Ha Long Bay Cruise

We depart from the capital of Hanoi between 8.00am and 9.00am and drive to Halong Bay (approx 3 hours). Our transport will be a shuttle bus, with other travellers who are joining the boat. The driver will speak some English however you will not be accompanied by an English speaking guide. Upon arrival at Halong Bay we will be transferred to our luxury Bhaya cruise, which awaits us in open water where you will be greeted with a welcome drink followed by a cruise briefing. Once we have settled in to our cabins we savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch as we head to Bai Tu Long Bay, passing the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha. Halong Bay is located in the north east of Vietnam on the shores of the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay is dominated by more than 1600 limestone karsts and islets which rise out of the waters of the bay up to heights of 100metres, and the numerous caves and grottos spread throughout the bay. Many of these uninhabited islets and outcrops have been given imaginative names by the locals, due to their perceived shapes, including Wading Ox, Fighting Cock and Wallowing Buffalo. We cruise by Oan Lagoon and Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) Islets before stopping near Vung Vieng fishing village. Here you have the opportunity to visit the fishing village by local row boat, before returning to the vessel for free time at your leisure. You can swim in the clear emerald waters, soak up the sun over a cool beer or try your hand at some kayaking or enjoy a traditional massage on board (at an additional cost). In the late afternoon after we have finished exploring, we retire to the sundeck where you can enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before a sumptuous seafood dinner. NB - guides are not allowed to join the cruises but there will be a Cruise Manager on board who speaks English and will assit with on board arrangements.

Meals: L,D

Start your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck. Following breakfast we transfer to a smaller vessel for an excursion to Lan Ha Bay. This morning you have the opportunity to cycle on Cat Ba Island, or enjoy a guided kayaking trip or swim at Three Peach Beach. We then enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as we cruise to Ho Ba Ham Islet, the most remote point in Lan Ha Bay and bordering the Gulf of Tonkin. Visit its quaint fishing village and lagoon, or kayaking through an amazing tunnel under a karst mountain (time and tides permitting). Late afternoon we transfer back to our main vessel and cruise to our overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien while enjoying happy hour and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck.

Meals: B,L,D

Start you day with Tai Chi on the sundeck while tea and coffee are served. This morning we continue to sail around the bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) Islets and Me Cung Caves. We have an opportunity to explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave before returning to the vessel to enjoy brunch while leisurely cruising back to the main harbour where our cruise ends. We transfer to our vehicle for the three hour drive back to Hanoi, where the trip concludes.

Meals: B