Looking for that perfect Halong Bay itinerary? Halong Bay is a vast area, and there are many ways to explore its wonders. Firstly, you should decide which type of experience you would like. Halong Bay may be the most famed of all locations, but Bai Tu Long Bay offers the chance to engage with a very similar landscape, in a less crowded setting.
Here is a brief comparison of the two main cruise locations:
| Halong Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay |
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Whilst Halong Bay is undoubtedly best experienced by cruise, there are a huge array of cruising options to choose from. On the whole most cruises will include standard activities like swimming or kayaking, but some of the more premium services provide a broad spectrum of on-board services.
Generally speaking, you should decide how many of the following options appeal to you, and then choose how long you would like to spend cruising. Cruises range simple day trips, to extravagant four-day/ three night affairs. Remember that on a day cruise you may miss out on some of the most spectacular views, which occur at sunrise and sunset. Here is a list of possible activities for your on-board entertainment;
Cruises start from one night/ two days, and this can be a great way to get a taste of Halong Bay. Yet, if you would like to fully relax and adjust to life on board, you should take a two-night/three-day cruise. This option will allow you to really escape into the surrounding scenery, as well as experiencing a wider selection of onboard activities.
The sample Halong Bay itinerary below will give you a better idea of what’s included on a three-day/two-night cruise.
07.45 – 08.15: Shuttle bus pick-up from Hanoi hotel.
12.00 – 12.30: Embark cruise at Hon Gai International harbour.
13.00: Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing.
13.30 – 15.00: Have lunch while cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00 – 16.30: Cruise to Cap La.
16.30: Peaceful paddling around Cap La and Tra San by kayak.
17.45: Return to junk for swimming or sunbathing.
19.00: Have dinner and spend the night on board.
06.30 – 08.00: View of the Bay’s landscape bathed in dawn light with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
08.30 : Start cruising to Cong Dam whilst marvelling at the geological structures of Halong Bay.
9:00 – 11:00 : Enjoy kayaking through the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam.
11.30 : Reach Tra Gioi beach for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming.
12.30 – 14.00: Have a BBQ lunch and take in the wild surrounds of this tropical beach.
14:30 -16:00: Visit Cong Dam fishing village, meet the local people and pass through crystalline lagoons.
16.00 – 17.30: Cruise back to Cong Do for swimming or kayaking.
19.00 : Have dinner and spend another night on board.
07.30 – 08.00: Breathe in the fresh air and savour the gentle breeze of the Bay. Have breakfast on board.
08.30 – 09:30 Visit Thien Canh Son cave. Then enjoy another dip in emerald waters.
10.00 – 11.30: Start cruising towards the harbour whilst an à la carte lunch is served.
11.45 – 12.00: Disembark, farewell!
15.45 – 16.00: Arrive back in Hanoi, end of services.
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