VIETNAM Halong Bay is in our opinion the world’s most spectacular and safest sea kayaking destination. Thousands of limestone islets rise vertically from the water to form a maze of protected waterways; countless sea arches, sea caves and hidden lagoons dot this vast archipelago. We were the first to introduce sea kayaking to Halong Bay over a decade ago, and since then we have been exploring every nook and cranny of this awe-inspiring place. In the far reaches of the bay – places where no other kayakers venture - we have many secret places we share with our guests This is exploring in style: our mothership, a 90 ft a comfortable, traditional-styled sailing junk features double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, large deck areas for relaxing and a dining room where you delight in gourmet cuisine, including incredible local seafood, prepared by a chef who has been sent to us from heaven. Itinerary Day 1: Our ten day trip begins in Hanoi - Southeast Asia’s most charming city. You are picked up from the airport and taken to the best hotel in Hanoi’s bustling and exotic Old Quarter. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Vietnam’s best restaurants. Day 2: At the break of dawn we walk around famous Hoan Kiem Lake and watch (or join) thousands of people of all ages exercising and doing tai chi and other morning exercises. We return to our hotel for breakfast and then set off on foot to explore - Hidden Hanoi - and discover secrets of the Old Quarter: rarely visited pagodas, temples and markets, etc. The afternoon is free for shopping or further exploring Hanoi. In the evening we enjoy an traditional dinner in one of the Old Quarter restaurants. Day 3: After breakfast a mini-van takes us to Ha Long Bay and into kayak nirvana. We move aboard our mothership, a comfortable traditional-styled sailing, and meet our friendly crew, including a cook sent to us from heaven! We sail into the vast expanse of Ha Long Bay and anchor in a secluded cove. Basic paddling instruction is given on a small sand beach below towering limestone cliffs. Our day ends with an exquisite seafood meal under a starry sky. Day 4 - 8: Our mothership takes us on an odyssey through Ha Long Bay’s maze of 2000 islands. We slip into quiet anchorages from where we paddle extensively each day, exploring the labyrinth of limestone islands that tower above us in many fantastical shapes. We find secret passages to hidden lagoons and magical sea caves. These are pristine places with unique ecosystems; they are rarely visited, even by local fishermen and no wonder, for they are the perfect dragons’ lairs! We stop for breaks on lovely sand beaches and swim in warm, jade waters. We visit the floating villages of fishfolk who live their whole lives aboard tiny bamboo boats. They, and the mother ship crew who have become our friends, invite us to witness their animistic ceremonies, in which they lyrically worship the spirits and deities of the bay. As well as enjoying the best paddling in the world, during this trip we also gain an insight to Vietnamese culture, tradition and mythology. As an added bonus, on board our mothership we enjoy the finest cuisine that Vietnam has to offer! Day 9: After breakfast we say farewell to the magical bay and our mothership takes us back to - civilisation - and we disembark in Bai Chai. We return to Hanoi by van and we check into our hotel. The afternoon is free to shop and further explore this enchanting city. Our farewell dinner takes place in a beautifully restored French colonial mansion. Day 10: Breakfast is the official end of the trip. Guests return home or begin the Lost Kingdom’s of Vietnam extension. Trip Extensions - Lost Kingdoms of Vietnam: On this multi-activity trip, come trekking and kayaking among the hill-tribes of Ba Be Lake, in Vietnam’s Northern Highlands. This remote, stunningly beautiful area has been declared a national park to protect many rare wildlife species that have only been discovered and named in the last few years. TRIP LENGTH: 6 days ACTIVITIES: trekking, 1 day kayaking, visiting mountain tribes, wildlife and bird watching. ACCOMMODATION: 1 night hotel in Hanoi, 2 nights village stays, 2 nights lodge in national park. DATES: Directly after Halong Bay kayaking. LAND COST: US $980 per person (minimum 4 guests) TRIP BEGINNING/END: Hanoi Trip Extensions - Inside Angkor Wat (Siam Reap, Cambodia): An experience not to be missed: six days exploring the other-worldly ruins of Angkor Wat and surrounding areas. LENGTH: 6 days ACCOMMODATION: 5 nights hotel of your choice DATES: tailored to your needs LAND COST: US $ 950 to $ 1790 (depending on choice of hotel) What is included . . . The services of a fully qualified guide and assistant guide All group equipment including kayaks, paddles, lifejackets. Transportation from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay return All Accommodation (3 nights boutique hotel, 6 nights mothership) All kitchen and food supplies Each guide carries a well stocked first aid kit, carries flares and has a VHF radio. 10% off any trip accessories, books or clothing, purchased from Ecomarine before the trip What is not included . . . Return transportation between your home and Vietnam Personal clothing & equipment as listed on the detailed 'Clothing & Equipment List' Expenses incurred due to bad weather / fog / flight delays Gratuities for guides (never obligatory but always appreciated, our guides suggest 5% of trip cost based on client care and attention) Tell Me More! Q: Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam? A: REQUIRED. Processing time for a tourist visa is approx. 1 week. You can contact the Vietnamese Embassy directly or use services such as Zierer Visa Service http://www.zvs.com in the US or Embassy Link http://www.embassylink.ca in Canada. Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience? A: No previous kayaking experience is needed: The warm, flat calm waters of Ha Long Bay are ideal for novice paddlers. More experienced kayakers will enjoy the intricate rock gardens and deep sea caves. Having our mothership close at hand makes it possible to everyone to take part in as much or as little paddling as they like. Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area? A: In October and November the climate in Northern Vietnam is temperate, ranging from 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 65 degrees at night. The temperatures in the highlands where we will be trekking can be lower due to the higher elevation. There is little precipitation this time of year but we can expect the odd shower particularly while trekking in the highlands. For more information, please give us a call (1-888-425-2925) or send us an e-mail. To go back to the dates page, please click here.