214: Halong Bay, Vietnam from the 1000 places to see before you die book

Its a dog ear rather than a rip out the page for this one- albeit it didnt start off too well- a rather dull 4 hour road journey (getting better however at doing tours so I booked a private driver who didnt speak English and thankfully therefore didnt get the pitter patter the entire way down) and them arrived to a cloudy, grey harbour which was the take-off point for Halong Bay.

The boat looked rather magnificent though so it started to look up

Upon arrival we were greeted with a cold drink which was fab as it was damm hot and given lunch while our luggage was taken to the room.

The windows were a delight- windows overlooking the water so you could lie in aircon comfort and watch the passing scenery.

And the big deck to lounge on

We then putted off to our first destination

That afternoon I went on an hour long kayaking trip around the limestone islands

and then proceeded to work my way through 15 wines at wine tasting on the deck while the sun set

After a night of squid fishing the next morning saw a trip to the floating village nearby

and a trip to a limestone cave. "Tastfully" lit (beloww) is Happy Buddha Rock

and then a long hard work climb to the top of the mountain to take in the view of Halong Bay

The summation- definate worthwhile inclusion in the 1000 places to see before you die book