HALONG - CAT BA - VIET HAI

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long - Cat Ba ( L,D )AM : 7h00 depart to Halong Bay. Arrive at 11h30, lunch at restaurantPM : Boat trip to Cat ba, a fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach.. Overnight in Cat Ba.Day 2: Cat Ba ( B,L,D)Option 1 :Am : Breakfast at hotel . Transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Short trek to the to KimGiao forest and top of mountain. Back to the hotel. Free. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.Option 2 :AM: Breakfast. Bus transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Enjoy 12 km trek. through the forest with stop over viewing Frog Lake. Cross over 6 mountains ranges. Arrive Viet Hai village. Picnic lunch. Continue walking to LanHa Bay. Boat trip back to the hotel. Enjoy scenery and swimming. Dinner and stay at the hotelDay 3: CatBa - HaLong - Hanoi (B, L)AM: Boat trip back to HaLong Bay again. Lunch on the boat. Arrive Halong bay and return to Hanoi .Arrive Hanoi at 17h00. Rate in USD per person - Number of Persons - 2-3 4-5 6-9Please contact us Tour cost including : * Full transportation by private car or minibus as tour program indicated. * Sightseeing fees * Private Boat trip in Halong bay and Catba island . * Twin-share accommodation at Prince hotel in Catba ( www.vietnamhotels.biz/prince ) * Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary * Professtional English speaking guideExcluding: Drinks, Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expense

Indochina Junk Halong

Indochina Junk - a brother company of Footprint, we focus on small and luxury junks, and the idea comes from talking with return clientele and the demand for a more intimate tour of the World Heritage Site.Red dragon on Halong bayThe new style junks are designed to accommodate both the romantic getaway for your honeymooners and the fun filled atmosphere with all the amenities for families and small groups.The size of the new vessel will allow the passengers to get much closer to Halong Bay’s natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.Other differences from the classic junk include large bedroom windows and a covered outdoor deck for meals, which includes a small bar. Keen attention to detail has been put into all aspects of comfort and viewing pleasure.Booking can be made directly with Footprint in Hanoi.The Red Dragon (2 junks)Daily departure group cruise, 2 day 1 night aboard. Charter is available upon request.The Princess (4 junks)For private / charter cruise only, perfect for couple and honeymoon.The Prince (3 junks)For private / charter cruise only, the Prince is a great choice for family.Why Footprint Indochina Junks? * Our Junks are at international standard and are designed in oriental decoration style. * No other company cruises "off the beaten path" to the areas within Bai Tu Long. * We are the first fleet of two cabin junks in Vietnam, * Well-trained crew, enthusiastic to exceed all of your expectations, in true Vietnamese style. * A chance to meet the locals who live on the floating fishing villages. Learn about their daily life and how they strive to keep their home, Ha Long Bay, beautiful. For more information, you can visit the official site of our Indochina JunkBooking can be made directly with Footprint or our office at # 25 Ta Hien street, Hanoi.

Halong Value of Geology

The most remarkable geological events of Hạ Long Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily salted water. This process of erosion by seawater has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Hạ Long Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. Some of the most remarkable are: the formation of the limestone layer more than 1,000 m thick during the Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago); and the development of the Hạ Long depression during the Neogene period (10 to 26 million years ago). The erosion process forming the limestone plain was most active in the Quaternary Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 2 million years ago). It is because of all these factors that tourists now visiting Hạ Long Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.At the beginning of the Cambrian era (500 to 570 million years ago), the area, which now forms Hạ Long Bay, was basically mainland, submitted to a process of rain erosion. At the end of the period, it was flooded, commencing the existence of Hạ Long Bay. During the Odovic and Silurian periods (400 to 500 million years ago), the area of north-east Vietnam was basically a deep sea, submitted to the constant activity of tectonic plates. At the end of the Silurian period, it underwent a phase of inverse-motion that created mountains deep under the water. From the end of this period and throughout the whole Devonian period (340 to 420 million years ago), the area was subjected to powerful forces of erosion from the hot and dry climate. At this point, Hạ Long was part of a wide mainland that comprised most of today’s East Sea and Chinese continental shelf. Due to tectonic activity, the Hạ Long area and the entire north-east region were raised from the depths at the end of the Devonian period. In the later Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago), a shallow and warm sea reformed, which existed for approximately 100 million years. It created two kinds of limestone: the Cát Bà layer of the early Carboniferous period (450 m thick); and the Quang Hanh layer of the middle Carboniferous and the early Permian period (750 m thick). These two layers constitute the majority of the islands of the Bay.Passing into the early periods of the Contemporary era (67 million years ago), Hạ Long Bay existed in the environment of a high mountainous mainland due to the influence of strong mountain-forming phases. The middle of the Paleocene period saw these motions remain continuous and stable, while strong processes of erosion began, and after millions of years, a form of semi-highland topography took shape. The continuation of this erosion has progressively cut the highlands into blocks with altitudes similar to today's mountains.Into to the Quaternary era, the process of erosion began dissolving the limestone-rich region of Hạ Long. The islands of today’s Hạ Long Bay are basically remnants of these mountains flooded during the early Holocene period. Rainwater flowed into crevices in the limestone that had formed from tectonic activity. This steady erosion constantly widened the cracks, eventually creating today’s formations. The middle and late Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 70,000 years ago) marks the period when the famous caves and grottoes of the area formed.The Holocene period (from 7,000 to 11,000 years ago) is notable for the advance of the sea. This movement reached its peak 4,000 to 7,000 years ago and forming today’s Hạ Long Bay. After that, 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, with the sea in a steady process of recession, Hạ Long culture began to develop. At the beginning of the late Holocene epoch, the level of the water once again increased, forming a marshy floor of canals and streams, and creating the water marks that can be seen on the stone cliffs of today.

HALONG - CAT BA - VIET HAI

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long - Cat Ba ( L,D )AM : 7h00 depart to Halong Bay. Arrive at 11h30, lunch at restaurantPM : Boat trip to Cat ba, a fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach.. Overnight in Cat Ba.Day 2: Cat Ba ( B,L,D)Option 1 :Am : Breakfast at hotel . Transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Short trek to the to KimGiao forest and top of mountain. Back to the hotel. Free. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.Option 2 :AM: Breakfast. Bus transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Enjoy 12 km trek. through the forest with stop over viewing Frog Lake. Cross over 6 mountains ranges. Arrive Viet Hai village. Picnic lunch. Continue walking to LanHa Bay. Boat trip back to the hotel. Enjoy scenery and swimming. Dinner and stay at the hotelDay 3: CatBa - HaLong - Hanoi (B, L)AM: Boat trip back to HaLong Bay again. Lunch on the boat. Arrive Halong bay and return to Hanoi .Arrive Hanoi at 17h00. Rate in USD per person - Number of Persons - 2-3 4-5 6-9Please contact us Tour cost including : * Full transportation by private car or minibus as tour program indicated. * Sightseeing fees * Private Boat trip in Halong bay and Catba island . * Twin-share accommodation at Prince hotel in Catba ( www.vietnamhotels.biz/prince ) * Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary * Professtional English speaking guideExcluding: Drinks, Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expense

Halong Bay Natural Beauty

Speaking of Hạ Long, one must above all talk of the beauty of its water and sky. In a relatively small area (1,553 sq. km), there are 1,969 islands rising from the sea.Seen from above, Hạ Long Bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emerald gems; sometimes clustered together, sometimes isolated. The clever artistic hand of creation has made thousands of stone islands simulating familiar personages or animals. Like the constellations of the night sky, it’s possible to find a familiar form in every island of Hạ Long Bay: one brings to mind a pair of chickens bobbing on the spacious water (Trống Mái Islet); another is like a giant tortoise with half-closed and sleepy eyes (Rùa Islet); another is like an old monk joining his hands in prayer to Buddha, with his face turned to the sea (Ông Sư Islet); yet another is like a giant incense-burner standing in the middle of the sea which used to pray heaven and earth (Ðinh Hương Islet). It is a safe bet that many other islands bearing familiar forms remain undiscovered in the mysterious bay.The sea of Hạ Long is deep blue water throughout all four seasons. In spring, sailing amidst the waves, the stone islands look to be bobbing on the water. As summer approaches and the sun is setting on the far horizon, they appear to awake in unison and rise from the blue depths. The whole bay is bright red, and then turns to blue as the crests of the waves run together towards the shore. Orchids and fig trees, growing from fissures in the stone, bloom with snowy flowers.As a boat makes its way through this forest of islands by ways of meandering channels, sometimes stone seems to be spread in front of you; forming a wall heeding further progress. Once nearer, the wall appears to crack open as if letting your boat pass. The scenery disappears behind you as yet another panorama opens to your view.The winding route seems to be endless, but the beauty of Hạ Long Bay does not consist only in the forms of it’s mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves; concentrated mostly in the middle of the UNESCO-protected area. Thiên Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) bears a modern and refined trait, while Đầu Gỗ (Driftwood Grotto) is ample and grandiose and Sửng Sốt (Surprise Grotto) appears deeply secretive. There are many beautiful examples, closely linked with legends and popular tales, such as: Trinh Nữ and Trống Grottoes (Virgin and Male Grottoes) and the Fairy Grotto Lake (Ðộng Tiên Lake). Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.At sunset, when the mountains’ shadows stretch out long across the bay, the water turns grey-blue, before suddenly transforming to a crimson red as the last of the sun’s rays reach the far away islands. For one short instant, the whole scene mingles into one colour, and then all light is extinguished. After the moon climbs into the sky, the sea seems to be coated with silver, with the lights of Hạ Long City reflected on the surface of the water.It seemed that every islands, caves and beaches in Hạ Long closely linked with the legend and popular tale of love, of the heroic song for safeguarding country... Visiting Hạ Long Bay is a good chance to witness the romantic and attractive love story, which happened only in the legend. The 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994), officially recognized Hạ Long Bay as a natural heritage of worldwide importance. And Hạ Long Bay is honorly recognized as a world natural heritage once again for its geological value.

Cruise Bai Tu Long on Red Dragon

Routes: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (175km one-way)Duration: 2 days 1 night, sleep aboardFeature: A great way to see spectacular Halong Bay is on a slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lay in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph.On Footprint Red Dragon traditional junk, we aim to get off the beaten track but still at as leisurely pace. The size of the new vessel will allow the passengers to get much closer to Halong Bay’s natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.Difficulty: (1/5)Itinerary in Detail:Day 1: Hanoi to Halong, welcome on boardHalong bay, Hanoi cruise tour, Halong travelDepart, 8:00 am, from your hotel to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai Wharf. Enjoy welcome drinks and check in Deluxe cabin. Lunch with fresh local seafood while cruising into Halong bay. Get to Vong Vieng after 2 hours. Start exploring Vong Vieng fishing village and the hidden lagoons in Bai Tu Long Bay by kayaks or our small rowboats. Back to junk to enjoy relaxing or the sunset. Dinner and overnight on board nearby Vong Vieng village or Trinh Nu cave. (L,D)Day 2: Explore the tranquil scenery in Bai Tu Long Bay, back to HanoiDeluxe Cabins Aboard on Red Dragon Junk » more Halong picturesEarly risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Bay’s landscape. From 7.30 to 10.30, Serve Ala carte (Guests can order any dishes in the menu whenever they want for Breakfast and Lunch). Around 8.00, Start discovering Ba Cua beach where the guests enjoy swimming, sunbathing or relaxing. Back to junk, arrange luggage and check out cabin while cruising back. By noon we will be ashore then hit the road back to Hanoi. We arrive and finish our tour at your hotel by 5:00 pm. (B,L)Option Shared cruise Chartered cruiseNumber of Pax 1 pax Single Supplement 1 pax 2 -3pax 4-5 pax 6-7 pax 8-9pax 10 paxRates $US 158 $US 102 (Available upon request)Included: Shared bus, onsite guide aboard, welcome drinks, tea & coffee, entrance fees, Vietnamese meals (European Breakfast), fishing equipment, Add-on kayak or rowboat for exploring, insurance.Excluded: Transfers, visa arrangements, beverages, tips, other services not mentioned above.What to bring: Passport, towels, swimsuits, toiletries, change of clothes, sunblock, sunglasses & hat, insect repellent, flash lights.

Ha Long Bay cruise 2 days - 1 night on Anh duong Junk

Day 1 Hanoi -Halong * 8h00 Depart from Hanoi. * 12h30: Board Anh duong Junk, check-in registration * 13h00: Have lunch with welcome wine. * 13h30: A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach. Enjoy dinner on board while watching sunset. Fishing with seine, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on AnhDuong junk. Day 2 Halong - Hanoi * * 7h00 : Have breakfast. * 7h30 : A morning cruise to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Luon cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Toad island, Bai tho mountain. * 11h00 : Return to Halong city and have lunch on board. * 12h00 : Back to Halong wharf. * Transfer back to Hanoi. End the trip.Please contact us if you woulk like to add this trip to your package tour. Currency Converter Number of Persons 2- 3 4-5 6-9 Book nowTour cost in USD per person 189 129 102Extra cost for air- con cabin in USD per person 25 10 7 Tour cost Including: * Welcome drink,3 main meals, 1 breakfast, 1 beer or mineral water from second meal, fresh fruit, free tea and coffee, * Transport by private car or minibus from Hanoi, * Visit ticket, * Travel insurance, * Professtional English speaking guide * 1 night on accommodation on cabin in the private junk with boat cruise. Excluding: Drinks , Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expenses