Day 1: Hanoi - Halong (L,D)

Our guide picks you up from 8:00 am to 8:30 am at your hotel. We depart from the capital for Halong Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do center run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Halong Bay (approx. midday) we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our luxury junk, the ‘Jewel of the Bay’. Once we have settled in we can begin our cruise around majestic Halong Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. After we have finished exploring for the day we retire to the junk. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay. For those that are interested there is the opportunity to do a spot of night fishing from the boat.

Day 2: Halong - Hanoi (B,L)

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use and in keeping with our safety policies all participants will be issued with water buoyancy vests. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 3pm.