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 island |
07:30 |
Bus and guide pick you up at your hotel. |
08:00 |
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 at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sunset over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk. |
Day 2: |
Cat Ba national park - Kayaking |
|
Breakfast at hotel |
| 08:00 | Takes a guided tour by bus to the National Park, which is home to various types of mammals and about 2000 species of flora. Leave the bus and take a short trek through the forest and climb up Ngu Lam Mountain. From the peak of the mountain you can see most of the landscapes of Cat Ba island. Take the same track back to your bus and drive back to your hotel. |
| 12:00 | Lunch. |
| 13:30 | The guide takes you to Lan Ha Bay for kayaking to discover natural sceneries and surroundings. Then, visiting Monkey island. Get back to hotel. Dinner at hotel and free time to explore Cat Ba town by night. |
| Day 3: | Cat Ba - Ha Long - Hanoi |
| Breakfast at hotel | |
| 08:00 | Leave Cat Ba Island by your same boat for Ha Long City. |
| 11:30 | Arrive at 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, accommodation, boat trip, kayaking, all entrance fees, meals, 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.
