Halong Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Cat Ba Island
Surprise Cave
Titop Island
Indochina- Vietnam- Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
Halong
Bay
Cruising Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
Arguably, Asia’ s most magnificent seascape
You simply can’ t visit Vietnam without setting sail amidst the mystical panoramas of Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is approximately 2½ hours drive from Hanoi, or a two hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, so can easily be incorporated within many itineraries. It’ s exceptionally scenic throughout the year, although officially has two main seasons: hot with sporadic rain from April to October, and cooler from November to March.
Cruising around the islands aboard a junk boat or boutique ship is by far the best way to see and appreciate this marine masterpiece. The bay offers activities aplenty, such as kayaking and swimming, trekking and cycling, not to mention the chance to visit floating villages, usually by bamboo rowing boat, for a glimpse of traditional life in communities that have lived off the sea for generations.
Numerous companies operate cruises within Halong Bay or neighbouring Lan Ha Bay, and whilst we’ ve highlighted a handful of our favourites, there are many more available. Each offers various itineraries, usually of one or two night durations, and include a selection of excursions. All cruise itineraries, excursions and schedules are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, operating conditions and departure date. Read on to discover more on places that may be visited with our featured cruise lines.
Halong Bay
Encompassing some 579 square miles, this huge bay is scattered with almost 2,000 limestone islets jutting dramatically from the emeraldtinted waters. The majority of islands are uninhabited with several boasting beautiful grottos or caves. Additionally, the waters host coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangroves, small lakes and sandy beaches, along with countless places to swim, fish, kayak and snorkel.
Lan Ha Bay
Equally impressive as its superstar neighbour, albeit with a more isolated and untouched feel, Lan Ha Bay brandishes some 300 or so karst islands and limestone outcrops as well as several white sandy beaches.
Cat Ba Island
This popular island is a great place for trekking and cycling through the rainforest as well as watching out for wildlife, visiting Viet Hai Village or exploring Trung Trang Cave.
140 Indochina
VIETNAM
To Hanoi
Surprise Cave
One of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. Should you wish to explore, the mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about 100 stone steps.
Titop Island
A gem of Halong Bay, this is one of the very few islands with a sandy beach. Here, you can take a refreshing swim, explore the surroundings by kayak, or go snorkelling.
Cat Ba Island
Halong •
• Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay
• Titop Island
• Surprise Cave
Lan Ha Bay
What you need to know:
Bai Tu Long Bay
Exact itineraries for each of our featured cruises are available on request. Not all cruises stop at the same locations. The prices shown for each are based on accommodation in an ensuite cabin, full board, private transfers from and to your Hanoi hotel and airport, and sightseeing / activities during the cruise.
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444