ITINERARY

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 1:

• 11:30 - 12:00 Registration, Safety Briefing at Emeraude Cafe
• 12:00 - 12:15 Embarkation
• 12:15 - 12:30 Check-in & Welcome Drinks
• 12:30 - 12:45 Captain Raises Anchor
• 12:45 - 14:30 Cruising Halong Bay
• 12:45 - 14:00 Vietnamese & International Buffet Lunch
• 14:00 - 14:30 Free & Easy
• 14:30 - 15:30 Guided Shore Excursion to Sung Sot Grotto
• 15:30 - 16:30 Cruising Halong Bay
• 15:30 - 16:30 Crepe Station on Sundeck
• 16:30 - 17:30 Guided Tour of Cua Van Floating Village, Swims or Kayaks
• 17:30 - 18:00 Cruising Halong Bay
• 18:00 - 18:30 Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Cooking Class
• 18:30 - 19:00 Free Canapes on Sundeck
• 19:00 - 21:00 Vietnamese & European dinner buffet served
• 21:00 - 22:00 Bills Settlement (Optional)
• 20:30 - 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal)
• 20:30 - 23:00 Screening of Highly Acclaimed Classic "Indochine"

DAY 2

• 06:00 - 07:00 Complimentary cafe gourmand served on the sundeck
• 06:30 - 07:00 Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on sundeck
• 07:00 - 08:00 Energizing breakfast served
• 08:00 - 08:15 Depart The Emeraude Cruises, Ha Long Bay
  
• 08:15 – 10:15 Cruise through Ha Long Bay to less traveled Lan Ha Bay
  
• 10:15 – 11:30 Visit beaches, Archways and Kayaking 11:45 – 12:30 VIP Lunch and transfer to Moody’s Beach
• 12:30 – 15:15 Rock Climb on Moody’s Beach (option kayaking)
  
• 15:20 – 17:15 Cruise through Lan Ha Bay to rejoin The Emeraude Cruises
• 17:30 – 18:30 Freshen up and share the day's adventure
• 18:30 – 19:00 Cocktails on the Sundeck
• 20:30 – 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal)
• 19:00 – 21:00 Gourmet VN seafood & European dinner buffet served

DAY 3

• 06:00 - 07:00 Complimentary cafe gourmand served on the sundeck
• 06:30 - 07:00 Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on sundeck
• 07:00 - 08:00 Leave luggage/bags outside cabins
• 07:00 - 08:30 Energizing breakfast served
• 08:30 - 09:00 Check-out
• 09:30 - 10:00 Disembarkation
• 10:00 - 10:15 Drop off point: Emeraude Café

NB: Cruises with 14 persons and below set menus will be served.

TOUR PRICE

                             EMERAUDE CRUISE 03 DAYS/ 02 NIGHTS
                                            Tour code: HL-EMER302

TRIPS NOTE

Day 1

THE ROUTE: Splendor Among the Karsts

Your cruise through Halong Bay wends among otherworldly karst formations and opens up views of one stupendous seascape after another. Be sure to key on the following attractions, as well. Changeable conditions and tides can affect the route, visibility and anchorage, but the following spots should be visible from the sun deck.

Sung Sot Grotto

Early French tourists who wandered among the 10,000 square meters of this cavern dubbed this space "Grotte des Surprises", or Surprise Cave. Sung Sot more than lives up to its name on Bon Ho Island, situated right at the heart of the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage area. From the wharf, 50 steep stone steps lead up to the entrance, but the view is worth the effort. The grotto features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Paths, lights and signposts guide you through two caves which continue to offer yet more twists, turns and, yes, surprises throughout.

Cua Van and Vung Vieng Floating Villages

Seven hundred people live at Cua Van in a calm bay surrounded by limestone karsts. Most, not surprisingly, earn their living by fishing and spend almost their entire existence living on the water. The following day you will also pass Vung Vieng Floating Village. Sixteen hundred people live on Halong Bay itself in similar communities.

Hang Trong Anchorage

The Emeraude anchors at Hang Trong. Hang Trong , or Drum Cave, refers to a nearby cave that earned its name as a result of the sound made as the wind blows through its stalagmites and stalactites. The waters here are quiet for swimming and there is lots to explore by kayak. Depending on conditions there are as many as five potential anchorage spots. Though Hang Trong is the most used, conditions may mean the vessel's captain opts for another site.

Titov Island

Titov Island was named after an illustrious visitor, Gherman Stepanovich Titov, who visited the spot on November 22, 1962 alongside President Ho Chi Minh. The Soviet astronaut was the second person to orbit the earth. Titov himself returned some 35 years later on June 27, 1997. The island is noted for a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that's popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. You may also hike 420 steps up to a pavilion at the summit for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

Soi Sim Island

On its return to Bai Chay, the Emeraude cruises past Soi Sim. Unlike the limestone karsts, this soil-based island supports ancient trees and a stunning white sand beach.

Day 2 (OPTION 1)

Nature Walk, Cultural Immersion on Lien Minh Village

Transferring from the Emeraude onto our cruising boat you will cruise down through majestic Ha Long Bay into the more intimate and labyrinthine Lan Ha Bay. Wend your way through the karsts to Ben Beo harbour on the southern tip of Cat Ba Island where you will find your guide and transport waiting for you.

Your Island experience begins with a twenty minute ride first along the coast line of Cat Ba Island and then into the lush green hills of secluded Lien Minh Village. Soon you’ll find yourself in the remote and breath taking Butterfly Valley, Lien Minh village. Upon arrival you will be served a delicious home-cooked Vietnamese meal made with some fresh locally grown produce. Under a hand-made bamboo enclosure enjoy a wide spread of foods and feel free to interact with the genuinely friendly and kind indigenous peoples of Lien Minh.

After lunch you will meet your local trekking guide(s), who will take you for a walk into the jungle and environs of this remote and untraveled section of the island. Re-energized with a full stomach, you can take a Nature Walk through the farmlands of Butterfly Valley passing friendly water buffalo and cattle as you wonder at the Valley’s rich flora and fauna.

There are more than 600 different kinds of plants on Cat Ba island and Butterfly Valley is an accessible example sited just outside the conserved areas of the national park. If the Nature Walk does not appeal to you are free to explore the local area in your own way, taking time to greet the friendly locals who often delight in sharing an incomprehensible joke with visitors.

After allowing the beauty and calm of the valley to sooth you we will transfer you back to the harbour where you may reflect on the days experiences while we once more cruise you through the stunning bays at through dusk and sunset. Arrive back to the luxury of the Emeraude the richer for the experience of Vietnamese village life.

DAY 2 (Option 2)

ROCK CLIMBING, CRUISING, KAYAKING ON MOODY ISLAND

Transferring from the Emeraude onto our cruising boat you will cruise down through majestic Ha Long Bay into the more intimate and labyrinthine Lan Ha Bay. Spend the morning exploring the astonishing beauty of Lan Ha Bay’s less traveled beaches, archways, and wonderful lagoons. We provide a hearty lunch during which everyone can chat about their own experiences and feelings from the morning’s adventures.

After lunch, you’ll de-board at the amazing Moody’s Island beach.With sea water caressing two shorelines beneath massive limestone cliffs, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beauty of Lan Ha Bay as you're certified climbing guides outfit you with safe and comfortable UIAA standard climbing harnesses and rock climbing gear. Your guides will set up top-rope systems on a number of different climbs (or ‘routes’) and after a short safety and instructional talk you may ascend the rock face safely and worry free. With the coaching of our experienced guides, climb as high as you’d like overlooking the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a spectacular view unlike any other. Or swimming and lounging may suit some, you are free to take it easy in this spectacular spot if you prefer. Take it as it comes and our guides will be there to help make it happen!

Enjoy the setting sun as you cruise back to The Emeraude for a well deserved evening Dinner under the stars of Ha Long Bay and an astounding day to remember!

BOOKING