Kayaking Halong Bay - Set Departure Tours on November, 2009 November 15, 2009

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi
4-day tour with 2-day kayaking and overnight on Chinese junk
Kayaking grade: Moderate
Group size: 10 persons
From US$ 459 per person

Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, covers an area of 1500 square km. with more than a thousand limestone peaks soaring from its crystalline emerald water. The calm sea provides an ideal location for sea kayaking as we paddle through a maze of islets amid dramatic natural scenery. With our modern kayaking equipment, we are able to maximize on speed and maneuverability as we explore the open sea and the many hidden lagoons and stalagmite caves that are difficult to access by any other means. After a day of paddling we unwind on our boat and enjoy dinner. This tour offers longer kayaking expedition of Halong Bay. We will paddle amongst islets, visit hidden caves, lagoons, unspoiled beaches, floating fishing village and talk with local fishman.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Leave Hanoi for Halong Bay at 8.30am. On the way we will have a short break for refreshment at a handicraft centre. Upon arrival in Halong City we board a wooden boat for a fine seafood lunch and a short cruise to Thien Cung Cave. After a short exploration of the cave we enjoy a beautiful cruise through an amazing area of limestone islets. We will pass a floating village to reach Luon Cave, which is a tunnel thrusting through a mountain. Take a bamboo boat to visit the cave. Back to the junk for dinner and overnight.

Summary
Transfer Hanoi – Halong Bay: 3.5 hrs
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Twin shared cabin



Day 2: Kayaking Halong Bay

After breakfast we start paddling to Van Chai Floating village and then continue paddling to Dark Cave. Tide permitting, we explore this amazing cave by kayak. The cave is a 200m long, dark tunnel thrusting through a limestone mountain. The tunnel is the only entry to a secluded and beautiful lagoon. We can also explore some other caves nearby. Lunch on support boat in front of the cave. After lunch we paddle to Ba Trai Dao Lagoon, along a stunning and fairly rough sea channel, to explore its beautiful beaches. Continue paddling to Lan Ha Bay, which is smaller than Halong Bay but much more interesting with lots of secluded beaches. Cruise back to Halong Bay for dinner and overnight on mother boat

Summary
Kayaking: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Twin shared cabin

Day 3: Kayaking – Halong Bay

Breakfast on boat. Transferred by support boat to Lan Ha Bay, where we start paddling across a wide sea channel to reach Dau Be Island, which has a small fishing settlement. To the western side of the island is Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake), a deep grotto with three inland "lakes. The grotto is accessible only at low tide by kayak. There are beautiful beaches around, where we could stop for swimming. Optional paddling around the island. Lunch on support boat.
Transfer back to mother boat for dinner and overnight.

Summary
Kayaking: 5 - 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Twin shared cabin

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Breakfast on the junk and enjoy the sundeck of the junk while she navigates amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay to get back to Halong City. Lunch on the junk before heading back to Hanoi by bus.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on mother boat

Summary
Cruising: 3 hrs
Transfer Halong Bay – Hanoi: 3.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

Official Website: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/