Summary: Those who visit Halong Bay are rarely left untouched by the power and beauty of the site. However, if you come to Halong and don't take the opportunity to closely explore this marvel, you may miss some of the unique sites that give the bay its legend. The Bay is truly a natural wonder with over 3000 islands and endless limestone grottos to explore.
On the Dragon’s Pearl Junk we take you to the must see highlights of Halong Bay and offer a host of activities for you including swimming, visiting amazing caves on foot or in your kayak to closely explore the karsts, grottos, lagoons and floating village, trekking in Catba National Park or lazing on the deck.
Tour Type: Land tour + well selected hotel + domestic flights/trains, private guided with your own English speaking guide ( unless otherwise specified), your own driver at your own pace and schedule.
Tour Summary
Tour Dates
Destinations
Meals Included
Day 1
Hanoi - Halong - Welcome on Boat
L/D
Day 2
Discover Halong Bay
B/L/D
Day 3
Halong Retreat & Brunch Hanoi
B/L
Day 1: Hanoi - Halong - Welcome on Boat (L, D)
Leaving Hanoi by private car/van at 8: 30 am. Arriving at the jetty around 12: 30pm. Our crew welcomes you on board the Lagoon Explorer Junk, enjoy welcome drink, check-in to your cabin. Lunch with fresh seafood is served at 1: 00pm, start a 3.5 hours cruise into mystic Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster’s face) islet, But Moc islet, Cap De islet, Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu cave, floating fishing village, with its unique way of life. Then head to Luon cave, enjoy swimming, sun bathing at Ti Top beach or climb the peak of the mountain for a breath-taking panorama view of Halong bay. Dinner and overnight aboard junk.
Day 2: Discover Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscape. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax and take in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. Breakfast is at 8: 00am. After breakfast, there are 3 options to choose from. All start from 8: 30am.
Option 1 (Relaxing): After breakfast, start cruising South to explore Lan Ha Bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating Limestone formations like Trong (Drum) cave, Con Coc islet, Mieng Giuong islet, floating fishing village, Ba Trai Dao islet, to swim at the quiet beaches of Cat Ba National Park, BBQ lunch on the beach or on board the Lagoon Explorer. More time for swimming & relaxing. Then cruise back to visit Dark & Bright cave, and then cruise to the Drum cave area for sunset. Have dinner & accommodation on board.
Option 2 (Trekking in Catba National Park - 3 hours): After breakfast, start cruising to Catba National Park, passing floating fishing villages along the way. Trekking through remote Viet Hai Village on a winding trail with limestone cliffs rising from ground beside, you will have a chance to discover the traditional life of local residents. Climb up to the peak of the mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay and Viet Hai valley, the heart of Catba National Park, lunch in the village. Trek back to the boat and cruise to the Drum cave area for sunset. Have dinner & accommodation on board.
Option 3 (Paddling all day on the sea): After breakfast, cruise south to the kayaking area where you will be given some primary paddling instruction by our expert on how to paddle safely and comfortably. You and your guide will explore the mystical bay. There will be a lot of swimming, visiting hidden beaches or a lagoon cave (depending on tidal condition). BBQ lunch on the beach, cruise and explore Dark & Bright cave before heading back to Drum cave area for dinner & overnight on board.
Day 3: Halong Retreat & Brunch Hanoi (B, L)
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee with breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. After breakfast explore Sung Sot cave (8: 00 to 9: 00), swim and relax at Soi Sim beach. At 9: 30 boat starts cruising back to the jetty while brunch is served from 10: 30 to 11: 30. We continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Checkout is at 11: 45. Boat arrives at harbor by 12: 00 for transferring back to Hanoi.
Type of cabin
Single
Double/ Twin
Deluxe
$
$
Suite
$
$
Family Suite
$
$
Note: Cabin (Price Per Person in US$)
Trip includes:
Transfer in air-conditioned
Pick up & drop off at your hotel in Hanoi
Accommodation on Chinese Dragon’s Pearl Junk based on twin share (private cabin with Aircondition)
All meals as mention in the program
Welcome drink on boat
Free flower and fresh fruits in cabin
Local ENG speaking tour guide on boat
Tandem sea kayak (double sharing) for option 3
Boat cruise on the bay (shared boat)
All admission cost at places mentioned in itinerary
Trip excludes:
International flights
International departure tax
Visas and visa fees
Travel insurance
Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi
Others meal & drink
Admission fees during free time
Personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc.