AboutAl Slagle Expertise I can answer questions about the following places: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue, Hanoi, and Halong Bay. I can answer questions about accommodations, transportation, food, and sightseeing spots.
Experience I traveled from Cambodia into Vietnam and then made my way up the coast of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by train and bus.
Question Good Morning Al,
I am after some info on which days of the week a particular cruise leaves from Halong Bay.
The travel company is "Hanoitourist company" the cruise we want to go on is the 3 day 2 night cruise with kayaking. The route is as follows...
Route: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Amazing Cave – Cua Van Floating Village – Ba Ham Lake – Hanoi. Kayak. Feature: Three days of tremendous exploration in the incredible Halong Bay onboard a junk and kayaking will give you a memorial trip. From different angles of view, you can feel how wonderful and skillful of the Nature Creation is as finding islets in different shapes. Kayaking - a light and easy adventure in Vietnam, is the best way to see and visit all the hidden inlets and islands.
Depart for Halong Bay through rice fields and traditional rural villages of the Red River Delta
Feel the breathtaking view of the fairy-tale Halong Bay
Board Huong Hai Junk, 4-star-standard boat
Enjoy cursing in unique Halong Bay
Explore the spectacular sight of countless rock formations
Use your imagination to view the islets
Kayak through hidden coves
All worth every moment you spend there.
The itinerary is as follows...
Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay
08:00: Depart for Halong Bay
12:30: Board Huong Hai Junk, check-in registration
13:00: Have lunch on board
13:30: A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave. Paddle from Titov beach to Luon Cave Enjoy dinner on board. Optional night paddle. Fishing, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on board.
Day 2: Halong Bay – Cua van Fishing Village
07:00: Have breakfast
07:30: Continue kayak exploration. Paddle from Luon Cave toward islets in shape of Mans head island, Tortoise island, Cua Van fishing village. Have lunch on board. Paddle to Three Tunnels lake (selected according to the tides). Have dinner on board. Optional night paddle. Overnight on board.
Day 3: Kayak Halong Bay
07:00: Have breakfast
07:30: Continue kayak exploration. Paddle to Con Vit islet, Ba Hang area. (Kayaking time around 1 to 2 hours)
10:00: Arrange luggage and check-out
10:30: Have lunch on board
11:45: Arrive Halong wharf.
16:30: Hanoi. End the trip
We particularly like the look of the junk, and the tour but we have sent several e mails asking the days this tour leaves but have not had an answer.
I know this is long winded, but it is very hard to explain the exact tour we are interested in any other way.
Thank you for your help
regards,
Pauline
Answer Hi Pauline,
Well, the tour sounds really great! I have not tried the kayaking tour but it sounds like a good way to explore the Bay.
I know it must be frustrating not getting an answer from them about what seems to be a simple question. I'm not familiar with that tour specifically but hopefully I can offer a possible explanation. As far as my experience in Southeast Asia goes, things are much more laid back with the "go with the flow" attitude in most cases. That being said, my guess would be that they give the tour based on demand. There are so many types of tours to Halong Bay, the tour companies mix and match with the actual tour groups I believe. If only your group signs up for the kayak tour, they'll arrange only enough personnel to handle you. If other people/groups show interest in the tour, they'll try to group you together.
I guess the bottom line is, they're pretty flexible and will be willing to adhere to your schedule. I'm guessing that whatever day you choose, they'll take you out. Of course it would be nice to hear that from them, but they may just be assuming it. Hope this isn't too confusing or unclear. In any case, have a wonderful trip and have fun on your tour! It's one of the most beautiful places in the world!
