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Overnighter

Halong Bay, Vietnam

ts a pea soup sky own. While the bay is home to beach bars, hotels, restaurants and even a casino, its fair to say that you havent experienced the jewel of Vietnam until youve sailed her waters. This replica craft may lack the history of the original, but the Emeraude name has become synonymous with this part of the world. Cruises on the earlier craft, part of a flotilla owned by a French family named Roque who came here in 1858, were first offered in 1910. However, in 1937 the Emeraude sank (with no loss of life) en route from Hai Phong to Mong Cai. Fast forward to 1999, when a curious visitor WHAT TO DO

top-Flight inns
resort-style establishments complete with rows of deckchairs and luxurious day spas are redefining the airport hotel concept, says tiana templeman

No trip to northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to this natural wonderland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thats located just three hours east of Hanoi, says Christine Retschlag
stumbled across an old postcard of the paddle steamer and began a time-consuming search for its origins. Fate was kind, the Roque family was found and a new ship under the Emeraude name began plying the waters of Halong Bay in 2002. Like all good travel tales, this is as much about the journey as the destination. haze will eventually concede to blue, allowing for stunning views of the bays trademark limestone karsts. And when the boat docks, theres plenty of exploring to be done. Most boats stop at Sun Sot Cave or the Surprise Grotto, where a journey of about 150 steps takes visitors to a series of cool caves and to some scenic outlooks. Visits to fishing villages and pearl farms can also be arranged. Those on longer trips should head for Cat Ba, Halong Bays only populated island, to enjoy its beaches, lakes, waterfalls and grottos. Alternatively, take a dip in the bays warm waters or grab a As with viewings of the epic 1992 film Indochine, which features footage of Halong Bay, the key to enjoying this destination is to sit back, relax and take it all in. With a bit of luck, the Halong WHERE TO STAY The Emeraude with its 37 cabins decorated in French colonial style offers regular one-night, two-day cruises. Each cabin boasts polished wooden floors, brass fixtures, air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms with showers. For those wishing to splurge, upgrade to one of the three luxurious suites. Cruise HOW TO GET THERE A private shuttle bus runs between Hanoi and the pier at Halong Bay. Buses leave the Emeraude Sales Office at 8.30am and depart the pier at noon. kayak and explore a few of the areas thousands of islets. Back onboard, try everything from tai chi classes and Vietnamese cooking demonstrations to squid fishing and the screening of Indochine. packages include meals, which feature fresh, locally caught seafood and Vietnamese specialities. There are also two bars onboard and plenty of deck chairs for lounging when youre not exploring the area or mingling with fellow passengers onboard. And if youre lucky, you may even meet the captain.

afternoon and I am on a sailing vessel in Vietnam. Three

mysterious men - country-oforigin undetermined - sit in the corner cradling an icy Tiger beer. In the middle of the room a French woman of a certain age, sans brasiere, is making a cosy acquaintance with the lunch buffet. Meanwhile I sit in the opposite corner, wondering if I have been placed in the Captains Suite, where indeed lays the Captain? Amid the myriad boats for which Halong Bay has become famous, the elegent

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Emeraude sails in a class of her

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Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou Each smart, modern room here is decked out with quality linens and all the mod cons. Executive rooms include access to a plush club lounge. www.pullmanhotels.com

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Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Check in whenever your flight arrives and check out 24 hours later your room is with an immense pool. www.novotel.com

always ready at this family-friendly airport hotel

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Singapore

Soothing tropical gardens create a calming oasis for travellers, who are cosseted from the moment they arrive. Rooms are designer cool, with sleek furnishings. www.crowneplaza.com

Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International

Airport, Kuala Lumpur Plush furnishings and the prospect of sampling as many as 150 cuisines at Degrees, the hotels 24-hour restaurant, are the main attractions here. www.panpacific.com

IF yOU LIKE THIS TRy...

a plethora of traditional Chinese junks here. Saffron Cruises boasts one of the largest fleets of such sailing vessels in Hong Kong and the list of destinations includes Repulse Bay, Hap Mun Bay, Shek O, Lantau and Fan Lau. www.saffron-cruises.com

VICTORIA HARBOUR, hOng KOng

Lively Victoria Harbour is a terrific place to begin a boat journey and aspiring mariners can choose from

FInd IT:
l Emeraude Classic Cruises, 46 Le Thai To St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, tel: +84 (0)4 3935 1888, www.emeraudecruises.com l Royal Casino, 1 Bai Chay Beach, Halong City, tel: +84 (0)33 384 6728, www.casinocity.com/vn/halongcity/ rylintcl/ l Caf 555, Opposite the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf

trivAnDrUM, KerALA Starting in this city in South India, cruise the backwaters of the colourful state of Kerala. Glide past temples,

fishing villages and beaches and discover why cruising and Kerala are so deeply entwined. Enjoy a traditional ayurveda oil massage for which this region is justly famous as you float past paddy fields and coconut groves. http://keralabackwaters.us

tiger tales sep-oct

Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong Named as the Passengers Choice Awards, the Regal boasts

Worlds Best Airport Hotel in the latest Skytrax the Kiddie Wonderland playroom and multiple pools. Soundproof windows keep any airport noise at bay. www.regalhotel.com

sep-oct tiger tales