Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam, with over 3000 limestone islands rising from the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Entrancingly shaped by nature, the islands have gained names such as “where the dragon descended into the sea” and the only way to explore these secret islands is by boat.

You have the opportunity to step back to the days of French Indochina on the Grand Emeraude paddle steamer, once part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family which set sail from France in 1858. These tranquil islands are favoured with hidden beaches and innumerable grottoes, with rocks springing skyward out of the sea resembling the teeth of a huge sea creature.

Weather you choose the luxury of the Grand Emeraude cruise liner, or the ethnicity of a private junk, the bays islands and beaches are a fantastic place to relax.