Exploring the Natural World Heritage site of Halong Bay on-board the luxurious Emeraude Classic Cruises – the legend of Indochine.

Destination:	Halong, Vietnam
Activity:	Boat travel, Nature & Adventure, Snorkeling
Price:	start from $277 per person
Duration:	2 Days / 1 Night

Tour Rates* (Price/Person) in U.S. Dollars
Period	Single	Double	Triple	Group 5-6	Single Supplement
1 Oct 2010 – 31 Dec 2010	579	311	277	244	154
1 Jan 2011 – 30 Apr 2011	579	311	277	244	154
1 May 2011 – 30 Sep 2011	516	277	243	210	125
1 Oct 2011 – 31 Dec 2011	579	311	277	244	154

Rates include 7% VAT tax and 10% hotel service charge. Major credit cards accepted. No extra charge, no minimum

Note: Booking should be made at least 7 days in advance. The Triple rates are based on a twin sharing room with an extra bed for the third person.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi – Halong (Lunch, Dinner)

Transfer from your hotel in Hanoi in the morning for a 3-hour drive on a scenic road to Halong Bay.  Upon arrival at the  Halong Public Port, welcome by Emeraude staff and board shuttle boat for short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the Emeraude Cruise.  Welcome cocktail and check in on board the Emeraude.  At 1 pm, the Emeraude cruises through Halong Bay passing by some of the most scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Coc Mountains and a floating village. A Vietnamese buffet lunch is served between 13.00 and 14.30 in the Emeraude restaurant. There is an optional guided visit to Sungsot Grotto (Grotto of Surprises), depends on weather and tide permitting. In the afternoon, an option of afternoon tea with pastries on the sun deck or in the restaurant and an aperitif before dinner.The Emeraude stop at Titop Island for overnight on board. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese buffet dinner onboard the Emeraude.

Overnight on board the Emeraude at Titop Island, Halong Bay.

Day 2 Halong Bay - Hanoi (Breakfast)

The Emeraude sets sail once again through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay heading back to Halong Public Port.

07.00 – 09.00 European buffet breakfast is served in the Emeraude restaurant

08.30 - 09.30 Check out of cabin.

09.30 – 10.00 Transfer by shuttle boat back to Halong Public Port and transfer back to Hanoi by private vehicle with English speaking guide.

Package Includes:

• 1 night accommodation onboard the Emeraude Cruise in a sharing twin cabin, including breakfast
• Round trip transfer from Hanoi to Halong and return WITHOUT guide
• Welcome drink upon check-in
• Entrance fee to Halong bay and shuttle boat
• Cruise in the Halong Bay
• Meals onboard in according to the program

Package Excludes:

• International transportation to/from Hanoi
• Entry visa to Vietnam
• Airport taxes
• Personal expenses during journey

Note:

• If you plan to arrive in Vietnam from Bangkok (Thailand), we can arrange the air ticket for you upon request.
• The cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change with or without prior notice.
• The following details are required at least two weeks prior to the cruise for advance registration: client’s full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and dates permitted to stay in Vietnam. A valid passport is required upon check-in on board. Children whose travelling documents are attached to parent’s passport must travel with the parent.
• Insurance is not included. Clients are recommended to take their own insurance before departure.
• The following credit cards are accepted on board: Amex, Visa and MasterCard.

Services Available on Board:

Kayak, Massage, two bars, light entertainment, guided excursion to Sungsot grotto, Tai Chi class, free use of swimming equipment.

About the Package

Halong Bay
One of the world’s natural wonders, (and a common backdrop for films set in Vietnam), Halong Bay features more than one thousand awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes along the 120-km coastline of Bai Chay Beach.

Its waters are host to a great diversity of ecosystems including offshore coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forests, small freshwater lakes, and sandy beaches. The folk tale has it that the dragons descended from heaven to help locals by spitting jewels and jade to the sea, forming a natural fortress against invaders; these precious stones are represented by the lush green outcrops. Several islands boast beautiful grottos and caves with contiguous chambers, hidden ponds and peculiar stone formations.The bay is about 160 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and accessed by road. Several travel agents in Hanoi offer overnight packages that include a selection of boating excursions from Chinese junks to kayaks.

The Emeraude Classic Cruise
In 1910 a paddel steamer called the Emeraude was offering unforgetable cruise in Halong Bay for visitors to what was then French indochina. The Emeraude was part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family who had left Bordeaux in 1858 in search of adventure and fortune. Over a period of more than 50 years they found boths.

After several ups and downs including successful trading and timber business, near bankruptcy and being taken hostage by pirates, the Roque borthers build Emeraude, Perle, Saphir, Rubis and Onyx to ferry passengers and freight along the waterways of Indochina and cruise on magnificent Halong Bay.

Today the Emeraude offers a regular cruise service on board a luxurious replica steamer with 39 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina.

Timeless Elegance
Each bespoke cabin exudes warmth and character with high standards of workmanship, distinguished style and impeccable service. With its polished wooden floors and brass fixtures and fittings the Emeraude’s rooms offer timeless elegance.