A village of about 600 inhabitants built on the water can be found in Halong Bay. It is a magically calm place, an escape from the hustle of Vietnam streets. The village is a true waterworld, rising and falling with the tides, sheltered amidst limestone towers. The village resembles another floating village in Cambodia, which in contrast is much larger and poorer. However in Halong Bay, the atmosphere is different -- there are less beggars, as if people came here by choice. With nearby-city Hanoi and its insanely dangerous traffic, it is easy to see why one might be happier here, at the crossroad of sea and sky.

Halong Bay can be reached from a 3 hour bus ride from Hanoi. Most travelers book a cruise, which can be arranged online or with your hotel once you arrive in the city. I booked my trip as a 3-day cruise with Indochina Sails, and we spent an evening rowing through the tranquil village.

For more photos of the area, please see the related stories on Ha Long Bay, Caves of Ha Long Bay