Weather - said not to be very good for the bay, fingers are crossed, as this is one of the key sights to see on the trip – one of the wonders of the world.   We arrive to find we have been upgraded, to an amazing three level ship, the photos will have to help with the explanation of how beautiful the ship was. Balcony, large room and elegant bathroom perfect for the few days in the bay.

Safety drill and lunch comes first, then we have an afternoon on a bamboo boat past the limestone islands, through a tunnel and into a grotto where Cat Ba monkeys do live, however we are told they are almost extinct, so not many and sleeping.

Halong Bay's awesome scenery looks the stuff of legends, Ha Long means 'Descending Dragon’ originating from the myth that a dragon once flung herself head-long into the sea, her swishing tail digging deep valleys and crevices in the mainland. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes.

We enjoy what the ship has to offer this evening, amazing food, cooking demonstration,  of the spring rolls, fruit carving and squid fishing.

In Vietnam one thing for certain is "Happy Hour" is not an hour, it goes for hours!! And get this - two for one, our drinks bill was hard to believe the day we checked out and it wasn’t cheap and nasty drinks, we have had yummy cocktails (who has ever heard of 2 for 1 cocktails!!) we also have had quite a few glasses of “French” wine!! Ooo la la!!