Note:

* You may encounter large crowds at the dock as Halong Bay is a popular destination, but once you are out on the bay, the crowds will be far behind.

* Sunbathing or swimming is subject to weather conditions, as Nov. to Feb. is the cold season.

* Any arrivals at the boat docking station after 12:30pm are required to hire a separate shuttle for passage to the overnight junk.

Option 1: Halong Paradise/Emeraude Junk

Day 1: Hanoi - Halong

A 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi with a quick rest stop en route at a handicraft center (this place is quite touristy but the best stop available); you will reach Halong City by noon. Board your private deluxe junk where a welcome drink awaits. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swim on a quiet beach or sunbathe on the deck. Later in the afternoon, visit a fishing village living in the bay for generations. At sunset, join a bamboo boat to discover a water tunnel with coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board for sunset. Dinner on board the junk followed by the acclaimed movie L’Indochine featuring famous French actress Catherine Deneuve and set in Vietnam. Overnight on deluxe junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) (L, D)

Day 2: Halong - Hanoi

Wake up early to catch the dramatic sunrise on the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun deck. Relax with a cup of hot coffee before departing to the splendid Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Enjoy late buffet brunch on board while cruising back to the boat docking station. Arrive at the boat docking station around 11:00 am. Return to Hanoi with a stop at Phu Lang village, one of the last survivors of an old pottery village amidst the modern pressure to industrialize. The pottery here is defined by the brown color and unique patterns. Wander around the village and chat with the artisans at Gom Nhung workshop or try sitting behind a potter’s wheel. (Note: only 25-seater bus is accessible to Phu Lang village).

End of service (hotel accommodation today is not included) (Brunch)

Option 2: Hai Long Green/Bai Tho Junk

Day 1: Hanoi - Halong

A 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi with a stop at a handicraft center (this place is quite touristy but the best stop available); you will reach Halong City by noon. Board your private junk. After a relaxing break, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising through the World Heritage Site, passing sculpted limestone islands as they rise from the turquoise waters. Explore Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Relax at a beach before returning to the boat for dinner. Overnight on junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) (L, D)

Day 2: Halong - Hanoi

If you can, wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. After breakfast, explore numerous caves on the bay – Bo Nau, where pelicans often take shelter; Luon, where the cliffs stretch out of the clear waters – as well as a fishing village. Return to the junk for lunch before returning to the wharf at noon and to Hanoi.

End of service (hotel accommodation today is not included) (B, L)