Indochina Sails: 3-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Your Halong Bay adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter between 08:00 and 08:30. The journey then takes you to Ha Long City, where you will arrive at Tuan Chau Port (Pier No. 22) between 11:45 and 12:00. Upon boarding the Indochina Sails vessel, you'll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and receive a thorough briefing on the cruise itinerary and essential safety instructions. After settling into your cabin, a delightful Vietnamese lunch awaits in the Lotus restaurant as the boat gracefully sails into the central area of Halong Bay.

The afternoon offers leisure time to admire the passing scenery, including famous landmarks like the Incense Burner and Kissing Rocks. The cruise then proceeds to Sung Sot Cave, the largest grotto in Halong Bay. Accessing the cave involves a climb of over 100 steps, but the reward is an awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of glittering stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, guests may visit Me Cung Cave. Following your cave exploration, return to the ship for a captivating cooking demonstration led by the head chef, where you can learn to carve fruits and prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. As evening descends, a delicious dinner is served in the restaurant, followed by a choice of entertainment options such as card games, squid fishing, or a relaxing massage (additional fee).

Begin your second day with an invigorating 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck, offering a serene start as you watch the sunrise over the bay. A light breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries will be available in the dining room. Today's highlight is an exclusive day trip aboard a smaller day boat, allowing you to venture deeper into the less-traveled areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bays. This excursion provides a unique opportunity to connect with the tranquil environment and even observe the daily life of local fishermen.

Throughout the day, you'll engage in activities such as swimming and kayaking in the secluded coves and emerald waters, particularly around areas like Dark & Bright Cave and Ba Trai Dao. A satisfying lunch will be served onboard the day boat. In the afternoon, you will return to the main Indochina Sails vessel, which will then set course for its overnight anchorage near the Titop area. The evening concludes with another delightful dinner in the restaurant, followed by options for relaxation, including various massage services (at an additional charge) or the popular activity of squid fishing.

Your final morning begins with a relaxing spread of coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries in the dining room. You may also join the morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck and witness the stunning sunrise over Halong Bay one last time. Afterward, a tender will transport you to Titop Island, renowned for its beautiful white sand beach and clear emerald waters. Here, you'll have ample time to climb to the island's summit, which provides a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the entire bay. Following your hike, you can unwind on the beach, swim in the refreshing sea, and soak in the charm of Halong Bay.

Between 9:00 and 9:30, you'll return to the main vessel, where you'll have time to freshen up and pack your belongings. Check-out procedures will follow (please leave heavy luggage outside your cabin). A hearty full breakfast is then served in the dining room, allowing you to settle any outstanding bills while the cruise makes its way back to the harbor. Guests can spend their final moments relaxing on the sundeck, enjoying the serene views. The boat is scheduled to approach Tuan Chau Marina around 11:00 for disembarkation. You can relax in the waiting lounge before your shuttle bus transfer back to Hanoi. The estimated arrival time in Hanoi Old Quarter is between 14:30 and 15:00, concluding your memorable cruise.