Excursion Cruising ha long bay by junk boat tour at Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay ranks among Vietnam's most celebrated attractions and has been designated a World Heritage Site. Explore this wondrous seascape aboard local junks.

The name Ha Long Bay, meaning 'where the dragon descends into the sea,' has its origin in an ancient legend according to which a huge dragon appeared, aiding the local people in their fight against northern invaders. After victory was achieved, the dragon and its young remained, turning into a fence of rocky islets as protection from further invasion. Even today, sailors and locals still claim sightings of a giant sea monster.

Ha Long Bay's famed seascape offers fantastic images of fragmented limestone outcroppings, sheer cliffs, huge rock arches and tranquil coves. Some of the rock formations rise from the sea up to a height of 900 feet (274 metres), projecting strange images.

Sceninc Cruise, Thien Cung Cave

Explore this magical scenery onboard traditional junk. You will take a walk from the pier where the ship docks to the local wharf where you will board the local junks. Then head out on your approximately 3 hour cruise and relax as the vessel glides through breath-taking seascapes of fragmented limestone outcroppings, past huge rock arches, sheer cliffs, picturesque coves and islets rising out of the sea like green-clad monsters. Watch this amazing scenery unfold while enjoying some green tea. Your guide will point out and explain the most interesting sights - approximately 45 to 60 minutes will be spent cruising in the Bay. If weather permits an optional visit to Thien Cung cave will be done. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto's 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are astonished by the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of heroic tales.

Your outing into the magic of Ha Long Bay concludes with your return to the local wharf and take a walk back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Ha Long Bay, Limestone Outcroppings, Sheer Cliffs, Rock Arches, Coves, Islets

Note

Please note: This excursion requires a minimal amount of walking; however, there are approximately 0.3 miles (500 meters) to reach the local wharf and three steps between the wharf and the junks to negotiate and some - depending on tide level - inclined walk down to the boats. We recommend wearing flat, rubber-soled shoes. Depending on the weather, you may wish to bring a sweater or windbreaker. A small selection of souvenir items is offered for purchase aboard each junk. Bathrooms (basic standard) are availalble abord each junk. There are 150 - 200 steps in Thien Cung cave. Guests may stay on board the junk if do not want to visit the cave, expected to be wet and splippery (handrails not available). Plastic bottled beverage is not allowed in Ha Long Bay.  Although English is very popular language in Vietnam, local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility and understanding.