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Travel halong bay with Indochina Sails

Departure: Daily from Hanoi. Boarding at: Halong Bay Cruise Rate: Quoted in USD/Double or Twin cabin for 2 persons The Indochina Sails 1 and Indochina Sails 2,3 are identical boats and were both launched in 2007. Each comprises 15 cabins (Superior and Deluxe Cabins). The deluxe cabins are are a bit larger and feature rainfall showers and are all situated on the second decks of the boats - Indochina cruise. FACILITIES INDO SAILS 1,2: Individually controlled Air-conditioning En-suite Luxury Bathroom Massage Shower Deluxe Toilet Amenities and Towels Hairdryer, Bathrobe and Slippers High-quality White Bed Linen Fresh Flowers In-house Telephone Mini Bar and Safe Complimentary Drinking Water Safety Equipment and Life Vests FACILITIES INDOCHINA SAILS 3: Individually controlled Air-conditioning En-suite Luxury Bathroom Massage Shower Deluxe Toilet Amenities and Towels Hairdryer, Bathrobe and Slippers High-quality White Bed Linen Fresh Flowers In-house Telephone Mini Bar and Safe Complimentary Drinking Water Safety Equipment and Life Vests

RATE:  THIS RATE IS QUOTED IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER CABIN

(Twin/ Double: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults; Single Traveler: 1 big bed for 1 adult only) 

2 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 - Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Superior Cabin		335			305	290	259
Deluxe Cabin		400			350	340	305
Suite Cabin		445			400	400	350
President Suite		635			565	479	440
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	35/pp			15/pp		135	155
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

3 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 – Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Superior Cabin		620			579	529	469
Deluxe Cabin		655			605	555	505
Suite Cabin		755			679	655	605
President Suite		885			830	755	695
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	45/pp			20/pp		155	175
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

2 DAY PROGRAM

DAY 1: HANOI - HALONG BAY ( L, D)
08:00:     Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi and drive to Halong bay through scenic countryside areas.
11:30:     Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.
12:15:     Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails Cruise - enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.
13:00:     Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu. Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with Cruise Manager.
14.30:      Arrive at Titov Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about one hour on the island.
15.30:      Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area.
16.30:      Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time.

- One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.

- The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.

18:30:     Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.
19:00:     Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.
20:30:     Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available.
21:00 - 23:00: Happy Hour!
Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).
23.00:      End of program for Day One

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: HALONG BAY - HANOI ( B)
6:30:       Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).
6:45:       Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
7:00:       Arrive at the Surprise Cave by indochina sails - indochina sails halong.
8:00:       Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.
9:00:       Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.
9:30:       Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.
10:00:     Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
10:45:     Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.
11:00:     Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Beyond the clouds in Sa Pa

Sa Pa, which lies some 1,600m above sea level, is beautifully refreshing in summer. But more than that, the views of forests, the inhospitable peaks of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the terraced paddy fields are to die for.

 

If you're looking to escape from the summer heat, you could do worse than hop on an overnight train to Sa Pa – after all, that was why the French established the hill station in the first place.

Idyllic: Among the several villages in the Muong Hoa Valley the best known are Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Lao Chai and Ta Van Giay. Most of the houses lean against the hills and face a small stream. (Photos: VNS)

I, for one, was not disappointed. Sa Pa, which lies some 1,600m above sea level, is beautifully refreshing in summer. But more than that, the views of forests, the inhospitable peaks of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the terraced paddy fields are to die for.
On the advice of my experienced ethnic Tay tourist guide, I rented a motorbike so I could visit the Giay people's village in Ta Van Commune, which nestles in the hills some 10km from Sa Pa town centre along a tree-lined zigzagging road.
On the way, Luong Ngoc Khoa, my guide, informed me about local hill tribe customs.
"Among the several villages in the Muong Hoa Valley the best known are Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Lao Chai and Ta Van Giay. Most of the houses lean against the hills and face a small streamline," he says.
Unlike the houses built by the ethnic Mong and Dao in the same commune, the Giay's houses are far more sturdy, with higher ceilings and walled with solid timber. Recently, a number of households have added second floors for homestay tourists, who are mostly foreign.
There are about 160 households in his village. I noticed that on closer inspection, at the entrance to the 30-odd houses at the centre of the village – the oldest – swallows have built nests.

Family time: A local woman with her child on her back on the way to the market.

Khoa pointed at one particular nest, which he said was typically constructed of mud, dry grass and feathers. Above and around, swallows darted this way and that.
We visited one of the oldest houses in the village, whose owners offered rooms to tourists.
"We do not know why the swallows keep flocking to our house to build nests for their children," Vang Thi Soi, owner of the house, tells me in Vietnamese in a soft, slow and thoughtful voice. "Maybe because they know we love nature and everything belongs to the forest."
Soi says her family were among the first households in the village to offer homestay services in 2004. Now about 20 households have started to tap into the lucrative tourism market.
She says the biggest house in the village can host up to 40 guests a night in its upper storey. And facilities are far from basic.
"The Giay people are catching up with the city-dwellers in installing comfortable and clean facilities for tourists," Khoa says. "However, I prefer them to offer guests a basin of hot water in their houses, and no shower, which is more traditional and closer to real local life. I believe tourists want to experience the real thing when they live in the village."

Tough terrain: The rocky track leading to the village can be challenging for some motorists.

Roger Clark, an Australian tourist, is quite happy to forego the conveniences of modern life. "This village is unlike any other tourism villages in Sa Pa. And there are no wandering hawkers! I love the peaceful life and fresh atmosphere here."
To make things easier for their foreign visitors, Khoa says most of the homestay hosts now speak a bit of English, French or Spanish – or all three.
But tourism has not come without a price, and Khoa and Clark both admit they are concerned about damage to the environment.
Khoa says most local villagers simply dump rubbish in the nearby stream.
"If local authorities do not implement proper waste-disposal measures, the river will soon be blocked with rubbish," he warns.
In addition, Khoa says the dirt track leading to the village should be cemented over to reduce soil erosion, while trees should be planted to replace those used for firewood or timber.
Soi says the best time to visit the village is from the end of August to October, when the terraced paddy fields surrounding the village are turning from green to yellow and the air is scented with the perfume of rice.
Khoa says he is still captivated by the familiar sight of rice plants waving in the breeze. "I have to admit that I am often dazzled by the sight of our beautiful rice terraces, the plants waving to and fro in the breeze, while I trek with tourists around the village," Khoa says. "The air is perfumed with the smell of rice. You can't help feeling closer to nature."
Ly Thi Lien, who also opens her house to tourists, is proud of the food she serves her visitors, which includes locally grown fruit and vegetables and free-range cattle and poultry.
With my own stay at an end, I snapped away happily at the intoxicating scenery around me in the hope that on returning to Ha Noi I would be reminded of the happy time I spent in Ta Van Giay. There is surely nothing that can beat getting up with the sunrise to the sound of swallows at night chattering in the eves. I will be back.
(by Vietnamnet)

halong violet cruise

Departure: Daily from Hanoi. Boarding at: Halong Bay Cruise Rate: Quoted in USD/Double or Twin cabin for 2 persons Launched on November 2009, our newest five star junk - the Halong Violet - Halong Violet cruise fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own way away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay. All rooms are equipped with: • Personal butler • LCD TV and DVD player • Jacuzzi tub • Air - conditioner • In house phone • Deluxe amenities     • Private balcony • Linen bedding • Glass standing shower • Mini bar • Wardrobe • Cotton bath robe • Private balcony • Panorama Windows • Deluxe amenities • Working table • Room Services.

RATE:  THIS RATE IS QUOTED IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER CABIN

(Twin/ Double: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults; Single Traveler: 1 big bed for 1 adult only) 

2 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 - Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Deluxe Cabin		615			505	505	410
Suite Cabin		725			590	590	490
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	55/pp			25/pp		155	175
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

3 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 – Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Deluxe Cabin		885			715	715	580
Suite Cabin		1065			860	860	695
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	60/pp			30/pp		170	195
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

 Program 2 day
DAY 1: HANOI - HALONG BAY - TRAVEL HALONG ( L, D)
Leave Hanoi by private car/van at 07:45am arriving at the jetty around 11:45pm
Enjoya warm welcome aboard the Halong Violet, and sit back and drink in the spectacular vista during our passage into this magical bay. Once lunch has been served and taste buds and tummies thoroughly satisfied, we weigh anchor near a secluded beach. Take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay with Violet’s golden sails arcing elegantly against the skyline before splashing down for a swim, or recline o­n Violet’s wicker sun loungers o­n our expansive
wooden sundeck. Later that afternoon, we visit a local fishing village where you have the opportunity to interact with some of the more colorful locals who have lived and fished in the bay for almost three generations. At sunset, slip into a kayak or board a bamboo row boat to explore water tunnels and discover pristine coral reef in a scenic lagoon setting. o­nce back o­n board the ship, watch the shimmering sun slip down the sky as you sip expertly-blended cocktails as an aperitif for Violet’s extravagant evening meal.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: VIOLET CRUISE - HALONG BAY - HANOI ( B )
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Car is awaiting for you there and transfer you back to your hotel or residence in Hanoi . End of service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Program 3 day DAY 1: HANOI - HALONG BAY - TRAVEL HALONG BAY Leave Hanoi by private car/van at 07:45am arriving at the jetty around 12:30pm Enjoya warm welcome aboard the Halong Violet, and sit back and drink in the spectacular vista during our passage into this magical bay. Once lunch has been served and taste buds and tummies thoroughly satisfied, we weigh anchor near a secluded beach. Take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay with Violet’s golden sails arcing elegantly against the skyline before splashing down for a swim,or recline o­n Violet’s wicker sun loungers o­n our expensive wooden sundeck. Later that afternoon, we visit a local fishing village where you have the opportunity to interact with some of the more colorful locals who have lived and fished in the bay for almost three generations. At sunset, slip into a kayak or board a bamboo row boat to explore water tunnels and discover pristine coral reef in a scenic lagoon setting. o­nce back o­n board the ship, watch the shimmering sun slip down the sky as you sip expertly-blended cocktails as an aperitif for Violet’s extravagant evening meal. Meals: Lunch, Dinner DAY 2: CRUISING & KAYAKING ( B, L, D) After breakfast, transfer with a private crew and a support boat to our day-trip cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas for kayaking. Enjoy swimming in deliciously cool, emerald-green water; basking o­n quiet beaches; and exploring tunnels and caves cut into the rock. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere as we cruise around fishing villages, or take in things at your own pace in a kayak. Lunch will be prepared by a private chef and served o­n board. Late afternoon return to Halong Violet cruise for Sunset and Dinner. Evening, Relax and stay on Violet Cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 3: VIOLET CRUISE - HALONG BAY - HANOI ( B ) Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Car is awaiting for you there and transfer you back to your hotel or residence in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDES ·          Luxury accommodation with A/C, hot shower, mini bar. ·          English speaking customer service manager on board junk ·          Entrance fees ·          All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Welcome cocktail, 02 Vietnamese Seafood Lunch and 02 Dinner, 01 breakfast and 01 International Brunch Buffet) ·          Kayaking services ·          Sunrise Tai Chi Class ·          Service fees + taxes ·          Insurance on board

EXCLUDES ·          Return shuttle bus/ private car or van transfer Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi (see our quotation at Transportation Item) ·          Airfares and departure taxes ·          Visa, passport or vaccination costs ·          Other meals not specified in the itinerary ·          Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities

RATE:  THIS RATE IS QUOTED IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER CABIN

(Twin/ Double: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults; Single Traveler: 1 big bed for 1 adult only) 

3 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 – Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Deluxe Cabin		885			715	715	580
Suite Cabin		1065			860	860	695
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	60/pp			30/pp		170	195
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

Luxury cruise - Paradise cruise on Halong bay

Departure: Daily from Hanoi. Boarding at: Halong Bay Cruise Rate: Quoted in USD/Double or Twin cabin for 2 persons Paradise Luxury I, II, III & IV were built according to the traditional Vietnamese junk design and present a lavish outfit blending in subtle harmony with the natural environment. The 04 Paradise Luxury cruise - Paradise cruise offer 68 luxurious cabins and suites as well as an exciting array of activities to be enjoyed while experiencing the spectacular scenery of the “Bay of Descending Dragons”. Each vessel features a stylish restaurant and bar for an exclusive dining experience on the third deck. The top deck serves as a perfect place to enjoy lingering in the sunshine and discovering the splendid beauty of Halong Bay with a 360° view while benefitting from the presence of a ‘Moonlight Bar”, thus promising unforgettable and thoroughly relaxing moments. Celebrated for being the only Cruisers in Halong Bay to provide complete spa facilities with dry sauna, Jacuzzi, massages and beauty treatments, Paradise Luxury boats dispose of Spa facilities aiming at reviving your senses and nurturing your well-being. Paradise Luxury - Paradise cruises fleet is committed to grant our guests a genuine yet prestigious experience: a Paradise cruising experience in Halong Bay. Technical Information        Features    Paradise I    Paradise II    Paradise III    Paradise IV     Length 41.5 m 41.5 m 41.5 m 41.5 m     Width 9 m 9 m 9 m 9 m     Height 11.5 m 11.5 m 11.5 m 11.5 m     Cabins 6 Deluxe Cabins 9 Deluxe Balcony Cabins 2 Paradise Suites (1st Deck) 6 Deluxe Cabins 7 Deluxe Balcony Cabins 2 Paradise Suites (1st Deck) 2 Terrace Suites (2nd  Deck) 6 Deluxe Cabins 7 Deluxe Balcony Cabins 2 Paradise Suites (1st Deck) 2 Terrace Suites (2nd  Deck) 6 Deluxe Cabins 7 Deluxe Balcony Cabins 2 Paradise Suites (1st Deck) 2 Terrace Suites (2nd  Deck)     General 2 accommodation decks with non-smoking cabins (1st & 2nd Deck) 1 lounge deck for Dining and Bar (3rd Deck) 1 Sundeck with Open-air Bar Massage and Spa area (Sauna and Jacuzzi)

RATE:  THIS RATE IS QUOTED IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER CABIN

(Twin/ Double: 2 beds or 1 big bed for 2 adults; Single Traveler: 1 big bed for 1 adult only) 

2 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 - Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Superior Cabin		345			300	310	265
Deluxe Cabin		380			345	345	310
Paradise Suites		490			435	450	395
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	55/pp			25/pp		155	175
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A

3 DAYS PROGRAM		High Season Oct 1st 2010 – Apr 30th & Oct 1st  – Dec 31st 2011				Summer Promotion May 1st 2011  - Sept 30th 2011
CRUISE RATE		Double/Twin  Cabin			Single Cabin	Double/Twin  Cabin	Single Cabin
Superior Cabin		575			505	540	470
Deluxe Cabin		630			575	590	540
Paradise Suites		735			665	695	625
TRANSFER	Shuttle Bus					Private Car
	Adults		Children			4 seats	16 seats
Hanoi-Halong-Hanoi	60/pp			30/pp		170	195
Hanoi-Halong-Airport	N/A