Indochina Sails

Overview

Indochina Sails is one of the most long-standing cruises in Halong Bay, offering excellent service with an unparalleled cruise itinerary. There are a total of three Indochina Sails vessels and one higher class (Indochina Sails Premium), making the company among the largest cruise operators in Halong Bay.

Indochina Sails delight its passengers with a large sundeck where outdoor BBQ would be the highlight and Taichi classes every early morning to refresh and absorb full of energy for a long trip; elegant restaurants serving both Vietnamese authentic and international buffets; international wine bar and a variety of on-board entertaining activities: kayaking and beauty spa service and massage. It is without doubt that Indochina Sails has made its name in Halong Bay's boat selection.

Factsheets

CHECK IN / CHECK OUT

Boarding time 12:00 PM Disembark time 11:00 AM

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Visa, Master Card

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPOKEN

English

Overview History

The Indochina Sails 1 and Indochina Sails 2 are identical boats and were both launched in 2007. Each comprises 14 cabins (Superior and Deluxe Cabins). The deluxe cabins are a bit larger and feature rainfall showers and are all situated on the second decks of the boats.

Length: 40 m

Width: 8.5 m

Height: 19 m

Depth: 2.5 m

Number of Cabins: 14

Dining Room, Bar & Sundeck

The newest boat, the Indochina Sails 3, launched in late 2008, 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”. In addition to Superior and Deluxe cabins the Indo 3 has very spacious Suites located on the second deck and featuring bathrooms with bathtub/Jacuzzi as well as showers.

Length: 44 m

Width: 9 m

Height: 20 m

Depth: 2.5 m

Number of Cabins: 15

Dining Room Bar & Sundeck

Massage Cabin

Discover the splendors of Halong Bay aboard the Indochina Sails a wooden junk that combines classic beauty with modern comfort. Measuring 40 meters in length, this newly built, custom-designed yacht features three decks that house an elegant restaurant, two bars, a small library, and a massage room - plus ten luxurious sleeping cabins. With so much space, passengers can truly unwind and enjoy the bay’s magnificent scenery.

While all those who visit Halong Bay are charmed by the archipelago’s beauty, few visitors are aware that the three-thousand islands that dot this bay are home to many rare plants, including species found nowhere else in the world. We chose our boat’s name - the Indochina Sail - because, like the plant it was named after, our junk is perfectly suited to this environment. With its golden sails, polished woodwork and refined, Asian décor, the Indochina Sail offers an unforgettable ambiance of relaxed elegance. Join us, and see Halong Bay in style.

Life on board

Measuring 40 meters long and 8,5 meters wide, our custom-built wooden junk features three decks, all outfitted with elegant Asian inspired decor. The lower deck is devoted to Passenger Cabins, with sleeping space for 30 people. The Reception, Restaurant, the Indochina Sails Bar, Gift Shop and Library are all located on the main deck. On the top deck passengers will find the Sunset Bar and a spacious lounge area, perfect for our morning Tai Chi classes, weekend BBQs and sunset cocktails .Guests are welcome to make use of our binoculars, snorkeling equipment, and top-of-the-line Canadian made Seaward kayaks.

Accommodation

While the view is undoubtedly the best feature of each of our ten guest cabins, guests will also appreciate the rooms’ tasteful décor and furnishings. To complement the bay’s natural beauty we have outfitted the cabins in natural materials: wood floors covered with sedge mats; walls covered with woven bamboo panels; and ceilings decorated with bamboo panels hand-painted with a ginger motif. The standing shower, meanwhile, features mosaic tiles in Orchid flower patterns.

Restaurant

A pleasant ambiance, attentive staff and great views make our restaurant the perfect place to sample the exotic delights of Vietnamese cuisine. Guests can look forward to lavish international breakfast buffets, casual, sit-down lunches of Vietnamese dishes, and formal dinners with delectable fusion cuisine. All dishes are prepared to please both the eye and the palate. Special BBQ dinners are served on the Sundeck on weekends, or upon a group’s request.

2day - 1night

Indochina Sails boarding time is 12:30 pm at noon every day. Upon boarding, guests are greeted with a welcome drink, and gather in the dining room for a comprehensive safety and boat orientation briefing followed by itinerary details

DAY 1

12.30: Boarding our boat at Tuan Chau Port – enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.

13.15 – 14.00:Passengers enjoy the deluxe Vietnamese Set Menu Lunch.

Massage service is available after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager.

14.00 – 16.30: Cruise through Halong Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet.

16.30: Arrive at Cua Van Floating Fishing Village. This is one of the largest fishing villages on the Bay. Guests can choose between kayaking through the village or visiting on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by villagers. For those who wish to kayak, the kayaking fee is $10.00 per person (unless pre-booked). Kayakers will depart from the boat in two-seater, self-rowed kayaks, kayaking through the village and back to the boat. A kayaking tour guide will lead the way.

18.00:Depart and sail for about 30 minutes to Luon Bo area, and anchor overnight.

18.00 – 18.30: Attend the Fruit and Vegetable carving lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.

18.00 -19.00:First of two Happy Hours! Buy one drink-get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

19.30:Dinner is served to the guests.

20.45:Evening activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service (massage service is available throughout the cruise). Also, everyone can try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.

21.00 – 22.00:Second Happy Hour! Buy one drink-get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

23.00: End of Program for Day One.

DAY 2

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

07.00:Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (lasting for about 30 minutes).

07.45 – 9.00:Guests are transferred by tender to the Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up).After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.

09.00: Upon returning to the boat, guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

09.30:Enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room. Bills are settled after breakfast.

Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

11.00:Arrive at Tuan Chau port., relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.

**************

Please note that times are approximate and may vary. Itinerary may change when necessary.

Peak season surcharge:

+ 25% on Christmas 24/13; New Year 31/13 and Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Children Policy:

Child under 05 years old: free of charge (sharing cabin with parents without extra Bed)

Child from 05 to under 12 years old: 75 % adult`s cost (sharing cabin with parents with extra Bed)

Child over 12 years old: 100% adult`s cost (sharing cabin with parents with extra Bed)

Trip Included:

Shuttle Bus transfer from hotel in Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hanoi. Round Trip pick up from your hotel.

Welcome Drink

Cruise Itinerary and Program

Entrance and Sightseeing Fees

In-house English-speaking Tour Guide

Luxurious Cabins and Suites with A/C and en-suite Bathrooms

Deluxe Vietnamese and International Lunch and Dinner

Vietnamese and International Breakfast

Conference Equipment (Charter only)

Insurance, Taxes and Service Charges

Trip Excluded:

Massage Services (please see massage menu in cabin)

Kayaking (Ten dollars U.S. per person, when not pre-booked)

Beverages, Tips and Personal Expenses

All other services not clearly mentioned above

3day - 2night

DAY 1

12.30 Boarding our boat at Tuan Chau Port – enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.

13.15 – 14.00 Passengers enjoy the deluxe Vietnamese Set Menu Lunch.

Massage service is available after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager.

14.00 – 16.30 Cruise through Halong Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet.

16.30 Arrive at Cua Van Floating Fishing Village. This is one of the largest fishing villages on the Bay. Guests can choose between kayaking through the village or visiting on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by villagers.

Kayakers will depart from the boat in two-seater, self-rowed kayaks, kayaking through the village and back to the boat. A kayaking tour guide will lead the way.

18.00 Attend the Fruit and Vegetable carving lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.

18.00 -19.00 First Happy Hour! Buy one drink – get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

19.30 Dinner is served to the guests.

20.45 Evening activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service (massage service is available throughout the cruise). Also, everyone can try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.

21.00 – 22.00 Second Happy Hour! Buy one drink-get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

23.00 End of Program for Day One.

DAY 2

06.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

07.00 Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).

07.45 Enjoy Breakfast served in the dining room.

08.30 – 16.00 Guests are transferred to the Indochina Sails Day Boat, a spacious and comfortable wooden junk with lounge, dining room and sundeck. Daytime activities include cruising to less trafficked areas of the Bay, visiting Surprise Cave and kayaking around Bat Cave area (the itinerary could be revised flexibly based on weather conditions). Lunch is served on board mid-day

After lunch, guests will pay a visit to Pearl Farm in the afternoon.

16.00 Return by tender to the Indochina Sails boat. Rejoin the cruise and relax onboard as we sail to the overnight anchorage.

18.00 – 19.00 First of two Happy Hours! Buy one drink-get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

19.30 Dinner is served to the guests.

21.00 – 22.00 Second Happy Hour! Buy one drink-get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).

23.00 End of Program for Day Two.

DAY 3

06.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

07.00 Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (lasting for about 30 minutes).

07.45 – 9.00 Guests are transferred by tender to the Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up).

After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.

09.00 Upon returning to the boat, guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

09.30 Enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room. Bills are settled after breakfast.