The Red River in northern Vietnam meanders through stunning scenery and eternal rice paddies before emptying into the fish rich Gulf of Tonkin. Poverty, pride, Marxism, Confucianism and Buddhism have spread their influence and strengthened the resolve of this strong and self-sufficient people. Bustling markets sell everything including snake. The men of busy fishing communities trawl the waters of Ha Long Bay with its towering and majestic lime cliffs while the women prepare and sell the fish on shore.