
My friends and I enjoyed hanging out at Amplitude bar, which has a music theme. We snacked on fresh fruit cocktails (there’s a whole rainbow of them) and snacks such as oven baked pizza.
I hope you’ll stop by Hotel Sav to see the Pop Up shop, and try their Floral Afternoon Tea. And don’t forget — you can request to stay in the La Carmina room, when you travel to Hong Kong!
Above, we hope you enjoy the Hong Kong travel video we made about the hotel opening, and Chinese celebrations. (Filmed and produced by Borderless Media )
And now… my Gothic Alternative gift guide! It’s “Nightmare before Christmas” time, and I’m sure you’re scrambling to pick up holiday presents. It’s always a challenge to find something unique and useful, especially for someone of a Gothic disposition.
To help you out, I’ve rounded up my favorite Goth gifts, most of which are under $20 US. I hope you find these shopping tips helpful! 
A mobile phone case is a thoughtful present, since these tend to have high turnover (people use smartphones constantly, and eventually break the covers). These iPhone and Android cases are fun and stylish, and not too heavy. Of course, make sure you know what type of phone your friend uses so that you purchase the right model.
From left to right, my favorites (in $20 range!) are a 3D pastel goth phone case –– a must have for those into sweet kawaii. Anime fans will smile when they unwrap the Pikachu Pokemon iPhone case.
Valfre makes the niftiest soft mobile cases, including a carton of 100% boys tears, a mermaid seashell phone case, a black cat with big eyes (my favorite), and a funny giant pencil.
During the winter months, your friends will need a knit cap to keep warm — or tuque, as we Canadians call these things. Instead of a boring basic beanie, why not give them something fun?
Killstar has the most eye-catching Gothic accessories on the market. I had a hard time deciding between (from left) the aliens with upside down cross beanie, pentacle and moon winter cap with a pom pom, “So Goth I’m Dead” hat, and pyramid Killstar tuque. (These links lead to where you can directly get them.)
I’m fond of giving and receiving high-quality makeup, especially if it’s by brands that are not usually found in stores. All of these picks are under $20 too.
Anastasia is the queen of eyebrows, and makes a brow powder palette that looks very natural. The self-sharpening Anastasia eyebrow pencil is beloved by makeup addicts worldwide. (All of these come in different shades.)
Matte, long-lasting lip glosses are currently all the rage. Jeffree Star has a fabulous collection that includes shades like dark blue and purple gloss. Recently, I’ve been wearing this exact shade of Urban Decay lip gloss, and can vouch that it stays on.
If someone has recently moved to a new apartment or dorm, a home decor gift is a nice gesture. Try to avoid “Halloween party” products, and look for items made with better materials.
On the top left, I’d welcome this a set of Mercury colored glass skull bottles. They’d look great on a shelf or mantle, and can hold a fresh flower. Below these are are two versions of a cardboard 3D skull, which also comes in black and other colors. This unique skull can serve many purposes, from a paperweight to a scratching station for your cat!
A skull-shaped planter adds character to the home. In addition to plants, the vase can hold various objects such as candy or pens. Finally, this purple Day of the Dead glitter skull can hang on a door, wall, or Christmas tree.
False eyelashes are an excellent stocking stuffer, especially if you find Japanese ones with cute packaging. I love the Wicked Hippie eyelashes with rainbow accents and colors.
Dolly Wink is a favorite brand among Tokyo gyaru and Harajuku girls. The bottom right Velour Lashes are made of high quality silk fibers, and I wear them on my photoshoots.
Finally, since you never know what Santa might bring you… I’ll share my dark dream wishlist! These are the height of Gothic haute couture — designs to die for.
I’m lusting over this circular spider purse made from black velvet, with matching cobweb stiletto heels. These Majesty Black leather gloves are evil queen fabulous, with gold spiky nails.
On the right, Alexander McQueen is the king of darkness. I have my eye on McQueen’s Goth clutch purse with a knuckle grip and Swarovski crystals, and studded leather platform Oxford shoes.
And above is my Technicolor dreamcoat. This anime pink faux fur coat by A.W.A.K.E is kawaii done right! It’s available here, in case one of you feels the urge to pick it up for me… anyone? Anyone?
I hope you found my Goth / alt gift suggestions to be helpful, as you shop for friends and family this Christmas season. Have fun, and let me know if you have other suggestions for presents.
How do you like my art / charity collaborations with Hong Kong’s Hotel Sav? You can find out more, and book my La Carmina room, on their website and Facebook.
LA CARMINA
