CRUISING HALONG BAY & LAN HA BAY
CRUISING HALONG BAY & LAN HA BAY
Arguably , Asia ’ s most magnificent seascape
You simply can ’ t visit Vietnam without casting your eyes over UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay . It ’ s approximately 2½ hours by road 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 . By far the best way to see and appreciate this nautical world wonder is to cruise around the islands aboard a junk boat or boutique ship . This also allows you to visit one or more of the floating villages , usually by a smaller bamboo rowing boat , for a glimpse of traditional life . These true water worlds that rise and fall with the tides are often home to many generations , with fishing the main source of income . Numerous companies operate cruises within Halong Bay , as well as neighbouring Lan Ha Bay , and we ’ ve highlighted some of our favourites . Each offers a selection of itineraries , usually of one or two night durations , and include a variety of excursions . All cruise itineraries , excursions and schedules are subject to change due to weather , tide levels and operating conditions . Read on to find out more on the places that may be visited and whilst on one of our recommended cruise lines , although many more are available .
HALONG BAY Encompassing some 579 square miles , this huge bay is scattered with over 3,000 limestone islets and cliffs that jut dramatically from the indigo waters . Almost all of the islands are uninhabited and several boast beautiful grottos and caves while the waters are host to coral reefs , freshwater swamp forests , mangroves , small lakes and sandy beaches , with countless places to swim , fish , kayak and snorkel .
LAN HA BAY Situated further from Halong City , Lan Ha Bay has a more isolated appeal and is equally impressive . Breathtakingly beautiful , Lan Ha has 300 or so karst islands which tower over the emerald waters , 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 .
SURPRISE COVE 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 , it ’ s 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 .
VIETNAM
To Hanoi Halong
Titop Island
Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Surprise Cave
Halong Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Exact itineraries for each of our featured cruises are available on request . The prices shown for each are based on accommodation in an ensuite cabin , full board , private transfers from and to your Hanoi hotel , and sightseeing / activities during the cruise .
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Lan Ha Bay prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !