Halong Bay Places To Stay

Places To Stay

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

In this blog, Incredible Asia Journeys will provide detailed information about Sung Sot Cave, one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay and unmissable on any Halong Bay cruise tour![incredible_toc]1. What is Sung Sot Cave? Visitors to Sung Sot Cave in the centre of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay are always guessing how it got its name. Hang Sung Sot translates to ‘Amazing Cave’ or ‘Surprise Cave’ (which share the same translation in Vietnamese) because of its French discoverer who exclaimed “Grotto des Surprises” when walking around the inside for the first time. Halong Bay Panorama 2. Where is Sung Sot Cave? Sung Sot Cave shares its home island of Bo Hon with another cave, Hang Trinh Nu. The entrance to the cave requires a 20-meter walk up some steps and through a tunnel of trees, but the moment you arrive, you will be provided with free air-conditioning courtesy of Sung Sot Cave’s system of recycled cool air.  Surprising Cave / "Sung Sot" Cave 3. What do you do in Sung Sot Cave? The Amazing Cave is split into two chambers; the first one is known as the ‘Waiting Room’ and the second is referred to as the ‘Serene Castle’. The Waiting Room features smooth walls and many stalactites hanging from its high ceiling, illuminated by colourful lights that add to the magical atmosphere of the grotto. Walking through the narrow passage to Serene Castle, Sung Sot Cave opens up with a flood of light entering through a hole serving as the exit. Here we can find very interesting rock formations originating from tens of thousands of years ago that are now referred to as the things that they (sort of) resemble. If you squint (quite hard) you can make out many animals such as a bear, dragon, elephant and a climbing monkey, with other depictions like kissing couples and Happy Buddhas strewn throughout. Surprising Cave/ "Sung Sot" Cave As with most areas of Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave comes with a whimsical backstory. Next to the entrance to the Serene Castle is a horse-shaped rock with an accompanying sword-shaped rock, said to be the petrified possessions of Saint Giong who protected the local residents by having elaborate battles with invading demons within the cave walls. Visitors exit Sung Sot Cave through the ‘Royal Garden’, an outside area of banyan trees, birds and occasionally monkeys that gives a great view over the Halong Bay landscape. Passengers will re-board their cruises after walking down the steps and along a romantic wooden walkway attached to the outside of the island.  Many cruises in Halong Bay give you a chance to discover Amazing Cave. Here are some of them:  V'spirit Cruise,  LaFairy Cruise,  Hera Cruise,  Indochina Sails,  Bhaya Classic Cruise, and Carina Cruise. 4. What is the History of Sung Sot Cave? Historians believe the history of the Amazing Cave dates back about 470 - 520 million years ago when intense tectonic plate shifting in the Halong Bay area created vast limestone mountains, large parts of which were eroded by long periods of heavy rain followed by extreme heat.  In the period between 67,000 BC and 9,000 BC, water seeping through gaps in the limestone mountains created its vast caves. Amazing Cave is one of Halong Bay’s largest caves and its stalactites and stalagmites are the results of tens of thousands of years of gradual dripping. 5. How do I visit Sung Sot Cave? The cave is situated in the centre of Halong Bay and is a usual stop-off on any itinerary in the region. You can visit Amazing Cave on most long day cruises (the kind that gives you 6 hours on the bay rather than 4) and a lot of Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights or Halong Bay overnight itineraries feature Sung Sot Cave as a highlight.You can also like other blogs about other destinations you can explore in Halong Bay cruise tours: Ba Trai Dao Beach, Me Cung Cave, Titop Cave, Thien Canh Son.

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Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Accounting for three-quarters of the famous Halong Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bai Tu Long Bay attracts tourists from all over the world with its natural and primitive beauty. It’s still clean, not spoiled and charming without much public attention. When you cruise in here, you may feel like heaven on earth.[incredible_toc] Bai Tu Long Bay with its attractive marine Eco-tours and wonderful natural beauty of stunning beaches is actually an ideal rendezvous for beach lovers. It is considered another secret heaven next to its famous neighbour.Bai Tu Long Bay Overview1. The Legend of Bai Tu Long BayAccording to legend, to protect ancient Vietnam’s border from invaders, Mother Dragon and Child Dragon were sent to help the Vietnamese people against the enemy. These dragons sprayed a large number of pearls turning into thousands of limestone. It became a solid wall that the invaders could not overcome. Because the Mother Dragon and Child Dragon loved spectacular landscapes and appreciated the hospitality of Vietnamese people, they decided to stay there instead of coming back to heaven. Since then, the position that Mother Dragon landed is called Halong Bay, and where Child Dragon stayed is known as Bai Tu Long Bay.Islands in Bai Tu Long Bay2. Things to See & Do in Bai Tu Long BayUp to now, Bai Tu Long Bay still remains its pristine beautiful natural landscape. Taking a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, You will be impressed by white sandy beaches, the different shapes of islands and the fresh atmosphere here. Seeing mangroves stretching out, clams and shells on the sand may make you feel completely separated from the real world to come back to your peaceful past.Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, you will have a chance to discover a number of amazing attractions including Cong Do Area, Cong Dam Area, Vong Vieng, Cong Dam Floating Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, Da Xep Park, and Tra Gioi Beach. Besides, you can pay a visit to some of the largest, most developed and most populated islands on Bai Tu Long Bay such as Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong, and Cong Tay to enjoy and relax on their beautiful beaches.Thien Canh Son CaveThe highlight of Bai Tu Long Bay is Bai Tu Long Bay National Park - one of seven Vietnamese amphibian national parks with both a terrestrial zone and an aquatic zone. The national park was established in 2001 to protect many endangered species of birds, animals, and plants.Bai Tu Long Bay National ParkTo enjoy your interesting time in Bai Tu Long Bay, kayaking will be one of the really good ways to have a closer look at the limestone islands of the bay. You can see the charming islands as well as observe fully the local life of those who live in the floating village. Kayaking will also help you access remote or untouched areas of lovely Bai Tu Long Bay.Besides, you can try to ride bicycles to explore insightful dense forests on the islands. It will be a memorable experience on your wonderful trip to Vietnam.For those who fall in love with swimming and surfing, Bai Tu Long will be one of the perfect choices. There are a few cruise ships and other kayakers, so it will be a wide space for you to enjoy the most interesting experiences in Bai Tu Long Bay.3. Weather in Bai Tu Long BayThere are 2 different seasons in Bai Tu Long Bay, which are the hot and humid summer, and the cold and dry winter. The average temperature fluctuates between 15 °C and 25 °C. If you come to visit Bai Tu Long Bay in summer, you can join many energetic activities including swimming, kayaking, and surfing. However, if you want to avoid the tourist crowds, let's visit Bai Tu Long Bay in the winter. Of course, in both seasons, you can still enjoy the amazing and magnificent scenery of this wonderful Bay.Bai Tu Long in SummerEnjoying the peace on the azure-blue beach as well as breathing in the fresh air, your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay will surely be a long-lasting memory in your life.4. Popular Bai Tu Long Bay ItineraryBai Tu Long Bay is an attraction for a lot of travellers who visit Vietnam and want to travel to a less touristic area. Besides Halong Bay Cruises, there are many Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises you can choose for your trip. Each cruise will have its own itinerary but it follows the route accepted by  Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay Authority. Below is a popular Bai Tu Long Bay Itinerary for 2 days 1 night and Bai Tu Long Bay for 3 days 2 nights.4.1. Bai Tu Long 2-day 1-night itineraryDAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Thien Canh Son (L, D)7.30 - 8.00: Our air-conditioned van will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and take you to Hon Gai International Harbour.12.00 - 13.00: At the harbour, we board our traditional red-sail junk boat and set sail towards Bai Tu Long Bay. On the way, feel free to drop off your luggage and enjoy your welcome drink while listening to the captain’s briefing.13.00 - 15.00: Have a relaxing lunch on the calm waters while looking out for the many iconic limestone rock pillars that line the ship's path.15.15 - 15.40: We arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay and begin our explorations, starting with the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.15.45 - 18:00: From here you will head to the white sand at Hon Co island and make the difficult decision to either relax on the beach or discover the surrounding wonders by swimming or kayaking.Swimming in Bai Tu Long Bay18:00 - 19.00: We head back to the junk boat to freshen up for a delectable dinner of traditional Vietnamese food and local island fare.20.00 - 00:00: Spend the evening at your leisure out on the deck watching the various islands silently glide by.DAY 2: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)07.30 - 08.00: Soak up the morning view of Bai Tu Long Bay as the early light bounces off the shimmering water. Have breakfast in the open air at your own pace.08.30 - 09.30: You will arrive at Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rowboat and discover the local way of life as fishermen cast their nets into the water.Fishing Village in Bai Tu Long Bay10.00: We will head back to the ship to check out of the cabins. Then enjoy An À la Carte Lunch as we slowly cruise back towards the harbour. 11.45 - 12.00: We leave the boat and board our bus for the drive to Yen Duc Village in Dong Trieu Province.14.00 - 17.30: Here we will watch a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists before we head back to Hanoi.Enjoy the sunshine in Bai Tu Long Bay4.2. Bai Tu Long 3-day 2-night itineraryDAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Cong Do (L, D)7.30 - 8.00: Our van will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and head towards Hon Gai International Harbour.12.00 - 12.30: Climb an ancient red-sail junk boat to your home for the next 2 nights. 12.30 - 13.00: Enjoy a welcome drink upon checking in and listening to a quick safety briefing.13.30 - 15.00: Take in the astounding rock pillar formations from the deck on the cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay while indulging in a succulent local lunch.15.00 - 17.30: We wind around the plethora of stunning limestone outcrops and head to the ancient Cap La Fishing Village and stunning Tra San Bay which can be explored via swimming or kayaking.17.45 - 19.00: We head back to the junk boat and freshen up for dinner.19.00 - 21.00: Eat a delicious seafood dinner as the night rolls in. Relax on the deck or in your cabin as we drop anchor in the serene Cong Do area for the night.DAY 2: Cap La – Cong Dam – Thien Canh Son Cave (B, L, D)07.30 - 08.00: Take in the morning view of Cong Do with a cup of tea or coffee. A beautiful breakfast will be served in the newly formed shadows of the landscape.08.00- 10:00: The boat will start its cruise to Cong Dam in Bai Tu Long Bay along the rock-sided path.10:00: In the hidden lagoons and open air you can kayak around the stunning geological park of Cong Dam.12:00: We will rest on a hidden beach and enjoy a barbecue lunch.13:30: Climb back aboard as we start the cruise back to Cong Do.16:30: We arrive at Hon Co Island and walk to the well-concealed Thien Canh Son Cave for a thorough exploration of its peaceful interior.17:30: Head back to the boat for a well-earned drink as we cruise back to Cap La.19:00: Have dinner in the sanctity of Cap La as we drop anchor there for the night.Thien Canh Son CaveDAY 3: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)06:45: Wake up on your final day to breakfast on board as we begin our cruise to the Vung Ha area of Halong Bay.08:00: We arrive at the remarkable Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rustic rowboat and discover a completely different way of life.10.00: We climb back aboard our junk boat one last time to check out of the cabins and set sail towards Hon Gai International Harbour with an accompanying à la carte lunch.11:30 - 14.30: We disembark from the boat and begin our drive to Yen Duc Village, where local artists will display their craft in water puppetry.14.45 - 17.30: We arrive back in Hanoi for the end of the tour.Yen Duc Village

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Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay

Scrolling down to find out the essential information about Lan Ha Bay provided by Incredible Asia Journeys![incredible_toc]1. Lan Ha Bay Overview Lan Ha Bay is located in the east of Cat Ba Island and in the south of Halong Bay. It is easy to take a trip from Hanoi to Lan Bay by car/bus and take a Lan Ha Bay cruise around this beautiful bay to enjoy the most beautiful of the Halong and Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay belongs to Cat Ba Island area in Hai Phong. Because Lan Ha Bay also has hundreds of islands like Halong Bay, people think that it belongs to the Halong Bay area. Lan Ha Bay with around 400 large and small islands has become a paradise for tourists to go kayaking, go swimming or stay overnight in this beautiful bay. Beautiful Lan Ha Bay 2. What to see in Lan Ha Bay? Lan Ha Bay has an isolated appeal with more than 300 karst islands and several white-sand beaches. Cruising in Lan Ha Bay, you will see hundreds of mounts with different shapes depending on your imagination including Hon Guoc (Wooden Shoe Island), Hon Doi (Bat Grotto), etc. Also, you can have a chance to see about 139 beautiful and small sandy beaches of Lan Ha Bay. You will be interested in islands that has a sandy beach between two stone mountains in this beautiful bay. Islands in Lan Ha Bay 3. What to do in Lan Ha Bay? Go swimming in Lan Ha Bay: Calm and clean water of small beaches in Lan Ha Bay will be a good place for you to come and swim at Monkey Island or Van Boi Con Island. Swimming in Lan Ha BayDo kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: With hundreds of small sandy beaches and small islands, Lan Ha Bay is a paradise for those who want to do kayaking to explore the wild nature of this area. You can kayak in Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Center, Ba Trai Dao Area or Monkey Island Area... Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay Climb in Lan Ha Bay: There is an International Rock Climbing Center here, so you can book a half or full day tour to climb. It will be an interesting journey for your wonderful trip in Vietnam. Visit Viet Hai Fishing Village and Cai Beo Floating Market: Take a Lan Ha Bay cruise you will have a chance for visiting not only the bay but also the local life of Viet Hai Fishing Village and Cai Beo Floating Market. Cycling in Viet Hai Fishing Village Stay at a private beach in Lan Ha Bay: There are some private beaches that the locals build bungalows for you to stay overnight such as Monkey Island Resort, Sandy Beach Resort, Castaway Bungalow, and Cove Beach Bungalow. You can book one to have a lot of time for your activities in the bay like kayaking, swimming, playing beach volleyball, etc. 4. Lan Ha Bay - When to visit? Summer in Lan Ha Bay is suitable for swimming and kayaking, so it is the best time for you to visit. You can come in the autumn to have a trip in both Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. However, let be careful with the colder weather and storms in the autumn. Other time the Lan Ha Bay Cruise will be a good option for you.  Summer in Lan Ha Bay 5. How to get to Lan Ha Bay? 5.1. From the center of Cat Ba You can travel to Ben Beo to buy the sightseeing ticket and hire a boat to help you reach to the place you want. Also, you can hire a small boat of the locals to explore the places near the coastline of Lan Ha Bay. 5.2. From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay By local bus or private car Nowadays, that is easy for travellers to visit Lan Ha from Hanoi. With the new highway from Hanoi to Hai Phong, it will take you about 2-hour drive by bus or private car from Hanoi to Got Ferry Port where you will get a ferry to Cai Vieng Port then drive directly to Cat Ba. When you are in Cat Ba that is easy for you to visit Lan Ha Bay by booking a local boat in Cat Ba. From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay by cruise, By shuttle bus or private car with a luxury cruise package Another way for travellers who want to join in a luxury cruise is visiting Lan Ha Bay with a luxury cruise. With the fast development of tourism, Halong Bay now seems crowded because there are some hundred cruises in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. The trip to Halong Bay with a cruise seems less enjoyable because that is not easy for travellers to find a quiet place for relaxation.  For that reason now there is a good option for the traveller to enjoy the overnight on the best bay in the world – that is an overnight on Lan Ha Bay Cruise. The Lan Ha Bay Cruise shuttle bus will pick you up from Hanoi around 09.30 for 2-hour drive to Got Ferry Port where you will hop on a luxury cruise and enjoy the Lan Ha Bay Cruise for 1 night or 2 night. That is the easy way and convenient way to enjoy the trip in Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay in general ( Lan Ha Bay is a part of Halong Bay) because until now there are not many cruises in this area for visiting a large area so that will be not too crowded to visit this area. You can enjoy the trip in a place of nowhere. From Hanoi to Lan Bay you may take a private car if you do not wish to go by cruise bus. In that case, the private car will pick you up from your hotel to the Got Ferry Port where you will meet the cruise team for enjoying the cruise and the car and driver will wait for you to pick you up after your trip for the transfer to Hanoi. 6. Popular Lan Ha Bay Cruise Itinerary 6.1. Lan Ha Bay 2 day 1 night Cruise  DAY 1: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Lunch/ Dinner) 09:00 – 09:30: Our air-conditioned van will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Hai Phong. 12:00: You will arrive at the bay and be transported to your Cruise, our luxurious cruise ship where you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink. After our quick safety briefing, you are free to check into your cabin. Take the following time to relax or head out to the deck to watch the landscape roll past. 13:15: You will be served a special lunch of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Life doesn’t get much better when dining on local sea produce out in the open water in which it was caught. Following lunch, we will set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong islet where you will see an ancient lighthouse built by the French over a century ago. 15:00: Over 300 karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha greet you in unison on the final part of the day's cruise. Ba Trai Dao beach is one of the many white sand beaches that lie in the shadows of the limestone towers and can be explored via kayaks. Alternatively, you can slip into the crystal clear waters and watch the sea life beneath the surface. 17:00: We return to the ship and prepare for the evening festivities. 17:30 – 18:30: All fans of Happy Hour should head to the bar as we begin our special offers on an extensive list of drinks. 18:00: This free Vietnamese cooking demonstration will teach you preparation techniques for delicious local appetizers. 19:15: Spoil yourself with the unique Signature Dinner in our distinguished restaurant. 20:45 - 00:00: The evening is now yours. Choose to spend it with exotic cocktails and friends as you glide silently past the steadfast rocky giants around you, or opt instead for the indulgent spa service. Alternatively, you can retire to watch movies, try your hand at squid fishing or simply take it all in on our rooftop deck under a fresh night sky. DAY 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise - Dark & Bright Cave – Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (Light Breakfast/Brunch) 06:30: Morning is a magical time of day on Lan Ha Bay. You can take the chance to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions on the top deck or watch the stunning scenery stream past with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice. A light breakfast of pastries and beverages follows shortly at 7 am. 7:30 - 9:15: The final stage of your trip is a journey through dark caves and among the remote islets accessible via rowing boats that locals use in their daily lives. The staggering beauty of this World Heritage region will certainly leave long-lasting impressions.  09:30: As we return to the ship, you will check out of your cabin as we cruise back to the mainland. After an early brunch and a final farewell from our crew at 11:30 you will board our transfer boat and head back to the wharf to be met by the bus that will take you back to Hanoi. 6.2. Lan Ha 3 day 2-night Cruise DAY 1: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Lunch/ Dinner) 09:00 – 09:30: Our air-conditioned van will transport you from your hotel in Hanoi to Lan Ha Boat Habour. 12:00: Our luxurious craft awaits you in the beautiful bay. After being welcomed aboard with a complimentary drink our crew will introduce themselves and provide a quick safety briefing. Feel free to check into your cabin afterwards to freshen up for the day. Make sure you leave some time to have a look around the vessel and to soak up the magical landscape as we cruise past. 13:15: A lunch featuring traditional local food will introduce you to the culinary delights of this part of Vietnam. The freshest seafood will be on offer along with beautiful appetizers and drinks. Afterwards, we set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing an ancient French lighthouse on Da Chong Islet. 15:00: Our trip through the Cua Van area will lead you to Lan Ha, the southern part of world-renowned Halong Bay. The surrounding, remarkable limestone pillar landscape is where the region claims its fame. Take the opportunity to explore Ba Trai Dao beach with a kayak or take a dip in the translucently clear waters of the bay to watch life unfold above and beneath you.  17:00: We will return to the cruise ship to find a place to drop anchor for the night. 17:30 – 18:30: It is Happy Hour at the bar where you can get two for one on a wide assortment of drinks. 18:00: We offer a cooking class on Vietnamese cuisine special to the area. Learn how to make delectable local appetizers out of fish and various exotic fruits and vegetables. 19:15: Enjoy the special Signature Dinner in the restaurant. 20:45 - 12:00: Now is your free time to relax with an exotic cocktail or whatever takes your fancy. Our bar has a wide range of wines, beers and other liquor and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day on the bay. Ordering a calming spa service or indulging in a spot of squid fishing under the cover of a starry sky is the perfect way to unwind. DAY 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise - Viet Hai Village - Ba Ham Lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 06:30: The early risers on board may want to try their hand at sunrise Tai Chi on the upper deck; an excellent way to boost energy levels in preparation for the day's adventures. Soak up the atmosphere in early morning Lan Ha as the locals go about their age-old routines. 08:00: Enjoy the buffet breakfast with a Vietnamese coffee, traditional iced tea or selection of fruit juices. 09:00: After your feast, you will board our Day cruiser to head to Viet Hai Village. We offer an easy bicycle ride (or an electric car service at an additional cost) along the village path and through majestic rainforests. Rice paddies roll in waves as you continue your journey through picture-postcard Vietnamese scenery before we arrive together in Viet Hai Village. Here you will get a feeling for the ancient ways of life as we visit the old straw and bamboo houses and observe how villagers have adapted to modern life. 12:00: Head back to the boat for your set menu lunch. 13:45: After you have enjoyed another hearty serving of wonderful Vietnamese food, take the option to kayak or swim around Ba Ham Lake, enclosed on all four sides by vertical rocky towers and a scene of pure serenity. 16:00: Back on board your Cruise, take some time to freshen up or relax at your leisure as we cruise to our overnight area, where with luck, you will witness a sunset to cherish. 17:30-18:30: The bar opens again for Happy Hour 18:00: Watch a demonstration by our experts on how to prepare the perfect Nem Ran, traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, before making one for yourself. 19:15: An outstanding choice of local food is on offer for your evening meal. 20:45 – 00:00: In your free time this evening, why not join us for our movie night with a film of your choice?. We also have a selection of board games or as always, our bar is open and is an ideal place to meet new people and share stories of your new adventures. DAY 3: Lan Ha Bay Cruise Dark And Bright Cave – Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (Light Breakfast/Brunch) 06:30: Rise early like a local with another morning of Tai Chi or a saunter around the sun-dappled deck. 07:00 - 9:15: Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and beverages before climbing into your local rowing boat to spend the last part of your trip at the Dark and Bright Caves ; two contrasting grottoes of outstanding natural beauty. 09:30: Upon returning to the boat you will collect your belongings as we cruise back to the mainland. After a final early brunch and a last goodbye from our crew at midday, we will board the bus and make the trip back to Hanoi. Seeing more the cruises in Lan Ha Bay and cruises in Halong Bay to choose the best option for your group.

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