Halong Bay

Sit back, relax and take in the scenery of the Red River Delta on the 3½ hour drive to Hanoi. A comfort stop will be made at the Dong Trieu Ceramic Village where you can see the process of making traditional ceramics.

Upon arrival at Hanoi, visit the Temple of Literature, founded in 1076 as a Confucian temple. Walk through the tranquil walled courtyards and around the site of Vietnam's first university that stood here from 1076 to 1947. See the pavilion where 'men of letters' once recited poetry.

Indulge in a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel, with a performance of traditional music.

View the exterior of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an impressive marble and granite memorial to the 'father' of the country. Enjoy a walk to the simple teak building of Ho Chi Minh's Cottage, built in the style of the ethnic hill tribe homes.

Visit the Ngoc Son Pagoda perched on a tiny island in the central lake and only accessible by a small footbridge. Back on board the coach you’ll pass Hoan Kiem Lake and hear the legend of how the island got its name, which means 'Lake of the Restored Sword'.

Nearby is the ancient quarter. After an orientation drive through the narrow streets, time permitting, you can explore further on foot before your return journey.

Enter the mystical world and World Heritage Site of Halong Bay aboard a Junk boat. The warm, welcoming smiles of the friendly crew will set the mood as you embark on your voyage into the Bay of the Descending Dragon. Legend says that Halong is the translated name of a descending mother dragon, which came to help the Vietnamese fight against the northern invaders. After victory, the mother dragon and her babies decided to stay in the Bay and turned into islands to form a great barrier of mountains to protect the locals.

The Bay is truly a natural wonder with over 3,000 islands and endless limestone grottoes. The Junk will stop to disembark passengers for a visit to Thien Bung Cave and Dau Go Cave. There are 100 steps to climb up to the Cave and nearly 100 steps down to the exit. Those who do take the challenge will find themselves lost in the colourful and splendid dome of the Caves. The Junk will sail from the drop-off point to pick up passengers at the exit of the Caves. Those who do not wish to participate should remain on board the Junk.

Take in the scenic countryside of Halong, passing villages surrounded by bamboo fences and limestone walls, en route to the Yen Tu Buddhist Zen Monastery. At the Monastery, you’ll hear the history of Vietnamese’s Buddhist Zen, started in the 13th century, when the Tran Kings climbed into this primitive forest and dedicated their life to Buddhism, following their victory over the Kublaikhan troop.

You’ll drive into the countryside of Halong and stop at a small village. Chat with the farmer at a local home, interact with the children over a cup of green tea, find out how they live and why they worship their ancestors and learn how they make and sell handicrafts from bamboo or clay, following family traditions.

On your return journey back to the ship, a stop will be made at a family run Ceramic Centre, where you can see ceramics made using traditional processes.

One of the great natural wonders of Asia, Halong Bay is admired for its outstanding beauty. Referred to as the ‘Bay of the Descending Dragon’, it is home to more than 3,000 limestone islets, each rising from the calm water. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence.

Local myths tell that when the forefathers of the land were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. The dragons descended upon what is now Halong Bay and showered it with jewels and jade. Once they hit the sea, these treasures turned into islands that functioned as natural barriers against invaders.

In your 2 man kayak, you’ll paddle through some of the many caves, which lead to breathtaking lagoons and floating villages to experience this unique way of life. You’ll visit the Ba Hang (Three Cave) area, before enjoying a rest and lunch onboard a traditional junk boat.

After lunch, continue paddling in your kayak to Luon Cave and the local fishing village before visiting the Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves. The junk boat will then complete your adventure, gently sailing back to Halong Bay.