SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION

Halong bay

Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site in Vietnam twice recognized by UNESCO – in 1994 and 1999. With almost 2000 islands rising from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long is an excellent example of a Karst landscape created by a complex chain of millions of years of geological movement.

A local legend tells the following tale of the origins of Ha Long Bay:

“Long ago,  the Viet people were attacked by foreign aggressors. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her band of Dragon Children to help the Viet people fight the invaders. While the enemy vessels were launching massive attacks against the mainland, the dragons descended in flocks from the sky. They spat out innumerable pearls which changed into jade stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together to form firm citadels that checked the enemy’s advance and smashed their vessels to pieces.

After the invaders were driven out, Mother Dragon and her Dragon Children did not return to Heaven but stayed on earth, right at the place where the battle occurred. The spot where the Mother Dragon landed was Ha Long, and where the Dragon Children came down was Bai Tu Long.”

Vung Vieng floating village

This floating village of about 50 families has a population between 200 and 300 residents, including almost 100 children.

These families have lived in this village for generations. The village is a "floating village” with no structures built on land. Traditionally, income for food and potable water (imported from the mainland) came solely from fishing. Now tourism provides an additional source of income.

Their floating houses look spacious and clean. One community house is where villagers come to have meetings. This is also the place where tourists stop over to buy traditional handmade items.

It is interesting to see the lively children going to “school”. Their bustling calls and the sound of their oars breaking water enliven the atmosphere of the quiet bay. Looking at the small boats driven by tiny oars and the radiant faces of the children going to school, one feels confident in a bright future for the fishing village.

Bai Tu Long bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is a long string of islands which was created when the entire limestone plateau sank below sea level. It lies in Quang Ninh Province just north of the beautiful Ha Long Bay region. It has little tourist infrastructure which makes getting around a bit tougher, but this is more than compensated for by the stunning scenery and less pollution.

 Sung Sot cave (Surprising cave)

Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks.

Inside, it is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many strangely shaped stalactites hang from the high ceiling.

A narrow passage leads to the second room, where a flow of light meets visitors. The chamber is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time.

At the deepest point of the grotto, a "royal garden" appears with a clear pond and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. Many birds and plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) live here. On fine days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit.

 Lan Ha bay

Situated in the southeast of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is 30 minutes by boat from Cat Ba. The large bay with an arched shore welcomes tourists with a number of islands and beautiful beaches.

Lan Ha Bay is famous not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for the imposing caves and ideal fishing location. Many visitors fond of fishing do not want to leave once staying here for a while!

 Monkey Island

Yes, the island has monkeys, but you will probably find only a few around the accommodation area. And be careful! These animals, used to getting their food from guests or the bins, are not afraid of humans.

Van Gia fishing village

Visiting the village, tourists have a chance to experience the daily life of villagers as well as the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen living in the World Heritage Area of Halong Bay.

This makes it ideal for anchoring boats where you can see firsthand their spacious and clean floating houses. The well-off families even have tiled roofs, radios, television sets, tables and chairs.

THE ACLASS CRUISE INFORMATION.

The Cabins

The cabins are built with the finest natural materials, traditional Vietnamese hardwood, and large windows ensuring that each cabin is bright and airy, creating deluxe warmth and an elegant ambience. Each cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. At night, you can even use only the fan, leaving the windows open.

En-suite bathroom

Cabins come equipped with a spacious private marble bathroom, large glass standing hot shower, hair dryer, plush towels and luxurious complimentary toiletries

Aclass cruise offers you a real adventure experience with incredible comfort.

Activities

You can enjoy active pursuits such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking in the crystal clear blue waters. We also run cookery demonstrations for those interested in learning the art of Vietnamese cooking. It’s up to you: you can make your cruise as busy or as lazy as you like

THE DEAILED ACLASS CRUISE ITINERARY.

8h00: Hotel or private address pickup with our shuttle bus. Short break half way

11h30: Arrive Halong Bay, welcome drinks. Check in to your cabin and set sail through the Bay while lunch is served

14h30: Visiting Vung Vieng floating village located in Bai Tu Long bay by kayak or local rowing  boat

16h00: Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by beautiful islets for swimming and snorkeling

17h00: Enjoy the complimentary sunset party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruits.

17h30: Join Cooking class

19h00: Dinner is served in the restaurant

21h00: Retire to your cabin or join the fishing excursion, watch amovie, have a drink at the bar, internet access or play exciting games. Overnighton board

7h30: Breakfast, coffee and tea served, while sailing to Sung Sot cave

8h30: Drop anchor to explore Sung Sot cave (Surprising cave)

9h30: Back to our boat, relax before checking out

10h30: Lunch is served on board

11h45: Disembark at the harbor, Halong city. Take our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi

16h00: Arrival back at your hotel or home.

PACKAGE COST:  

Rates are in USD per person, based on twin shared cabin, valid from Jan 1^st 2012 to Dec 31^st 2012

CHILDREN POLICY: 

v  Child under 4 years old: free of charge

v  Child from 4-12 years old: 75% charge

v  Child reduction applicable only if sharing a cabin with maximum of 02 adults and only 1 child maximum per cabin.

INCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v  Full furnished deluxe en-suite cabin with A/C, hot water

v  All meals on board (02 Lunches, 01dinner, 01 breakfast)

v  Complimentary morning tea and coffee

v  Complimentary bottled water

v  Welcome drink

v  Cookery demonstrations

v  Entrance and sightseeing fees

v  Kayaking

v  Local rowing boat

v  Fishing equipment, movie, exciting games

v  English speaking guide

v  Shuttle bus (round trip)

v  Fruits and local wine party

v  Internet access

v  On board insurance, tax and service charges

EXCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v  Transfers, hotel, visa arrangement

v  Beverages

v  All services and items not mentioned specifically in the list above

v  Your smile is the most valuable return you can give our friendly crew. 

v  Other sightseeing places and any services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions

v  Travel insurance

v  Meals not indicated

v  Other personal expenses

v  Tips and gratuities

WHAT TO BRING: 

v  Sun block

v  Camera + Film

v  Insect repellent

v  Original Passport

v  A wide brimmed hat

v  Swimming costume

v  Sun glasses 

NOTES:

v  Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.