halong bay sailing

Sailing through Halong Bay

Around 8 am, we boarded the minibus to Halong Bay. It was a fairly easy, 4-hour journey. Michael still being drunk was a little annoying, but we’re all a little annoying drunk so I put up with it.

Halong translates to “where the dragon descends into the sea” and legend says the islands of Halong Bay were created by a great dragon who lived in the moutains. As the dragon ran to the coast, its tail trashed and gouged out valleys and crevasses.

Two day trip to Halong Bay

We had a three hour bus trip to Halong Bay and there were quite a few others from our hostel. Before long we were at our destination and getting ready to board our boat. And what a nice boat it was. We had an air conditioned room with en-suite, and…and our own private balcony

Halong Bay tour on junk

After a 3 hour mini van ride we arrived at a port full of dozens of big, old junks (old fashioned Chinese sailing vessels). There were also hundreds of people milling around. We were loaded onto our junk with 8 other people, mostly French.

Halong Bay Boat Trip

16th Oct – After Ninh Binh we travelled further North to Halong Bay, a coastal town in the North of Vietnam. We hopped onto a large touristy ‘junk’ boat (that felt like a floating 5* hotel!)

Carnaval HaLong 2012

Mr. Pham Van Can – Halong city: “I am proud to be one of the men of the Mining land (Quang Ninh province)”. Living in the right place of carnival, I have seen the preparation of it day by day. More particularly, this year’s carnival is in the right time of new title of Halong which let us happier for the success of the hometown.

Quang Ninh tough against travel boats to save Halong Bay Vietnam

Vice chairwoman of the province Nhu Thi Hong Lien told the Daily that the province has just issued a temporary ban on the building of new tourist boats for navigating on the bay, and would also tightly supervise operational boats there.

Introduction to Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO world heritage site and truly a natural wonder – Halong Bay is made up of over 3000 limestone karsts that soar skyward out of calm emerald waters. Within the islands of the Bay there are hundreds of beautiful caves, including many famous names such as Thien Cung, Dau Go, Sung Sot, Tam Cung and Bo Nau.

Excursion and Price (USD): See detailed

To reach the climbing routes in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay a sailing boat (with engine) and a small bamboo rowing boat are needed.

Our Ha Long Bay Climbing Experience

A big thank you to Cat Ba Ventures for making deep water soling possible in Ha Long Bay. Having heard many tales of dubious tour operator in Cat Ba, we were surprise when every local we spoke to pointed us in one direction; Tung and Cat Ba Ventures. So we took the plunge and booked a three day excursion.

Cat Ba Ventures Boat

Dai Duong Junk

Dai Duong Junk is a traditional Vietnamese junk with 2 sails, 1 engine = 110 horsepower, Length = 25m; With = 6,5m. There are 3 comfortable bed rooms with 1 double bed and 1 single bed in each room, private western bath room, hot shower, fans and air conditioners.

Cat Ba Dao Ngoc Cruise

Mui Rùa Đảo Ngọc

The new boat was built by steel and launched on August 14th, 2018. It is one of the most comfortable and safest sleeping boat in Cat Ba which has 1 engine = 130 horsepower, Length = 28,07m; width = 6,40m. There are 5 comfortable bed rooms (2 double rooms with 1 Quen size bed on 2nd floor and 3 triple rooms in 1st floor with 1 double and 1 single bed in each room) with private western bath room, hot shower, fans and air conditioner in each room. Dinning room, bar with fans, relaxing deck, wifi. This boat is very comfortable to do overnight trip for a group under 12 people.

Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay: Boat trip - Kayaking 3 days 2 nights.

(3 days – 2 nights)

Depart: 11.00-11.30.

Return Cat Ba town at 15.00.

Pick up from your hotel or hydrofoil station in Cat Ba.

Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay: Boat trip - Kayaking 2 days/1 night

(2 days/1 night )

Depart: 11.00-11.30.

Return to Cat Ba town at 15.00.

Pick up from your hotel or hydrofoil station in Cat Ba.

Ha Long Bay: Sailing - Kayaking - Camping (2 days/1night)

Sailing-Kayaking- Camping
2days/ 1 night
Departure: 8am or 10.00
Return at 15.30 or 17.00