Day 1: Hanoi - Halong(Lunch/Dinner)
08.30 approx: Our guide will meet you at your hotel. Mini bus or private car pick up. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. You will have a chance to take photos. Comfort break. The distance from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 hours.
12 noon approx: Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard. Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind. Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef. Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.
Afternoon: While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon we arrive at Cong Do Island with its many lagoons home to numerous species of sea-life, such as shrimp, crab, fish, squid and aquatic plants while south-west of the island has a preserved, almost undamaged coral reef. We drop anchor. Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches. For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.
Early evening: Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit. Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar. A BBQ dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars. Accommodation and overnight on junk.
Day 2: Halong - Hanoi (Breakfast)
06:30: For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim. Breakfast, coffee and tea and served. We set sail again and head to Vong Vieng floating fishingvillage. Drop anchor. Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community. Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community. Back on board we start to head back the harbour.
10:00: Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store. An early lunch is served.
12 noon: Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell. Transfer to minibus or private and return to Hanoi.
