Pelican Cruises are a fleet of three dependable, spacious boats, simply christened The Pelican 1, 2 & 3. They are new – all three launched since 2012 – and are therefore equipped to the highest safety standards and come complete with all expected mod-cons. The boats are very similar in every respect – one is no better than than another. They each have large double cabins and one of the many reasons we choose to use Pelican is because of the size of these bedrooms. Starting from a very impressive 16 square metres (for Halong Bay!) they then increase in size to plusher, and larger, suite-cabins. Combine this with the fact that they are new, resulting in the decor being still ‘spick and span‘ and the excellent on-board service, and the Pelican boats make for a sensible choice. The restaurant serves a mix of Western and Vietnamese fare in a convivial and breezy atmosphere and the upper sun-decks are expansive and rather luxurious. The perfect place for sun-downers and spectacular sunsets.

The overnight cruise leaves at midday, as a small tender transfers you to the main boat. The first day itinerary takes you to Cho Da (Stone Dog), Ga Choi (Fighting Cock) and Hoa Cuong village before lunch and after this it is on to Bat cave for kayaking or a cruise on a smaller bamboo boat. In the evening there is the option of a massage before a BBQ dinner. The following morning you can participate in a Tai Chi lesson over sunrise and, post breakfast, there is a visit to another limestone karst and cave system before dis-embarkation at 11.30.