Tourists go kayaking to get close to the stone formations and floating fishing villages. [Photo by Bidisha Bagchi/For China Daily]

Other ships around us were anchoring at night and, with all lights switched on, the bay looked gorgeous.

Once again, the table was laid for a grand dinner and there was another round of mouth-watering local food. A squid-fishing activity was scheduled for later in the evening, but we were too tired after a hectic day.

We drifted off to the sounds of cheers and shrieks of those catching squid.

We awoke the next morning to thumping sounds coming from a tai chi class on the upper deck.

After breakfast, we went kayaking.

We got close to the stone formations and floating fishing villages where fishermen and their families live, despite typhoons.

After returning to our ship, we tried our hands at cooking Vietnamese fare. Our guide showed how to make the rolls for which the country is famous.

When we reached Hanoi, we didn't mind the crowds and noise.

We were still feeling serene from the cruise.

Contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Vietnam Airlines flies directly to Hanoi from Beijing. China Southern has flights from Beijing to Hanoi via Guangzhou. Halong Bay cruises can be booked online or by hotels. Some cruises offer pick-up and drop-off services. Arranging a car from Hanoi to Halong Bay costs $90 to $120.