Indochina Sail Cruise

Backed by over ten years experience hosting international guests on the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, Indochina Sails has set a new standard for luxury cruising. The first company to offer overnight cruises on the bay, we are now widely known as the number one choice for discerning travellers. Indochina Sails's fleet of six newly built wooden junks are designed in time-honoured traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities. What better way to experience the natural beauty and spectacular seascape of this UNESCO World Heritage site than on board an Indochina Sails junk!

Cabins

Cabins and suites are designed and fitted to international standards, featuring a rich wooden decor, with large windows from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. The comfortable bedding and luxuriant linens ensure you a restful sleep in style. Large ensuite, marble bathrooms feature massage showers and deluxe towels and toiletries.

Junks

Our boats, or Junks, are built in Vietnam, utilizing local materials and the handiwork of skilled shipbuilders, craftsmen and artists. As in the days of old they are built entirely of wood. The wood featured in the interiors is called “go huong”, which translates as aromatic wood, it is a highly durable and beautifully grained wood which adds to the rich and warm character of the boats.

Each of our boats features spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites with large ensuite marble bathrooms, a large sundeck with comfortable lounging furniture and an elegant dining room and bar. We have designed and fitted our boats to international standards while maintaining traditional Chinese Junk styling, creating the perfect balance of modern comforts and nostalgic ambiance.

The Indo 1 and Indo 2 are identical boats and were both launched in 2007. Each comprises 15 cabins (Superior and Deluxe Cabins). The deluxe cabins are are a bit larger and feature rainfall showers and are all situated on the second decks of the boats.  

Our newest boat, the Indo 3, launched in late 2008, also features ceramic artworks handcrafted in Bat Trang, well known as the home of the country’s most talented ceramic craftsmen. All of our boats are decorated with silk from Van Phuc, the “Silk Village”. 

Our smaller boat, the “Valentine”, launched in late 2007, is perfect for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate experience. Valentine is a full service vessel offering all the facilities and amenities of our larger boats, but with only five cabins; four Deluxe cabins at 19 square meters each and one Suite cabin at 30 square meters, all with Jacuzzis.

Dining Room and Bar:

Our dining rooms offer a comfortable and romantic setting, with large panoramic windows from which to take in the beauty of the bay while enjoying Vietnamese cuisine at its best. The cozy bars offer a selection of Aperitifs, Spirits, Cocktails, beer and a selection of fine wines from around the world.

Food:
Our experienced chefs provide a varied selection of Vietnamese and International cuisine including fresh local seafood, all carefully prepared and presented.

Services:
Our staff are trained to provide the best possible service to our passengers at all times. The relaxed and welcoming manner of our hospitality creates an atmosphere in which our guests feel that they are at home away from home.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long

8:00 Shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel 

11:30 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

12:15 Transfer by tender to the Valentine Cruise boat – enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.

13:00 Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu.  Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise.

14.30 Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island.

15.15 Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area.

16.15 Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time. One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.

The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.

18:30 Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.

19:00 Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available. Also at this time we offer, when possible - depending on weather conditions, an excursion to a nearby squid fishing boat. We travel by tender and you will be able to board the squid boat and see how the local fishermen catch squid and other fish, the excursion lasts about 45 minutes.

21:00 – 23:00 Happy Hour! Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).  23.00  End of program for Day One

Day 2: Ha Long - Hanoi

6:45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

7:00 Arrive at the Surprise Cave area, there is a small fishing village here. Relax onboard. You may join Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck at 7:00, duraion about 30 minutes.

8:00 Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.

9:00 Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.

9:30 Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.

10:00 Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

10:45 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

11:00 Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.