Dragon's Nest Explorer 4 days & 3 nights


Day 1: Hanoi - Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay - Overnight Stay aboard

We will journey through the early morning streets of Hanoi on the way to Cat Ba Island, stopping for a quick break, then jump on the ferry. Upon arrival at the wharf of Cai Beo, we’ll board a beautiful and traditionally-decorated Vietnamese junk boat featuring modern conveniences. The boat weaves to Lan Ha Bay, adjacent to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is home to 400 different large and small islands and 139 fine white sand beaches at the foot of mountains. Our time will be spent enjoying a seafood lunch prepared by our onboard chef.

In the afternoon, we’ll get off the boat and paddle our kayaks to get up close and personal with a stunning limestone landscape in Ho Ba Ham. It is known as the masterpiece of the nature and the “three tunnel lakes,” a shallow lagoon wrapped in limestone walls and connected to the sea by three low-ceiling tunnels only accessible by kayak.

During the warm season, we’ll be able to go for a swim in the clear and emerald waters. Finally, our boat will gently wind its way along the bay, just in time to appreciate the sun slowly setting over the magnificent landscape. This evening’s dinner is sure to be memorable, as we will dine on the deck of the boat. After, we can fish for squid (seasonal) or paddle our kayaks to see incredible bioluminescent plankton in the bay. (Lunch and dinner are included)

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay - Spend the night on the same boat

The second morning, we will wake up on the water on Lan Ha Bay, admire the sunrise over the bay and eat light breakfast before boarding the day boat to neighbouring Halong Bay. This World Heritage wonder is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. We will weave through stunning limestone islands, karsts, and caves, followed by a leisurely kayak ride to get up close to the striking landscape.

The journey home follows a different route that brings us to Bai Tu Long Bay. Late in the afternoon, we’ll return to our overnight boat. Afterwards, we try our hand at making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and other dishes on the sundeck. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 3: Lan Ha Bay - Viet Hai Village - Spend the night on the same boat

In the morning, we will enjoy a peaceful breakfast aboard the boat, and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. This will be followed by our exploration of Viet Hai’s former fishing village, nestled in the midst of the jungle and encircled by the high mountain range of Cat Ba National Park.

Viet Hai is the perfect place for stretching our legs as we bicycle along green limestone mountains, through the village and hike into the national park. Returning to the boat we continue exploring the bay. The captain will find a calm spot, so admire the sun goes down or go kayaking to see the karsts. To end the day, we spend an evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 4: Lan Ha Bay - The Floating Village of Beo - Hanoi

After breakfast we will navigate through the pictureque scenery to the charming floating village of Beo, Lan Ha Bay's fishing village, floats atop emerald waters among lush limestone karst formations and contains around 200 homes. The villagers make a living from fishing and aquaculture.

Here, we’ll get to see the traditional way of fishing in the village before we leave the bay behind, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. We will arrive at the hotel in the Old Quarter around 5pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included)

The facts…

Physical activities: Easy
 

• A 1-3 hour kayaking ride on Day 1 and Day 3
• A 1 hour bicycle ride and 1 hour hiking on Day 3

Transport:
 

• Air-conditioned vehicle (Car or Bus)
• Overnight Boat
   
• Kayak
• Bicycle
   

Tour Guide: Our experienced and friendly tour guide speaks good English. He is knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment. 


Accommodation:
 

• Overnight Boat (3 nights)
   

Meals:
 

• 3 breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• 3 dinners
   

We cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.


Trip cost:
 

•  $355USD per person for a group of 2 to 15 people
•  $336USD per person for a group of 16 to 20 people
   

The cost of the trip includes:
 

• Overnight stay in Dragon's Nest deluxe seaview private cabin for two adults
• Pick-up and drop off at your hotel
   
• Transportation
• Welcome drinks
   
• Full meals on board
• Free kayak use
   
• Bicycle
• Fishing equipment
   
• English speaking tour guide(s)
• Entrance fees
   

The cost of the trip does not include:
 

• Travel insurance
• Drinks (alcoholic drinks & non-alcoholic drinks on the menu)
• Personal expenses
   

What to Bring: It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: swim suit, personal articles, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...


Have a great journey!!!