Halong Bay Explorer (4 days)
Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay –Bai Tu Bay – Cat Ba Island and National Park
Highlights
-
Cruise UNESCO World Heritage Listed Halong Bay
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Overnight on a deluxe Chinese junk style hotel
-
Day hike through the jungles of Cat Ba Island National Park
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Get off the tourist trail + kayak hidden bays of Halong
Overview
This active adventure combines kayaking with hiking in stunning natural environments. From Hanoi, you will drive to Hai Phong for a hydrofoil transfer to Cat Ba Island, the largest in the archipelago. On this unspoiled island enjoy a guided walk in the National Park, home to the endangered golden-headed Langur monkey. Spend the next two nights on board a Chinese junk style hotel feasting on freshly caught seafood. From the junk, you kayak the hidden bays of Halong and Lan Ha exploring caves and lagoons, visiting floating villages to talk with local fishermen. There is plenty of opportunity to relax on the sundeck of the junk to absorb the amazing limestone pinnacle formations which is undoubtedly, one of Vietnam’s most enchanting experiences!
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 |
Early morning pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and drive to Haiphong for a hydrofoil ride to Cat Ba Island. Check into the hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore this seaside town and beaches. |
Day 2 |
Trek Cat Ba Island National to Viet Hai village via Frog Lake. Enjoy panoramic views of limestone karsts towers. Afternoon boat ride to meet our overnight junk in Halong Bay. |
Day 3 |
Paddle to Van Chai floating village and continue onto Dark Cave and along the sea channel to Ba Trai Dao Lagoon. Explore Lan Ha Bay’s secluded beaches. |
Day 4 |
Relax on the sun deck of the junk as we cruise back to Halong City via stunning rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay. In the afternoon, drive back to Hanoi where your expedition ends. |
Prices
Price Per Person |
Twin Share |
3 to 4 people
|
$850 |
2 people |
$985 |
| Single supplement | $140 |
Validity |
31 March 2009 |
Prices are in Australian dollars based upon the number of people travelling together. Price reduces as your travel group size increases. Price is land content only + subject to currency fluctuations. Prices beyond 31/03/09 available on request. See Booking Conditions for more details. Call 1300 43 10 69 for bookings and information.
Includes:
- Deluxe junk accommodation based on twin share. If a single cabin/room is required a single supplement will apply.
- English speaking guide for kayaking + hiking activities
- Return private transfer to Hanoi
- Hydrofoil transfer
- Twin kayaks + support boat
- One bottle of water per day for kayaking + trekking activities
- Entrance & sightseeing fees
- Donation for teaching materials to floating fishing village school
- Equipment as listed in 'Trip notes'
Meals:
- 4 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Excludes:
- Airfares and departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Visa, passport and vaccination costs
- Other meals not specified in itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activitie
Trip notes
The junk + hotel
These beautiful Chinese junks function as a floating hotel and you sometimes have to share them with other travellers. Cabins are twin share with AC and private facilities. Single cabins are available on request. On Cat Ba Island, you stay in centrally located comfortable 3-star hotels with private facilities.
Food
All meals, indicated in the detailed itinerary, are included in the price of this 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 escorts you from Hanoi to Halong Bay, provides instruction and support for your kayaking and trekking activities. Your guide has extensive experience in leading outdoor tours in Vietnam and has internationally recognized first aid qualifications. 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, life-jacket and dry bag are also supplied. A small boat supports all kayaking expeditions. Your guide carries a First Aid Kit.
Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reason, including road and weather conditions or for any other factor that may impact client safety.
Your group & share accommodation
Prices are based upon twin share accommodation. A single traveller pays the single supplement price for sole use of a room.
Airport transfers
This trip does not include airport transfers or hotel accommodation in Hanoi. Please contact Inner Journey Expeditions to make these arrangements.
Handy travel tips + travelling responsibly
For more information on how you can participate in sustainable tourism go to Handy Travel Tips on our website. To help plan your trip go to Vietnam Visa + Travel Guide.
