Ha Long Bay

Just back from an overnight cruise in the otherworldly Ha Long Bay. Another UNESCO World Heritage site (of which Vietnam has many), this was yet another highlight of this trip. It's hard to describe, but the as the boat passes by a series of rock columns topped with jungle (complete with wee monkeys) you really get a feeling like you've sailed into a land time forgot. After the sun goes down, the hundreds of other boats bobbing on the bay look like a miniature floating city. On the boat itself, the crew was great as was the food, and it was good fun chatting with other travellers. My personal highlight was kayaking into a small bay within a bay with mountains towering all around you, bobbing in the sea. Plus, an exploration of the aptly named Surprising Cave (a massive place that was straight out of Lord of the Rings) and a personal Tai Chi lesson at 630am!