The first-class attraction of Vietnam, Halong Bay (‘’the bay of descending dragons’’), is a stunning natural wonder known for its limestone karsts, emerald waters, and picturesque scenery. There are different statistics of islands in Halong bay, from 1,600 to 3,000 (?), but they altogether offer breathtaking views with lovely shapes. Visitors can go on cruises, swim, sunbathe, kayak, explore caves, fly on a seaplane above the sea, interact with traditional fishing villages or visit salty pearl farms here.
Exploring Halong Bay is a truly immersive experience. The cruises typically range from day trips to multi-day excursions, allowing travelers to fully bask in the serenity of the sea. All the boats recommended by us are reputable, well-equipped with comfortable amenities, including cozy cabins, dining areas, and even swimming decks (deluxe 5-star cruises), ensuring a memorable and relaxing experience. In most itineraries, you can kayak in the afternoon, paddling through the calm waters and explore the hidden corners of the bay. This area is also a paradise for photographers, with its dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets providing opportunities for postcard-worthy shots. Besides, Halong is also rich in cultural significance. The bay is home to several traditional fishing villages, agricultural farms where the Halong people feed salty-water pearls or mussels. Since the 1990s, it has become an ideal filming spot for French, Hollywood and Vietnamese film makers.
SHORT PROGRAM:
PRICE IN USD: 199 PER PERSON
DAY 1: TUAN CHAU – HA LONG BAY – LAN HA BAY – TRA BAU
8:30 – 8:50: A limousine bus will pick us at the Meeting Point (or at the hotel, if located in the Old Quarter). Head to Halong Bay!!!
11:30: The crew members of Peony Cruises will welcome you at the Cruise Counter
12:30: We will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the marina, crossing the bay to board our luxurious craft, the Peony Cruise. Itinerary briefing will be announced during this time.
13:00: Enjoy a Welcome fresh drink and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. We will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay – A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.
15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area which is known for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands. Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises
17:30 – 18:30: Joining the crew for Cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of the cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset. Enjoy a Happy Hour time – “buy one get one” at the bar. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.
19:30: Enjoying a dinner with delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chefs, a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
21:00 – 22:00: Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge).
Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky. Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.
DAY 2: LAN HA BAY – CAT BA ISLAND – TUAN CHAU
6:00: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.
6:45 – 7:15: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty.
7:30 – 9:00: We will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30m to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.
9:30: Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin.Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)
10:30 – 11:00: Disembark the Peony Cruises and transferred back to Block #34, Big Baygroup terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.
11:30 – 12:00: The guests are ready at Tuan Chau Marina to be greeted by the bus and back to Hanoi.