Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site in Vietnam twice recognized by UNESCO in 1994 and 1999. With almost 2000 islands rising from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long is an excellent example of a Karst landscape created by a complex chain of millions of years of geological movement.
A local legend tells the following tale of the origins of Ha Long Bay:
“Long ago, the Viet people were attacked by foreign aggressors. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her band of Dragon Children to help the Viet people fight the invaders. While the enemy vessels were launching massive attacks against the mainland, the dragons descended in flocks from the sky. They spat out innumerable pearls which changed into jade stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together to form firm citadels that checked the enemy’s advance and smashed their vessels to pieces.
After the invaders were driven out, Mother Dragon and her Dragon Children did not return to Heaven but stayed on earth, right at the place where the battle occurred. The spot where the Mother Dragon landed was Ha Long, and where the Dragon Children came down was Bai Tu Long.”
Ha Long bay and Cat Ba island are the two most beautiful seascapes in Vietnam. While Ha Long is an excellent example of a Karst landscape created by a complex chain of millions of years of geological movement, Cat Ba island, former name is “The Pearl island”, is the largest one in Ha Long bay vicinity, with 1,354 square km of area.
| Day 1: | Ha Long - Cat Ba |
08:00 |
Pick you up at your hotel. |
08:30 |
Leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long bay. Enjoy a three and a half hour journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. |
11:30 |
Arrive in Ha Long and board your traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views. and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Ha Long bay. Watch the sunset over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk. |
Day 2: |
Cat Ba - Ha Long - Ha Noi |
|
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking in the beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Back to Ha Long City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! |
| 11:30 | Back to Ha Long harbor. |
| 12:00 | Lunch in a local restaurant. |
| 13:00 | Return to Hanoi. |
| 16:30 | Arrive in Hanoi. Tour ends at your hotel. |
Inclusive: |
A/c bus, accommodations, boat trip, all entrance fees, meals, kayaking, English speaking tour guide. |
| Exclusive: | Insurance, tips, drinks, personal expenses. |
Tour itinerary may be little changed depend on which cruise & tour package.
The most difference between standard & deluxe tour packages are the deluxe package always come with much better: meals, vehicle, tour guide, cruiser, room with air-Conditioner, fishing at night, fruit & mineral water in room,... (standard package not included air-Con). The deluxe tour package is little more expensive with much more value.
