Some of the most scenic vistas in Vietnam can be admired from a bird’s eye view aboard a plane that takes off from the capital city of Hanoi. Flying over the green landscape of northeastern Vietnam, this aeroplane tour is possibly the best way of seeing the limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Hai Au Aviation offers this service, and although somewhat pricey, the sights you can see from the plane are absolutely astonishing. This is most likely one of the best ways there is to see the natural wonders of the bay.

The Saint-Francis of Sales Church, listed as a historical monument, is located near the Palais de l'Île, across the Thiou river. Even if the facade seems a bit austere, the interior of the church is luxurious: the baroque style is expressed through an organ, paintings and a magnificent altar. This church used to host religious relics, such as the graves of Saint Francis and Saint Joan of Chantal, which were there before being transported to the Visitation Basilica.

Set in the Aosta Valley with spectacular views of Monte Bianco, the traditional alpine village of Courmayeur is one of the most picturesque Italian ski resorts. The range of skiing options makes it suitable for all abilities, be it the gentle beginner’s slopes of the Checrouit-Val Veny or the more demanding upper reaches of Monte Bianco which are more suited to experienced skiers. Other activities to be found around the town include snowshoe walking excursions, indoor climbing, ice skating and a cinema, whilst for those who like their entertainment to be a little more cerebral, there is the nearby ancient town of Aosta and a myriad of medieval castles to explore. After a hard day on the piste head to the atmospheric cobbled alleyways in and around Via Roma and sample the delights of Courmayeur’s restaurants, renowned as the best of any Italian resort. Slope Life: Standing in the shadow of the Monte Bianco-Mount Blanc massif, the beautiful alpine resort of Courmayeur offers 100km of pistes and caters for all levels and abilities. The main hub of the mountain is the Plan Checrouit, but most skiers will use this as a starting point to access more challenging runs on the mountain as can be found at Mount Chetif, Col Cherout and Cresta Youla. At the top of the range there is Cresta d Arp, strictly for high level skiers, offering the chance to experience some good off piste guided skiing. Ski passes are available from 1 to 14 days. All passes valid for 6 to 10 consecutive days may be used for 2 days in one of the other ski resorts of the Aosta Valley, which include the resorts of La Thuile, La Rosière, and Champoluc-Gressoney-Alagna and also include access to Chamonix (lifts on the French side not included, though). Scuola Sci Monte Bianco +39 0165 842477 www.scuolascimontebianco.com Interski +39 0165 304711 www.interski.co.uk If you want to kit yourself out with some go faster skis or if you're looking to keep up with the Courmayeur fashionistas, then there are a number of outlets which can provide what you’re looking for! 4810 Sport 106 Via Roma +39 0165 844345 www.grivel-courmayeur.it Alpineve Loc Plan Checrouit +39 0165 846357 www.alpineve.it

Lan Ha Bay is located just off of Cát Bà island. With a whole archipelago of its own, it receives far fewer visitors than Ha Long Bay and is a particularly pretty little spot in this unique limestone karst island landscape. Around 300 green islands lined with sandy white beaches stand tall in the bay. Discover the area in all its natural splendour by booking a cruise to Cát Bà which includes Lan Ha Bay. You can explore the ins and outs of this itinerary with Cát Bà Island Cruises. They also offer activities that involve trekking in Cát Bà and kayaking in the bay.