Halong Bay Small Group Adventure Tour including Cruise, from Hanoi

Description:

• Discover the striking beauty of World Heritage-listed Halong Bay on this Halong Bay small group adventure tour from Hanoi. Drive through the rural villages of northern Vietnam, board a private Chinese junk and set sail through turquoise waters dotted with over 2,000 magnificent limestone islands. Explore the many karsts and enjoy a seafood buffet while taking in the bay's mystical scenery.

  Your Halong Bay tour begins with a 3.5-hour drive from the hectic pace in Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, to the tranquil and beautiful Halong Bay. En route stop at the Hong Ngoc Humanity Center, developed to provide support to communities in the area. The handicrafts made at the center are available for you to purchase.

  On arrival in Halong City board the Chinese junk for your cruise on Halong Bay, famous for its lime karsts jutting out of the green waters creating a spectacular vista as nearly 2000 islands fill the bay. A UNESCO listed World Heritage site since 1994, Halong Bay means "Bay of the Descending Dragon".  Legend has it that a long time ago when the Vietnamese were fighting off foreign invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to assist in the fight. During the battle the dragons spat out jewels that would later become the islands that now are scattered around the bay.

  The private 5-hour cruise explores some of the grottos or caves that have formed in many of the islands that fill Halong Bay. Visit a fishing village where you learn about the culture and customs of the local inhabitants. Providing the weather is warm enough there is a chance to stop and swim in the emerald waters of the bay. For those not wanting to swim, relax on board and soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy a scrumptious seafood lunch on board the boat before returning  to Hanoi.

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