Map of Halong Bay Junk Cruise including Vietnam

Glide across the emerald waters of Vietnam's Halong Bay on a junk boat

Prepare to be whisked away from the cosmopolitan streets of Hanoi to the serene landscape of the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the emerald waters of the bay. Sit back, relax and soak up this epic landscape while enjoying scrumptious meals cooked on board. Relax on deck with friends, chat to the friendly crew, meet the locals as they row between boats or explore myriad hidden caves by kayak. This short trip is the perfect way to add a few days of well-deserved relaxation onto any Vietnam adventure.


Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Original
Theme
Short Breaks
Code
TVAQ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 22

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience the natural wonder of thousands of limestone karsts that rise 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, and awake to the unique misty morning sights of this strange paradise of green waters and rocky islands

  • 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

  • Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, and this must-see must be seen on a classic junk cruise

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.

  • This trip operates on a join-in basis. You will join in with other travellers, who have potentially booked on a different trip, or through other companies.

Itinerary

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 07:30- 07:45 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.
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
There is an option for swimming from Ti Top Island beach during the warmer months. Swimming in the bay from the boats is not permitted.
Kayaking is not permitted within designated areas in the bay.
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.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Shuttle Bus

Accommodation

Overnight boat (1 night)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Halong Bay Junk Cruise trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This Short Break Adventure starts at 8:00am on Day 1, and finishes at approximately 5.30pm 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 8:00-8:45 am in the hotel foyer.
3. 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 7.30-8.00am.
4. 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.
5. The maximum number of travellers is indicative of maximum number of travellers during join-in activities only.
6. Kayaking is now permitted within designated zones within Halong Bay.
7. 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.
8.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.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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