Itinerary
Our boats, or Junks, are built in Vietnam, utilizing local materials and the handiwork of skilled shipbuilders, craftsmen and artists. As in the days of old they are built entirely of wood. The wood featured in the interiors is called “go huong”, which translates as aromatic wood; it is a highly durable and beautifully grained wood which adds to the rich and warm character of the boats.
Each of our boats features spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites with large marble bathrooms, a large sundeck with comfortable lounging furniture and an elegant dining room and bar. We have designed and fitted our boats to international standards while maintaining traditional Chinese Junk styling, creating the perfect balance of modern comforts and nostalgic ambiance.
The Indo 1 and Indo 2 are identical boats and were both launched in 2007. Each comprises 15 cabins (Superior and Deluxe Cabins). The deluxe cabins are a bit larger and feature rainfall showers and are all situated on the second decks of the boats.
Our newest boat, the Indo 3, launched in late 2008, also features ceramic artworks handcrafted in Bat Trang, well known as the home of the country’s most talented ceramic craftsmen. All of our boats are decorated with silk from Van Phuc, the “Silk Village”.
Day 1: Hanoi – Cruising in Halong Bay (L/D)
7:45 – 8:15: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi. Leave Hanoi for Halong Bay
10:00: Have a short rest in the middle way (30 minutes)
11.30: Arrive at Bai Chay/ Halong pier.
12.15: Transfer by tender to the boat – enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.
12.30: Check in and begin cruise. Sail through beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay en route to Halong Bay.
13.00: Lunch – enjoy deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu Lunch.
Massage service available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager.
14.45: Arrive at Luon Cave. Depart from the boat and journey past such popular sites as “Đầu Người” Head Island, “Con Rùa” Turtle Island and “Cổng Trời” Heaven’s Gate Island on the way to the cave. There are two options for exploring the cave and surrounding area. One option is to transfer to small bamboo boats which are rowed by the local people. The second option is to travel by kayak (passenger’s row kayaks for themselves). The kayaking option is $10.00 per person unless pre-booked.
15:45: Return to the boat and sail for about 15 minutes to our second stop – Titop Island.
16.00: Arrive at Titop 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. Water and towels will be supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island.
17.00: Depart and sail for about 30 minutes to Luon Bo area, where we will anchor for overnight.
19.15: Dinner – deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.
20.45: Evening activities include: film entertainment (on some boats) in the dining room at 21.00, board games and playing cards are available, and massage services are available. Passengers may also try their luck at squid fishing from the boat.
21.00 – 23.00: Happy Hour! Buy one drink – get one free (wine by the bottle excluded)
23.00: End of Program for Day One.
Day 2: Halong Cruise on Paloma – Back to Hanoi (B/L)
06.45: Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
07.00: Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).
07.00: Arrive at the Surprise Cave area. There is a small fishing village here.
07.45: Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance and tour the cave for approximately 45 minutes. Walk down about 100 steps and return to the boat.
09.00: Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from the cabins, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.
09.30: Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet in the dining room. We will settle bills after breakfast. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
11.00: Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier. Transfer by tender to the pier; relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.
16:00: Arrive Hanoi. Finish the unforgettable Halong Bay trip on Indochina Sails. Drop until hotel.
(Airport transfer is available: Upon requests)
What’s included?
- Welcome drink
- Cruise itinerary and program
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- In-house English-speaking guide
- Luxury en-suite bathroom
- 1 Vietnamese Lunch and Dinner
- 1 International Breakfast
- Insurance, Taxes and service charge
- Shuttle Bus pick up from hotel in Hanoi – Halong Bay – hotel in Hanoi.
- All taxes & services charge.
What’s excluded?
- Beauty Spa services and massage
- Kayaking (Order on Board directly is available)
- Pre-post accommodation
- Viasa arrangements
- Tipping
- Beverages & personal expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
