A few months ago we booked a luxury night on a junk boat around Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay on the Dragon Legend as we thought by now we would want somewhere nice.

Halong Bay which includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the north east (less touristy and from what we saw more stunning) is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new natural seven wonders of the world. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.

We were picked up in a luxury van and then picked up two lovely Brits Deb and Jack.

Off we sped for all of half an hour to stop at a tourist trap selling souvenirs which was a little random.

After three hours we arrived at Halong Bay (Bay of the descending dragons) and were taken to our ship. We were very impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail. It was clearly the nicest ship too of the 60 or so boats. I was expecting hoards of boats but there really wasn't until we anchored for the night.

Our cabin was amazing, l could have stayed there the whole time but you felt compelled to follow their strict itinerary. So much so that one couple who didn't turn up for breakfast were rung three times asking where they were. The food particularly the first lunch, was great but my goodness it was course after course that never seemed to end. There were about 28 other people in the cruise with a capacity of 40ish. Everyone was really lovely and friendly. We made friends with a bunch of funny Spanish and German guys and with another lovely English couple Harriet and Will. Fun times.

After the huge lunch while watching the incredible, something like 3000 karsts (limestone mountains) drift by as the ship navigated through them we anchored up in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Time for our first ever double kayaking which l only discovered after we nearly capsized. But we got the hang of it quickly and played follow the leader around the karsts. It was quite breathtaking. After pulling up on a white sandy beach it was time for a swim in the warm water. Fortunately no jelly fish as there were loads of massive ones we could see from the ship.

After another massive meal it was time to try our luck at squid fishing off the stern. We all gave up pretty quickly and decided to have cocktails instead. Jack made a new cocktail based on a Cosmopolitan after the poor frazzled bar tender had somehow got cranberry juice mixed up with Campari for Deb's detailed list of ingredients, which was a complete disaster. So now the boat has a Hanoi Sling aka watermelon juice cosmo. I will not go into the story about Kimmy a long story of a custom suit that is jet setting it's way around with Will. I still want a pic of your first day if you are reading this Will!

The next day after yes you guessed it, a big meal again quite early (and completely missing Thai Chi as we did not want to get out of that bed), we stopped off in the Cong Do area to see the Thien Canh Son Cave which is up about 100 steps. It was interesting but not as impressive as some caves we have seen at home. More interesting was the omission by Deb and Jack that they got engaged last night! Harriet told Will that he needs to take notes. Ah young love it makes me feel ancient.

Then after yes the reoccurring theme, a large meal at 10.30! The junk boat then returned to the harbour. Short and sweet but really good. Love love Halong Bay just stunning.

On the way we saw a water puppet theatre in a small village, thankfully only half an hour which l actually was pleasantly surprised as l could understand what was going on. It is literally wooden puppets in water in front of a screen enacting everyday Vietnamese life. Quite clever but only so much you can watch.

All too soon it was back to Hanoi for a couple of days.