Off the beaten tourist track in world-famous Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is far less crowded and polluted than its big sister. The untouched bay actually occupies about three quarters of the Halong Bay World Heritage Site, made up of thousands of small limestone islands (or "islets"). 

We spent three days cruising around Bai Tu Long Bay on a large junk. Admittedly, it was definitely too luxury for us, two "budget travel backpackers." But, that didn't stop us for a second. We lived it up in Bai Tu Long Bay! 

When we weren't enjoying six course gourmet meals or kayaking our butts off, we were staring in amazement at the rock islands of various sizes jutting out of warm, jade-colored water for as far as our eyes could see.

Oh, and meeting a bunch of nice people from all around the world was a wonderful bonus!