A UNESCO World Heritage area, picture-perfect Ha Long Bay lies three hours drive east of Hanoi.

From here, you can take a cruise by junk boat around some of the 3,000 lush limestone islands which rise spectacularly from the turquoise waters.

Drop a fishing line over the side, see floating villages and fish farms, take a dip in the warm water and explore some of the beautiful grottoes and caves. At night, take in the sunset and a drink from the deck.

Cruise boats sometimes stop at Cat Ba Island - the largest and only inhabited island. It offers great hiking through its national park, secluded sandy beaches and kayak rental.