Halong Boat Trip (1 day)

Destination: Hanoi - Ha Long
Starting: Hanoi
Ending: Hanoi
Rates: US$ 39 - US$ 99

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders.
The tiny limestone islands are dotted with many beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that provide an excellent backdrop for swimming or just lazing about from the deck of our luxury boat.

Itinerary

Transfer to Halong city for 4 hours boat cruise on the Bay, driving through the heart of the Red River Delta where you'll see many farmers tilling their green fields, stop on route to admire the landscape picture, you might take picture of buffalo boy. Upon arrival, boat screw will greetings you special seafood lunch with welcome drink while boat cruise around the bay to visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Thien Cung cave and Wooden Stick Grotto, and enjoy sunset before finishing the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi.

Note: You will be collected from your hotel. Pick up time will be advised upon confirmation of booking


Trip Included

• Transportation
• English speaking guide
• Lunch
• Boat cruise
• Admission fees.

Trip Excluded

• Pre & Post trip accommodation in Hue
• Travel insurance
• Food & drink not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• Tips and Gratuities

The Emeraude

History of Emeraude
Stepping onto the Emeraude is as transporting as time travel. And the vessel's history is as captivating as a fine old yarn.

The Postcard
In 1999, a young French entrepreneur Eric Merlin was rummaging in the St. Ouen flea market in Paris, looking - as was his habit - for anything old with links to Vietnam and Indochina.

On this day, he found three postcards, dated 1916, 1917 and 1919. Two pictured paddle steamers in Halong Bay. A third showed a steamer at port in nearby Haiphong. A magnifying glass revealed the name of one of the vessels, the "Emeraude".

For some time, the cards lay in Eric's desk in Paris. From time to time, he took them out and showed them to friends. He dreamed of finding the old vessels. Later, as those prospects dimmed, a new dream took sail.

He'd rebuild one of the old paddle steamers.

The vision was far more than mere homage. He planned to launch the boat on Halong Bay. The realisation would conjure, not just a much missed means of transport, but a lost era of glamour, romance and discovery.

Despite excellent connections and an impressive track record at a successful Vietnam-based travel company, Exotissimo, he found himself unable to attract investors. No matter. In January 2003, with postcards as the only guide, he commissioned boat builders to bring back the Emeraude.

The Search

EMERAUDE
The Ship
- Launched: December 2003
- Built by: Song Cam Shipyard
- Length: 56m
- Beam: 10m
- Draft: 2.6m
- Cabins: 34 Luxury Cabins
+ 01 Paul Roque Suite
+ 01 Emeraude Suite
+ 01 Captain's Suite
- Engine: 2*540HP (Caterpillar)
- Generator: 460KVA
- Tonnage: 700 tones
- Cruising Speed: 10 nautical knots

While the boat took shape in a shipyard, Eric began a quest for more information.

The search spanned continents and featured a number of false trails. Briefly, he believed the boats had sailed between England and France as mail boats, a theory promoted by information on an Australian stamp club website. The British Maritime Museum dispelled that story.

Meanwhile counterparts in Paris came up with another picture that matched his paddle steamer postcards, and Eric pressed on. When he learned that many of Indochina's historical documents ended up in an archive in Aix en Provence in the South of France, he hired a school teacher to carry on the search.

Soon, the information was coming in thick and fast. The Emeraude was part of a fleet managed by the barge and towing company SACRIC (Société Anonyme de Chalandage et Temorquage de l'Indo-Chine). Its owner was a Monsieur Paul Roque. Instinctively, Eric knew the Roque family was his best bet for information.

Working from Vietnam he found a French Telephone Directory containing 1,220 Roques. He drafted a letter to send to every one of them.

He told them of his flea market find and enclosed a photocopy of the postcards. He outlined the information found to date and asked, 'Are you the Roques we're looking for?'

His staff in Vietnam helped put the letters in envelopes and address them all with stickers. He then carried the 10kg box back to France and stamped them in a small sleepy village where he was staying on holiday. The tiny post office had never seen so much mail.

And then the calls came. Maddeningly, the first twenty or so were of no help at all. They'd called to say yes, Roque was their name, what a lovely story. But they weren't the Roques he was looking for.

One couple said they'd recently visited Vietnam on holiday if that helped. It didn't.

And then the call he was waiting for finally came.

"Look no further," the voice said. "I am the grandson of Paul Roque."

Excited, Eric travelled to Paris as soon as he could.

And there, right in the middle of the sizeable Roque family apartment, was a large antique model of The Emeraude. Eric could hardly believe it.

That wasn't all. Among the many mementoes of a bygone colonial era was the original china from the boats. Silverware too. There was even a 100-year-old staff uniform.

The Roque Brothers
Paul Roque, who launched the Emeraude, was the second generation of his family in Indochina. Initially, there had been three adventuring brothers - Victor, Xavier and Henry - who embarked from Bordeaux in 1858.

After a stop in Manila, they moved onto Hong Kong where they established themselves as suppliers to the French Army. When the troops of Admiral Rigault de Genouilly took Saigon, they followed in 1860.

Against this historic backdrop their empire grew. Sugar, opium, timber, public works, steamships. The list was long.

Now rich and famous, they were targeted by Chinese pirates. In 1890, the notorious Luu Ky and his men kidnapped and tortured two of the brothers.

Paying the ransom meant selling off many of their assets and Victor, by this time 61, left for home near-bankrupt and in poor health.

Henry assumed control but was soon joined by Paul, son of Xavier. They scaled their business back to concentrate on the North and, in particular, Haiphong and Halong Bay.

There they had the idea to build a small fleet of five "paddle wheeler" ships that would double as cargo and cruise vessels. They'd be called - the Rubis, the Perle, the Saphir, the Onyx and the Emeraude.

Though down on their luck, the Roques invested heavily in the boats.

They came to the conclusion, as Eric did almost a century later, that there was a market for a little luxury on Halong Bay.

So they ensured the boats had electric lights. They installed ventilation and refrigeration. They included darkrooms for the many photographers who were inspired by the scenery. And the Emeraude set sail.

Paul Roque returned to Paris in 1921, the last of his family to leave Asia after more than six decades. The Emeraude steamed on.

Years later, on the evening of March 16, 1937, as the Emeraude was returning to Haiphong, it collided with a submerged rock. The collision ripped a large hole in the shell of the vessel and it quickly sank.

Incredibly, according to the police report, all those aboard were saved. However, the Emeraude was never recovered.

Following their defeat at the decisive battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, the French finally left Vietnam and SACRIC folded. Paul Roque died in 1966.

The French colonial era was over, and the Emeraude was at the bottom of the sea.

Renaissance
Eric's Emeraude was built locally in Haiphong to international standards but very much in keeping with the original design. In December 2003, the namesake of the glorious old vessel set sail.

While the original was split between cargo and cruisers the new Emeraude is exclusively a leisure vessel. The paddle wheel at the back echoes the design of the original but isn't used for propulsion. Instead it opens up to provide a swimming deck for passengers.

Inside there are many photos of the original steamers that Eric has continued to find and now shares with passengers.

For Eric, however, it's not quite the end of the story.

He still wants to find out what happened to those other paddle boats. He feels that surely such a large piece of metal as the original Emeraude can't stay lost forever. Could divers locate it?

Meanwhile, he and his brother Jean-Marc continue to develop business in Vietnam, and across Southeast Asia. From scratch they've built up a portfolio of businesses in the Apple Tree Group that now employs over 2000 people.

They've restored a colonial era mansion as La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue. They've refurbished a one-time home of Lao royalty as Villa Maly in Luang Prabang. They understand that stories fuel the romance of travel.

Meanwhile, the Emeraude, like its predecessor, spends its days cruising the turquoise waters of Halong Bay.

Fittingly, once more, under the watch of a French captain.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

The Emeraude Cruises for 2 days /1night
Emeraude Cruises on Ha Long Bay (3days)

Paloma Cruise

The Paloma is a brand new Chinese wooden junk crewed by a professional, loyal and dedicated team. Spread over 4 decks she has 16 en-suite fully equipped luxury cabins, a bar with soft seating and plasma TV, gourmet restaurant, outside dining area, sundeck and luxury spa.

Come onboard The Paloma. Be charmed by her exquisite luxury, intimate setting and unrivalled home from home service. An unforgettable way to witness the serene, calm setting of Halong Bay-s exceptional natural beauty. The Paloma is your home while you are in Halong Bay. Good service is key. Our crew consists of 20 dynamic, passionate and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to making your stay with us special and unforgettable.

Paloma Cruise: Cabins
A selection of superior and deluxe cabins, honeymoon and family- suites mixing the modern with traditional elements. All ensuite and fully equipped with air conditioning, in house phone and bathroom amenities, allowing you to relax in peace and luxury.

- 5 Superior (13m2) (double or twin)
- 7 Deluxe (15m2) (double or twin)
- 2 Honeymoon suites with balcony (17m2) with 270 degree panoramic sea views
- 2 Family suites with balcony (20m2) with 270 degree panoramic sea views

Paloma Cruise: Sundeck
The sundeck, situated on the 4th deck, is the perfect spot to view the limestone peaks, lagoons, grottoes and emerald sea. Relax on our cosy sun lounges and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

Paloma Cruise: Bar and Dinning Room
Relax and unwind in the bar which adjoins the restaurant. Enjoy pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks, relax in the soft seating area, browse our selection of books and magazines or watch a DVD on the plasma TV. The bar is fully stocked with fine wines, spirits, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.On board you will be delighted with our top notch service and fine dining experience. Our menu is an innovative blend of European cuisine with an Asian twist. In Vietnam food preparation and presentation is an art form. A healthy and refined cuisine with exotic flavours features Vietnamese herbs, spices and other well-known traditional specialties. Non-meat eaters will be able to sample some of the best vegetarian food in Vietnam.

Paloma Cruise: Amenities
With perfect attention to detail, all aspects of your stay on board have been meticulously planned. All cabins are en-suite with hot showers and full bathroom amenities, towels and luxury linens. The junk is fully air conditioned throughout, there is plenty of storage space, a luxury spa, gourmet restaurant and a fully stocked bar. Equipped with all the luxury and comforts you desire, The Paloma is your home from home while you cruise the Bay.

Paloma Cruise: Activities
During your stay on The Paloma, you won-t be short of things to do.Our expert guide will lead kayaking tours of the bay, enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters or pamper yourself in our luxury spa. Join our staff in some late night cuttle fishing and we run cookery demonstrations for those interested in learning the art of Vietnamese cooking. Take part in early morning Tai Chi on the sundeck which is the perfect way to welcome the new day.

Paloma Cruise: Water Sport Facilities and Activities

- Kayaks (upon request or part of cruise package)
- Tender
- Bamboo rowing boats
- Swimming
- Cooking demonstrations (upon request)
- Early morning Tai Chi
- Join the staff to go cuttle fishing in the evening

Paloma Cruise: Safety

To ensure your safety and to give you peace of mind, The Paloma is fully equipped with all the necessary equipment complying with international safety standards and requirements. On board we have: 60 life vests, 40 life bouys,4 lifeboats
In case of fire there are 4 fire hoses and 14 fire extinguishers in the public areas and 1 extinguisher per cabin.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Paloma Cruise on Halong Bay 

(2 Days /1 Night)

Day 1: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Paloma Cruise (L, D)

08.30 approx

Our guide will meet you at your hotel. Mini bus or private car pick up.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. You will have a chance to take photos. Comfort break.  The distance from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3- hours.

12 noon approx

Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard. Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind. Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef. Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.

Afternoon

While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon arrive at Vong Vieng floating fishing village Drop anchor.

Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community.  Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community.

Back on board The Paloma we head towards Halong Bay.  We drop anchor in the calm waters surrounded by islets. Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.- For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.

Early evening

Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit.

Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar.

Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars. Accommodation and overnight on junk.

Day 2: Paloma Cruise - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

06:30

For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.

Breakfast, coffee and tea and served.- After breakfast we sail through the waters and pass by a number of caves including Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave.- Disembark and visit Surprise Cave located on Bo Hon Island. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

10:00

We board The Paloma again. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store.- An early lunch is served.

12 noon

Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell.

Transfer to minibus or private and return to Hanoi.

Arrival back at your hotel approximately 16:30/17:00

Cruise Price:

Price: 2011

Cabin	2 people sharing (twin or double)	Triple occupancy	Single Cabin
Superior room	$129 per person	n/a	$194/Cabin
Deluxe room	$146 per person	n/a	$221/Cabin
Family suite*	$169 per person	3 pax maximum	n/a
Paloma suite	$175 per person	n/a	n/a

Price: 2012

Cabin	2 people sharing (twin or double)	Triple occupancy	Single Cabin
Superior room	$160 per person	n/a	$250/Cabin
Deluxe room	$180 per person	n/a	$281/Cabin
Family suite*	$205 per person	3 pax maximum	n/a
Paloma suite	$215 per person	n/a	n/a

+ Currency: American Dollars (USD)

+ Twin/ Double Cabin: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults

+ Single cabin: 1 big bed for 1 adult only (single traveler)

Includes:

+ Return shuttle transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi.

+ Luxury accommodation with A/C, hot shower.

+ English speaking guide.

+ Entrance fees

+ All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Welcome cocktail, 01 Breakfast

+ Tai Chi

+ Cookery demonstrations (on request)

Excludes:

+ Return shuttle/ private car or van transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (see our quotation at EXTRA SERVICE Item)

+ Airfares and departure taxes

+ Service fees + taxes

+ Visa, passport or vaccination costs

+ Other meals not specified in the itinerary

+ Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities

Child Policy:

+ Free of charge for child under 4 years old in parent's room and using existing bedding (maximum 01 child per cabin)

+ For child between 5 - 12 years old: 40% of the cabin rate (sharing a cabin with maximum of 2 adults, limiting to one child per cabin only).

+ For child from 12 years old up as an adult.

Extra Service (Transportation: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi)

+ Private Car (7seats) : US$-102 per car

+ Private Van (16seats) : US$-112 per van

Paloma Cruise on Halong Bay 

(3 Days /2 Nights)

Day 1: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Paloma Cruise (L, D)

08:30 am approx

Our guide will meet you at your hotel. Mini bus or private car pick up.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. You will have a chance to take photos and comfort break. The distance from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 hours.

12 noon approx

Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard. Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind. Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef. Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.

Afternoon

While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon arrive at Vong Vieng floating fishing village Drop anchor. Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community.

Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community.

Back on board The Paloma we head towards Halong Bay. We drop anchor in the calm waters surrounded by islets. Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.

For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.

Early evening

Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit.

Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar.

Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars. Accommodation and overnight on junk.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruising (B, L, D)

06:30

For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.

Breakfast, coffee and tea and served. After breakfast transfer from The Paloma to a smaller boat which will take you to one of the more remote and secluded parts of the Lan Ha Bay waters and islands. Our guide will take you on a kayaking tour of the waters. There is no better way to discover the lagoons, the coral reef, beaches and limestone peaks. Or sunbathe on one of the secluded beaches, go swimming.

During the morning our chef and crew prepare a special BBQ lunch on the private beach (depends on the weather). After lunch we discover Ho Ba Ham Islet in Lan Ha Bay which borders the Gulf of Tonkin. Our local guide will take you on a tour of the local community, Van Gia fishing village and lagoons.

16:00

Back on board The Paloma, take time to refresh and relax.

Early evening

Enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit. Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area. After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go night fishing or take a late night swim under the stars. Accommodation and overnight on junk.

Day 3: Paloma Cruise - Halong Bay – Hanoi

06:30

For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.

Breakfast, coffee and tea and served. After breakfast we sail through the waters and pass by a number of caves including Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave. Disembark and visit Surprise Cave located on Bo Hon Island. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

10:00 am

Back on board. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store. An early lunch is served.

12 noon

Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell. ransfer to minibus or private car and return to Hanoi. Arrival back at your hotel approximately 16:30/17:00

Cruise Price:

Our prices are quoted in $USD based per person per cabin for accommodation and full board for 3 days 2 nights.

Items under cost exclusions will be quoted separately.

Price 2011:

Cabin	2 people sharing (twin or double)	Triple occupancy	Single Cabin
Superior room	$235/pax	n/a	$365/Cabin
Deluxe room	$255/pax	n/a	$405/Cabin
Family suite*	$269/pax	3 pax (maximum)	n/a
Paloma suite	$290/ pax	n/a	n/a

Price 2012:

Cabin	2 people sharing (twin or double)	Triple occupancy	Single Cabin
Superior room	$275/pax	n/a	$429/Cabin
Deluxe room	$300/pax	n/a	$468/Cabin
Family suite*	$306/pax	3 pax (maximum)	n/a
Paloma suite	$325/ pax	n/a	n/a

+ Currency: American Dollars (USD)

+ Based per cabin

+ Twin/ Double Cabin: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults

+ Single cabin: 1 big bed for 1 adult only (single traveler)

Includes:

+ Return shuttle transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi.

+ Luxury accommodation with A/C, hot shower.

+ English speaking guide.

+ Entrance fees

+ All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Welcome cocktail, 02 Breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinner)

+ Kayaking.

+ Tai Chi

+ Cookery demonstrations (on request)

+ Insurance on board

Excludes:

+ Return shuttle/ private car or van transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (see our quotation at EXTRA SERVICE Item)

+ Airfares and departure taxes

+ Service fees + taxes

+ Visa, passport or vaccination costs

+ Other meals not specified in the itinerary

+ Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities.

Child Policy:

+ Free of charge for child under 4 years old in parent's room and using existing bedding (maximum 01 child per cabin)

+ For child between 5 - 12 years old: 40% of the cabin rate (sharing a cabin with maximum of 2 adults, limiting to one child per cabin only).

+ For child from 12 years old up as an adult.

Extra Service (Transportation: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi):

+ Private Car (7seats) : US$ 136 per car

+ Private Van (16seats) : US$ 146 per van

Indochina Sails Cruise on Ha Long Bay (3days /2nights)

About INDOCHINA SAILS
(3days /2nights)

Day 1: Hanoi - Halong bay (L, D)

08:00: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi and drive to Halong bay through scenic countryside areas.

12:15: Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails boat – enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.

13:00: Lunch – deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu. Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with Cruise Manager.

14.30: Arrive at Titov Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities.

15.30: Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to the Bat Cave area.

16.30: Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time.

Option 1: A 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10 per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.

Option 2: visiting the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.

18:30: Arrive at Luon Bo area

19:00: Dinner – deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30: Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available.

21:00 – 23:00 Happy Hour! Buy one drink – get one free (wine excluded). Overnight on boat

 

Day 2: Halong bay discovery (B, L, D)

6:30: Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).

6:45: Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

7:45: Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room.

8:30: Transfer by tender to the “Day Boat” and begin to cruise to some of Halong Bays more untouched locales. Enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking and swimming. A multi-course lunch will be served mid-day.

16:00: Return by tender to the Indochina Sails boat.

18:30: Arrive at Luon Bo area – anchor for overnight.

19:00: Dinner – deluxe Vietnamese and Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30: Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available.

21:00 – 23:00 Happy Hour ! Buy one drink – get one free (wine excluded). Overnight on boat

Day 3: Halong bay - Hanoi (B)

6:30: Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).

6:45: Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

7:00: Arrive at the Surprise Cave.

8:00: Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.

9:00: Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.

9:30: Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.

10:00: Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

10:45: Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

11:00: Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.
Farewell and End of Cruise.

Cruise price:

Cabin Categories	Price per person in USD base on sharing or private cabins
	High Season1 Jan-30 Apr, 2011 & 1 Oct – 31 Dec,2011		Normal Season1 May, 2011-30 Sep, 2011
	Single Cabin	Twin/Double	Single Cabin	Twin/Double
Superior	449	293	405	250
Deluxe	539	306	435	265
suite	646	359	515	305
President Suite	739	413	585	350

+ Currency: American Dollars (USD)

+ Twin/ Double Cabin: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults

+ Single cabin: 1 big bed for 1 adult only (single traveler)

Includes:

+ Luxury accommodation with A/C, hot shower.

+ English speaking customer service manager on board junk

+ Entrance fees

+ All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Welcome cocktail, 02 Vietnamese Seafood Lunch and 02 Dinner, 02 International Brunch Buffet)

+ Kayaking services

+ Service fees + taxes

+ Insurance on board

Excludes:

+ Return shuttle bus/ private car or van transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (see our quotation at Extra service Item)

+ Airfares and departure taxes

+ Visa, passport or vaccination costs

+ Other meals not specified in the itinerary

+ Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities.

Child policy:

+ For child under 5 years old in parent’s room and using existing bedding (maximum 01 child per cabin and child reduction applicable only if sharing a cabin with maximum of 2 adults.)

+ For child between 5 - 12 years old: 25% of the cabin rate (sharing a cabin with maximum of 2 adults, limiting to one child per cabin only)

+ Extra bed: For child under 12 years old, its US$ 25 in addition to the charge mentioned above.

Extra service: (Transportation: Hanoi - Halong bay - Hanoi)

+ A/C Shuttle Bus : US$ 20 per adult and US$ 10 per child between 5 - 12 years old.

+ Private Car (7seats) : US$ 140 per car

+ Private Van (16seats) : US$ 150 per van

RECOMMENDED TOURS
- Indochina Sails Cruise on Ha Long Bay (2days /1night)
- Indochina Sails Cruise on Ha Long Bay (3days /2nights)