Ha Long Bay covers an area of 1,500 square kms. With more than a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its crystalline emerald waters this area is highly regarded as one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is one of five World Heritage Sites found in the country. This three-day itinerary gives you the chance to enjoy the bay from the luxury of our private junk and spend one night on beautiful Cat Ba Island. On the junk you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There will be opportunities to swim in the crystal clear waters, marvel at the beautiful landscape from the sundeck of the junk and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay.  There is also the option of exploring some of the bay’s most secluded lagoons and countless beaches using our fleet of modern light weight, easy-to-maneuver kayaks for some unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak. The second night will be spent on beautiful Cat Ba Island, a national park recognized by UNESCO, which is home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur.  It also boasts a main town with a multitude of bars and restaurants, beautiful beaches and small, scattered, fishing communities.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
An air-conditioned mini bus will pick you up between 0800-0830 at your hotel lobby. We will then drive to Ha Long Bay, stopping off at the Sao Dao center, a charity run for and by handicapped children, en route. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our luxury junk, the ‘Jewel of the Bay’. Once we have settled in, we begin our cruise around majestic Ha Long Bay whilst enjoying a delicious lunch. We then have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay before dropping anchor at a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear waters, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. After we have finished exploring for the day, we will enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar whilst watching the sunset. In the evening our cook will prepare fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese cuisine as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay.
(Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Island
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue our journey around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. (The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it.)
After lunch on junk boat, we will take a small boat to Cat Ba Island, where we spend the night.
(Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 3: Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong - Hanoi
Following breakfast we visit the Cat Ba National Park to visit the old military hospital cave that was used by the North Vietnamese Army during the American War. We will return to Cat Ba town, before boarding the one-hour ferry service back to Vietnam’s largest sea port and third largest city, Hai Phong. Arriving in Hai Phong we transfer to our waiting vehicle for the two hour drive back to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi you will be dropped off at your hotel or a pre-selected location in the city centre.
(Breakfast included)

Trip price - please enquire for availability and cost

Tour includes:
•  Return transfer Hanoi - Ha Long // Hai Phong – Hanoi by A.C car / bus
•  Boat cruise and kayaking (life vest included) as indicated within the itinerary
•  English speaking customer service manager on board junk
• Hotel in Cat Ba Island based on two people sharing
•  Accommodation in twin en-suite cabins on junk
•  All meals as indicated  (Two breakfast, two lunches and one dinner).
•  Admission fees and permits during guided time

Tour excludes:
•  Vietnam Visa
•  Travel insurance (Compulsory)
•  Personal Expenses such as drinks from the Bar
•  Tips and Gratuities
•  Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi

Joining instructions
• You will be collected from your hotel/home in Hanoi. Please advise pick-up location at time of booking and call upon arrival in Hanoi to re-confirm pick-up time.
• Finish Time: Tour returns to your selected point in Hanoi at around 19.00

Hotel information

• Hotel in Cat Ba based on centrally located standard 3 star hotel. Upgrade available at an extra cost on request.

Information about the ‘Jewel of the Bay’ Junk boat

The lavish Jewel of the Bay is akin to a floating hotel. Here are some of the junk’s facilities:
•  En-suite twin cabins with air conditioning and en suite tiled bathroom
•  Hot and cold running water and shower in each bathroom
•  Dining room serving Vietnamese and continental fare.
•  Complimentary welcome drink and free tea/coffee is included throughout the trip 
• Fully licensed bar with extensive wine list.
•  Games area with assortment of board games, books and magazines
•  Sun tanning area with eight adjustable sun loungers.
•  Lightweight western made (New Zealand) sea kayaks
•  Fully staffed crew including Customer Services Manager.

Pre-trip information
• When: Year round
• Grade:  Easy (Kayaking: Beginner to Intermediate)
• Accommodation: Over night on board Junk boat and in hotel on Cat Ba Island
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle, Junk and kayaks
• Spending Money: You will need money for drinks on board. Please note that credit card payments are not available on the boat
• Money Exchange: Ensure you local currency before leaving Hanoi. At time of writing the exchange rate was $1 = 16,000 VN Dong
• Fitness Requirements: There are no special fitness requirements for this trip

What to take
• We suggest a small, lightweight daypack for cameras and drinking water etc.
• Passports.
• Comfortable clothes
• Swimming suit.
• Suncream.
• Sunglasses.

"Minh was very helpful in every respect. I would recommend him to my fellow travelers.  Very good accommodation on Jewel of the Bay.  The overall quality of the trip provided by Buffalo Tours has been excellent.  Thank you."

Kerry Mayne, Australia

“Thank you to the crew of the Jewel of the Bay. Your warmth, kindness and hospitality combined with the excellent seafood and spectacular scenery have made this a most memorable occasion. Special thanks to the crew for the surprise birthday party they gave me (along with a beautifully embroidered handbag). This visit will be among my fondest memories.”

Diane Mazur, Washington DC (March 2004)

What a wonderful weekend. Jewel of the Bay is first class and we had a thoroughly good time onboard. The service was excellent, the food delicious and we had great fun on the kayaks and exploring the caves. It was also great to spend a night on Cat Ba Island and walk in the National Park. It is a stunning island and so untouched by tourism – a real gem! We hope to escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi more often and treat ourselves to more weekends onboard Jewel of the Bay.

Mark Flowers, expat living in Hanoi