Highlights
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Cruise UNESCO World Heritage Listed Halong Bay
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Overnight in a deluxe Chinese junk style hotel
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Kayak hidden caves, lagoons and secluded beaches
Overview
UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay is located three and half hours from Hanoi on the north east coast. It is estimated over 3000 limestone and dolomite islets scatter this 1500 square kilometre bay and one of the best ways to experience this amazing natural landscape is from a kayak.
If you have time and want to explore less touristy sections of Halong Bay, a three day Halong Bay cruise is the answer. You kayak on the first day and on the second day you transfer to a smaller boat and travel into spectacular bays such as Lan Ha with 300 or so karst islands, emerald sea, around 200 species of fish and numerous hard and soft coral areas.
Departs daily from Hanoi
Day 1 |
Hanoi to Halong Bay |
Day 2 |
Kayak Halong and Lan Ha Bay Kayaking: 6 hours |
Day 3 |
Halong Bay to Hanoi |
Looking for a bit more luxury? Click here >
Prices
Cabin |
$AUD Per Person |
| Twin share cabin - 2 people | 479 |
| Single cabin - 1 person | 839 |
Validity |
30 April 2012 |
Prices are in Australian dollars based on twin share cabin and single cabin prices. Price is land content only + subject to currency fluctuations. This is a join in tour and departs daily from Hanoi. Prices beyond the validity available on request. Credit Card payments incur a surcharge. See Booking Conditions for more details.
Includes
- Twin share / single cabin accommodation
- Return shuttle bus transfer to Hanoi
- English speaking guide for kayaking activities
- Kayak, life jacket, water proof bag
- Entrance & sightseeing fees
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Complimentary glass of wine
- Service fees + taxes
Excludes
- Airfares and departure taxes
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Visa, passport or vaccination costs
- Other meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities
Trip grade
EASY TO MODERATE: Soft adventures enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. A mixture of long and shorter kayaking activities on day two for around two to three hours at a time.
Kayak Halong Bay Trip Notes
The junk
These beautiful Chinese junks function as a floating hotel and on this trip you share them with other travellers. Cabins are twin share with AC and private facilities. Single cabins are available on request and incur a single traveller price.
Food
All meals, indicated in the detailed itinerary, are included in the price of the trip. On the junk, you are served a range of delicious fresh seafood, local and western dishes – this is a gourmet delight!
Local guides
An English speaking guide provides instruction and support for your kayaking activities. Your guide has extensive experience in guiding outdoor tours in Vietnam. These guides love their job and it is their role to ensure you relax and have a great holiday. If you feel your guide and support crew provided you with excellent service, a tip at the end of the tour would be truly appreciated… a little bit goes a long way in Vietnam.
What to bring
Swimmers, sun block, hat, insect repellent, sunglasses, rain coat, flashlight, toiletries, original passport. We recommend warm clothes for the evening in the cooler months from November to February.
Equipment provided
On this trip we use tandem sea kayaks. Paddle and life-jacket are supplied.
Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reason, including weather and sea conditions or for any other factor that may impact client safety.
Transfers
This tour departs daily from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Merchant Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. You travel in a shuttle bus with other travellers. The shuttle bus transfers you back to your hotel in Hanoi at the end of the tour. For an additional cost you can travel by private car with a driver to and from your hotel in Hanoi.
Your group & share accommodation
This is a public tour that departs daily from Hanoi. Prices are based upon twin share accommodation. A single traveller pays the single cabin price for sole use of a cabin/room.
Tipping guidelines
It is customary to express a personal thank you to your guide and driver at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with excellent service. As a guideline only, we suggest tipping around AUD$4-$5 per day for the guide and AUD$2-$3 per day for the driver. You can pay this in local currency or US dollars. Of course whether you tip and how much is always at your discretion.
Vietnam visa
Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. Inner Journey Expeditions offers a Vietnam visa on arrival service where you obtain an entry visa stamp on arrival at HCMC, Hanoi or Danang International Airports. We arrange a Vietnam visa authority letter which you present with a valid passport, passport photo and your visa stamp fee to the Visa Landing Counter. This service is inexpensive, easy to arrange, only takes four working days and is all done on email - no need to mail your passport.
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Climate
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the South are hot all year round with average day time temperatures at 30 degrees Celsius. The hottest period is from March to May with average temperatures of 35 degree Celsius. The wet season runs from May to November where it down pours for an hour or so in the afternoon but this rarely interferes with travel services. Hanoi and Northern Vietnam experience four seasons. Summer from May to October can be hot and wet with regular downpours and occasional typhoons. July to August is the hottest months with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius. Winter runs from November to April with cold and humid conditions. December and January can be particularly cold with temperatures ranging between 10 – 20 degrees Celsius.
Health issues
Good medical advice usually recommends vaccinations in advance of travel to Vietnam. We suggest you consult with your doctor to discuss health care needs specific to your holiday.
Insurance
You must have comprehensive travel insurance to travel with us. Insurance should include cover for personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. Your trip notes + vouchers will not be issued until you confirm possession of appropriate insurance. Better be safe than sorry!
Pre and post tour arrangements
We can arrange additional hotel nights at the beginning or the end of your tour or if you are interested in doing additional touring we can organise a private tour to cater to your interests and time frame. Check out the IJE website for more details. |
Handy travel tips
To help plan your trip go to Vietnam Visa + Travel Guide.
