We have 2 'Jewels' in Halong Bay that are privately owned and exclusive to Buffalo Tours clients. Each junk is small with a maximum of 16 guests at one time. We are the only company to include kayaking as standard and this two-day itinerary gives us the chance to enjoy the bay from the luxury of our private junk. Here you can relax on the tanning deck, swim in the clear waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. All the while you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There is also the option of exploring some of the bay’s most secluded lagoons using our fleet of modern easy-to-maneuver kayaks for some unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

We depart from the capital for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do center run for and by handicapped children. 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 can begin our cruise around majestic Ha Long Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use and in keeping with our safety policies all participants will be issued with water buoyancy vests. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. After we have finished exploring for the day we retire to the junk. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay.  

Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we visit Sung Sot cave which has spectacular salinities. After the visit to the cave, there will be a chance for a quick swim before an early lunch as we cruise back to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 4pm.

Trip price: please enquire for availability

US$150 per adult sharing a twin cabin

US$113 per child (aged 2 - 11) sharing a twin cabin

US$40 single supplement (we have triple cabins consisting of one double and one single bed, please enquire for availability)

Tour includes
• Return transfer Hanoi - Ha Long by A.C car / bus with drinking water
• Boat cruise and kayaking as indicated within the itinerary
• English speaking customer service manager on board junk
• Accommodation in twin en-suite air conditioned cabins
• All meals on board (one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner)
• Admission fees and permits

Tour excludes
• International / domestic airfare
• International / domestic airport tax
• Vietnam Visa (complusory for non ASEAN citizens)
• Travel insurance
• Personal Expenses such as drinks from the Bar,
• Tips and Gratuities
• Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi

Please note that we have two “Jewel of the bay” boats and you will be accommodated on one of the boats depending on availability.

When: Year round
 
Grade: Easy (Kayaking: Beginner to Intermediate)
 
Accommodation
Over night on board Junk boat
 
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 USD = 16,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND)
 
Fitness Requirements
There are no special fitness requirements for this trip

Information about the ‘Jewel of the Bay’ Junks

·          Jewel of the Bay 1 has 5 ensuite cabins and Jewel of the Bay 2 has 8 en-suite cabins, each 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. (Including complimentary welcome drinks and free tea and coffee throughout 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

·          Night fishing from the boat

·          Fully staffed crew of 7 including English Speaking Customer Services Manager

Joining Instructions

Clients will be informed of the pick-up location and time at the time of booking.

Before you leave home complete the following checklist
• Clothing and equipment: Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate, swim wear, sun hat, and trainers/sandals for walking up to and inside caves. Comfortable long pants / trousers for evening attire.
• Travel Documents: Passport, Travel Insurance.
• Health requirements arranged.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimming costumes personal first aid kit and personal toiletries.
• Money (mainly for drinks on board).

"Christmas on Halong Bay with this fabulous crew of 'Jewel of the Bay'! Their attention to passengers from far and wide was first class and the chef's presentation of all meals went way beyond expectation. The fun was all enjoyed together with the crew on Christmas Eve and helped make us all one happy family, which is as it should be!"

Anthony Broome, Sydney Australia

"Recharge your batteries in a short space of time by taking a junk boat out on stunning Ha Long Bay. It's the perfect place to unwind: peaceful, beautiful and fun. Buffalo Tours run their 'Jewel of the Bay' traditional junk boat out in Ha Long Bay daily (for 2-day, 1 night / 3-day, 2 night trips). The beauty of their boat is that it is exclusively for Buffalo Tours clients (not chartered out) and is informally intimate  - far from the pack-em in mentality of some boats.

We say traditional, but Jewel of the Bay has all mod cons and is a modern, fully-equipped vessel. The en-suite cabins are cozy with tiled bathrooms with hot water, the dining room has a well-stocked wine cellar; you'll be asked to choose your wines before lunch so that your selection is chilled before dining. On board is an English-speaking customer Services Manager and a staff of six, attentive to your every need. In between swimming off the boat, visiting caves and sunbathing - even doing a spot of night fishing - you'll be served up delicious local cuisine. But whatever you do, do NOT miss out on kayaking from the boat, gliding under caves to see secluded lagoons where boats can't go. Lightweight sea kayaks (from New Zealand) are complimentary - a great way to explore the bay. This plus a swim around the boat at 6am is the perfect cure for stress."

Samantha Coomber, Journalist