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Halong Bay was a bucket list for me. But I also had no idea it would be a four hours drive there and another four hours back. Vietnam roads and coaches are nothing like what we have at home. Here at home, this journey would have taken a couple of hours. It is only 100 km but it still took fours to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Once we arrived at the marina station, we waited for our tickets and then walked to our boat.

We were served lunch straight away. It was multiple amounts of food that came out and was served to us.

I was lucky that I was accommodated with my wheat and shellfish intolerance. I was served chicken, beef and pork. After lunch we cruised around Halong Bay. Taking in the sights, I had read that you could stay and cruise around the bay and did see some bigger boats.

We then arrived at one of the caves that the group was going to explore. Due to all the steps involved. I was advised that it was probably not a good idea to attempt this. So my mother and I with another couple stayed on the boat and I explored what I could. All the crew had moved onto other boats to catch up with the friends.

Halong Bay is a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You follow the Red River delta to the emerald seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. Just offshore, some 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops rise almost vertically from the sea, forming one of the most extraordinary and spectacular bays in the world. It really is amazing and I am so pleased that I managed to see these sights. It is to be seen to be believed.