A little piece of heaven

– After a three an a half hour drive out of Hanoi we board our traditional sails junk around midday and set sail into the bay. "Ha Long Bay, literally "Descending Dragon Bay" is covered with thousands of limestone freestanding islands. Our junk meanders through these isles while we lounge on top deck taking pictures, jumping into the sea for swims, drinking beers and cocktails and eating fresh seafood lunches and dinners. Seven course lunch is served up with all varieties of seafood cooked in so many different ways with loads of spices . The Honeymoon has really begun now.  Ciaran

No matter how we describe Ha-long Bay we will never do it justice. It really should be one of the natural wonders of the world! As we sailed through the islands there wasn't another sign of life apart from the wildlife that lives on them. It was like sailing back in time. Apart from one area hidden within these fantastic limestone statues is a floating village, where life is at its most simplistic. Living off the seafood they catch and spring water from the islands this community of 600 people live out their lives in one of the most beautiful locations I have ever been. Imagine no internet, no phones, no showers and yet this community has been there for generations....

The Indochina sails was definitely the most luxurious boat. We had our own en suite room. There was plenty to keep us occupied as Ciaran says including climbing 827 steps up to the top of Tip Top Island. We were sweating buckets but the view was certainly worth the effort. Also visiting the Amazing Cave where 6,000 Vietnamese hid in during the war. It truly was a fabulous trip and a must for anyone visiting Vietnam.  Joanne


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