Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay is a famously ethereal waterscape in northern Vietnam. One of the features of our Vietnam & Cambodia Private Journey is experiencing this magical setting by private traditional junk.

Photo by Catherine Karnow

display information about this photo

Venture into the intriguing world of Indochine, with its fascinating centuries-old history and culture. Encounter the surreal beauty of Halong Bay by sea kayak, and explore on foot or by bike in charming Hoi An and the royal city of Hue. At journey’s end, discover the jungle-draped temples of magical Angkor.

Highlights

  • Sea kayak among the limestone pinnacles of mystical Halong Bay, overnight aboard your own private junk
  • Bike the backroads around enchanting Hoi An and Hue
  • Extraordinary temples of Angkor, a World Heritage Site

Details

  • 13 day trip begins in Hanoi, Vietnam and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • 10 nights in comfortable hotels (first class or deluxe option) 2 nights aboard private junk
  • All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners included
  • City exploration, cultural touring, optional easy biking and kayaking

When to Go

October to March

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Tour Costs

First Class Option

$3795 per person, double occupancy (minimum two people)
Single Supplement: $850

Deluxe Option

$4295 per person, double occupancy(minimum two people)
Single Supplement: $1475

Internal Airfare: $440 (subject to change)
Discount for groups of 3 or more: Call for Details

Prices valid through October 31, 2010
Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout

Itinerary at a Glance
Vietnam and Cambodia Private Journey route-map

Days 1-2
Ancient Hanoi

This charming, thousand-year-old city is graced by leafy boulevards, lakes, and stately French colonial buildings. The Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi since the 15th century, is an incredible warren of winding streets and magnificent architecture. Explore on foot and by traditional cyclo-rickshaw with your private guide.

Days 3-5
Kayaking Halong Bay

The World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands soaring out of a jade-green sea. Its calm waters offer fantastic sea kayaking amid sea grottoes, hidden lakes, and deserted coves with white-sand beaches. No prior kayaking experience is necessary, and your group can kayak as much or as little as you like. Your kayaking guide can lead you to intriguing spots including Three Peach Island, a wonderful place for a swim. Accommodation is on your own private sailing junk, staffed by a crew of three and a private chef. Return to Hanoi on Day 5.

Days 6-7
Traditional Hoi An

Enjoy a vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets of picturesque Hoi An, a trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Optional biking with your guide offers a delightful exploration of nearby My Son, an evocative Cham archaeological site.

Days 8-10
Royal City of Hue and Saigon

In Hue, Vietnam’s cultural and religious capital, explore the Royal Tombs, Imperial Citadel, and journey by boat on the Perfume River to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Biking options include a ride along the Tam Giang Lagoon, and through Hue’s historic back streets. On Day 10, explore vibrant Saigon.

Days 11-13
Angkor, City of Temples

Covered with intricate bas-reliefs and scattered across a tropical landscape, Cambodia’s royal city of Angkor is one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world, and a lasting testament to the glory of a bygone Khmer civilization. Explore this architectural masterpiece of breathtaking temples and serene man-made lakes, and enjoy a sunset climb up Phnom Bakheng for spectacular views. Depart on Day 13.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

  • Mekong Delta: Bike to local villages, visit floating market
  • Sapa: Vibrant hilltribes and markets of the North
  • Luang Prabang, Laos: Historic Buddhist temples, hilltribe villages
  • Thailand: Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Bangkok
  • Extra hotel nights at the start or end of your trip

Please call us or Download Full Trip Brochure for more information

Sunway Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Day 5 (1 night),
Hanoi, Vietnam

The Sunway Hotel is located on a quiet residential street, a bit removed from the city center but still within walking distance of the prime ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Hotel Sofitel Metropole (Deluxe Option)

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam

The Hotel Sofitel Metropole is a French colonial-style hotel built at the turn of the century by two private French investors. It’s ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Private Junk

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Halong Bay, Vietnam

Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Life Resort Hotel

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam

Set along the scenic Thu Bon River in Hoi An’s French colonial quarter, the Life Resort Hotel features three restaurants and guest rooms with ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Pilgrimage Village Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam

The Pilgrimage Village Hotel, on the outskirts of Hue, is an elegant haven of tranquility. The resort offers a serene country setting with tropical ...
Click here for full description and more photos

La Residence Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Option)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam

Located on the Perfume River near the center of Hue, the La Residence Hotel & Spa is a former governor’s residence renovated into a ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Duxton Hotel (First Class Option)

Day 10 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam

The Duxton Hotel is strategically located in the heart of the city within walking distance of many of Saigon’s famous attractions, as well as ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Caravelle Hotel (Deluxe Option)

Day 10 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam

The chic Caravelle Hotel is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in the heart of Saigon’s lively downtown. It’s steeped ...
Click here for full description and more photos

FCC Angkor Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 11 to 12 (2 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia

The boutique-style FCC Angkor Hotel is set on the leafy grounds of the French Ambassador’s old mansion in the heart of Siem Reap. Even with ...
Click here for full description and more photos

La Résidence d’Angkor (Deluxe Option)

Days 11 to 12 (2 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia

La Résidence d’Angkor is an intimate, luxury Khmer-style hotel set within a beautiful walled garden. Light and airy guest rooms are ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.