Kel: Pure luxury ... especially after years on a bus. Our jaws hit the floor when we got to Halong Bay. It's absolutely stunning. There are around 3000 limestone islands scattered around a bay and the Vietnamese are dying to see it named as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Deservedly so - it's absolutely beautiful. We boarded our 'voyage dreams' boat, our home for the next 24 hours and took off at a leisurely pace. The weather was warm but not sunbathing hot. We were treated like kings and queens with massive buffet style meals and cold beers (such a contrast from our previous few days too) The afternoon was spent chilliing, visiting ancient limestone caves and was topped off nicely with an evening swim which was a good laugh (lots of attempts at syncronised acrobatics amongst us) We managed to barter for 3 bottles of voddy from the floating supermarket and had a pretty drunken fun evening (good training for M's birthday) We anchored off for the evening in a beautiful bay and then made our way back early doors the following morning. We could have easily stayed for a few more days but the crazy capital Hanoi was waiting...