Halong Bay Junk Cruise

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2 Days From

~~$298~~

$283

Halong Bay Junk Cruise

2 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam

Visiting: Halong Bay

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TVAQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 40

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

From: $298 $283 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$14

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Halong Bay Junk Cruise, a short break adventure that takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, Vietnam's iconic World Heritage site. Experience the breathtaking beauty of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters as you sail on a traditional-style wooden boat. Enjoy a sumptuous meal on board, explore the enchanting Surprise Cave, and perhaps try kayaking to get up close to the stunning karsts. As night falls, relax under the starry skies before retiring to your comfortable cabin. Awaken to the tranquil beauty of the bay, with the option to join a Tai Chi class on the deck. This two-day adventure offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, making it a must-see experience in Vietnam.

Highlights

Experience the natural wonder of thousands of limestone karsts rising from the bay on a cruise through this World Heritage site.
Sail back in time with an overnight stay on a traditional-style wooden boat in Halong Bay.
Feast on a sumptuous meal as the boat anchors in the heart of the bay, then take to the deck to see the stars and moon illuminate the water and peaks.
Explore the mystical Surprise Cave with its unique formations and pathways.
Enjoy a Tai Chi class on the top deck as you rise to the tranquil beauty of the bay.
Kayak to see the karsts up close and soak up the sun on the top deck.
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, best experienced on a classic junk cruise.

Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Halong Bay Junk Cruise | TVAQ | Route Map

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Day 1: Hanoi/Halong Bay

Md. Parvej Chowdhury

Location: Halong Bay

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. A welcome pack containing a welcome letter, your trip itinerary, relevant tickets, a feedback card and general information on the country will be waiting for you at your hotel. Please ask your hotel's receptionist for the Intrepid welcome pack upon arrival. You may be able to leave your main luggage in Hanoi (please check with your hotel), so we recommend you only take a small bag with a change of clothes and essential travel items.
Your Short Break Adventure starts at 8:45- 09:00 am, or from your alternate hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter (advised prior to departure), between 08:00am - 08:30 am. You will also be joined by other travellers taking the boat cruise. Travel by minibus for 3.5 hours to Halong Bay. Journey through the early morning streets of Hanoi on the way to Halong Bay, seeing steam rising from roadside eateries as breakfast is prepared and motorbikes weaving their way through the steadily increasing traffic. Leaving the city behind, drive through the countryside to the dock where this Halong Bay adventure truly starts. Climb aboard a traditional junk-style boat – with its beautiful woodwork and beaming crew – and venture out into the emerald waters of the bay. Open water soon disappears as the boat glides through often misty waters and past limestone peaks jutting dramatically out of the water. Sit down to a mouth-watering lunch and take in the scenery of what is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The area of about 1,500 square kilometres is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottos, created over thousands of years by waves and wind. Even in the rain the bay takes on a mystic quality. After lunch, you will have the chance to explore Surprise Cave, stretching your legs for an included cave walk. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery.
The captain will find a calm spot, so soak up the sun on the top deck or go kayaking to see the karsts up close. Everyone will be issued with water buoyancy vests.

Another delicious meal awaits after the sun goes down. Then sit under the beautiful starry skies before drifting off to sleep to the sounds of gentle waves lapping at the hull.

Day 2: Halong Bay/Hanoi

Savoir Aimer (Admin)

Location: Halong Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise this morning to the tranquil beauty of the bay. Perhaps even wake early for a Tai Chi class on the top deck. Spend the morning exploring secluded areas of the bay. Around noon the junk returns to the dock and the journey towards Hanoi begins. You will be transferred by boat to the mainland where your vehicle will be waiting.

The journey back to Hanoi takes around 3.5 hours. Your Halong Bay Junk Cruise adventures ends on arrival in Hanoi (approximately 5.30pm) where you will be dropped off at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel listed below, or as nominated.

What's Included

Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals
1 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners
Transport

The tour includes transport by boat and shuttle bus.
Welcome Pack

A welcome pack containing a welcome letter, trip itinerary, relevant tickets, a feedback card, and general information on the country will be provided.
Cave Exploration

The tour includes an exploration of Surprise Cave with a guided walk.
Kayaking

Kayaking is included within designated zones in Halong Bay.
Tai Chi Class

A Tai Chi class on the top deck is available in the morning.

What's Not Included

Main Luggage Storage

Main luggage storage in Hanoi is not included and should be checked with your hotel.
Personal Expenses

Personal expenses are not covered in the tour.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Included Activities

Transport

Boat , Shuttle Bus

Accommodation

JUNK BOAT:Our wooden boat has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. The boats have 8-18 passenger cabins. There's also a dining room and bar on board.The boat is not likely to be a traditional sailing junk, as many older or imported vessels do not comply with waterway traffic safety laws.

Important Information

1. This Short Break Adventure starts at 8:30 am on Day 1, and finishes at approximately 1.30pm on Day 2.2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8:30-8:45 am in the hotel foyer. Please take a good look at the Essential trip information, including the Alternative Joining Point section to see if your departure is in there.3.If for any reason you are late to the Joining Point please contact the local team using the emergency number and they will be able to assist you.4. If you require pick up from another hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure. Pick up from alternative hotels will take place between 8:00-8:30am.5. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Vietnam and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.6. The maximum number of travellers is indicative of maximum number of travellers during join-in activities only.7. Kayaking is now permitted within designated zones within Halong Bay.8. Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 12. Anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or guardian.9.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Halong Bay on a traditional-style wooden boat, complemented by a shuttle bus for transfers. Experience the scenic journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay and back, with the boat providing a unique perspective of the bay's natural beauty.

Accommodation

Our wooden junk boat offers twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities, accommodating 8-18 passengers. Enjoy the dining room and bar on board, though the boat may not be a traditional sailing junk due to safety regulations.

Check out our Q&As

Is this trip right for you

On a two full day, efficient but comprehensive extension, you can experience staying overnight on Halong Bay.

As this trip stays overnight on the boat there is somewhat less time for local interaction, but take the time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025

~~$298~~ $283 (USD)